Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones

While there are dozens of excellent books out there on the subject of gemology, there are really only a couple that I would consider to be required reading. The Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones is one of them. Even though the book has been out of print for awhile, it still manages to provide more information n one volume than just about every other book out there. With clear and concise entries of just about every gemstone available to the collector, as well as color photos of each gem described, this book contains pretty much all the information you would need to identify your gemstone.

seller sent book as requested. was in good condition. was very happy with this transaction.

The item was well priced, arrived in excellent condition and in a reasonable time frame. I am very pleased. I knew what I was purchasing as I had examined the book several years ago (at that time it was priced over $100 and was too expensive).

It is a real shame that this book is presently out-of-print, I borrowed it from the local library some 5 years ago, and to this date have yet to see anything better in this genre. The technical data about precious stones - such as dispersion, types of refraction, specific gravity, types of cutting, and so on - are well covered, with specific commentaries on individual stones presented in encyclopaedic format. It's very useful not only for specific reference but just for general browsing. What sets this book apart, on the other hand, is the quality and quantity of the gem photography. There are pictures of every major and minor gem in the world, and where a particular type of stone has more than one color - or colors - the entire suite of colors is presented. So the garnets, sapphires, diamonds, tourmalines, topazes, beryls (just to name a few) look positively kaleidoscopic. The opal section alone has some magnificent stones, including top-quality Lightning Ridge black, one of which is photographed from different directions to demonstrate the superb color play. The zircon and spinel photography is quite impressive too.This book is emphatically not for the investor or speculator who is looking for advice, and no attempts at valuation are made. On the other hand, for readers interested in specific gemmological research or (esoteric) appreciation, this book will be ideal. The level of scholarship is impeccable, and the book is not overwhelmingly technical or difficult. It is not cheap but is worth every penny. Most strongly recommended.

Outstanding color photographs to review, that are matched to technical data regarding the various gemstone "families". There is a very fine topic governing "colors" of gemstones as well. Joel Arem has done a very fine job!