This guide provides concise, interesting and practical details on uncommon gems that are now being used by designers to create distinctive jewelry. It not only lists the identification properties of the gems, but tells you where they are found, how they are used, why they are unique, how they are priced, and how to care for them. High quality photos show the different colors, cutting styles and varieties of each gem and give you ideas on how each can be used creatively in jewelry. Written in a succinct, user-friendly style, this is a companion book to Newman's "Gemstone Buying Guide" and an ideal reference for jewelers, sales associates, appraisers, gem collectors, gemology students, gem dealers and consumers. The following gems are discussed and illustrated in Rare Gemstones: amblygonite, andalusite, apatite, aragonite, axinite, azurite, benitoite, bixbite, brazilianite, bronzite, calcite, cobaltocalcite, charoite, chrysocolla, cuprite, danburite, diaspore, diopside, dumortierite, enstatite, epidote, fluorite, gaspeite, hauyne, hematite, hemimorphite, howlite, idocrase, jeremejevite, kornerupine, kyanite, larimar, lepidolite, magnesite, marcasite, maw-sit-sit, moldavite, obsidian, pectolite, phenakite, phosphosiderite, prehnite, psilomelane, pyrite, red beryl, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, scapolite, scheelite, seraphinite, serpentine, sodalite, sillimanite, smithsonite, sphalerite, sphene, sugilite, taaffeite, titanite, tugtupite, unakite, variscite, vesuvianite and zultanite.

The first comprehensive, exclusive study of Navajo concha belts, this extraordinary reference work is poised to be by far the most in-depth authority on the subject. Although most books about Southwestern Indian jewelry do include concha belts peripherally, this focused research by expert Donald P. Richards serves as a truly invaluable resource. An incredible breadth of information covers not only the physical but the human history of these unique belts: influences on southwestern art styles; materials, tools, and techniques; maker and age identification; determining authenticity; concha belts depicted in art; and even modern methods to determine metal composition by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In addition to Navajo styles, it also includes related styles from the Zunis, Hopis, Pueblos, and the Plains Indians, plus selected related Asian examples-all of which were collected from 51 sources in 14 states and 3 foreign countries. An extensive belt catalog details 400+ individual belts, making this an extraordinary, long-awaited reference for collectors, galleries, and private dealers.

This book charts the changes in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter over the last twenty years, and is the first work to look beyond the area's unique early history and the jewellery trade itself. Today the quarter is a vibrant urban village, and here former Jewellery Quarter regeneration director Andy Munro tells the story of its transformation. The regeneration of the area sought to achieve the difficult act of revitalising the area while protecting its unique jewellery trade and heritage. This book offers a fascinating insight into the successes and failures of the initiative and draws on interviews with the many interesting characters who were players in this regeneration game.

A stunning new volume which presents 120 pieces by 50 leading jewellery designers from the 1960s and '70s, including works by John Donald, Arthur King, Andrew Grima and Gilbert Albert. Simply Brilliant presents 120 pieces by 50 leading makers of jewellery in the 1960s and '70s, drawn from the Klosterman collection in Cincinnati. Most, if not all, of the individual makers of this era thought of themselves as artists first, jewellers second, and this magnificent new volume is full of stunning one of a kind pieces which reflect the inventive, ground-breaking attitudes of the era. The book explores the 1961 Goldsmiths Hall exhibition in London and its influence on contemporary jewellery designers such as John Donald, Arthur King, Andrew Grima and Gilbert Albert. The 1961 exhibition brought a new direction in jewellery design to the fore, influencing others - including the major jewellery houses such as Cartier, Bulgari, Chopard and Van Cleef and Arpels - paving the way for an international movement in fashion and design. These jewellery designers created unique pieces, often for individual clients, using non-traditional materials and unusual forms. AUTHOR: Cynthia Amneus is chief curator and curator of Fashion Arts and Textiles at Cincinnati Art Museum. 207 colour illustrations

This is a full-colour guide to identifying and evaluating alexandrite, andalusite, chrysoberyl, cat's-eye, kyanite, sillimanite, common opal, fire opal, dinosaur gembone, tsavorite, rhodolite, spessartine, demantoid, malaya, grossular, and other garnets. This is the second in a series of books that explores the history, lore, properties, qualities and geographic sources of lesser-known gems. The book shows you with close-up photos how to make visual judgements about clarity, transparency, colour, cut quality and brilliance. It also provides tips on gem care and on detecting imitations and gem treatments. The healing and metaphysical properties of the gems are also addressed. Written for both consumers and professionals, it's easy to read, well-organised, packed with professional colour photographs and full of fascinating information.

This book is an essential tourist guide to gemstones in Great Britain. It is a 'how to' manual for hobbyists, frequent travellers and those already in the jewellery trade with little knowledge about British gemstones. I have written it to help you feel more confident about the buying process. The gem trade is rather a secretive industry and this is as true in Britain as anywhere else in the world. There's a vast array of myths, inaccuracies and very deliberate deceptions out there, but don't let that put you off - my clear and jargon-free guidance will allow you to navigate your gemstone buying journey with ease. Whether you are hoping to treat yourself to an extra-special souvenir of your latest adventure, buying supplies for your jewellery-making venture or travelling to learn more about the gemstone industry, what could be more exciting than buying your gemstone in the very country whose earth formed it? This book will give you the vital information you need before making your purchase. In it, I disclose what websites don't tell you. I'll reveal: Who to trust What to look for When to walk away