Today, knowing your gems, being absolutely sure about what you are buying and selling is essential. Major changes in the gem world - new synthetic stones, new treatments to enchance and conceal, new gems and more stones available in every hue and tone of colour - make accurate gem identification more important than ever to both buyers and sellers. family-run business, someone who enjoys collecting or acquiring gems for personal pleasure, or a seriouos investor, insufficient knowledge can be costly. It can result in a bad purchase, damage to a reputation, and equally significant, failure to recognise and opportunity. learn to separate real from imitation, one look-alike from another, dyed from natural, and so on. Sometimes, just a basic knowledge of how to use a simple instrument is all that is needed to avoid an expensive mistake or recognise a profitable opportunity.

Know What You Want,Know What You’re Buying, Learn the Secrets to Get the Most for Your Money /Finally! Everything you need to buy beautiful pearls with confidence. Easy to Read Easy to Understand Practical Complete Instant Answers … to All Your Questions For people who want a reliable source of information to guide them in the fascinating and complex world of pearls—natural, cultured and imitation. Filled with “insider� tips and advice to help you get what you want.

Newly updated and expanded, Diamonds gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell—or simply enjoy—diamonds with confidence and knowledge. Whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary, to commemorate a special moment or for personal pleasure, today it is more important than ever to understand what you are buying. There are new shapes and cuts, fancy colors, high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds. There are new ways to buy—such as Internet auctions. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand, this book offers in depth all the information you need to buy sparkling diamonds with confidence, including: What is a diamond? An in-depth look at factors affecting differences in quality and cost. Diamond grading reports—why all the information is important, and what it tells you. How to compare prices. How to spot differences in stones that may appear to be the same quality. How to protect yourself from misrepresentation. Questions to ask when buying any diamond. What to get in writing. How to get what you want within your budget. Important information about buying on the Internet … and much more! Written by an "insider," this easy-to-read guide is the “unofficial diamond bible� for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.

to this edition In working with my own clients to acquire gemstones and jewelry since this book was first published in 1984, they have pointed out that most people buy "jewelry" and not "gemstones." Because the book offers so much practical advice and money-saving tips about buying jewelry, they urged me to change the title. So, in this edition The Complete Guide to Buying Gems has been changed to Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide. Consumer and professional response to the book has been very gratifying. Almost 14,000 hardcover copies are in circulation. We have received hundreds of letters, phone calls and in-person comments about the helpfulness and interesting information it provides. We thank you for encouraging us to make the book more widely available by bringing out this softcover edition. We have taken the opportunity of this softcover edition to update the price guides for diamonds and colored gemstones and, in light of the increase in both the popularity and price of pearls, to add a price guide for them in the "Guide to Popular Gems and Their Prices." Also, we want to take this opportunity to comment further on gem invest ment, taking into account major developments since the original manuscript was written in 1980."

The book couples in love have been waiting for. . .
revised and updated

" Engagement & Wedding Rings " takes the fear and anxiety out of buying an engagement or wedding ring, restoring the romance and the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Inside "Engagement & Wedding Rings, " you'll find everything you need to know to select, buy and enjoy ... to truly experience the wonder and excitement that should be part of finding or creating that "perfect" ring.

Engagement & Wedding Ringsis filled with useful information to help you make the right choice, including: Romantic traditions behind engagement and wedding rings. " How to select the right design and style for you." Tricks to get what you want on a budget." Steps to compare prices properly." How to select the perfect bridal pearls." The latest cuts, ring styles and designs." Secrets to differences in diamonds and colored gemstones that may appear to be the same quality." How to select your jeweler, appraiser and insurer." What to do to protect yourself against fraud and misrepresentation what to ask and what to get in writing. "

Updated 5th Edition with new sites & museums! Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals SOUTHEAST Alabama • Arkansas • Florida • Georgia • Kentucky • Louisiana • Mississippi • Missouri • North Carolina • South Carolina • Tennessee • Virginia • West Virginia Whether you’re digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or “prospector,â€� with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of “fee digâ€� mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone ... your anniversary stone ... your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more!

Updated 6th edition with new sites & museums! Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals SOUTHWEST Arizona • California • Colorado • Hawaii • Kansas Nevada • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas • Utah Whether you're digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or "prospector," with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of "fee dig" mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone, your anniversary stone or your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more! The Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A. in 4 regional volumes: Northeast ISBN: 978-0-9970145-0-1 Northwest ISBN: 978-0-9904152-8-2 Southeast ISBN: 978-0-9970145-1-8 Southwest ISBN: 978-0-9904152-9-9

The book couples in love have been waiting for. . . revised and updated! Engagement & Wedding Rings takes the fear and anxiety out of buying an engagement or wedding ring, restoring the romance and the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Inside Engagement & Wedding Rings, you'll find everything you need to know to select, buy and enjoy ... to truly experience the wonder and excitement that should be part of finding—or creating that "perfect" ring. Engagement & Wedding Rings;is filled with useful information to help you make the right choice, including: Romantic traditions behind engagement and wedding rings. How to select the right design and style for you. Tricks to get what you want on a budget. Steps to compare prices properly. How to select the perfect bridal pearls. The latest cuts, ring styles and designs. Secrets to differences in diamonds and colored gemstones that may appear to be the same quality. How to select your jeweler, appraiser and insurer. What to do to protect yourself against fraud and misrepresentation—what to ask and what to get in writing.

Updated 6th edition with new sites & museums! Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals NORTHEAST Connecticut • Delaware • District of Columbia • Indiana • Illinois • Maine Massachusetts • Maryland • Michigan • New Hampshire • New Jersey New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • Vermont • Wisconsin Whether you're digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or "prospector," with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of "fee dig" mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone, your anniversary stone or your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more! The Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A. in 4 regional volumes: Northeast ISBN: 978-0-9970145-0-1 Northwest ISBN: 978-0-9904152-8-2 Southeast ISBN: 978-0-9970145-1-8 Southwest ISBN: 978-0-9904152-9-9

Updated 6th edition with new sites & museums! Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals NORTHWEST Alaska • Idaho • Iowa • Minnesota • Montana • Nebraska North Dakota • Oregon • South Dakota • Washington • Wyoming Whether you're digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or "prospector," with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of “fee dig� mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone, your anniversary stone or your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more! The Treasure Hunter’s Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A. in 4 regional volumes: Northeast ISBN: 978-0-9970145-0-1 Northwest ISBN: 978-0-9904152-8-2 Southeast ISBN: 978-0-9970145-1-8 Southwest ISBN: 978-0-9904152-9-9