Buying Diamonds & Gems

I was recently asked to review another one of Antoinette Matlins' latest books, written with A.C, Bonanno -

Jewelry & Gems - The Buying Guide, 7th Edition.

If you've ever wondered about those coloured stones on your jewellery or on the jewellery you admire more, this author is here to explain it all with the help of some exceptional pictures.

Whether you're enthralled with diamonds, opals,  sapphires or rubies.... there's a lot to learn in this book. There is also a lot of detail on individual stones, their official name, their popular name, their typical colour, as well as approximate retail cost per carat.... so if you're planning on buying yourself a gemstone or getting somebody one or actually enticing somebody to get you one, you really must read this book and learn all the nitty gritty details. Especially since we all know there are several synthetic imitations of the real thing and unless you know what you're on about, you can easily be conned.

Jewelry & Gems - The Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins, PG and A.C. Bonanno, FGA, PG, ASA, is published by Gemstone Press.

For more information visit http://www.gemstonepress.com/

Pearls and pearly wisdom

I was recently asked to review one of Antoinette Matlins' latest books -

The Pearl Book - The Definitive Buying Guide, 4th Edition.

It was an especially interesting read, especially as Matlins takes readers through the history of the pearl and describes how and why it became such an important element in jewellery.

The book also includes chapters dedicated to expert advice on how to choose pearls, how to get the best value for your money, how to store pearls and how to care for them properly.

I especially enjoyed reading the chapter dedicated to what varied pearl experts have to say about their own experiences with pearls - how they got involved in dealing with pearls, or which was the most extraordinary pearl they ever saw.

The book includes several full colour images with exceptional pictures of some of the world's most beautiful pearls and some especially exciting jewellery designs including pearls of varied shapes, sizes and colours.

The Pearl Book by Antoinette Matlins, PG, is published by Gemstone Press.

For more information visit http://www.gemstonepress.com/