This is a comprehensive guide to identifying, buying, using and caring for a wide array of jewels and gems. It covers the origins of gemstones and how to assess the quality, rarity, grade and cut of precious and semi-precious stones. There are clear illustrations and colour photographs to help you identify the different types of gemstone available and demonstrate how they can be used in a vast variety of designs and settings. A chapter on pearls is also included. Cuts and facets, settings - both old and new, designing your own settings, appraising, buying and handling gemstones as well as how to spot synthetics and fakes are also covered. The result is a complete guide to all you need to know about gemstones.

About the Author

Judith Crowe is a jewellery maker and designer and gemstone dealer based in London.

Prizes

highly illustrateddiscusses gems as well as organics such as pearls and amberfilled with practical advice on handling, buying and appraising gemstones

Reviews

" This is the first book to deal comprehensively with all the considerations that need to be taken into account when using gem materials in jewellery." Association for COntemporary Jewellery (March 2007)