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 enlarge | Authors: Antoinette L. Matlins, Antonio C. Bonanno
Publisher: NAG Press
Category: Book
List Price: $51.65
Buy New: $34.09
You Save: $17.56 (34%)
New (10) Used (1) from $34.09
Avg. Customer Rating:  19 reviews
Sales Rank: 6089939
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.3
ISBN: 0719802512
Dewey Decimal Number: 552
EAN: 9780719802515
ASIN: 0719802512
Publication Date: November 30, 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 16-19 of 19 | | « PREV | | |
 Gem Identification Made Disappointing June 14, 2006
15 out of 19 found this review helpful
I am only giving this book one star because the title is 180 degrees wrong. After reading this book, I came to the conclusion that there is nothing easy about gem identification. The authors try to demystify gem identification by showing a picture of each tool used in the process, but the instructions that go with that picture assume a familiarity with the tool that has yet to emerge in the neophyte. The authors are well-renowned experts in the field who, pardon the pun, have become jaded to the point-of-view that they possessed when everything was new to them. More pictures of each step of the testing process would have helped.
The authors state rules for each tool; then, they state so many exceptions to the rules that these rules become un-rememberable, hence useless. Their effort would have fared better with less words and more charts so that the eye could quickly scan the book as a reference.
In their effort to make the book "easy", they have dumbed the text down to an insulting level. Take this quote from page. 182: "You don't need to understand what the optic axis is, but you do need to know how to find it."
If I am going to go looking for something, I darned sure want to know what it is!
After reading this book, in addition to the conclusion that gem identification is far from easy, I have also concluded that it is expensive! The authors also mention other books that are indispensable. One of these (a reference of gem inclusions) costs in excess of a thousand dollars! They also have a list of the tools, featured in the book, offered in the back of the book. A complete set of these will cost thousands.
The nine full-color pages of gem inclusions are inconsistent in that the authors only occasionally give the power of magnification.
 A must have July 23, 2005
15 out of 17 found this review helpful
This book has something for everyone. lots of tables to help in gem id as well as easy to read instructions on using gem id instruments. Whether brand new to gemology or been around gemstones for a while you will find something of use in this book. a great book for the beginer, a good referance for the intermediate, and the perfect refresher book for the pro.
It is Easy NO GG Diploma Required For EVEYONE January 27, 2000
58 out of 61 found this review helpful
This book is comprehensive, detailed, and it is not Dry Dull Reading as so many similar texts can be. If you are in the Gem and Jewelry business, or just a collector you will get something out of this book. Well worth the money!
Get to know Gems! November 28, 1999
72 out of 74 found this review helpful
If you are a hobbyist, or desire a career in the gemological field, this book is something you should not be without. I would recommend all jewelry stores have their staff read this book BEFORE talking to potential customers. From using instruments to identifying stones, this book has it all! Technical books are usually so dry and boring, but this one is different. It actually covers the material in an easy-to-read, fun format! Have a good time with your gems - and LEARN! Get a copy for yourself.
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