Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Fourth Edition

The new edition of this classic work adds material covering gem treatments and things like diamond testing devices. It has several pages of "new to the market" gemstones, and updates and extends a few areas and has some minor rearrangements of the material. It's noticeably thicker than the 3rd edition, but overall it's pretty much a collection of small improvements rather than anything revolutionary. It remains probably the best first book on gemstones for anyone interested in the subject. It tells you a little bit about everything, though it generally does not cover any topic in great depth. It's a pleasingly sized hard-bound volume which is very portable and quite reasonably priced. There's a new six page section on the healing powers of gemstones which I thought was rather disappointing to see, but I guess they feel the need to cater to the new-age audience as well. It's a book that everyone with an interest in gemstones should own, and the 4th edition is a worthy update and a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who owns a previous edition.

I am a mineral and crystal dealer and love this "gem" (sorry) of a book. It is well-organized and clearly written, and the photographs are actually useful - showing specimens that one might actually see - making it valuable for identification. Useful for all levels of knowledge or interest, with enough depth for a professional reference, yet not daunting for a novice. High-quality printing on glossy paper and a very portable size - this are a must-have for the enthusiast, collector, or anyone who loves gems, minerals, and crystals.

Schumann's book is a classic that is always being updated. If a person could only buy one book to give them an insight into all of the stones that have ever been used in jewelry--and there are thousands--this is IT. It's a handy size, and there are photos of EVERY stone mentioned, as well as some preliminary information about classic gems and their mining and history. Make sure you get the latest 5th edition in order to get the most for your money. But GET IT!

Not only does it answer any questions you can think of as related to gemstones, it answers the questions you haven't thought of yet. I purchased a product to help me identify gemstones and it came with a chart for me to go by. This book didn't have just some little card size chart it had pages and pages not to only identify the gemstone I was looking at but everything there was to know about that gemstone and its relation to other gemstones. This is a number one book needed for anyone that wants to know all there is to know about gemstones

This was a gift to a rockhound friend. He advises it is one of the best reference books on semi prescious stones he has ever seen.

It's beautiful pictures and the information on precious, semi precious stones, metals and minerals is very informative. I don't think they left anything out. It shows stone in their raw and polished states and includes a hardness scale. I'll use this book for many years to come.

I wanted this book for years, it occurred to me while shopping, this is rare so I got excited and ordered this inexpensive 4th edition used. Boy am I not disappointed. It looks new. No jacket. But in really great condition. It arrived today almost 3 weeks early! Lol I bought a brand new 5th edition yesterday, now I have both and can compare.

Whether you are a jeweler, a gemstone collector, or interested in learning the basics about gemstones, this is the best book by far to spend your money on. Wonderful photographs, updated to include newly discovered stones, etc. Perfect size book, too; it fits anywhere. My first copy was stolen! Highly recommended..

Excellent resource!

An excellent book with good photographs and descriptions

having had a keen interest on this subject for some years, I find this book very helpful and as it is up to date most of the recently found gems have at least some description in the book. All in all, an excellent book for those interested in gemstones.

Really informative on all aspects of gems!

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