Pearls are glistening, solid object created within the tissue of a living mollusc or other shelled animals. Pearls of the highest quality are categorised as gemstones and considered to be objects of beauty in many cultures. This vintage book explores the world of pearls and pearl farming, giving an outline of its history from ancient times to the developments of modern pearling life. Contents include: “Pearl-culture and Pearl-faming”, “Historical”, “Ancient Ideas of the Origin and Virtues ...

A classic historical essay that offers a concise yet engaging overview of a wide range of semi-precious gemstones, including agate, amber and amethyst.Written from an early gemological perspective, the article explores their distinguishing characteristics, origins and uses, providing readers with insight into how these stones were understood and classified in the past. Ideal for those interested in the history of gemology or traditional mineral studies, it serves a...

Newly updated and expanded,COLORED GEMSTONES gives you all theinformation you need to buy, collect, sell—or simply enjoy—sapphires, emeralds, rubies andother colored gemstones with confidence and knowledge.With more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts and new ways to buy gems—such as Internet auctions and TV shopping—there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect c...

From a celebrated United States Poet Laureate, a Pulitzer Prize-winning "body of work spanning 45 years, witty, rebellious and yet tender, a treasure trove of an iconoclastic and joyful mind." (Pulitzer.com)Kay Ryan’s two-year term as the Library of Congress’s sixteenth poet laureate is just one of many accolades in an amazing array for this wonderfully accessible, widely loved poet—her awards include the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize from the Poetry Foundation,...

Imbued with religious and supernatural significance, gemstones have been a source of fascination for humankind since the earliest ages. They are worn as adornment, exchanged as valuable commodities, and regarded as purveyors of health, good fortune, and status.Any story of human developmentbe it of religion, art, culture, trade, commerce, or the rise of scientific knowledgewill inevitably touch, at somepoint, on humanitys relationship with gems.From the times of antiquity through the Class...

Over 400,000 Copies in PrintKnow What You Want, Know What You’re Buying,Learn the Secrets to Get the Most for Your MoneyEasy to Read Easy to UnderstandPractical CompleteInstant Answers ... to All Your QuestionsCompletely Updated & Expanded 7th Edition!Purchasing gems and jewelry can be a magical experience, filled with excitement and anticipation. But lack of information, error, or misrepresentation ca...

A handy guide identifying over 170 types of the world’s gemstones with beautiful colour photography taken from the Smithsonian Institution’s archives.‘Gem Gemstones’ is an indispensable guide for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. This pocket-sized book explores the fascinating history of ornamental stones, discussing their different social and cultural meanings and monetary values through the ages.Each page features specific details about the crystal system, hardness, composi...

With more than 50 projects to choose from, this is a great idea book for the beginning to advanced wirework enthusiast.Readers will find fresh, creative ideas for using wire, as well as clear instructions for basic elements in wire design. Author Jane Davis begins with simple projects, such as an open spiral bracelet, and then progresses to more advanced variations by adding beads and construction details for more elaborate projects, like a hinged box with ornate decorative element...

Establish a fundamental understanding of the gemstone world with the Dictionary of Gems and Gemology. This seminal work became the single most important and authoritative reference text for professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the rapidly developing field of gemology.Shipley, the founder of the Gemological Institute of America, created this dictionary to standardize and define the technical, trade, and scientific terms used in the study of precious ...

This vintage book contains an interesting and practical study of the identification of gemstones, pearls, and ornamental minerals. A comprehensive and profusely-illustrated handbook for both novice and experienced practitioners, this volume is not to be missed by anyone with a keen interest in the subject. The chapters of this book include: “Crystallography”, “Physical Properties”, “Specific Gravity”, “Light”, “Measurement of Refractive Index”, “Colour in Gem Distinction”, “The Microscope”...

This vintage instructional manual is perfect for the leatherwork novice and enthusiast alike. Originally written by Eleonore E. Bang as part of The Beacon Handicraft Series, it introduces tools, cutting patterns and preparatory techniques for creatively working with leather, in a simple and informative style. Contents include: Leathers for Leathercraft - tools and General Directions - Patterns for Cutting Leather and Tracing Designs - Leather tooling - Carved Leather - tooling With Stamps ...

This vintage book comprises a comprehensive treatise on precious and semi-precious stones, with information on special properties, cutting, tools, and much more. Although old, this handbook contains a wealth of timeless information that will be of utility to the modern enthusiast. It would make for an ideal addition to collections of related literature. The chapters of this volume include: “Real, Synthetic, and Imitation Stones”, “Some Physical Properties of Gem Stones”, “The Cutting of St...