"For this informative, profusely illustrated book, noted jewelry expert Deanna Farneti Cera has selected more than 250 of the world's best costume jewelry creations, organized by time period and maker, beginning with Art Nouveau. Amazing Gems introduces readers to the significant periods and important creators of costume jewelry. Whether the author is describing necklaces by Chanel, brooches by Christian Dior, bracelets by Schiaparelli, or earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane, readers learn about the actual components of a piece, identifying marks, and other distinguishing characteristics. Also discussed are the various materials that make up costume jewelry, such as inexpensive metals, colored glass paste, rhinestones, marcasite, amethyst, wood, and Bakelite. Biographical notes on the major designers and manufacturers are included as well as a helpful glossary."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Due to their striking green color, emeralds are highly prized as a beautiful addition to all kinds of jewelry. They have been used for thousands of years, especially by the ancient Egyptians and Incas. Over time, technology has changed the way these gems are extracted from the earth and shaped into glittering jewels. Through accessible text and enlightening fact boxes, readers discover the process behind the creation of valuable pieces of emerald jewelry. Full-color photographs display the dazzling beauty of emeralds.

Opals emit a rainbow of colors, which makes them perfect gems to place in stunning pieces of jewelry. How do opals go from raw stones to beautiful gems? Readers discover the answer to this question as they learn the steps that must be taken and the technology that is used to find, cut, and polish opals. Clear main text and informative fact boxes help readers become experts on opals. Colorful photographs of these gems are sure to keep readers engaged as they learn.

How are diamonds formed? Where do they come from? The answers to these questions and more can be found in this exciting look at a popular gemstone. The science and technology involved in creating a sparkling gem from an uncut diamond is fully explored, giving readers an in-depth look at how diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more are made. Fun fact boxes highlight additional information, and striking photographs illustrate the beauty of these natural jewels.

Prepare to be dazzled by this shining and sumptuous visual guide to the world's greatest treasures. Feast your eyes on glittering gemstones, kaleidoscopic minerals, and famous trinkets in this comprehensive exploration of Earth's finest jewels. Following a foreword from Aja Raden, hundreds of pages take a lavish look at precious stones, precious metals, and organic gems in all their natural wonder. From agate to zoisite, everything under the Sun is encapsulated in spectacular photography and accessible text. Trace the history of gemmology and get the inside story on our planet's most famous and fabulous gems, including the mysterious Hope Diamond, the stunning Koh-i-Noor of the Crown Jewels, and exquisite Fabergé eggs. Find out their physical properties, check the price tags, and discover the most remarkable record-breakers. This exceptionally extravagant book is a picture-packed, fact-filled celebration guaranteed to bring sparkle to your life and your library.

Almost everyone would agree that there's some point where enough jewelry is enough. Well, what is that point? In this book, Doug Batchelor challenges you to find out for yourself what God's Word says on this fascinating subject.

Titanium's reputation as a strong metal is well earned. Surprisingly, it's also very light, which makes it an essential component of many planes and jets. This book is an accessible entry into the world of metals and their qualities. Readers will learn what defines a metal and what makes titanium stand out as a rare and precious metal. Including many interesting photographs, information boxes, and even a graphic organizer highlighting titanium's many features, this volume is an important addition to any science library.