Bead with beautiful gemstones and create dazzling earrings, bracelets, and more—includes over one hundred projects for all skill levels. You can learn to create gorgeous gemstone jewelry with this collection of over one hundred projects, ranging from eye-catching earrings and accessories to exquisite necklaces and bracelets. This beautiful book offers an impressive range of twenty-eight beautiful semi-precious stones (including birthstones) and a glimpse into the fascinating history and mythical properties behind them. Projects range from the simplest stringing to more detailed beadwork to cater for all levels of ability. Discover a variety of versatile ideas that can be adapted for any type of gem or bead—with clear artwork, vivid photos, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

"A complete reference for goldsmiths, collectors, and jewellery makers, this book is a comprehensive guide to identifying, buying, using and caring for a dazzling array of jewels and gems." "Discover the origins of gemstones and understand the process of selecting the raw material. Includes practical advice on how to assess the quality, rarity, grade, durability, and cut of precious and semi-precious stones." "Learn how gems are calibrated, using the industry standard measurements of carats and points, and how they can be treated to improve both colour and clarity. A glossary section clearly explains all of the key terminology used." "Illustrations and colour photographs help you to identify the gemstones available to jewellery makers, from amethysts and diamonds to tourmaline and quartz, and demonstrate how they can be used in different designs and settings."--Jacket

The history of the world--triumphs and tragedies, breakthroughs and breakups--through the iconic jewels that have inspired and influenced since the dawn of time. From ancient treasures to royal weddings, great heists to the red carpet, this book is a stunning, surprising, and glittering tour of historic turning points and gem-driven drama, delving into the passions and predilections of some of the world's most interesting and extraordinary people. Starting in the era of Cleopatra and continuing through to contemporary jewelry statements by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Meghan Markle, Stellene Volandes tells the stories of how shiny stones and precious metals have determined empires, inspired expeditions and great crime, and been the communicator of status and ruin since ancient times. Each moment is placed in historic and relevant context, with Volandes drawing engaging parallels between Napoleon's gift to Marie Louise at the birth of their son and the modern push present or the insouciant story behind the brooch Jackie Kennedy famously wore to a 1962 State Dinner with the Shah of Iran. Illustrated with a mix of archival images and gorgeous photography of the jewels, this book is a beautiful, informative, and essential read for history lovers, fashion, celebrity, and pop-culture followers, as well as passionate jewel hounds.

Finally the real truth about how master jewellers, gemmologists and major auction houses value diamonds and colored gemstones.

The perfect pocket-sized companion for those travelling and thinking about purchasing jewellery or stones. Renee Newman, author of the highly respected gem and jewellery guides including 'Diamond Ring Buying Guide' and 'Gold and Platinum Jewelry Buying Guide', has written a concise buying guide covering gems, gold and platinum that's a perfect handy reference. Here is important information on how to select jewellers and appraisers; a chapter on notable gem sources and which countries are noted for specific gems; information on coral, ivory and amber; precautions one must take when buying from an unfamiliar source; and customs regulations, duties and how to use lab reports. This guide will become an indispensable resource that will be used time and time again.