This guide helps buyers to evaluate these spectacular gems and it updates professionals on new treatments and sources of corundum and emerald. Using close-up photographs, the book shows how to make visual judgements about clarity. transparency, cut quality and brilliance. In addition, it helps you to understand lab reports and find appraisers and labs. You will also get tips on detecting imitations and synthetic stones. Let this guide provide the in-depth information you will need to be a smart buyer. Topics in this guide include: Quality evaluation; Gem treatments; Fakes and synthetics; Lab reports; Geographic sources; Appraisals; Gem cleaning & care; Savvy buying.

From the dawn of time, ruby and sapphire have both attracted and fascinated humans in ways that few other items could.While objects of desire are found throughout the natural world, physical beauty is too often ephemeral. From the allure of a man, woman, flower or butterfly, through the fleeting moments of a sunset, there is little that lasts and practically nothing that can be passed down to our descendants. The exception is precious stones. Not only are they the most durable creations of mother nature, but their visual splendor is truly eternal.In this companion to his 2013 book, Ruby & Sapphire--A Collector's Guide, Richard Hughes examines these gems from the gemological standpoint, delving into these gems not just from the aesthetic, but also from the scientific point of view.The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience, it covers every aspect of the subject from A-Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. Ruby & Sapphire--A Gemologist's Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, it is nothing less than a tour-de-force of gemological scholarship.

Includes a complete walkthrough of the vast new Pokémon world as well as tips and strategies to help you win the contests.

These guides feature full-color photography throughout and help consumers and professionals make the smart choice in their purchase of precious and semiprecious gems and metals.

Purchasing coloured gemstones can be a magical experience, filled with excitement and anticipation. But lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make buying gemstones confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. 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 coloured gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewellery confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. To help you avoid the pitfalls and keep the magic, Antoinette Matlins, an internationally respected expert on buying gems, puts her insider knowledge to work for you in this easy-to-read, easy-to-use guide. Practical, comprehensive, and easy to understand, the guide offers in depth all the information you need in order to know what to look for and what to look out for, including: what qualifies as a 'gemstone'?; how to evaluate colour -- and its impact on price; deciding between a natural gem and an enhanced gem; coloured gemstone synthesis and treatment; what to ask when buying the stone; what to get in writing; how to get what you want within your budget; price guides for popular gems, opals, and synthetic stones; And much, much more!

BradyGames' Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Official Strategy Guide provides expert tactics to win all badges for both games! A step-by-step walkthrough taking gamers from start to finish. Solutions to the new puzzles, rosters for every new trainer, and more! Plus, tips to defeat every trainer and gym leader, coverage of the new Pokemon in each version, and how to catch, breed, and raise them!