The Secret Teachings of Gemcutting is a collection of classic gemstone designs spanning 500 years. The designs are presented with full color photos, historical information, cutting advice, and design information. These are industry standard designs for the gem and jewelry trade for all the major gemstone cutting centers around the world. This collection marks the first time the designs have been compiled for public consumption. This volume will prove useful to both gemcutters who want to cut these essential designs and to jewelers who would like a visual aid to present different gemstone styles to their customers. Aside from the designs, the introductory chapters of the book contain invaluable information about gemstone design, optics, gem physics, modifying designs, pairing rough gems with an appropriate design, and more.

This antiquarian book contains a detailed and practical guide to gem cutting as a hobby, with information on cabochons, faceting, spheres, tumbling, special techniques, and more. An exhaustive manual with complete instructions for tool use and all the elementary information a prospective lapidary might need to know, this book constitutes a must-read for anyone looking to begin a hobby in gem cutting. The chapters of this book include: “Gem Cutting as a Hobby”, “Type of Equipment”, “Four Operations”, “Sawing”, “Mud Sawing”, “Diamond Blade Saws”, “Sawing Coolants Water Versus Kerosene”, “Diamond Saw Trouble”, “Power Feed Saws”, “Sawing Large Specimens”, etcetera. This vintage text is being republished now in an affordable, modern, high quality edition - complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on gemmology.

Amateur faceter Tom Herbst lays out the steps necessary to transform a shapeless lump of rock into a glittering jewel that is unique and valuable. Along the way, he explains not only the "how" but also the "why," and provides helpful tips in dealing with many of the pitfalls that confront the beginning gem cutter.

"Gems and Gemstones" features nearly 300 color images of cut gems, precious and semiprecious stones, gem-quality mineral specimens, and fine jewelry to be unveiled in the new Grainger Hall of Gems at the Field Museum in Chicago.

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.

A guide to the identification, structure, and uses of precious and semi-precious stones, novelty stones, agates, and crystals.