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Book Review of Gemstones of the World

Gemstones of the World
Helpful Score: 1


This is a great book for anyone interested in the study of gemstones, jewelry makers, and the like.

Included are information on where these gemstones are currently popularly mined and where they could be commonly found in the past. A list of properties for each gem is included. You learn how to discern gemstones from their look-a-likes, and you also learn about popular usages, such as lapis lazuli's popularity with ancient Egyptians, the use of jet in Victorian mourning jewelry, cream-colored pearls for brunette ladies, and so on and so forth. Sprinkled in the text are little "gems" if you will on gemology superstition. For example, some ancient peoples believed that amethyst prevented drunkness in its wearer. All and all an interesting read.

Highly recommended to anyone who needs to know the ins and outs of gemstones and plans to work with them.