There is more to appraising jewelry than just being parable sales and a value determination. Then, all this able to put a dollar value on an item. The title of ap information, with clear jewelry descriptions, must be praiser distinguishes the individual who is able to iden succinctly put together with photographs and deliv tify, witness, estimate status, excellence, or potential ered to the client. ity, and to determine the authenticity of an article. Today's jewelry appraiser should also be cognizant Many factors impact on a thorough appraisal, espe of the vicissitudes of fashion, how changes impact the cially on estate and period jewelry. jewelry market in a substantial and vital manner in both design and style. A careful look must be given to Developing all this expertise is a lot to ask of practi tioners who only a decade ago were barely making a study of color psychology with an awareness of why specific gemstones and their colors and enamels of cer distinction between a well-written sales receipt and a professional appraisal report. tain colors were used in different periods. Industrial In the past few years bold changes have taken place developments, from machine stamped jewelry, the use in this field. It is now understood that standard ap of aniline dyes in clothing, and development of the praisal concepts and principles can be applied to the electric light, have influenced design and use of gem stones.

In this companion volume to Gems & Jewelry Appraising, 2nd Edition, the first comprehensive book on appraising, Registered Master Valuer Anna M. Miller offers a comprehensive guide to antique, period and contemporary jewelry identification and appraisal. Offering clear, practical, insightful guidance with a wealth of photos and figures, Illustrated Guide to Jewelry Appraising, 2nd Edition contains expert information, case studies, typical problems, pricing data and key documents. Features include: A review of the appraiser's role and responsibilities Value approach methods that offer jewelers and appraisers clear standards for estimating value Complete instructions on doing full narrative jewelry descriptions A practical methodology to research and assemble data needed for an accurate estimation of value A complete Model Appraisal Document that readers can use as an example for their own documents An Appraisal Glossary covering all technical terms that will help appraisers communicate effectively All types of pieces are covered in detail, from rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants to chains, bracelets, brooches and cameos, as well as less common items such as charms and stickpins. Key aspects including design influences, costuming, social behavior and the significance of color in each time period are also explored, to give the appraiser a deeper understanding of the many elements that contribute to value. This one-of-a-kind reference is an essential working guide for all appraisers, jewelers, antique dealers, collectors, auctioneers, insurance adjustors and gem labs.

With today's finest cultured pearls rivaling diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire in terms of popularity, rarity and price, more and more people are searching for a reliable source of information to guide them in the fascinating and complex world of pearls-natural, cultured and imitation. This revised and updated 3rd edition is a comprehensive, authoritative guide that tells readers everything they need to know about pearls to fully understand and appreciate them, and avoid any unexpected-and costly-disappointments, now and in future generations.

one person can accomplish big things.

Newly updated and expanded, Diamonds gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell—or simply enjoy—diamonds with confidence and knowledge. Whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary, to commemorate a special moment or for personal pleasure, today it is more important than ever to understand what you are buying. There are new shapes and cuts, fancy colors, high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds. There are new ways to buy—such as Internet auctions. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand, this book offers in depth all the information you need to buy sparkling diamonds with confidence, including: What is a diamond? An in-depth look at factors affecting differences in quality and cost. Diamond grading reports—why all the information is important, and what it tells you. How to compare prices. How to spot differences in stones that may appear to be the same quality. How to protect yourself from misrepresentation. Questions to ask when buying any diamond. What to get in writing. How to get what you want within your budget. Important information about buying on the Internet ... and much more! Written by an “insider,” this easy-to-read guide is the “unofficial diamond bible” for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.

Newly updated and expanded, COLORED GEMSTONES gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell— or simply enjoy—sapphires, emeralds, rubies and other colored gemstones with confidence and knowledge. 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 colored 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 jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. This practical, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide provides 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 color—and its impact on price. Deciding between a natural gem and an enhanced gem ... and new glass-gemstone compositions. Colored 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. Important information about buying on the Internet. ... and much more! Written by an “insider,” this easy-to-read guide is the “unofficial colored gemstone bible” for anyone who wants to get the most for their moneyand enjoy what they have purchased.

There is more to appraising jewelry than just being parable sales and a value determination. Then, all this information, with clear jewelry descriptions, must be able to put a dollar value on an item. The title of ap succinctly put together with photographs and deliv praiser distinguishes the individual who is able to iden tify, witness, estimate status, excellence, or potential ered to the client. ity, and to determine the authenticity of an article. Today's jewelry appraiser should also be cognizant of the vicissitudes of fashion, how changes impact the Many factors impact on a thorough appraisal, espe jewelry market in a substantial and vital manner in cially on estate and period jewelry. Developing all this expertise is a lot to ask of practi both design and style. A careful look must be given to tioners who only a decade ago were barely making a study of color psychology with an awareness of why distinction between a well-written sales receipt and a specific gemstones and their colors and enamels of cer tain colors were used in different periods. Industrial professional appraisal report.

Updated 5th Edition with new sites & museums! Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals SOUTHEAST Alabama • Arkansas • Florida • Georgia • Kentucky • Louisiana • Mississippi • Missouri • North Carolina • South Carolina • Tennessee • Virginia • West Virginia Whether you’re digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or “prospector,” with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of “fee dig” mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone ... your anniversary stone ... your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more!

Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals NORTHWEST Alaska Idaho Iowa Minnesota Montana Nebraska North Dakota Oregon South Dakota Washington Wyoming Whether you’re digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or “prospector,” with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of “fee dig” mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone ... your anniversary stone ... your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more!

Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals NORTHEAST Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Indiana Illinois Maine Massachusetts Maryland Michigan New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Wisconsin Whether you’re digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or “prospector,” with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of “fee dig” mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone ... your anniversary stone ... your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more!