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JEWELRY FROM BYGONE ERAS MAY BE A GOLDMINE … Jewelry from bygone eras may contain hidden treasures worth more than your wildest dreams or an exquisite “gem” that is not what it appears to be and worth only a fraction of what you paid for it! The key to spotting the treasure and avoiding a purchase that may well cause a major blow up is to understand what to look for and what to look out for. And now there is help. The new edition of the best-selling book Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide, 7th Edition (GemStone Press / October 2009 / Quality Paperback / $19.99) by Antoinette Matlins, P.G., and Antonio C. Bonanno, F.G.A., A.S.A., M.G.A., with almost 400,000 copies in print, has now added an eye-opening chapter on antique and period jewelry, covering all of the most collectible periods. This book is an invaluable source of essential information for anyone interested in jewelry from bygone eras, whether you are buying, selling, or simply increasing your appreciation and understanding. “Antique and period jewelry pieces are a major source of rare, valuable gemstones that are truly natural (that is, not artificially improved),” says Antoinette Matlins, one of the country’s most highly respected gem and jewelry experts. According to Matlins, virtually all sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and many other gemstones have for many decades been routinely subjected to various treatments to improve their appearance. Until recently, this fact was not disclosed to consumers. Beginning in the 1970s, there was a significant drop in the value of these gems as a result of the influx of treated gemstones; the supply of stones—albeit, treated stones—rapidly increased and outpaced demand. At the same time, Matlins explains, the value of the rare, precious, truly natural gems, also dropped. That is, until today. According to Matlins, “Without disclosure, no one realized there were really two different gemstone markets: 1) natural, unenhanced gemstones, and 2) “natural” gemstones, meaning “produced by nature” but improved by human intervention.” Now that the Federal Trade Commission requires disclosure of treatments, people are coming to understand that there are differences and, says Matlins, collectors and connoisseurs are seeking truly natural gemstones of fine quality. “Prices are increasing dramatically for these gemstones because demand is increasing but supply is not,” Matlins continues. “Natural rubies, sapphires and emeralds are among the rarest of all gems today because, with very rare exceptions, nature stopped producing them decades ago.” Antique and period jewelry, especially jewels containing colored gemstones, offer unique opportunities for the astute, counsels Matlins. For those who are more interested in modern jewelry, Matlins is quick to point out that there’s nothing wrong with buying a treated gemstone. “In fact, were it not for the use of treatments to make more gemstones available for jewelry use,” she explains, “only the world’s wealthiest would be able to enjoy wearing fine rubies, sapphires and emeralds today.” On the other hand, for those who aren’t wealthy, Matlins adds that there are also some wonderful choices for anyone who wants an affordable natural gemstone. In this edition of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide, she includes a list of beautiful, lesser-known gemstones that are not routinely treated—in every color, and for every budget—gems that are just starting to move into the spotlight. Whether you prefer an antique or modern jewel, a natural or treated gemstone, the new Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide, 7th Edition will open your eyes to the many choices that await you. It will show you how to get what you really want, at an appropriate price and, most important of all, how to avoid the clever scams and deceptions that can result in costly mistakes. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WHAT’S NEW IN THE SEVENTH EDITION OF Jewelry & Gems: By Antoinette Matlins, P.G., & Full of the kind of information that any consumer or jewelry professional will appreciate, but written in a style a layperson can comprehend, Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide is truly an invaluable resource. Through her books, lectures and workshops, and numerous media appearances, Antoinette Matlins, P.G., has been educating the consumer and the jewelry and gem trade for almost 25 years. In this new edition, she brings readers the latest information to guide them through every step related to buying and enjoying gems and jewelry. This new edition of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide provides the reader with the latest information, including:
One of the most important chapters—one that really sets this book apart—provides critical information on how to avoid becoming an unsuspecting victim of one of the many clever deceptions frequently encountered on the Internet and in “wholesale” jewelry operations. With an entire chapter focused on ways to protect against clever ploys, this book removes fear and anxiety while arming the buyer with the essential survival tips that could only come from someone who knows every facet of the field. From selecting a reliable jeweler to choosing the right gem to putting it in a setting that reflects your own style, this book provides valuable tips on how to do it all, and stay within an established budget. There is also important information pertaining to selecting the appraiser and insurer, and how to care for your jewelry to ensure lasting beauty. The authors leave no stone unturned to give you everything you need to know—whether novice or connoisseur—to avoid costly mistakes. This book will be a treasured resource.
Antoinette Matlins, P.G., is the most widely read author in the world on the subject of buying jewelry and gems. Her book Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide has almost 400,000 copies in print, and is the only book of its kind ever offered by Consumer Reports. Her books are published in six languages and are extensively used by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry fields worldwide. An internationally respected gem and jewelry expert and a popular media guest, she is frequently quoted as an expert source in national and international magazines and newspapers and is often seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN, educating the public about gems and jewelry, and exposing fraud. Antonio C. Bonanno, F.G.A., P.G., A.S.A., was a noted gemologist and appraiser. He founded the National Gem Appraising Laboratory—one of the country’s first gem-testing labs—and Columbia School of Gemology near Washington, D.C. He held the “Master Gemologist Appraiser” title (M.G.A.), the highest distinction awarded to gem and jewelry appraisers of the American Society of Appraisers. One of America’s most highly esteemed gemologists, following his death in 1998, the Accredited Gemologists Association created the Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology to honor him and his contributions to the field. Today, three daughters and one son, all professional gemologists, continue his dedication to gemological research and education. # # # If possible, please include our 800 number with your mention or review. Thank you. Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide, 7th Edition (6" x 9", 336 pp. with 16 full-color and 200+ b/w and color illustrations and photos, Quality Paperback, ISBN 978-0-943763-71-2, $19.99) is available from Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million, Indigo/Chapters, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and many other booksellers, or directly from GemStone Press, P.O. Box 237, Woodstock, VT 05091. Tel. (802) 457-4000, Fax (802) 457-4004, www.gemstonepress.com. For credit card orders, call (800) 962-4544. Add $3.95 shipping and handling for the first book, $2.50 for each additional book. |
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