Reviews
Secrets of the Gem Trade, second edition, is a treasure for any novice or expert Gem Lover... Generally, experts don't reveal their hard-earned secrets. This book does it all. I got my copy yesterday and couldn't put it down. Remarkable in its scope, quality of information and superb pictures of gems and sources, this book is a must have if you ever wanted to know more about gems, gem dealing from the inside by an expert., The book is divided into Parts 1 and 2. Each chapter starts off with a relevant quotation, often by historic gem authors - a nice touch. In Part 1, the first seven chapters (90 pages) cover gemology, history, connoisseurship, enhancement and new sources. Wise redefines the 'Four Cs' (colour, cut, clarity and carat weight) by adding a fifth C: 'crystal'.Part 2 is titled 'A New List of Precious Gemstones'. It starts with Chapter 8, on page 91, with alexandrite and continues to page 361, Chapter 54, on cobalt-blue spinel. Throughout these chapters are numerous images of historic subjects, gem mining areas, gemstones and jewelry pieces. Notable photographers are given credits throughout....The book ends with a good glossary, a five-page bibliography and an extensive 16-page index to make finding information easy.Both editions of Secrets of the Gem Trade showcase Wise's passion for the gemstone world. This reviewer recommends this book to amateurs and professionals alike., I received my copy of Secrets Of The Gem Trade, Second Edition in Nov. 2016. The author has done an excellent job presenting valuable insights into the key factors that establish quality and beauty of gemstones. In essence, Wise has placed in print the considerations that such experts gain through decades of experience in the market. As a gem industry analyst, I really enjoyed the revised edition. It is an excellent resource and an absolute "must" read for anyone interested in gems!, Richard Wise opened my eyes to a whole new way of viewing gems. Connoisseurship allows us to search out and enjoy the finer aspects of gems... The second edition is better in many ways. There is much more of everything that made the first book great. Richard's definition of what is precious has expanded to include many new gems., "I received my copy of Secrets of the Gem Trade, Second Edition in Nov. 2016. The author has done an excellent job presenting valuable insights into the key factors that established quality and beauty of gemstones. In essence, Wise has placed in print the considerations that such experts gain through decades of experience in the market. As a gem industry analyst, I really enjoyed the revised edition. It is an excellent resource and an absolute "must" read for anyone interested in gems!", Its uniqueness lies in the clarity with which the author "lifts the veil" on those factors that the trade has kept ot its self for so many years. Purchase of this book is recommended to all gemmologist-valuers., Richard is a great writer and storyteller. Clearly he is a man who loves his gemstones and what he does for a living. At times he is frank and to the point, while at other time there is playfulness in his writing.Sadly we work in an industry where many view education as a bad think. Content to believe what others have told them and perpetuate the falsehoods that have existed for generations. This is an industry that is not only secretive but based on trust. Many people have been quite content to put their own personal gains above all else and betray this trust. This industry needs the 'good guys' who are not afraid to tell it how it is. Richard Wise is one of these guys who has made it his personal mission, based on years of experience, to dispel these untruths and give his readers the tools they need to make informed decisions., Praise for the 1st Edition: "...very highly recommended to anyone interested in gemology as a superbly organized, authoritative, comprehensive and easy-to-follow reference.", Sadly, we work in an industry where many view education as a bad thing. Content to believe what others have told them and perpetuate the falsehoods that have existed for generations... Richard Wise is one of these guys who has made it his personal mission, based on years of experience, to dispel these untruths and give his readers the tools they need to make informed decisions., "Secrets Of The Gem Trade" is a banquet of gemology where you will discover new gems you might very well have never heard of -- such as Carnelian in luscious orange, Chryso- prase in jasper green, several kinds of (red, pink, purple, green, blue, blue-white, orange, brown, yellow, violet) diamonds, Cobalt Blue Spinel, and varieties of multicolored pearls from around the world. Seeing these gems reproduced with such clarity is much like having them right in the room with you. Selected as one of our 10 Notable Books of 2017, I am a Graduate Gemologist and have been a professional gem dealer now for thirty years and I can say with some authority that Richard Wise's Secrets Of The Gem Trade (2nd Edition) is purely and simply a masterpiece. The first edition was excellent; the 2nd edition is even better. The author has revised and enlarged the book adding eleven additional chapters almost two hundred new photographs., This book takes a much-needed sledgehammer to the industry's conventional wisdom about what makes a gemstone precious, and in the process builds a solid foundation for anyone who wants to understand the true beauty and value of gemstones., I read the first edition as I was embarking on my first formal gemological training. Raised by a geologist father and growing up a rockhound, I had read extensively and thought I knew a lot about gemstones. I had many opportunities to see fine gems at trade shows, but was lacking an essential element in their evaluation - connoisseurship...Richard Wise opened my eyes to a whole new way of viewing gems.The second edition is better in many ways. There is much more of everything that made the first book great. Richard's definition of what is precious has expanded to include many new gems. Those of us who have always adored spinel will be pleased to see it featured as well as a new section on natural pearls-eleven new chapters in all...Visually stunning, the book is a much larger format, beautifully printed and coffee table worthy., Readers will not just learn the essential concepts of modern gemology but will also get a better understanding of the gem market. Additionally, the author also uses his own experience to tell the readers what is the best way to learn the gem trade, and what "homework" they need to do before going out to buy. It is a good read for people who are currently outside of the trade but want to step in. It is also an excellent review for those who are already experienced in this trade. The second edition of Secrets of the Gem Trade is definitely one of the best comprehensive gemological publications you can find today., Intended for collectors and connoisseurs, the books should also appeal to jewelry artists using gems...An extensive glossary and a bibliography complete this valuable reference.
