A compact, comprehensive guide to over 130 gemstones from around the world, featuring vivid photographs and concise text The clearest and cleanest-cut photographic field guide to over 130 gemstones from around the world This compact visual guide is packed with more than 800 vivid full-colour photographs of more than 130 varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones, and precious metals. With authoritative text, clear photography, and a systematic approach, this concise guide to identification enables you to recognize each gemstone instantly. Each expertly written entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the gemstone's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Additional colour illustrations and photographs show uncut stones, colour variations, and a range of popular cuts, while bands on each entry provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Beginners to gem collecting will benefit from the detailed introduction that defines what a gemstone is, explains the physical and optical properties used to identify and classify gemstones, and shows how they have been fashioned and even imitated throughout history. To help with the initial stages of identification a colour key illustrates the variety of colours found within natural and synthetic gemstones, and a glossary explains the relevant scientific and technical terms.