Secrets of the Gem Trade

Completely revised and expanded with 11 new chapters: Jade / Demantoid Garnet / Natural Nacreous Pearls / Conch Pearls / Sunstone / Moonstone / Peridot / Cobalt Blue Spinel / Red -Pink Spinel / Golconda (Type IIa) Diamonds. Five new introductory essay: Blue-white diamonds / Jadeite / Natural Pearls / Spinel / Feldspars. Plus 278 color photographs (171 additional) which include exclusive images from major museum collections and the latest auction market icons. The definitive book for anyone wanting to learn how the best gemologists in the world evaluate precious gems, and what makes one stone merely a good stone versus a truly fabulous museum quality gem. The author, Richard Wise, is one of the world's foremost gemologists.
Completely revised and expanded with 11 new chapters and five new introductory essays, plus 278 color photographs (171 additional) which include exclusive images from major museum collections and the latest auction market icons. The definitive book for anyone wanting to learn how the best gemologists in the world evaluate precious gems, and what makes one stone merely a good stone versus a truly fabulous museum quality gem. The author, Richard Wise, is one of the world's foremost gemologists.
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!--Stuart Robertson, President The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA)
"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--Berkshire Eagle
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.--Michael Schofield, Graduate Gemologist, Amazon.com
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.--American Craft
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.--The Australian Gemmologist
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.--Gems and Gemology
Richard Wise is one of the world's foremost gem connoisseurs.--Gemkey Magazine
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.--National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) and Pearl-Guide.com
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.--World Gem Foundation - Gemmology Today Magazine
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.--Jay Boyle, Graduate Gemologist, Amazon.com
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.--Morgan Beard, Editor-in-Chief Colored Stone Magazine