""Gems and Precious Stones"" is a comprehensive guide to the world of gemstones, written by Henry George Smith and originally published in 1896. The book provides detailed descriptions of the distinctive properties of various gemstones, including their color, hardness, and refractive index. It also covers the methods used to determine the authenticity and quality of gemstones, such as examining their clarity, cut, and carat weight. In addition to discussing the scientific aspects of gemstones, the book also delves into their historical and cultural significance. It explores the use of gemstones in ancient civilizations, as well as their role in modern jewelry design. The book is illustrated with numerous black and white drawings of gemstones and their settings, as well as diagrams and charts to aid in understanding the technical information. Overall, ""Gems and Precious Stones"" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of gemstones, from hobbyists and collectors to jewelry designers and gemologists.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.