5 comments about The Art of Gem Cutting: Including Cabochons, Faceting, Spheres, Tumbling, and Special Techniques (Gembooks).

1. The book was written in the 40's?. Techniques are good, some hazardous material mentioned (read intro). Tools illustrated match the tools I acquired at an estate sale from the same era so I can relate to the illustrations. Old tools but good technique.



2. Even though the info is clearly dated, the booklet is CHOCK FULL of useful tidbits on just about every facet of gem cutting, and is a fantastic overview of gem cutting as a whole. This booklet is particularly useful if you are interested in gem cutting, but don't know where/how to start. The booklet was thinner than I expected (don't know what I expected for such a great price) but every single page had useful, interesting, or valuable info. I was very pleased with my purchase after I read it.



3. What a great Book!!! Everything you need to know for the basic start up as well as for the novice!! Would recommend it for everyone interested in Gem Cutting or starting up your own operation!!



4. Some how-to books end up being guess how-to. This book covers the subject in an easily understood, straightforward manner. The information develops as you would use it and does not jump from subject to subject.



5. This is definitely not a book for beginners! For anyone wanting to know the ins and outs of gem cutting there is much to learn in the pages.

5 comments about Introduction To Lapidary (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This book 'rocks'. It contains detailed info on all the basic procedures with a main focus on cabochon and faceting of colored gemstones. The equipment shown in the photos may seem dated, but the techniques are still current and the advice and how-to examples are wonderful. Even has great details on gem carving, which is hard to find in todays books. Great value as well.



2. The book arrived quickly and was a good price. It is a good book for beginners in rock grinding and related subjects. It will get a beginner started. I recommend it.



3. This book is great for beginners. It contains a lot of good information covering a wide range of lapidary subjects; such as faceting, cabbing and tumbling. It also covers most of the equipment you would need and gives advice an purchasing the equipment.



4. Oh my goodness! Such a great resource for information on all aspects of lapidary and jewelry design! This is a must-have reference!



5. Introduction to Lapidary by Pansy D. Kraus is a 'breath of fresh air'. Kraus provides a general introduction to Lapidary as a hobby and the many different techniques that can be applied to gems (Agates), precious (Diamonds) and semi-precious stones (Sapphires). Kraus includes many pictures and photos together with an easy to read common sense approach to Lapidary and the equipment.

   Each section provides information on equipment, methods, materials, and techniques for producing that perfect work of art !

   Key sections include; a brief history of lapidary, rock tumbling (polishing rough shaped stones), cabochons (polished curved stones - eg: Agates), lapping gemstones (flat polished stones), gem sphere and bead making, inlay/mosaics, gem carving (eg: Jade), and faceting (eg: Polishing Sapphire and Topaz).

   Kraus has also included a section on general technical data that is essential for any one interested in Lapidary. Tables and charts are provided on; gem and material properties, conversion tables, critical angles and key speeds for cutting and polishing stones.

   An additional section is also provided with useful references and magazines.

   Lapidary for Beginners is an essential for anyone interested in starting this interesting and fascinating hobby. A good place to start for beginners which will give you a great reference as you pursue the different kinds of lapidary.

2 comments about Gems & Jewelry Appraising: Techniques of Professional Practice.

1. I bought this books for my daughter, Jo Ellen Cole, who is a jewelry, gemstone and mineral appraiser. She comments:"Anna Miller's book on the techniques of professional appraisal practice has always been THE book to go to for answers on how to ethically perform the difficult job of appraising jewelry and gemstones. In this newest edition, updated sections on computers and searching the Internet guide the appraiser on how to use this important new source of information and how to utilize the computer in network and industry communications. There is more emphasis on the identification of gemstones and treatments and there is an expanded section on the pricing of older cuts of diamonds. A section on the Market Data Comparison approach helps guide the appraiser in this important aspect of appraising. Altogether, this book consistently delivers the information that is vital to creating a legal, binding appraisal report that will stand up to any scrutiny."
   
   Lillian Cole, Twelfth Street Booksellers



2. The material was as advertised. No problem!

3 comments about Facet Cutters Handbook (Gembooks).

1. The book was interesting but not as informative as I had hoped. Some of the info was too "clinical" and not really what I would expect from a Handbook. When I write a handbook it contains step by step instructions for anyone to pick it up and not be confused. I was hoping for some pointers or where to obtain tools such as dop sticks. It was a good buy though.



2. Informative, you need to be advanced in your craft in order to use this book.



3. This was the first faceting book I obtained, even before owning a faceting machine! From the moment I started reading I understood. This is a (sadly) a fairly unique state of affairs for books relating to crafts and hobbies. Edward Soukup assumes no prior knowledge and explains everything in simple, down-to-earth terminology. He covers all the aspects of faceting that a beginner needs to know from materials & tools to dopping techniques, and from a standard brilliant cut (extremely detailed instructions) to more difficult cuts. Some excellent hints at the end, together with handy tables. So much packed into such a small volume. If you have the Vargas book(s) then this will make your collection complete. Don't start faceting without it!

5 comments about Moods in Wire : An Extended Guide to the Fine Art of Wirewrapping (2nd Ed).

1. This book is an excellent instrutional guide for a great variety of jewelry projects, for beginner to advanced wire workers. The projects run the gamut from classic styles to a spider pin and wrapping sharks' teeth.
   
   I like that it begins with the simple projects and progresses through to more advanced projects. I have found the well drawn computer illustrations to be adequate. There are lots of diagrams illustrating how things should be done and the order that they should be done. What is especially helpful is that some illustrations use solid lines to show what's happening on the front of the project and broken (dash) lines to show what's happening in back. Photos couldn't do that. I am amused by Mr. Sinclairs cautionary remarks but I heed them because they are typed in bold. An example: "DO NOT CUT OFF EXCESS WRAP WIRE YET." The spiral binding makes the book lie flat on the page that I'm using. It could be improved if a photo of each project would be on the page with the instructions.



2. I received this book in excellent shape as described and in timely mannor, I will buy from them again
   Thank you



3. If the author would have taken the extra expense of having photos verses drawings, I would have given this book 5 stars. The projects are awesome but the more detailed ones are hard to visualize and follow from looking at his diagrams and drawings.



4. Moods in Wire : An Extended Guide to the Fine Art of Wirewrapping (2nd Ed)
   
   I like the size of this book and like the layout. Sinclair give a good forewword with the usual basic tools and materials information then goes into the designs.
   
   Others have commented on lack of ease reading the illustrations and I'm inclined to agree. The chapters cover rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, stickpins, shark teeth, spider pins and crosses. I liked some of the designs, didn't care for others, but that is my taste and should not deter a customer from examining this book. I feel, however, that wire jewelry is as diverse as the individual who create it, and that should be the criteria for making the purchase. If openwork is your style, then this might be the book for you.



5. The layout of the book and pictures are not as good as other books I have purchased, though I do like the artist's wire wrapping designs a lot.

1 comments about Gem and Lapidary Materials: For Cutters, Collectors, and Jewelers.

1. I've been reading lapidary books and journals for years and you really can teach an old dog new tricks. If you're just starting out in the rock hound or novice lapidary world this is an excellent source book containing valuable information on just about any subject you can think of. One thing in particular that I found to be one of the books best qualities is that it's not only an excellent book for source but also an excellent book for resources. It is not in the least boring and you won't want to put it down. It is one of those books that will become worn and torn with age because you'll refer to it frequently over the years to come. My copy is fairly new and already showing signs of wear. Not because of the quality of the material,it is bound very well and the paper on which it's printed is of a high quality which is good. If it was printed on cheap stuff you'd have to buy a new one every six months. For the professional and experienced rock hound a lapidary artist it is also an invaluable source of information and resources. Well worth the money where ever you purchase it and at what ever price you pay for it. It is usually backordred, I had to order my copy, so buy it now while you can. Amazon.coms price is about 35% less than I paid for it and I'm ashamed of myself that I didn't look for it here first, but I plan to buy a couple as gifts anyway. I can't say enough good about this volume. It's well put together, consise, and altogether an enjoyable experience-time and again. The content of the book isn't just the same old stuff you read time and again but instead, the latest technologies used in the field of lapidary with just a hint of the old. There are some tried and true methods of doing things but presented with new twists and ideas that, at least on my part, never occured to me or my longtime lapidary companions. The content is consise and flows extremely smoothly from one page to the next. A thoroughly enjoyable experience for years to come. Thank you - Gordon Lockerd.

1 comments about Lapidary Carving for Creative Jewelry.

1. If you think that carving stone into beautiful, undulating designs is where you want to go after making a pile of cabachons- ORDER THIS BOOK!!!
   
   Mr. Henry Hunt has two titles, this and, Designing the Carved Gemstone. You should just plan to get both of them. If you order from Amazon, they are sent Directly from Mr. Hunt, or his family. The books are loaded with theory and practical information.
   
   Illustrations are clear black and white photos & drawn diagrams. The spiral binding opens flat, facilitating hands free reading and workbench use. There is not much in the way of step-by-step illustrations as this is not a 'project' type book. If you have lapidary equipment and have been feeling that cabbing and surface polishing is not as fulfilling as it used to be, this is your next step.
   
   The quality of information in the Hunt books is authoritative and exhaustive. Included are design & form theory, tool use & manufacture, Surfacing treatments, workstation set up, material working characteristics (for all manner of stone) and much more!
   
   Mr. Hunt has been so generous with his knowledge that it is hard to imagine needing more than these two books to get on your way to creating lapidary masterpieces. His two titles have done serious service in spawning the American Lapidary carvers that you have likely heard of and admired. Michael Dyber, Sherris Cottier Shank, Stephen Walters and a dozen-or-so more names- in the Who's Who of American Lapidary and Gem carving, are featured in his second book; Designing the Carved Gemstone.

No comments about How To Use Diamond Abrasives (Gembooks).

No comments about Gemcraft (Chilton's creative crafts series).

5 comments about Jade.

1. I study Jade Culture of the Orient and I use this reference for the good bibliography, and illustrations. It is an attempt by the now defunct 'Friends of Jade Society' to compile a comprehensive reference on jade and ancient and historical jade cultures from all over the world. For most of the world it is reasonably accurate, but unfortunately the Chinese section concerning jade has more errors than a freshman essay. This is even more embarrasing since most of the book is devoted to Chinese jade culture. A more detailed list and discussion of these errors and problems is available upon request.



2. From this heavy tome, you will learn how artists "let the jade speak to them" before carving wondrous works of art. The properties of jade are perfect for carving because its molecular structure is tightly bound. Jade can suffer great detail in carving without cracking or chipping.

   Jade is either nephrite or jadeite. Cheaper substitutes are bowenite and serpentine, so the buyer must beware.

   Keverne takes us on a jade "trip around the world" from the Pacific Rim to Mesoamerica. The latter finds are a great mystery, because no known source of jade in Central America is currently known to exist. The photographs in this book are tightly focused and glowing. Keverne continually displays his expertise in his subject. He includes an excellent index and bibliography. Like David Grimaldi's thorough book on amber (Amber: Window to the Past), this book is the authority on the subject of jade.




3. From this heavy tome, you will learn how artists "let the jade speak to them" before carving wondrous works of art. The properties of jade are perfect for carving because its molecular structure is tightly bound. Jade can suffer great detail in carving without cracking or chipping.

   Jade is either nephrite or jadeite. Cheaper substitutes are bowenite and serpentine, so the buyer must beware.

   Keverne takes us on a jade "trip around the world" from the Pacific Rim to Mesoamerica. The latter finds are a great mystery, because no known source of jade in Central America is currently known to exist. The photographs in this book are tightly focused and glowing. Keverne continually displays his expertise in his subject. He includes an excellent index and bibliography. Like David Grimaldi's thorough book on amber (Amber: Window to the Past), this book is the authority on the subject of jade.




4. Extremely great book on the subject of jade. Book even includes the very rare today "Wyoming Jade"...should be a book devoted to that subject.



5. Jade, by Roger Keverne, is a complete review of all the jades, all the deposits, all the mines, the history, (and with jade this is a long one.) the lore, the geology. Jade features a collection of articles by contributors from around the world, most members of the FRIENDS OF JADE, and all experts in their fields. Whenever I need to seek an answer, a representative photo, in short, anything in jade, here it is, in one book. If you are interested in jade, to sort out the truth from the rumors, the real from the fake..... this is THE jade book.