5 comments about Introduction To Lapidary (Jewelry Crafts).

1. I was surprised that there was so little concrete information on technique. it is a good overview though.



2. It was what I expected. Some very good information. It enabled me to understand what I need and where my interests lie.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

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!

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

1 comments about Modern Jeweler's Consumer Guide To Colored Gemstones.

1. This book is very factual, and its non-technical writing, makes it an excellent book for the hobbiest, or collector and yet still it maintains the standards for even the professional gem trade. If used as a guide, it is sure to be helpful in the selection of gems.

   This book is certain to educate and inspire the beginner with confidence in starting to collect gems. I highly recommend the reading (purchase) of this book. The photographs are excellent, full color, the true representation of the gemstones' is brought to life.

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.

3 comments about Stone Crazy (A Crazy Little Series).

1. This book is fun for kids and grown ups. Is beautifly done. It makes a very good present.



2. Tracy's book, Stone Crazy, is a unique blend of artistic craft and written craft. She has created visual inspiration with her mystical dolls tucked within nature's stones. After reading her book I was hooked and now plan to collect the entire Little Crazy Series. Check out, Shell Crazy, Tree Crazy, Snow Crazy, Coffee Crazy and I am sure others yet to be created!!! Also take time to visit her website www.tracygallup.com where she displays her many dolls and illustrations. Such a fun read, gift and collectible.



3. Tracy Gallup is a talented and imaginative expert at creating unusual dolls that are quirky, fun, emotionally evocative, and connected to a stone. "Stone Crazy" is a compendium of full color photographic pictures that showcase her handmade figures, each of which is joined with an uncommonly distinctive stone and together - the figure and the rock - create a visual image that gives rise to a series of individualized stories. Each picture is provided a line or two of lyrical commentary that tells a story of that particular image. Also very highly recommended is Tracy Gallup's companion title "Shell Crazy" in which she uses the same figurine story telling process to create doll images joined to all manner of seashells.
   
   John Taylor
   Reviewer

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

1. I'm just starting out at lapidary. This book was highly recommended by my instructor. I agree, it's very informative. I esp like that it tells you which compounds work best for polishing particular stones



2. 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.

No comments about Gemcutting: A Lapidary Handbook.

No comments about Gemstone & mineral data book;: A compilation of data, recipes, formulas, and instructions for the mineralogist, gemologist, lapidary, jeweler, craftsman, and collector.

No comments about Specialized gem cutting (A Gem cutter's handbook).