Pearl Book (4th Edition)

Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA, is an internationally respected gem and jewelry expert, author and lecturer. With over 1 million copies of her seven books in print in nine languages, she is the most widely read author in the world on the subject of jewelry and gems. Honored with the international Accredited Gemologists Association's highest award for excellence in gemology, Ms. Matlins’ books are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry field. Her books include Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide (over 400,000 copies now in print—the only book of its kind ever offered by Consumer Reports); Colored Gemstones: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide; The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide; Gem Identification Made Easy; Engagement & Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love; and Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites (all GemStone Press).Former gemology editor of National Jeweler magazine, her articles and comments on buying and selling gems and jewelry and on gem investment have appeared in many national and international consumer and trade publications. She is also the author of the "Gemstones" chapter in the Encyclopedia of Investments, second edition.Ms. Matlins has gained wide recognition as a dedicated consumer advocate, and continues to spearhead the Accredited Gemologists Association’s nationwide campaign against gemstone investment telemarketing scams and other types of consumer misrepresentation. A popular media guest, she has been seen on ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN, educating consumers about gems and jewelry and exposing fraud.In addition to her educational work, Ms. Matlins is retained by clients worldwide to seek fine, rare or unusual gems and jewels for acquisition.

• Table of ContentsPreface viAcknowledgments viiiIntroduction ixPart One Pearls: First Among Gems 1Chapter 1 Most Ancient of Gems, Most Precious of Gems 3Chapter 2 Legendary Pearls, Legendary Tales 14Part Two What Is a Pearl? 21Chapter 3 Pearls in the Making 23Chapter 4 Different Types of Pearls: 38A Pearl for Every MoodPart Three The Difference Quality Makes 63Chapter 5 Quality—Key to Lasting Beauty 66Chapter 6 Artificial Enhancements Used 82on Lackluster PearlsPart Four Selecting Pearls to Treasure 91Chapter 7 How to Choose Fine Pearls 93Chapter 8 Pearl Choices—A World of Variety 96Chapter 9 Pearl Prices—Some Guidelines 109Part Five Lustrous Advice from Illustrious Experts 121Chapter 10 The Experts Speak 123Chapter 11 Great Jewelers on Great Pearls 145Chapter 12 Magnificent Auctions Highlight 159Magnificent PearlsPart Six Wearing and Caring for Pearls 169Chapter 13 Wearing Pearls with Style 171Chapter 14 Caring for Pearls to Keep Them Lustrous 178Part Seven Important Advice Before and After You Buy 181Chapter 15 What to Ask When Buying Pearls 183Chapter 16 Good Insurance Requires a Good Appraisal 188Chapter 17 Getting a Laboratory Report 191ivPearl Book_text_3_08 5/14/08 9:38 AM Page ivWhere to Go for Additional Information 199Selected Readings 200A Practical Pearl Glossary 202Credits 206Index 208Price GuidesAmerican Cultured Freshwater Pearls 110Cultured Saltwater Pearl Necklaces 111–113South Sea Cultured Pearls 114Tahitian Black Cultured Pearls 115–117Chinese Freshwater Pearl Necklaces 118Mabé Pearls 119Special ChartsNacre Thickness 73Grading Nacre Thickness in Japanese Pearl Strands 75Misnomers and What They Really Are 89Popular Uniform Necklace Lengths 177Popular Graduated Necklace Lengths 177Color Photograph Section following page 118