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Rating: 
Summary: Consumer Protection Advocate
Review: One would not think that competing gemstones titles could generate the passionate allegiances found in the various on-line reviews of those titles. However they (those allegiances) are there and I think I know why: Have you ever noticed how people committed to exposing the truth are often reviled? In an industry where deception rephrased as "enhancements" abound, where too many jewelers justify pawning off, on unsuspecting customers, something less-than-genuine as simply "acknowledging reality" or "giving the customer what he wants", Antoinette Matlins stands out as an oracle of truth. This, I am sure, makes her somthing less than heroic to those who enjoy the easy mark-ups in less-than-genuine articles. (Apparently Antoinette Matlins's father was something of a pioneer in stepping forward and informing the public about the behind scenes in the world of gems. He was probably even less popular is his day, than his daughter is today.)If you have a passion for truth; are a dedicated and tireless advocate for consumers and consumer rights, and wish to protect yourself or someone you love from unscrupulous sharks in the gem trade, than obtain and read this compact, easy-to-read volume. While there may be other volumes on the market with more breadth and scope, and more abundant pictures, I felt very satisified, after reading this book, that I had gained a solid understanding with which I could begin the perilous navigation of the gem trade.
Rating:
Summary: Consumer Protection Advocate
Review: One would not think that competing gemstones titles could generate the passionate allegiances found in the various on-line reviews of those titles. However they (those allegiances) are there and I think I know why: Have you ever noticed how people committed to exposing the truth are often reviled? In an industry where deception rephrased as "enhancements" abound, where too many jewelers justify pawning off, on unsuspecting customers, something less-than-genuine as simply "acknowledging reality" or "giving the customer what he wants", Antoinette Matlins stands out as an oracle of truth. This, I am sure, makes her somthing less than heroic to those who enjoy the easy mark-ups in less-than-genuine articles. (Apparently Antoinette Matlins's father was something of a pioneer in stepping forward and informing the public about the behind scenes in the world of gems. He was probably even less popular is his day, than his daughter is today.) If you have a passion for truth; are a dedicated and tireless advocate for consumers and consumer rights, and wish to protect yourself or someone you love from unscrupulous sharks in the gem trade, than obtain and read this compact, easy-to-read volume. While there may be other volumes on the market with more breadth and scope, and more abundant pictures, I felt very satisified, after reading this book, that I had gained a solid understanding with which I could begin the perilous navigation of the gem trade.
Rating: 
Summary: Great reference, some parts too abbreviated
Review: This overall is a great book, but gets 4 of 5 stars simply because the useful, practical info is too interspersed with "mythological" information about colored gems. I really do not care which gems may have been belived to cure illnesses--- I just want to know how to identify them. The exerpts in the book that launch into mythological descriptions would better serve the reading public if they were replaced by more anecdotes and examples of dyeing, heating, and falsefying colored gems. Her book does have some of these anecdotal examples, and they are useful as well as entertaining. Overall, a good informative read. Just a bit too much non-useful information. Also, more of those beautiful pictures would have been nice.
Rating:
Summary: Great reference, some parts too abbreviated
Review: This overall is a great book, but gets 4 of 5 stars simply because the useful, practical info is too interspersed with "mythological" information about colored gems. I really do not care which gems may have been belived to cure illnesses--- I just want to know how to identify them. The exerpts in the book that launch into mythological descriptions would better serve the reading public if they were replaced by more anecdotes and examples of dyeing, heating, and falsefying colored gems. Her book does have some of these anecdotal examples, and they are useful as well as entertaining. Overall, a good informative read. Just a bit too much non-useful information. Also, more of those beautiful pictures would have been nice.
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