hardback

Todas las gemas y piedras ornamentales del mundo descritas e ilustradas mediante fotografías en color. ( )

This book is above the rest of the gem books in its quality color photos of the full range of gemstones. It even usually includes a view of the gems still bound in the matrix rock. Gemology books refer to this book for its excellent tables of gemstone properties. The location information on gem sources for each type gemstone is also excellent. The author is dead and this edition, as well as a few other editions were written by the publisher's writers, not Schuman. However gemologists feel the current version retains the essential facts if not Schumann's personal touch. ( )

Now that I've gotten more serious about building my gemstone collection I've found myself turning to this book over and over again. An excellent resource whether you are a collector or just curious about gems. ( )

The best gemstone encyclopedia I ever found with many good photographs and details. It's size is also useful rather than annoyingly large. Newer edition out now though.