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