Newly updated and expanded, COLORED GEMSTONES gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell or simply enjoy sapphires, emeralds, rubies and other colored gemstones with confidence and knowledge. With more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts and new ways to buy gems such as Internet auctions and TV shopping there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect colored gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming and "costly." Buyers need a source of expert guidance. This practical, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide provides all the information you need in order to know "what to look for, " and "what to look out for," including: What qualifies as a gemstone ? How to evaluate color and its impact on price. Deciding between a "natural" gem and an "enhanced" gem and new glass-gemstone "compositions." Colored gemstone synthesis and treatment. What to ask when buying the stone. What to get "in writing." How to get what you want within your budget. Price guides for popular gems, opals and synthetic stones. Important information about buying on the Internet. ... and much more "Written by an insider, " this easy-to-read guide is the unofficial colored gemstone bible "for anyone who wants to get the most for their money"and enjoy what they have purchased. Antoinette Matlins, P.G., is the most widely read author in the world on the subject of jewelry and gems. Her books include Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide (over 400,000 copies now in printthe only book of its kind ever offered by Consumer Reports); Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling; Diamonds: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide; Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites; and many more. An internationally respected gem and jewelry expert and a popular media guest, she is frequently quoted as an expert source in print media and seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN, educating the public about gems and jewelry and exposing fraud. Jewelry Reference - General