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The gemologist's core library
After more than three decades in gemology, and with a personal collection that numbers hundreds of volumes, I am often asked to recommend
books in the field. Below are my top picks, many available on Amazon.com.
Lower down are other
books I've found useful. Have I left something
important out? Feel free to spam me with your
suggestions.
Here's the lineup:
Rubydick's pick of the litter
Look at this list carefully and compare it to your bookshelf. If you don't have each and every one of these, then
either consider a new profession or click on the link
to purchase them. This is the gemologist's core library. Each of these books is a must-have.
- The Book of the Pearl: The History, Art, Science, and Industry of the Queen of Gems by George Frederick Kunz
& Charles Hugh Stevenson. Reprint of the classic
1908 edition. Certainly the best pearl book ever.
Also one of the best gem books ever. A true tour-de-force. If you have the money, buy the original 1908 edition in its sumptuous binding. That also goes for most of the Kunz books.
- The Book of Ruby & Sapphire
 by J.F. Halford-Watkins & Richard W. Hughes, ed. (2012). A previously unpublished classic brought to life by Richard Hughes. Based on the original 1936 manuscript.
- Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones
by Joel Arem (1987). Detailed descriptions and fine photos of gems from A to Z. This second edition also covers synthetic and man-made gems. Highly recommended for all gemologists. A tremendous resource.
- Curious Lore of Precious Stones
 by George
Frederick Kunz. Reprint of the 1913 edition. Again,
like all the Kunz books, a classic. See also the companion
volumes, The Magic of Jewels and Charms and Rings for the Finger.
- Emerald and Other Beryls
 by John Sinkankas (1981). One of the finest books ever written on a single gem species. A masterpiece of gemological scholarship.
- Gem and Crystal Treasures by Peter Bancroft (1984) This is in my top five all time. It covers the 100 most famous gem and mineral localities in the world, and most importantly does so from the human side. The extremely readable text is paired with some of the finest gem and mineral photography ever published.
- Gem Testing
by B.W. Anderson & E.A. Jobbins (1990,
10th ed.). Anderson was perhaps the greatest
gemologist of the century. This book distills over
50 years of gem-testing experience.
- Gemology: An Annotated Bibliography by John Sinkankas
(1993). My pick for the greatest gem book of
all time. No author ever worked harder on a single
work. Over 6,000 entries, virtually all of which are
annotated.
- Gems
by Robert Webster (2008, 6th ed.) No one who
calls themselves a gemologist can be without this
massive work. However this 6th edition is not the one to buy, since so much material was removed. Instead, look instead for the Third, Fourth or Fifth Edition
editions.
- Gems & Gemology Quarterly journal from the GIA. This is a must for all gemologists. Alice Keller, who edited this publication for three decades, single-handedly dragged gemology into the modern scientific world. Every gemologist on the planet owes her a debt of gratitude.
- Gems Made by Man
by Kurt Nassau (1980) The finest
book on synthetic gem materials.
- Gemstone Enhancement: Heat, Irradiation, Impregnation, Dyeing, and Other Treatments Which Alter the Appearance of Gemstones, and the Detection of Such Treatments
by Kurt Nassau (1984 and 1994). Virtually
the only book on this important subject. A must have. Try for the 2nd edition if you can find it.
- Handbook of Gem Identification
by Richard T.,
Jr. Liddicoat (1993). A classic from the
former head of the Gemological Institute
of America.
- Internal World of Gemstones: Documents from Space and Time
 by Eduard
Gübelin (1979). The rarest of creatures, a technical book that transcends and becomes art. One of the finest gemology books of all time.
- Manual of Mineral Science (Manual of Mineralogy)
by
Cornelius Hurlbut & Cornelius Klein & Barbara Dutrow (2007; 23rd
ed.). The classic college text on mineralogy.
- Photoatlas
of Inclusions in Gemstones by Eduard
Gübelin
and John Koivula (1986). See also Photoatlas
of Inclusions in Gemstones, Volume 2 (2005; my review here) and Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Volume 3 (2008; my review here) Among the
three most important gemology books ever published. Get 'em while you can. When they go out-of-print, you'll pay $1000/volume. You can buy the whole series now for less than the price of a lousy 1-ct. ruby.
- Precious Stones
by Max
Bauer & L. J. Spencer (Translator); reprint of the 1904
edition. Although somewhat dated, there
is still much to recommend about this book.
- Ruby & Sapphire
by Richard Hughes (1997)
. Arguably the finest book ever devoted to a
single gem species. It's all here, sources, prices,
treatments, etc.
Gems by species
Generally speaking, I buy every single monograph on a gem that I can lay my hands on. Why? Because they tend to be written by those who specialize in the subject, and who better to learn from than an expert? Here are a number of the gem monographs I can recommend. Many are out-of-print and in high demand. Which should tell you that when you see them, buy them. They tend to disappear quickly and when out-of-print, prices can get crazy.
Amber
Beryl (including Emerald)
Chrysoberyl (including Alexandrite)
Corundum (Ruby & Sapphire)
- The Book of Ruby & Sapphire by J.F. Halford-Watkins & Richard W. Hughes, ed. (2012). A previously unpublished classic brought to life by Richard Hughes. Based on the original 1936 manuscript.
- Corindon et Spinelles by various authors (2002). A fine compilation of articles in French describing both corundum and spinel. Now sadly out-of-print. Mineraux et Fossils Hors Serie No. 15.
- Corundum (Butterworth's Gem Books)
 by Richard W. Hughes (1990). An earlier version of the author's Ruby & Sapphire.
- Heat Treatment of Ruby & Sapphire by Ted Themelis (2010). The second edition of this corundum cookbook.
- Ruby & Sapphire by Richard Hughes (1997). Arguably the finest book ever devoted to a
single gem species. It's all here, sources, prices,
treatments, etc.
- Siamese Ruby
 by John Hoskin & Lindsey Lapin (1987). Covers the now-exhausted Thai ruby mines.
- Yogo: The Great American Sapphire
 by Stephen
M. Voynick (1987). The best book ever written
on this intriguing locality for Montana sapphire.
Diamonds
Garnet
- Garnet (Butterworths Gem Books)
 by John D. Rouse (1986). One of the only monographs devoted to these important gems.
- Garnet by various authors (2008). Vol. 11 of the acclaimed English extraLapis series.
Ivory
Jade
- Chinese Jade Carving
 by S. Howard Hansford (1950). The classic work on the subject. Beautifully illustrated.
- Jade
 by Roger Keverne (Editor) (1996). The
most complete coverage available for this fascinating
gem material.
- Jade for You
 by John Ng & Edmond Root (Editor) (1984). Now out-of-print, this book is highly sought after as it deals specifically with gem-quality jadeite from Burma.
- Jade Lore
 by John A. Goette (1976). Reprint
of this classic from 1936.
Opal
Opal is well represented in the gemological literature because the major source is in Australia, an English-speaking country. I recommend buying anything by Lenny Cram. He has issued a number of smaller books, but his multi-volume set, A Journey With Colour, is a must-have.
Pearls
- Beyond Price: Pearls and Pearl Fishing Origins to the Age of Discoveries
 by Robin A. Donkin
(1998). Nice scholarly view of pearl history,
covering the period of time when all were natural.
- Pearls
 by Elisabeth Strack (2006). The most comprehensive book on pearls since the Book of the Pearl by Kunz/Stevenson.
- Pearls
 by Hubert Bari, David Lam & Katrina Fried (2010). Lavishly illustrated book on pearls.
- Pearls: A Natural History
 by Neil H. Landman, Paula M. Mikkelsen, Ridiger Bieler and Bennet Bronson (2001). One of the finest book on pearls published in decades.
Quartz
- Amethyst: Uncommon Vintage by various authors (2012) Vol. 16 of the acclaimed English extraLapis series.
- Quartz by various authors (2000). A fine compilation of articles in French describing both corundum and spinel. Now sadly out-of-print. Mineraux et Fossils Hors Serie No. 11.
Spinel
- Corindon et Spinelles by various authors (2002). A fine compilation of articles in French describing both corundum and spinel. Now sadly out-of-print. Mineraux et Fossils Hors Serie No. 15.
- Terra Spinel by Vlad Yavorskyy & Richard Hughes (2010). The only book covering this important gem. A visual feast.
Topaz
Tourmaline
Zoisite (including Tanzanite)
- Merelani, Tanzania by Wendell E. Wilson, John M. Saul, Vincent Pardieu & Richard W. Hughes (2009). By far the finest work on this locality, from which comes all of the world's tanzanite. Highly recommended. The whole issue of the Mineralogical Record.
- Tanzanite: The True Story by Valerio Zancanella
 (2004). Although not everything in this book is true, it is a nice treatment of the subject.
Gems & jewelry by localities
Again, generally speaking, I buy every single monograph on a locality that I can lay my hands on. Because, once again, they tend to be written by those who specialize in the subject, and so are experts. Below are a number of the locality monographs I can recommend. Yes, many are out-of-print and in high demand. Which should tell you that when you see them, buy them. They tend to disappear quickly and when out-of-print, prices will get crazy.
Afghanistan
Burma (Myanmar)
East Africa
- Gemstones of East Africa
 by Peter C. Keller (1992). Beautiful photos and an excellent text make this an
important work on gems from Kenya and Tanzania.
India
- Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans: The Complete Science of Planetary Gemology
 by Richard
Brown (1996). Indian beliefs on gems, combined with
photos of the author's stunning jewelry.
- Dance of the Peacock
 by Usha R. Bala Krishnan (2005). Stunning treatment of Indian jewelry from the maharajas.
- Jewels of the Nizams
 by Usha R .Bala Krishnan (2006)
. A chronicle of the jewels of the Nizam of Hyderabad, once the richest man in the world.
- Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts
 by Anna Jackson & Amin Jaffer, eds.
(2009). Jewels, paintings, etc. from India's princes.
- Maharajas' Jewels
 by Katherine Prior & John Adamson (2000) Incredible displays of princely Indian opulence in this large volume.
- Mani-Mala, Or A Treatise On Gems, Part 1 (1879)
 by Sourindro Mohun Tagore
(1991). Reprint of this classic book on Indian gemology. In two volumes.
- Traditional Jewelry of India
 by Oppi Untracht (1997)
If you like Indian jewelry and jewels, this is a must
purchase.
- Travels in India (English and French Edition)
 by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier.
Reprint of 1925 edition by Valentine Ball and William
Crooke (itself a revision of 1676 French original).
What can you say? A classic. Tavernier was a French
diamond dealer who brought the Hope diamond, among
others, to Europe.
- Treasury of the World: Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals
 by Manuel Keene & Salam Kaoukji (2001). Terrific collection, including fabulous spinels, emeralds and diamonds.
Madagascar
North America
Pakistan
Russia
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
- Die Edelsteine der Insel Ceylon by Eduard Gübelin (1968). One of the only works that specifiically covers the gems of Sri Lanka. Now out-of-print.
Thailand
Buying guides
Fred Ward Gem Book Series
Each is a nice introduction
to the subject, featuring terrific photos and reasonably
priced.
The Renee Newman Buying Guide
Series
Buying guides geared
towards the retail customer.
The Antoinette Matlins Gem & Jewelry Buyers' Guides
Other titles of interest
The following are numerous
books on gems, jewelry and related subjects. I have
copies of most in my personal library and have added
comments on those I particularly like.
Appraisal & gem business
Color science
Gems & Gemology
- Arab Roots of Gemology
 by
Ahmad Ibn Yusuf Tifashi; Samar Najm Abul Huda (Translator)
(1997). First English translation of this important
Arabic lapidary from the 13th century.
- The Book Most Comprehensive in Knowledge on Precious Stones: Al-Beruni's Book on Mineralogy = [Kitab al-jamahir fi marifat al-jawahir (Natural sciences)
 by Hakim Mohammad Said (1989). English translation of the most important Arab lapidary. A must have for those interested in the history of gemology.
- The Color Treasury of Gemstones
 by Eduard
Gübelin (1975). A wonderful look around the world of gems by the master himself. Outstanding book.
- Gem Identification Made Easy, Fourth Edition: A Hands-on Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling
 by Antoinette L. Matlins,
Antonio C. Bonanno (2009). A beginner's
guide to gemology, this is one of the best-selling gemology books of all time.
- Gemmology
 by Peter Read (2005). Standard text on gemology.
- Gemology
 by Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Robert C. Kammerling
(1991). This is one of the best discussions
of mineralogical gemology, with excellent sections
on crystallography and gemological optics.
- Gemstones of the World by Walter Schumann (1997).
Beautiful pictures in this book, but unfortunately
the text contains many factual errors.
- Geology of Gems by Euginii Ya. Kievlenko (2003). This book is extremely strong in describing localities within the former Soviet Union, including places like Tajikistan that are largely ignored in the other English literature.
- Mani-Mala, Or A Treatise On Gems, Part 1 (1879) by Sourindro Mohun Tagore
(1991). Reprint of this classic book on Indian gemology. In two volumes.
- The Spectroscope and Gemmology
 by B.W. Anderson,
J. Payne, R. Keith Mitchell (Editor) (1998).
Fantastic compilation from the inventor of the gemological
spectroscope.
Famous Gem Collections
Jewelry
There are thousands of books written on jewelry, so I will not (and cannot) cover that waterfront here. That said, here's a few choice nuggest to whet your whistle.
Lapidary Arts
- Gem Cutting
 by John Sinkankas (1984). Like all of John's books, a meticulous and lucid treatment of the subject.
Minerals & Mineralogy
Gem-Related Fiction
Gem-Related Fiction from Gerald A. Brown
Other Gem-Related Fiction
- The Love of Stones by Tobias Hill (2002). Novel based on the jewelry business.
- The French Blue
by Richard W. Wise (2009). Great historical fiction based on the travels of Tavernier. This is really an outstanding read. Highly recommended!
Page updated
March 7, 2013
This page is http://www.ruby-sapphire.com/gembooks.htm
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by David A. Grimaldi
(1996). Probably the best modern book on amber.
Excellent photos! 
by various authors. Volume 7 of the English 
by Chris Lane 
by A.H. Kazmi & L.W. Snee (1990). A technical description of these gems.
by Gustavo Rodriguez Vargas 
by various authors (2002)
by Peter Rainier 
by Russ Anderton 
by Stephen
Hofer (1998). Simply the final word on the subject.
Fantastic!
by Verena Pagel-Theisen (1993). The classic work on the subject.
by Eric Bruton (1979). Probably the best overall treatment ever on the gemology of diamond.
by John I. Koivula (2000). No one does it better. A must-have.
by George E. Harlow
(Editor) (1997). Beautiful introduction to diamonds,
based on the American Museum of Natural History exhibit.
by Gary A. Roskin (1994). Photomicrographs of diamond clarity grades.
A diamond grader's wet dream. 
by George F. Kunz (1916). The rarest of Kunz' major works. Yet another masterpiece of both scholarship and the bookmaker's art.
by Barry O'Leary (1977). This is a terrific small book, filled with color illustrations on judging opal. A must buy.
by Len Cram (2002)
by various authors (2007). 
by D.B. Hoover
(1993). The only monograph devoted to this gem.
by various authors (2002). Number 3 in the acclaimed English 
by Augustus Choate Hamlin (2009). Modern reprint of these two classics from the 19th century in one volume.
by Richard Diethrich (1985). Nice overview of the tourmaline minerals, with emphasis on the mineralogy rather than gemology.
by Friedrich Benesch 
by Gary W. Bowersox (2004) The author tells his own story of his adventures buying gems in Afghanistan.
by Gary W. Bowersox & Bonita
E. Chamberlin (1995). Terrific treatment of
this important source of lapis lazuli, emerald, ruby
and other gems.
by L.A.N. Iyer (2007). Reprint of the 1953 classic on the geology of the Mogok Stone Tract.
by Bertil Lintner (1996). Marvelous
tale of a 1985 year-long journey across insurgent-held
Burma.
by Joseph Kessel & Stella Rodway, trans. (1960). The classic from the French author.
by Ted Themelis (2001). First volume in this two-volume series on the Mogok Stone Tract. See also Volume 2: 
by Ted Themelis (2008).
by Inge Sargent (1997). Heartbreaking autobiographical
story of love and tragedy in Burma. Inge was the German
teacher at my middle school in Boulder, CO when I
was growing up. Today, she and her husband, Tad, are
active in the overseas Burma democracy movement. 
by various authors (2001). Volume 1 of the acclaimed English 
by various authors (2008) Gorgeous coffee-table treatment of the finest minerals from the US.
by George F. Kunz. Reprint of this Kunz classic from the 19th century.
by John Sinkankas (1975).
by John Sinkankas
(1997). 
by Gustav Rose, George M. Sinkankas
(Editor), John Sinkankas (Translator) (1997).
Historical account of Russian gem & mineral localities.
by H. Warington Smyth. Reprint of the 1895 original
entitled Notes of a Journey on the Upper Mekong,
Siam.
by H.
Warington Smyth. 1994 reprint of the two-volume 1898 original.
Much on early ruby and sapphire mining in Thailand
and Cambodia.
by Charles I. Carmona (1998) The be-all and
end-all to the subject.
by David Stanley Epstein (2012). An excellent
introduction to the wholesale gem trade.
by Anna M. Miller & Gail Brett Levine (2008)
by Anna M. Miller (1999)
by Richard W. Wise (2003).
Excellent discussion of quality analysis of gems,
a sorely neglected subject.
by John Sinkankas
& Anna M. Miller (1994). Excellent list
of gem prices. This book is exhaustive and contains
much that is found nowhere else.
by Victoria Finlay (2003). A wonderful history of color written in a beautiful story-telling style.
by Kurt Nassau (2001). Great treatment of the causes of color.
by Fred W. Billmeyer
& Max Saltzman (2000). Classic of color
science. Gemologists would do well to pay more attention
to this important field.
by various authors (1998). Sumptuous oversized two-volume set on the British Crown Jewels. Bring money, but if you can afford it, this is the finest work extant on this important collection.
by V.B. Meen & A.D. Tushingham (1991).
The finest book ever written on the world's finest collection of gems and jewels. A must-have.
by Bernard Morel (1988). The finest work on this collection.
by Jeffrey E. Post
(1997). Beautiful treatment of the Smithsonian
gem collection.
by Leslie Field (1997). After
looking at this, there is little doubt that the British
monarch is one of the richest people in the world.
Can you say gift tax? 
by Hugh Tait (2008).
Based largely on the collection in the British Museum.
by Hans Nadelhoffer (2007).
Coffee-table history of jewelry from the famous French
jeweler.
by Oppi Untracht (1982)
. Probably the most complete book on the jewelry arts
ever written.
by Victoria Finlay (2007).
One of the best written books I know of about gems and jewels. Highly recommended!
by Frederick
H. Pough (1998) Classic field guide.
by Deer, Howie & Zussman (1992). Standard
college-level text.
by John Sinkankas (1993). I know of no finer introduction to mineralogy. 
