Home

The Book of Ruby and Sapphire J.F. Halford-Watkins  |  2012 Prior to the 1930s, ruby and sapphire were mysteries, arcane gems oft-confused with spinel and other look-alikes. Enter Col. J.F. Halford-Watkins. Living in Mogok for more than two decades, he penned several articles and an entire monograph on the subject of these rare gems. Sadly he passed away before it could be published. In 1994, Richard Hughes came across a reference to the manuscript. Patrick Streeter, grandson of G. Skelton Streeter, and great grandson of the famed London jeweler, Edwin Streeter, had mentioned the Halford-Watkins manuscript while writing his book, Streeter of Bond Street. Following up on that obscure reference Richard Hughes stumbled upon something truly fantastic, an undiscovered treasure of the gemological literature. Over ten years in the making, The Book of Ruby and Sapphire  is the realization of Halford-Watkins’ vision. Professionally edited and illustrated, it represents a gemological tour de force. Still in Print. To order this book click this link

READ MORE ›

Books written by Richard W. Hughes, Wimon Manorotkul and E. Billie Hughes Read more

READ MORE ›

Corundum Richard W. Hughes  |  1990 Rubies and sapphires are widely considered to be among the most sought after and precious of gems. Together they account for over fifty percent of the world trade in colored gemstones. This book is the first from Richard Hughes on the subject, and the first major work to be devoted entirely to the corundum family of gemstones. It covers all aspects of rubies and sapphires, beginning with their history, chemical and physical properties. Other chapters look at treatments, synthetic corundums, methods of fashioning, famous rubies and sapphires, formation of corundum deposits and world sources, providing a valuable reference source for jewelers, gemologists, students, and the general reader. Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy

READ MORE ›

A curated list of the most important books on gems, gemology, jewelry, mineralogy and allied fields.

READ MORE ›

Ruby & Sapphire Richard W. Hughes  |  1992 Ruby & Sapphire explores the fascinating story of the corundum family of gems. This single volume reporesents a slightly updated version of Corundum, the first detailed examination of both ruby and the various sapphires, widely considered to be the most sought after of all gems. The author draws on his many years of experience to take the reader back in time to the various Asian kingdoms that were the primary sources of the fabled ruby and sapphire. For those interested in rubies and sapphires, this book offers an unparallelled look at the world's premier gems. This is a slightly updated version of Corundum. Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy

READ MORE ›

Quotes from some of the rave reviews of the 1997 gemological classic, Ruby & Sapphire, by Richard W. Hughes.

READ MORE ›

Ruby & Sapphire  •  A Collector's Guide Richard W. Hughes  |  2014 Few gems capture the imagination like ruby and sapphire. This book removes the cloak of an otherwise secret world. Drawing on a lifetime’s experience, the author ventures around the globe for the finest specimens, in the process allowing readers to discover the people and places where these rare gems are found, along with the story of the stones themselves. Throughout the text, Hughes guides readers with the steady connoisseur's eye, explaining what collectors should look for. For many pieces, actual auction prices are given, aiding collectors in their buying decisions. Illustrated with more than 300 color photographs, this is a visual and intellectual feast of the most delicious order. Ruby & Sapphire • A Collector's Guide order page

READ MORE ›

Ruby & Sapphire  •  A Gemologist's Guide Richard W. Hughes, with Wimon Manorotkul & E. Billie Hughes  |  2017 Designed as a companion to Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide, this massive volume is aimed specifically at working gemologists, appraisers and students. Based on Richard W. Hughes' 1997 classic, Ruby & Sapphire, this edition is fully updated. The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience and research, it covers every aspect of the subject from A–Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, Ruby & Sapphire—A Gemologist’s Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. Ruby & Sapphire •  A Gemologist's Guide order page 

READ MORE ›

Part 2 of Chapter 10  from Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire. It covers record-setting rubies, sapphires and spinels.

READ MORE ›

Terra Spinel  |  Terra Firma Vladyslav Y. Yavorskyy, with Richard W. Hughes  |  2010 Terra Spinel takes readers into the world of spinel through the lens and collection of renowned spinel dealer, Vladyslav Yavorskyy. Some of the world's finest spinels are featured in this book's pages as Yavorskyy travels to the most important locations. The traditional sources Burma (Myanmar), Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka are covered in detail, along with newer finds in Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar. This is not a gemology book in the traditional scientific sense. Instead, what it represents is a celebration of a rare gem and the places from which it comes. Stunningly illustrated, it is a must-have for any gem lover. Out-of-print

READ MORE ›