The Pearl Book (4th Edition) by Antoinette Matlins

The Pearl Book (4th Edition) by Antoinette Matlins

Everything you need to buy beautiful pearls with confidence.

With today's finest cultured pearls rivaling diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire in terms of popularity, rarity and price, more and more people are searching for a reliable source of information to guide them in the fascinating and complex world of pearls--natural, cultured and imitation.

This revised and updated third edition is a comprehensive, authoritative guide that tells readers everything they need to know about pearls to fully understand and appreciate them, and avoid any unexpected--and costly--disappointments, now and in future generations.

Special Feature: Exclusive interviews with the world's leading authorities on pearls, who offer insider insights and advice.

Selected Contents

• Updated retail price guides
• New types of pearls now on the market
• Important up-to-date resource information, including pearl glossary, size charts, sample lab reports and more
• New pearl producing locales, their products and what these new choices have to offer
• The rich history and romance surrounding pearls
• The five factors that determine a pearl's value
• How to distinguish the differences between natural, cultured and imitation pearls
• How to judge pearl quality, including tips on how to see differences with the naked eye
• How to wear and care for pearls
• Magnificent pearl creations from the world's leading jewelers
• What to look for, and what to look out for: How to spot fakes
• Treatments: Good and bad

Antoinette Matlins PG, FGA is a well-known gem and jewelry specialist, author, and presenter whose services are sought by people all over the world who hire her to find excellent, rare, or uncommon gems and jewels. She's produced a number of publications that have helped customers and experts alike better understand and enjoy jewelry and gems. Antonio C. was well-trained by one of America's most illustrious gemologists. Matlins has acquired broad reputation as a top consumer affairs representative in the jewelry business, and has played a vital role in educating customers about gems and jewelry, thanks to her father and co-author, Bonanno. Matlins was given the renowned FGA designation by the Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain), the world's most prominent international gemmological association, in honor of her contributions to the subject.

Matlins is widely regarded as a passionate and successful consumer advocate, having lead a statewide campaign against gemstone investment telemarketing scams. She has appeared on shows such as ABC's Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, NBC's Today, CNN's Daywatch and World Report, Oprah, The Anderson Cooper Show, Inside Edition, and CNBC's Power Lunch to educate customers and expose fraud. Matlins, who is based in Vermont, travels widely over the world, counseling people and businesses on the purchase and sale of stones and jewelry. She helps clients find everything from an engagement ring to a rare period jewel, from an amazing natural fancy-color diamond to an uncommon carved cabochon or the rarest of fine jewels, thanks to her exceptional grasp of gemstones and in-depth knowledge of all elements of the jewelry business.

She also oversees the design and production of equally unique jewelry to complement these jewels. Visit www.AntoinetteMatlins.com for additional information or to get in touch with Matlins.