Secrets Of The Gem Trade: The Connoisseurs Guide To Precious Gemstones by Richard W. Wise (Graduate Gemologist and President of R. W. Wise, Goldsmiths, Inc. with years of gemological study) is an impressive new reference for dedicated dealers and collectors of gems, gemstones, and other valued gemological items such as pearls. Introducing and descriptively exploring each and every gem covered in the easy-to-use reference, Secrets Of The Gem Trade contains an illustrated summary of each stone inclusive of its history and general information, hue and tone, saturation, which may be noticed as the finest, an understanding of the particular gems rarity, and the caution for synthetics and how to depict them, however dependant upon the stone there may be description of clarity, color fading, multi-color effect, etc. Secrets Of The Gem Trade is very highly recommended to anyone interested in gemology as a superbly organized, authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow reference.

This book doesn't contain the type of information I thought I wanted. But the more I read a section here & there searching for gem valuations, I discovered that this book is much better than a price guide (especially since I also bought "Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide" by Matlins)- it's a history of colored gems, the regions in which they're mined, past & present, and a treasure trove of obscure yet relevant information, some of which I'm sure many jewellers are unaware. It's a lttle pricey but for someone with a genuine interest in gemstones, I think it's probably money well spent.