Gemstone Publishing, Sachbücher, The Pearl Book (4th Edition): The Definitive Buying Guide (Englisch, Antoinette Matlins...

Table of Contents Preface vi Acknowledgments viii Introduction ix Part One Pearls: First Among Gems 1 Chapter 1 Most Ancient of Gems, Most Precious of Gems 3 Chapter 2 Legendary Pearls, Legendary Tales 14 Part Two What Is a Pearl? 21 Chapter 3 Pearls in the Making 23 Chapter 4 Different Types of Pearls: 38 A Pearl for Every Mood Part Three The Difference Quality Makes 63 Chapter 5 Quality-Key to Lasting Beauty 66 Chapter 6 Artificial Enhancements Used 82 on Lackluster Pearls Part Four Selecting Pearls to Treasure 91 Chapter 7 How to Choose Fine Pearls 93 Chapter 8 Pearl Choices-A World of Variety 96 Chapter 9 Pearl Prices-Some Guidelines 109 Part Five Lustrous Advice from Illustrious Experts 121 Chapter 10 The Experts Speak 123 Chapter 11 Great Jewelers on Great Pearls 145 Chapter 12 Magnificent Auctions Highlight 159 Magnificent Pearls Part Six Wearing and Caring for Pearls 169 Chapter 13 Wearing Pearls with Style 171 Chapter 14 Caring for Pearls to Keep Them Lustrous 178 Part Seven Important Advice Before and After You Buy 181 Chapter 15 What to Ask When Buying Pearls 183 Chapter 16 Good Insurance Requires a Good Appraisal 188 Chapter 17 Getting a Laboratory Report 191 iv Pearl Book_text_3_08 5/14/08 9:38 AM Page iv Where to Go for Additional Information 199 Selected Readings 200 A Practical Pearl Glossary 202 Credits 206 Index 208 Price Guides American Cultured Freshwater Pearls 110 Cultured Saltwater Pearl Necklaces 111-113 South Sea Cultured Pearls 114 Tahitian Black Cultured Pearls 115-117 Chinese Freshwater Pearl Necklaces 118 Mabé Pearls 119 Special Charts Nacre Thickness 73 Grading Nacre Thickness in Japanese Pearl Strands 75 Misnomers and What They Really Are 89 Popular Uniform Necklace Lengths 177 Popular Graduated Necklace Lengths 177 Color Photograph Section following page 118.