Buying guides for gems and jewelry appear on the market with some regularity,
and these two are similar in scope and content to their predecessors. Cuellar,
founder and president of Diamond Cutters International, covers the standard
topics of the four Cs (carat, clarity, color, cut), as well as the fifth C,
cost. Various chapters focus on everything from ring settings to insurance,
investment, and selling diamonds; other tidbits include carat size charts and
even a list of 101 ways to be romantic. This serious yet lighthearted guide is
geared to anyone looking for inside information on purchasing a diamond.
Matlins's (Jewelry and Gems, LJ 5/1/94) work is equally informative yet more
serious in nature. Each of the seven parts focuses on a variety of topics from
the historical significance of pearls to pearl types and quality, from selection
to caring for and wearing pearls. The two most important sections deal with
insider tips and advice from the experts and what to ask when purchasing pearls.
Other features include price guides, special charts, and a special color
photograph section. Both of these books are suitable for public libraries.
--Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State University Library, Johnson City.

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