corundum, Sri Lanka.12, gems

Emanuel presents a practical and historical survey of diamonds and other precious stones, intended particularly for jewelers, merchants, collectors, and general readers. He discusses the physical properties, colors, qualities, sources, cutting, polishing, valuation, and commercial classification of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, opals, turquoise, garnets, and numerous other gem materials. Considerable attention is given to famous diamonds and other celebrated jewels, historic gem-producing localities, methods of distinguishing genuine stones from imitations, and contemporary practices in the gem and jewelry trade. The work provides a useful nineteenth-century account of gemstones from the perspective of the commercial jeweler, combining contemporary gemological knowledge with historical anecdotes and practical information on identification and value.