corundum, History.1, Chemistry.2, properties.3, color.4, inclusions.5, treatments.6, synthetic corundum.7, assembled stones.8, fashioning.9, quality.10, geology.11, sources.12, Australia.12, Afghanistan.12, China.12, India.12, France.12, Laos.12, Madagascar.12, Mozambique.12, Malawi.12, Myanmar.12, Pakistan.12, Sri Lanka.12, Tanzania.12, Tajikistan.12, Thailand.12, Vietnam.12, USA.12, Montana.12, gems, irradiation paper on ruby, Indian lapidary, color science, Kashmir, Mogok

From the dawn of time, ruby and sapphire have both attracted and fascinated humans in ways that few other items could. While objects of desire are found throughout the natural world, physical beauty is too often ephemeral. From the allure of a man, woman, flower or butterfly, through the fleeting moments of a sunset, there is little that lasts and practically nothing that can be passed down to our descendants. The exception is precious stones. Not only are they the most durable creations of mother nature, but their visual splendor is truly eternal. In this companion to his 2013 book, Ruby & Sapphire—A Collector’s Guide, Richard Hughes examines these gems from the gemological standpoint, delving into them not just from the aesthetic, but also from the scientific point of view. The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience, this book covers the subject from A–Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, causes of color, geology, synthetics and treatments—everything is here. Ruby & Sapphire—A Gemologist’s Guide arguably represents the most comprehensive volume ever written on a single precious stone. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, it is nothing less than a tour de force of gemological scholarship.