Sought after, fought over, hoarded, hidden and stolen; diamonds remain one of mankind's greatest obsessions. Diamond represents the most concentrated form of wealth on the planet and the hardest known natural substance. Covering everything from the origin of diamonds and their properties, through mining, the four Cs of grading and marketing, to modern high-tech treatments, fancy coloured diamonds and synthetics, "The Diamond Compendium" presents the body of diamond knowledge in a simple and understandable way. Written by a diamond expert this book is based on thousands of hours of research with specialists worldwide. Whether you are using this book to learn the facts about purchasing diamonds, understand the trade, prepare for formal examinations or simply satisfy your curiosity, "The Diamond Compendium" is the most thorough, absorbing and comprehensive book on the market.

About the Author

DeeDee Cunningham (FCGmA, FGA, DGA) is holder of professional diamond and gemmology diplomas from Great Britain and Canada. Recipient of multiple distinctions, she was awarded the W. Donald Goodger Prize upon graduation from the Canadian Gemmological Association in 1995. She currently lives in Toronto.