Table of Contents

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

About the Author

Antoinette L Matlins PG, is an internationally respected gem and jewellery expert, author, lecturer and popular media guest. Her books are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewellery field alike. Antonio C Bonanno FGA ASA MGA, was one of America's most distinguished gemologists. For over 40 years, he was President of the National Gem Appraising Laboratory, and Director of the Columbia School of Gemology in Silver Spring, Maryland.