Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler's Guide

This is a good book that deals specifically with how to care for each stone at the bench. It even gives you examples of damaged stones and why they were damaged. Why am I giving this book only 4 stars? There is no section on Moissanite, and in the "Metal Interactions With Stones" section, they don't talk about silver. Do not let those deficiencies sway you from getting what is otherwise an outstanding reference. It talks about possible enhancements to each type of gem, how to clean them, and whether they can tolerate heat or not. It also gives tips on designing jewelry with a particular stone, such as designing it in such a way as to protect fragile stones. If you are just starting at the bench I would consider this book essential, but someone who has been at the bench a few years or longer may have everything here memorized already. There are exactly 10 pages of ads at the end of the book, but I don't really mind that; I thought I'd give a fair warning since I've seen other user complains about this.

This may not be the sexiest jewelry making book on the shelf, but for anyone who is inexperienced at working with gemstones, it'll surely pay for itself by saving you from inadvertently causing a workbench disaster. I have many excellent books on jewelry making, but none of them even briefly mentions the stone safeguarding information given in this book. Clear,terse explanations of safe techniques, as well as techniques to avoid and the reasons to avoid them for most of the gemstones you'll encounter on the bench make this a no brainer for anyone who isn't already an expert at stone setting and jewelry making. Highly recommended!

I have just started working with gemstones. I had no idea how fragile they are. Had I not read this book I am sure I would have ruined some of my precious gems. Truely if you are going to do anything. Even as simple as cleaning your gemstones I suggest you read this book.

This is a great book to have as a reference. It is easy to use and full of great information!

You can never have enough tips from bench jewelers. Nice addition to my library