of the World of Colored Stones |
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Richard W. Hughes: Author of Ruby & Sapphire, the definitive book on corundum, as well as, the previous Butterworth's Corundum. His numerous essential monographs are published in journals and magazines; nearly all of which are available for reading on his website. Dick is an intrepid traveler and prolific, seemingly tireless writer, lecturer,and educator. It is a joy to follow his delightful blend of gemology, world consciousness, politics and wit. His next book is on the way..... Special thanks, Dick, for your generous moral support and for nudging me out the door to Thailand where I think I may have left part of my heart and perhaps a bit of my soul.  |
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microWorld of Gems: Kristi Koivula brings you the work of her husband, the renowned gemologist and micro-photographer John Koivula. The publication of John's work over the past 30 years—his photomicrographs and numerous articles, technical papers, as well as four books—has contributed to a growing interest in collecting gemstone inclusions. While the books are an indespensible reference and a delight to the gemologist, mineralogist, collector or student, they readily transcend those bounds. One can't help but be moved by the stunning beauty of internal scenes captured by his lens. Along with being able to order signed books by the author, mWG also brings you giclée prints, gemstone inclusion specimens and custom photomicrography. Exploring the beautiful website alone will give you a glimpse into a world few have access to or knowledge of. To possess the books is to be drawn into an enchanting world like no other.  |
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Jeff Scovil: Author of Photographing Minerals, Fossils, & Lapidary Materials. "Jeff is Associate Photographer for the Mineralogical Record and Rock and Minerals magazines. He is an internationally published photographer whose work can be found in most of the mineral and lapidary magazines in the United States as well as France, Germany, Spain, Poland and Russia. Jeff has run the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show Seminar in Mineral Photography since 1986 and their Mineral Photography Slide Competition since 1988. He lectures widely on the topics of mineral and gem photography plus mineralogy, and travels widely photographing for dealers, collectors and museums" (Bio quoted from his website). I have to thank Jeff, for it was his photos which partly lead me onto the path of gemology and to the realization of what high art mineral photography really can be (and better left to him), as well as for exhibiting the appropriate enthusiastic response upon seeing my humble star rose quartz.  |
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Richard W. Wise: If his book Secrets of the Gem Trade has made Richard a rock star, it is because he has accomplished the notable feat of making the nuances of fine gems accessible, not only in his rich text but also with extraordinary images of extraordinary gemstones- many as seen through the lens of Jeffrey Scovil. Richard has literally defined "connoisseurship," guiding the reader into the world of colored stone appreciation, enriching the journey with his passion for history and travel. Richard has long been a purveyor of fine gems, maintaining a collection unparalleled in our part of the world. He and his wife Rebekah host the R.W. Wise Goldsmiths gallery nestled in the lovely Berkshire Mountains; an inviting, gracious space where the love of exceptional colored stones is immediately evident. Richard is a popular writer for several journals and magazines; follow his latest on his blog, GemWise.  |
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Vincent Pardieu: The original "Travel Addicted Gemologist" First, go get a large cup of something soothing and pull up a comfy chair, then explore Vincent's Field Gemology.org. You will be ready for more - plunge right into his MySpace page. Full of incredible photographs and movie clips, he'll take you trekking on his fascinating adventures to remote and exotic lands - in no time you'll be packing your bags and getting all your shots. The next time I get a call from this French man while in Bangkok, I might not be so quick to decline meeting in favor of my own adventure into the hinterlands - perhaps another time! |