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My Gemmology Obsession Library - A full list of my Gem Books

Updated: Sep 26

*New Additions are in Blue


I've been collecting Diamond and Gemstone books for the last few years and many of you have asked me to make a full list of them all.


I'm currently working on a project. - "How to Organise your Gem Book Library" - A Step by step guide.

On which I'll be creating a new display from scratch and take you through the steps and materials I'll be using to make that outstanding one-of-a-kind library you can proudly show off.


So I thought there is no better time to list all my books and group them by categories. Some of the books will fall under a few categories, but I'll be listing them in the one I feel they fall more into.


 

Let's start with the smallest section of my library


The Design Category



Here you will find books about how to draw Gemstones, Diamonds, Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets and chains. Those books are perfect for beginners that want to start from the basics and learn about light, shadows, colour and the materials used in creating that realistic hand drawing.


This Drawing was my first practice on drawing Wedding bands with a different texture. It's from the first and one of my most recommended books for beginners.


  • Jewellery Illustration and Design: Techniques for Achieving Professional Results - Cosimo Vinci, Manuela Brambatti (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Drawing for Jewellers (Master Classes In Professional Design) - Maria Josep Forcadel (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Jewellery Illustration and Design, Vol.2: From the Idea to the Project - Cosimo Vinci, Manuela Brambatti


 

Diamond Books


  • Diamonds: The Quest from Solid Rock to the Magic of Diamonds - Christine Gordon, Roli

  • Brilliance and Fire: A Biography of Diamonds - Rachelle Bergstein

  • Empire of Diamonds: Victorian Gems in Imperial Settings - Adrienne Munich

  • Diamond Design. A Study of the Reflection and Refraction of Light in a Diamond - Marcel Tolkowsky

  • Diamonds: The World's Most Dazzling Exhibition - Natural History Museum

  • Diamonds - Marijan Dundek (2009)

  • Diamonds - Marijan Dundek (2022) (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)


 

Gemmology Books



  • Secrets of the Gemtrade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones - Richard W Wise (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Semi-Precious Stones, Gems, Jewelers' Materials and Ornamental Stones of California; Volume No.37 - George Frederick Kunz

  • Gemmology: 3rd Edition - Peter G. Read

  • The Retail Jeweller's Guide: Fourth Edition - Kenneth Blakemore

  • The Smithsonian National Gem Collection―Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels - Jeffrey Edward Post

  • Gemmology of the World - Walter Schumann

  • The Illustrated Guide to Crystals - Judy Hall

  • Rocks & Minerals - DK Handbooks (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)


 

Gemstone Books



  • Smithsonian - Gem: The Definitive Visual Guide - Aja Raden, DK

  • Gems - François Farges, Van Cleef & Arpels (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised Fifth Edition - Walter Schumann

  • The Gemstone Detective: Buying Gemstones and Jewellery in the USA - Kim Rix

  • The Gemstone Detective: Buying Gemstones and Jewellery in Australia - Kim Rix

  • The Gemstone Detective: Buying Gemstones and Jewellery in India - Kim Rix

  • The Lure of Coloured Rocks and Gemstone Jewellery: Volume 1 - Steve Bennett

  • The Lure of Coloured Rocks and Gemstone Jewellery: Volume 2 - Steve Bennett

  • The Lure of Gems an Encyclopaedic Guide: Volume 1 - Steve Bennett

  • The Lure of Gems: Fourth Edition - Steve Bennett - This is Huge - 1,390 Pages


  • The Crystal Bible Volume 1 - Judy Hall

  • The Crystal Bible Volume 2 - Judy Hall

  • Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing - Yulia Van Doren

  • Crystal Healing - Tilly Lister

  • Healing with Crystals - Cassandra Eason

  • Crystals for the Passion and Romance - Cassandra Eason

  • Opal: The Phenomenal Gemstone - Lithographie, LLC

  • Pearls a Practical Guide - Wendy Graham


 

History Books



  • American Cut: The First 100 Years - Al Gilbertson

 

  • A Legacy of Leadership: The History of the Gemological Institute of America - William George Shuster, GIA - This is absolutely my Favourite Book EVER. A Must buy!!!

 

  • The Crown Jewels: The Official Illustrated History - Anna Keay

  • The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewellery Empire: The Untold Story of a Jewellery Dynasty - Francesca Cartier Brickell


  • Cartier - Philippe Tretiack

  • The Art of Faberge - John Booth

  • Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond - William Dalrymple, Anita Anand

  • Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration - Caroline de Guitaut

  • Argyle The impossible story of Australian Diamonds - Stuart Kells


 

Jewellery Books


  • The Graff Book: A story told in Diamonds - Graff, Rizzoli - A MUST!

  • Coloratura: High Jewelry and Precious Objects by Cartier - Cartier, François Chaille

  • Stardust: The Work and Life of Jeweler Extraordinaire Frédéric Zaavy - Gilles Hertzog

  • Chaumet in Majesty: Jewels of Sovereigns Since 1780 - Jean-Marc Mansvelt

  • Jewelry by Chanel - Patrick Mauriès

  • Gemologue: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips - Liza Urla

  • Fine Jewelry Couture: Contemporary Heirlooms - Olivier Dupon (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Diamond Jewelry: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour - Diana Scarisbrick (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Jackson's Hallmarks, Pocket edition: English Scottish Irish Silver & Gold Marks From 1300 to the Present Day - Ian Pickford

  • Jewel: A Celebration of Earth's Treasures - Judith Miller, DK

  • Baselworld Brand Book 2015 - Baselworld

  • Baselworld Brand Book 2016 - Baselworld

  • Baselworld Brand Book 2017 - Baselworld

  • Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World - Aja Raden

  • Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity: Great Designers, Celebrity Style - Penny Proddow

  • Jewellery for Gentlemen - James Sherwood (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Jewelry: From Antiquity to the Present - Clare Phillips

  • Beautiful Creatures: Jewellery Inspired by the Animal Kingdom - Marion Fasel (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Bulgari Magnifica: The Power Women Hold - Tina Leung (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Jewelry International Vol 1 - Rizzoli (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Jewelry International Vol 2 - Rizzoli (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Jewelry International Vol 3 - Rizzoli

  • Bulgari | Serpenti: The Power of Metamorphosis - Alba Cappellieri - (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)

  • Windows at Tiffany & Co (Memoire) - Assouline - (INSTAGRAM REEL VIDEO)


 

So that completes my list of books. I haven't added any of my magazines as there are too many of them :)


I will be updating this page every time I treat myself to a new book (pretty much every month :), so keep checking this blog and let me know if you have any recommendations or questions.



 

Have you purchased a book because of my blog?

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