Studiopjj

P.J.Joseph's Weblog On Colored Stones, Diamonds, Gem Identification, Synthetics, Treatments, Imitations, Pearls, Organic Gems, Gem And Jewelry Enterprises, Gem Markets, Watches, Gem History, Books, Comics, Cryptocurrency, Designs, Films, Flowers, Wine, Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Graphic Novels, New Business Models, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Energy, Education, Environment, Music, Art, Commodities, Travel, Photography, Antiques, Random Thoughts, and Things He Like.

Showing posts with label Jean-Claude Biver. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Random Thoughts

Mechanical watches are eternal, whereas the Apple Watch---I got one for my birthday 10 days ago, my fourth----will become obsolete. A Royal Oak or Submariner still works and has value. Obsolescence cannot compete with eternity. Who competes with eternity? God, may be.

- Jean-Claude Biver

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Biver

The watch, a prototype Tourbillon Minute Repeater Carillon in Titanium, a unique piece with a silvered obsidian stone dial has been sold for CHF 1,270,000.

Useful links:

https://www.phillips.com/detail/biver/CH080123/128

https://jcbiver.com

Saturday, April 22, 2023

The Biver Carillon Tourbillon

Many thanks to Mark Kauzlarich for the insightful story on Pierre Biver and Jean-Claude Biver and their watches.

Useful links:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/hands-on-biver-carillon-tourbillon

https://jcbiver.com

Friday, November 02, 2018

Why Jean-Claude Biver Is So Much More Than A Successful Swiss Watch Boss

Simply authentic.

Useful link:
https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/why-jean-claude-biver-is-ahead-of-his-time

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Colored Stones Course For Beginners

Colored Stones Course for Beginners is designed to expand your knowledge across a variety of topics related to colored stones.

This mini course will enable you to become a knowledgeable consumer, hobbyist or collector of colored stones in just 3 hours. I will teach you how to identify the many different colored stones found in the gem and jewelry market. This session is perfect for anyone wanting to know or looking to select and buy colored stones with confidence.

Course Outline

. Introduction

. What is a gemstone?

. Why do people love colored stones?

. Popular Colored Stones in the market

- Ruby

- Sapphires

- Emerald

- Common colored stones in the gem market

. How to buy

. Where to buy

. Gemstone reports

Where

. On WhatsApp

When

. Anywhere. Anytime.

Duration

. 3 hours

. Course Fee

. US$50 per person

Have an interesting thought, comment or question? Please feel free to write to me.

P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany)

Useful Gem Topics for Beginners

Did you know the most important thing you can do in your 20s? Get a hobby. Here is some inspirational topics to get you started.

1. How to separate diamond from imitations.

2. How to separate ruby from imitations.

3. How to separate sapphires from imitations.

4. How to separate tourmaline from imitations.

5. How to separate spinel from imitations.

6. How to separate emerald from imitations.

7. How to separate chrysoberyl cat's eye from imitations.

8. How to separate turquoise from imitations.

9. How to separate lapis lazuli from imitations.

10. How to separate coral from imitations.

11. How to separate pearl from imitations.

12. How to separate ivory from imitations.

13. How to separate amber from imitations.

14. Gemstone Treatments.

15. Synthetic Gemstones

16. Imitation Gemstones.

17. Diamond Grading & Issues.

18. Colored Stone Grading & Issues.

19. Gem Identification vs. Gemstone Grading.

20. Gem Markets.

21. Basic Gem Identification vs. Analytical Gem Identification.

22. Phenomenal Gemstones.

23. Colored Stone Consumers.

24. Diamond Consumers.

25. Lab-grown Diamonds.

26. Gem Auctions.

27. High Value Gemstones.

28. Diamond Mining.

29. Colored Stone Mining.

30. Pearl Farming.

31. Diamond Market.

32. Pearl Market.

33. Collector Gemstones.

34. Gemstone Art.

35. Colored Stone Watches.

36. Diamond Watches.

37. Diamond Sightholders.

38. Ruby Sightholders.

39. Emerald Sightholders.

40. Gem Shows.

41. Tuscon Gem & Mineral Show

42. Synthetic Gems in Technology.

43. Gem Cutting.

44. Jaipur Colored Stone Market.

45. Surat Diamond Market.

46. Chantaburi Colored Stone Market.

47. Artisanal Mining.

48. How to buy Colored Stones.

49. How to buy Diamond.

50. How to buy Colored Diamonds.

51. How to buy Pearl.

52. Birthstones.

53. Crystal Healing.

54. Mineral Collections.

55. Crystals & Art.

56. Recycled Diamonds.

57. Recycled Colored Stones.

58. Ornamental Colored Stones.

60. Gemological Instruments.

61. Gem Inclusions.

62. Gem Photography.

63. How to collect Gemstones.

64. Gem Appraisal.

65. Diamond Appraisal.

66. Gem Therapy.

67. How to separate opal from imitations.

68. Gemstones for Kids.

69. Navaratnas & Common Imitations.

70. Jewelry Watches.

Need A Good Listener? Need to Talk? Need to Talk now?

One thing happening in today's current society is communication loss. As our ways of communicating have evolved through technology, our ability to listen and to be heard has greatly diminished. Sometimes all you need is just someone honest to listen, really listen. Most people aren't necessarily looking for solutions; just empathy, a true understanding and a safe space to say whatever is on in their mind. Honesty in communication is what holds it together.

Studiopjj provides active listening from someone who is natural, unbiased and empathetic. And it's all completely confidential.

A Good Listener is a natural fit for someone in need of unbiased attention, acceptance and understanding, When you book an appointment with me, you are securing a safe space to be your genuine self, and to hear your own thoughts out loud and clear. Listening is a relational experience.

Thinking aloud, allowed.

No criticism.

No judgement.

No interpretation.

Just active listening.

There are other ways in which a Good Listener can serve your needs, such as:

. Practice audience for sermons, lectures, speeches, comedy routines, musical recitals, and all forms of public address.

. Extra set of eyes (a third eye) and ears (a third ear) for bands, dancers, performance artists.

. Just general conversation over a cup of coffee or tea.

When you hire a Good Listener, he is happy to lend you his eyes and ears.

All sessions will be private and kept strictly confidential,

Rates

. US$1 a minute.

. Payment is due at the time of session.

. Only cash is preferred. No cheques (checks), please.

Contact

. P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany)

. Blog: https://studiopjj.blogspot.com

. Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiopjj

Gem Buying Workshop

.See .Feel .Play .Learn

7 Good Reasons Why You Should Take This Short Course

1. Learn how to buy colored stones and diamonds.

2. Learn how to detect imitation (fakes) gemstones from real (natural) gemstones.

3. Learn how to select gemstones for quality, value or for investments.

4. Learn to avoid the most common mistakes by the beginner.

5. Learn the essentials about diamond, ruby, sapphires, emerald, pearl, and the commonly seen gemstones in the market.

6. Learn how to use a loupe and a tweezer to examine gemstones.

7. Learn the language of gemstone reports.

Course Details

. Gem Buying Workshop is designed to expand your knowledge across a variety of topics related to colored stones and diamonds.

. In just 3 hours, colored stone expert P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany) will teach you how to identify the many different colored stones including diamond found in the gem & jewelry industry. By touching and manipulating the gem materials you are initiated into the mysterious world of gemstones. This session is perfect for anyone wanting to know or looking to select and buy colored stones or diamonds with confidence.

. You will learn to ask the right questions.

. Personalized one-to-one training and small group practice sessions are available. Please write to me for the course fee.

Contact:

P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany)

Blog: https://studiopjj.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiopjj

Birthstones (Navaratnas, in India) & Common Imitations Course

Birthstones (Navaratnas, in India) & Common Imitations Course for Beginners.

. Your Benefit

1. Students will be practicing with real (natural) and imitation stones side-by-side with more practical and less theory during the session.

2. Students will learn the value of the 4 C's (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight)

3. Students will learn to ask the right questions.

4. Students will learn the language of gemstone reports.

The course is open to all who want to know how to separate natural birthstones (Navaratnas, in India) from their imitations.

Please write to me about the course fee and location.

Contact:

. P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany)

. Blog: https://studiopjj.blogspot.com

. Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiopjj

Gem Identification Crash Course

. Your Benefits

1. The course covers theory and practice.

2. You will learn how to identify commercially important colored stones.

3. You will learn the importance of 4 C's (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight)

4. Lab work includes commonly found colored stones with complete set of gem testing instruments such as loupe, tweezers, polariscope, refractometer, microscope, dichroscope, Chelsea filter, hydrostatic balance and UV light.

. Personalized one-to-one training session can also be arranged for interested students for a special fee.

Career Opportunities

1. Gemstone analyst

2. Gem specialist or consultant

3. Wholesale or retail gem & jewelry business

4. Gem & jewelry appraiser

5. Gem trader or jeweler

. Duration: 10 days

Please write to me for the course fee and location.

Contact:

P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany)

Blog: https://studiopjj.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiopjj

Gem Facts: For Astrologers, Jewelers, and Consumers

I want to bring astrologers, jewelers, and consumers together on a right platform. My focus is to inform gemological facts to astrologers, jewelers, and consumers on issues related to colored stones, diamond, pearl, and coral, because in all cultures they are part of birthstones. Today or tomorrow, consumers are going to purchase and wear birthstones for personal or astrological reasons. Don't you want to know what they truly are? Of course, you do.

. Astrologers and Jewelers

Before astrologers and jewelers recommend birthstones to consumers, they need to act in good faith and know the true facts on colored stones, diamonds, and organic gems in the best interest of their consumers.

. Consumers

Consumers must ask logical questions to their astrologers and jewelers on colored stones, diamonds, and organic gems before purchasing for personal or astrological reasons. Most astrologers and jewelers interpret the gemological characteristics of birthstones differently. Many are not trained or practicing gemologist. Consumers simply don't know the facts because they haven't learnt to ask the right questions.

For just US$1 a minute, I will help consumers ask the right questions to astrologers and jewelers before purchasing birthstones. Consumers are the end users. Consumers must have every right to know the facts because they want to do the right thing.

Contact:

P.J.Joseph, DgemG (Germany)

Blog: https://studiopjj.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiopjj

Analytical Gemological Instruments

Atomic Force Microscopy
Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES or SAM)
Colibri
Computer Tomography
DC3000 (colorimeter)
DiamondSure
DiamondView
Electron Microprobe
Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF)
Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Gas Chromotography (GC)
GIA Facetware
Infra-red Spectrophotometer
Ion Chromatography (IC)
Laser Ablation Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Laue Diffraction Cameras X-radiography
Mobile CCD Spectrometer
Neutron Activation Analysis
Nikon SM-2U Microscope for Photomicrography
Optical Emission Spectrometry
Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE)
Raman Micro Spectroscopy
Sarin Diamension
Sarin Diamension XL
Sarin Diascribe
Sarin Diavision
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy
Synchrotron X-ray Tomographic Microscopy
UV / Visible / NIR Spectroscopy
Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy
Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (WDXRF)
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA)
X-ray Powder Diffraction

Colored Stone Grading Methodology

CARAT WEIGHT
SHAPE AND CUTTING STYLE
MEASUREMENTS (length x width x depth: in millimeters)
COLOR
- Hue
- Saturation (weak-fair-moderate-strong)
- Tone (very light-light-medium-dark-very dark)
- Color zoning (none-faint-moderate-strong)
- Pleochroism (none-faint-moderate-strong)
- Fluorescence (none-faint-moderate-strong)
Poor-Fair-Good-Very Good-Excellent
CLARITY
- Flawless
- Lightly included
- Moderately included
- Visibly included
- Heavily included
CUT
- Brilliance (poor-fair-good-very good-excellent)
- Total depth percentage (depth/width: in millimetersx100)
- Crown-to-pavilion ratio (1:2-1:3-1:4-1:5-1:6)
- Length-to-width ratio (length/width: in millimeters)
- Pavilion bulge (none-slight-moderate-large)
- Girdle thickness (very thin-thin-medium-thick-very thick)
- Symmetry (poor-fair-good-very good-excellent)
- Finish (poor-fair-good-very good- excellent)
Poor-Fair-Good-Very Good-Excellent

Did You Know

Kiss vs. Chocolate: A kiss is just a kiss — but when it comes to tongues, nothing compares with chocolate. The study showed that even the most passionate kisses failed to equal the buzz of chocolate. Tests were carried out to record heart and brain activity without stimulation, activity when tasting chocolate and activity when kissing. The study found that at the point chocolate melts in the mouth, all regions of the brain receive a boost far more intense and longer lasting than the mental excitement from kissing. Chocolate also made the heart beat faster — with some volunteers recording a rise from 60 beats a minute to 140. Kissing also set the heart pounding, but the effect did not last as long.

Diamond Grading Methodology

SHAPE AND CUTTING STYLE
- Diameter in millimeters
- Average diameter
CARAT (actual) WEIGHT
PROPORTIONS AND SYMMETRY
- Depth in millimeters
- Depth percentage
- Table percentage
- Crown angle
- Pavilion depth percentage
- Girdle thickness
- Culet size
- Minor symmetry
- Major symmetry
- Polish
COLOR
- D - E - F (colorless)
- G - H - I - J (near colorless)
- K - L - M (faint yellow)
- N - O - P - Q - R (very light yellow)
- S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z (light yellow)
FLUORESCENCE
CLARITY
- Flawless (FL)
- Internally flawless (IF)
- Very very slightly included (VVS1-2)
- Very slightly included (VS1-2)
- Slightly included (SI 1-3)
- Included (I 1-3)

Did You Know

The Moussaieff Red Diamond is a diamond measuring 5.11 carats (1.022 g) with a triangular brilliant cut (sometimes called a trillion or a trilliant cut), rated in color as Fancy Red by the Gemological Institute of America. While this may seem relatively small when compared to other famous diamonds, the Moussaieff Red is, in fact, the largest Fancy Red the GIA reports having rated. The Moussaieff Red is reported to have been found by a Brazilian farmer in the mid-1990s as a rough of approximately 11 carats. The diamond was purchased and cut by the William Goldberg Diamond Corp., where it went by its original name the Red Shield. It is currently owned by Moussaieff Jewelers Ltd.

Gem Identification Methodology

VISUAL OBSERVATION
- Color
- Transparency
- Cut (shape & style)
- Phenomenon
- Luster
- Dispersion
Polariscope
- Single refractive (SR)
- Anomalous double refractive (ADR)
- Double refractive (DR)
- Aggregate (AGG)
Interference figure
- Uniaxial cross
- Bull's eye
- Biaxial single
- Biaxial double
Refractive index
- Single refractive
- Double refractive
- Spot reading
- Birefringence
- Uniaxial (+/-)
- Biaxial (+/-)
Microscope
- Assembled (doublet/triplet)
- Fracture
- Doubling
- Inclusions
- Other
Spectrum
- Description
- Due to
Pleochroism
- Dichroic
- Trichroic
- Colors seen
Specific gravity
- Hydrostatic weighing
- Heavy liquids
U.V Fluorescence
- Long wave
- Short wave
Phosphorescence
Chelsea Filter
Read through
Immersion cell (relief)
Magnet
Streak
Species
- Variety
- Natural / Synthetic / Assembled
- Synthetic process
- Trade name
IDENTITY

Did You Know

The Ruby Slippers were worn by Dorothy Gale, a character played by Judy Garland (1922–1969) in the MGM film, "Wizard of Oz," 1939. Unlike most films, "The Wizard of Oz" has endured and even attained greater popularity as it was introduced to new generations of audiences through television. One explanation for the movie's lasting appeal to Americans is its central message: In pursuing what you need, you find that you already have it—an affirmation of the virtue of self-sufficiency. The Ruby Slippers were donated anonymously in 1979. The slippers are one of the most asked about artifacts at the Smithsonian. They are displayed in the National Museum of American History, in an exhibition called Icons of American Culture.

Gem & Jewelry Movies

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
After the Sunset (2004)
Aphrodite's Drop: The Power of Pearls (2005)
Apocalypto (2006)
Before the Devil knows You're Dead (2007)
Blood and Wine (1996)
Blood Diamond (2006)
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Charles Loloma - Hopi Jeweler (1976)
Congo (1995)
Crown Jewels (1918)
Cut in Antwerp (2001)
Dealers Among Dealers (1995)
Diamonds (1999)
Diamonds (2000)
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946)
Don't Say a Word (2001)
Emerald Cowboy (2002)
Flawless (2007)
French Kiss (1995)
Gemstones of America (1991)
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Gigi (1958)
Green Fire (1954)
Harry Knuckles and the Pearl Necklace (2004)
Heist (2001)
High Society (1956)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Inside Man (2006)
Jewel Robbery (1932)
Lady Ice (1973)
Lord of War (2005)
Lust, Caution (2007)
Marathon Man (1976)
Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
Pink Panther (1965)
Romancing the Stone (1984)
Rough Cut (1980)
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Snatch (2001)
The Affair of the Necklace (2001)
The Band Wagon (1953)
The Crown Jewel of Indonesia (1999)
The Curse Of the Jade Scorpion (2001)
The Diamond Fleece (1992)
The Diamond of Jeru (2001)
The Diamond Trap (1988)
The Dictator (2012)
The Emperor's New Clothes (1987)
The Fiendish Plot Of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980)
The Gem Hunter (2004)
The Grand Staircase (1989)
The Great Diamond Robbery (1953)
The Jonker Diamond (1936)
The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond (1975)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The Marine (2006)
The Pearl (2005)
The Pearl Necklace (1997)
The Pink Jungle (1968)
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Stolen Jewels (1908)
The Theft of the Crown Jewels (1914)
The Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
The Tucson Experience (1992)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Thief (1981)
Titanic (1997)
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Treasures at Tucson (1992)

Gem & Jewelry Books

1001 Facts about Rocks and Minerals
101 Bench Tips for Jewelers
20th Century Jewelry: The Complete Sourcebook
305 Authentic Art Nouveau Jewelry Designs
A History of Jewellery 1100-1870 by Joan Evans
A Roman Book on Precious Stones by Sydney H Ball (1950)
A World of Bracelets by Anne van Cutsem
A World of Earrings by Anne van Cutsem
A World of Necklaces by Anne Leurquin
A World of Rings by Anne van Cutsem
Advanced Beadwork by Ruth F. Poris
Adventures at the Bench: Tricks to Overcome a Jeweler's Daily Challenges by Juergen Maerz (2006)
Alexandrite by Yury S Kozlov (2005)
Amber by Andrew Ross
Amber by Patty C Rice (1980)
An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry by Harold Newman
Answers to Questions about Old Jewelry, 1840-1950, 6th Edition by Jeanenne Bell
Arab Roots of Gemology: Ahmad Ibn Yusuf Al Tifaschi's Best Thoughts on the Best of Stones – by Ahmad Ibn Yusuf Tifashi; Samar Najm Abul Huda (Translator) (1997)
Art Jewelry Today by Dona Z. Meilach
Art Nouveau Jewelry by Vivienne Becker (1985)
At The Bench by Gregg Todd & Greg Gilman
Bead Setting Diamonds With Pavé Applications by Robert R. Wooding
Beads: The Art of Stringing by Genie Ragan
Bedazzled 5,000 Years of Jewelry by The Walters Art Museum
Before You Buy An Engagement Ring by Nancy N. Schiffer
Bernard Schobinger Jewels Now by Roger Fayet, Florian Hufnagl
Book of Diamonds by Dickinson
Cameos Classical to Costume by Monica Lynn Clements & Patricia Rosser Clements
Cameos Old & New - 3rd edition by Anna M. Miller
Cameos: A Pocket Guide (2nd edition) by Monica Clements & Patricia Clements
Cartier by Philippe Tretiack
Chanel Fine Jewelry by Francois Baudot
Channel Setting Diamonds: With Illustrated Procedures by Robert R. Wooding
Charming: The Magic of Charm Jewelry by Deborah Alan-Jones & John Ayton
Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop by Charles Lewton-Brain
Chinese Jade Throughout The Ages byStanley Charles Nott (1962)
Collecting & Classifying Colored Diamonds – by Stephen Hofer (1998)
Collecting & Classifying Coloured Diamonds Stephen C. Hofer
Collecting Fluorescent Minerals by Stuart Schneider
Collecting Victorian Jewelry Identification and Price Guide by C. Jeanenne Bell
Collector's Guide to Costume Jewelry by Judith Miller
Color by Helen Varley (1980)
Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones by Joel E Arem (1977)
Colored Gemstones: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide (2nd edition)
Complete Metalsmith Professional Edition by Tim McCreight
Complete Metalsmith Student Edition by Tim McCreight
Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture by Florence Muller (2007)
Creating Your Own Jewelry by Cris Dupouy
Creative Silver Chains by Chantal Lise Saunders
Creative Variations in Jewelry Design by Maurice P. Galli, Dominique Riviere & Fanfan Li
Crown Jewels of Iran by V.B.Meen and A.D.Tushingham (1968)
Crystals and Light by Elizabeth A. Wood
Cuff Links (Pizzin) by Jean-Noel Liaut & Bertrand Pizzin
Dali Jewels- Joyas (Hardcover) by The Collection of the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation
Daniel Swarovski: A World of Beauty by Vivienne Becker & Rosemarie Le Gallais
Diagrams for Faceting (Volume I) by Glenn & Martha Vargas
Diamond Grading ABC: Handbook of Diamond Grading by Verena Pagel-Theisen
Diamond Ring Buying Guide (6th edition) by Renee Newman
Diamond Setting: The Professional Approach by Robert R. Wooding
Diamonds: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide
Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry by Elizabeth Taylor
Emerald and Other Beryls by John Sinkankas (1981)
Emeralds of Pakistan by Ali H Kazmi and L W Snee (1989)
Encyclopedia of Jewelry Making Techniques by Jinks McGrath
Engagement & Wedding Rings (3rd edition) by Antoinette Matlins & Antonio Bonanno
Extra Lapis English No. 1 Madagascar A Mineral and Gemstone Paradise by Federico Pezzotta
Extra Lapis English No. 2 Emerald The Legendary Green Beryl
Extra Lapis English No. 3 Tourmaline A Gemstone Spectrum
Extra Lapis English No. 4 Calcite Mineral with the Most Forms
Extra Lapis English No. 5 Gold The Noble Mineral
Extra Lapis English No. 6 Pakistan Minerals, Mountains & Majesty
Extra Lapis English No. 7 Beryl and Its Color Varieties
Extra Lapis English No. 8 Elba A Mineralogical Jewel in the Tuscan Archipelago
Eyewitness Crystal & Gem by Dr. R.F. Symes & Dr. R.R. Harding
Eyewitness Explorers Rocks and Minerals by Steve Parker
Eyewitness Rocks & Minerals by Dr. R.F. Symes
Faceting for Amateurs (4th edition) by Glenn & Martha Vargas
Faceting History: Cutting Diamonds and Colored Stones by Glenn Klein (2005)
Famous Diamonds (4th edition) by Ian Balfour
Famous Jewelry Collectors by Stefano Papi & Alexandra Rhodes
Fancy Color Diamonds by Harvey Harris
Fine Minerals of China: A Guide to Mineral Localities by Guanghua Liu
Forever Brilliant: The Aurora Collection of Colored Diamonds by Alan Bronstein & Stephen C. Hofer
Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide by Renee Newman
Gem and Crystal Treasures by Peter Bancroft (1984)
Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin by Maggie Campbell Pedersen
Gem Cutting by John Sinkankas (1984)
Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying and Selling (3rd edition)
Gem Profile/2: The Second 60 by David Federman
Gem Raw Materials and Their Occurrence in Serbia, 2nd. by Ilic Miloje (2006)
Gem Reference Guide by GIA Staff
Gem Testing by B.W. Anderson & E.A. Jobbins (1990, 10th ed.)
Gem Trader by Louis Kornitzer (1939)
Gem Trails of Arizona by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of Nevada by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of New Mexico by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of Northern California by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of Oregon by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of Pennsylvania & New Jersey by Scott Stepanski & Karenne Snow
Gem Trails of Southern California by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of Southern California by James R. Mitchell
Gem Trails of Texas by Brad L. Cross
Gemmology (3rd edition) by Peter G. Read
Gems & Gemology In Review: Synthetic Diamonds by GIA
Gems & Gemology: A Retrospective of the 80s by Edited by Richard T. Liddicoat & Alice S. Keller
Gems & Jewelry Appraising: Techniques of Professional Practice (2nd edition) by Anna M. Miller
Gems Made by Man – by Kurt Nassau (1980)
Gems: Their Sources, Description and Identification – by Robert Webster (1994, 5th ed.)
Gemstone Buying Guide (2nd edition) by Renee Newman
Gemstone Enhancement: History, Science and State of the Art – by Kurt Nassau (1994)
Gemstones (second edition) by Cally Oldershaw, Christine Woodward & Roger Harding
Gemstones and Mineral Data Book by John Sinkankas
Gemstones And Their Origins by Peter C Keller (1990)
Gemstones by Eduard Gubelin and Franz-Xaver Erni (2000)
Gemstones of North America Vol III by John Sinkankas
Gemstones of North America: Volume II by John Sinkankas
Gemstones of the World – by Walter Schumann (1997)
Gemstones Quality & Value Volume 1 by Yasukazu Suwa
Gemstones Quality and Value Volume 3 Jewelry by Yasukazu Suwa
Gemstones, Quality and Value, Volume 2 by Yasukazu Suwa
Gemstones: Understanding Identifying Buying by Keith Wallis
Genuine Diamonds Found in Arkansas by Glenn W. Worthington (2007)
Georg Jensen 20th Century Designs by Janet & William Drucker
Goldsmithing & Silver Work Jewelry, Vessels & Ornaments by Charles Codina
Handbook of Fine Jewelry by Nancy N. Schiffer
Handbook of Gem Identification – by Richard T., Jr. Liddicoat (1993)
Handbook of Jewelry Store Management by Editors of JCK Magazine
Hinges and Hinge-Based Catches For Jewelers & Goldsmiths by Charles Lewton-Brain
Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem by Richard Kurin (2006)
Horn: Its History and Its Uses by Adele Schaverien (2006)
How to be a Jewelry Detective by C. Jeanenne Bell
Identification of Gemstones by Michael O'Donoghue & Louise Joyner
Illustrated Guide to Jewelry Appraising by Anna Miller
Illustrated Jewelry Catalog 1892
Indian Jewellery Dance of the Peacock by U. Bala Krishnan & M. Sushil Kumar
Introduction to Crystallography by Donald E. Sands
Investing In Antique Jewellery by Richard Falkiner (1968)
Italian gemology during the Renaissance: A step toward modern mineralogy by A Mottana
Ivory by Thames and Hudson Ltd (1987)
Jade 5000 B.C. to 1912 A.D. by Mircea Veleanu
Jeweled Garden: A Colorful History of Gems, Jewels, and Nature by Suzanne Tennenbaum and Janet Zapata (2006)
Jeweler's Resource by Bruce G. Knuth
Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas by John Clarke
Jewelry & Gems at Auction by Antoinette Matlins
Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide – by Antoinette L. Matlins, Antonio C. Bonanno (1998)
Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untracht
Jewelry Design The Artisan's Reference by Elizabeth Olver
Jewelry Making Techniques Book by Elizabeth Olver
Jewelry Wax Modeling by Adolfo Mattiello
Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing by Tim McCreight
Jewels of the Nizams by Usha R. Bala Krishnan
Laboratory Created Diamonds by Sharrie Woodring and Branko Deljanin (2005)
Legacy of Leadership by William George Shuster
Leon Hatot by Arlette E. Emch
Making the Most of Your Flex-shaft by Karen Christians (2006)
Masterpieces of American Jewelry by Judith Price
Masterpieces of the Mineral World by Wendell E. Wilson & Joel A. Bartsch
Maurice Galli, Dominique Riviere, Fanfan Li
Methuen Handbook of Color by A Korenerup & J H Wanscher (1961/1989)
Mineralogy by John Sinkankas
Minerals and Gems from The American Museum of Natural History by George E. Harlow & Joseph J. Peters
Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960: The Wearable Art Movement (2004)
Nineteenth Century Cameos by Michele Rowan
No Thanks, I'm Just Looking by Harry J. Friedman
Not Your Mama's Beading: The Cool and Creative Way to String 'Em Along by Kate Shoup Welsh (2006)
Opal Identification & Value by Paul B. Downing
OPL: A Students' Guide to Spectroscopy by Colin H. Winter
Pearl and Bead Stringing with Henrietta by Henrietta Virchick
Pearls by Elisabeth Strack
Pearls: A Natural History by Neil H. Landman, Paula M. Mikkelsen, Rudiger Bieler & Bennet Bronson
Photo Masters for Diamond Grading by Gary A. Roskin
Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones – by Eduard Gübelin and John Koivula (1986)
Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Volume 2 (2005)
Photographing Minerals, Fossils,& Lapidary Materials by Jeffrey Scovil
Practical Casting: A Studio Reference by Tim McCreight
Precious Minerals (Gemology) by Ruslan I Kostov (Bulgarian-2003)
Precious Stones And Gems by Edwin W Streeter (1884)
Precious Stones by Dr Max Bauer (1969)
Precious Stones in Art and Devotion: Gemstone Treasures of the Archdiocese of Evora (Portuguese/English) by Rui Galopim de Carvalho (2006)
Principles of Color Technology by Fred W Billmeyer, Jr & Max Saltzman (1981)
Principles of Color Technology – by Fred W. Billmeyer & Max Saltzman (1981)
Professional Goldsmithing by Alan Revere
Prospecting for Gemstones and Minerals by John Sinkankas
Queen's Jewels by Vincent Meylan
Ring Repair by Alan Revere
Rolex Wristwatches: The Best of Time 2nd edition by James M. Dowling & Jeffrey P. Hess
Romance of The Golconda Diamonds by Omar Khalidi
Rough Diamonds: A Practical Guide by Nizam Peters
Ruby & Sapphire – by Richard Hughes (1997)
Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Buying Guide (2nd edition) by Renee Newman
Schmuck Jewellery 1840-1940: Highlights Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim (2004)
Seaman Schepps A Century of New York Jewelry Design by Amanda Viall & Janet Zapata
Secrets of the Gem Trade by Richard W. Wise (2003)
Shamelessly: Jewelry from Kenneth Jay Lane by Nancy N Schiffer (2007)
Shinde Jewels by Reema Keswani
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones by Curzio Cipriani & Alessandro Borelli
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Martin Prinz, George Harlow & Joseph Peters
Small Scale Photography by Charles Lewton-Brain
Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones (2nd edition) by Cally Hall
Smithsonian Handbooks Rocks & Minerals by Chris Pellant
Smithsonian Rock and Gem by Ronald L. Bonewitz
Special Exhibition Jadeite: Treasure of Orient by The National Science Museum (Japan-2004)
Starting to Collect Antique Jewellery by John Benjamin
Step-By-Step Bead Stringing by Ruth F. Poris
Symmetry and Spectroscopy by Daniel C. Harris & Michael D. Bertolucci
Symposium on Agate and Cryptocrystalline Quartz by Daniel Kile, Thomas Michalski, and Peter Modreski (2005)
Table of Gemstone Identification by Roger Dedeyne and Ivo Quintens (2007)
Tanzanite: The True Story by Valerio Zancanella
Techniques of Jewelry Illustration and Color Rendering by Adolfo Mattiello
The AJM Guide to Lost-Wax Casting by Techniques and Tips from Industry Experts
The Art of Diamond Cutting, 2nd ed. by Sofus S Michelsen and Basil Watermeyer (2005)
The Art of Enameling by Linda Darty (2006)
The Art of Faberge by A Kenneth Snowman (1953/1962)
The Art of Fine Enameling by Karen L. Cohen
The Art of Gold by Clara Isabel Botero, Roberto Lieras Perez, Santiago Londono Velez and Efrain Sanchez Cabra (2007)
The Art of Jewelry by Graham Hughes (1972)
The Art of Jewelry Design by Maurice Galli, Dominique Riviere, Fanfan Li
The Art of Jewelry Design From Idea to Reality by Elizabeth Olver
The Basics of Bead Stringing by Debbie Kanan
The Best Little Beading Book by Wendy Simpson Connor
The Charm of Charms by Jade Albert & Ki Hackney
The Color Handbook by E P Danger (1987)
The Complete Handbook for Gemstone Weight Estimation – by Charles I. Carmona (1998)
The Complete Metalsmith: An Illustrated Handbook by Tim McCreight
The Complete Price Guide to Watches No 26 by Cooksey Shugart, Tom Engle, Richard E Gilbert
The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz
The Diamond Setting Manual: Procedures & Techniques by Robert R. Wooding
The Diamond World by David E Koskoff (1981)
The Fred Ward Series: Diamonds
The Fred Ward Series: Emeralds
The Fred Ward Series: Gem Care
The Fred Ward Series: Jade
The Fred Ward Series: Opals
The Fred Ward Series: Pearls
The Fred Ward Series: Rubies & Sapphires
The Gem Hunter by Gary Bowersox
The Gem Merchant: How to Be One, How to Deal With One – David Stanley Epstein (2003)
The GIA Diamond Dictionary
The Great Book of Jewels by Ernst A and Jean Heiniger (1974)
The Heartless Stone: A Journey through the World of Diamonds, Deceit and Desire by Tom Zoellner (2006)
The Jeweled Menagerie A World of Animals in Gems by Suzanne Tennenbaum & Janet Zapata
The Jeweler's Bench Reference by Harold O'Connor
The Magic of Jewels and Charms by George Frederick Kunz
The Master Jewelers by Edited by A. Kenneth Snowman
The MicroWorld of Diamonds by John I. Koivula
The National Gem Collection by Jeffrey E. Post
The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide (3rd edition) by Antoinette Matlins
The Pearl Buying Guide, 4th Edition by Renee Newman
The Pearl by Silvia Malaguzzi
The Pearl King by Robert Eunson (1955)
The Pearl Trader by Louis Kornitzer (1937)
The Pink Pearl by David Federman (2007)
The Platinum Bench by Jurgen J. Maerz
The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising by Cos Altobelli
The Ring by Sylvie Lambert
The Rings Book by Jinks McGrath
The Smale Collection: Beauty in Natural Crystals by Steve Smale (2006)
The Spectroscope and Gemmology – by B.W. Anderson, J. Payne, R. Keith Mitchell (Editor) (1998)
The Story of Gems
Theo Fabergé and The St. Petersburg Collection by Andrew Moore
Tiffany Colored Gems by John Loring (2007)
Tiffany Diamonds by John Loring
Tiffany Flora & Fauna by John Loring
Tiffany Pearls by John Loring (2007)
Tiffany Timepieces by John Loring
Timeless Tiaras: Chaumet from 1804 to the Present by Diana Scarisbrick
Totems to Turquoise by Kari Chalker, Lois S. Dubin & Peter M. Whiteley
Travels In India by Jean Baptiste Tavernier (Translated from the original French edition of 1676 by V Ball: 1977)
Treasures From The Kremlin by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1979)
Understanding Jewellery by David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti (1989/2003)
Van Cleef & Arpels by Anne-Marie Clais
Van Nostrand's Standard Catalog of Gems by John Sinkankas
Verdura: The life and work of a master jeweler by Patricia Corbett
Victorian Jewellery by Margaret Flower
Victorian Jewelry Unexplored Treasures by Ginny R. Dawes & Corinne Davidov
Visual Optics by Alan Hodgkinson (1999)
Warman's Jewelry, 3rd Edition by Christie Romero
Warman's® Jewelry Field Guide Values and Identification by Leigh Leshner
Within the Stone: Nature’s Abstract Rock Art by Bill Atkinson
Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler's Guide by Arthur A. Skuratowicz & Julie Nash
YARD: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard by Natasha Kuzmanovic

Graphic Novels

A Contract with God by Will Eisner
Berlin: City of Stones by Jason Lutes
Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Kim Deitch
Buddha by Osamu Tezuka
David Boring by Daniel Clowes
Epileptic vol. I by David B.
Flood by Eric Drooker
From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer: The Beauty Supply District by Ben Katchor
Louis Riel by Chester Brown
Maus vols. I + II by Art Spiegelman
Nightmare Alley as adapted by Spain
One! Hundred! Demons! by Lynda Barry
Our Cancer Year by Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner
Palomar by Gilbert Hernandez
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco
Sandman: Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman and various
Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse
Summer Blonde by Adrian Tomine
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
The Golem's Mighty Swing by James Sturm
The R. Crumb Coffee Table Art Book by R. Crumb
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

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Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Random Thoughts

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Biver

Saturday, April 22, 2023

The Biver Carillon Tourbillon

Friday, November 02, 2018

Why Jean-Claude Biver Is So Much More Than A Successful Swiss Watch Boss