Inside Out • GEM•ology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses
E. Billie Hughes, Richard W. Hughes, Wimon Manorotkul | 2020
From the dawn of time, precious stones have both attracted and fascinated humans in ways that few other items could. For while objects of desire are found throughout the natural world, physical beauty is too often ephemeral. From the allure of a man, woman, flower or butterfly, through the fleeting moments of a sunset, there is little that lasts and practically nothing that can be passed down to our descendants. The exception is precious stones. Not only are they the most durable creations of Mother Nature, but their visual splendor is truly eternal.
This book presents a completely fresh approach to the subject. Dubbing it humanistic gemology, the authors take readers around the world, showing the places they have explored in their search for gems, along with the people and cultures encountered along the way. Within this volume, remarkable photographs of the human world are interwoven with images of the microscopic realm of the gems themselves. In a lifetime beset by time control, where living is broken into ever smaller bits, as you browse through these pages suddenly you plunge into a domain of frozen time, one that affords vistas of millions or even billions of years. For jewels offer not just superficial beauty, but a window on the primordial forces that birthed both our planet and universe.
Inside Out – GEM•ology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses represents a fascinating new direction for gemology, linking the external and internal worlds of precious stones for the first time.
Inside Out | GEM•ology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses order page
Ruby & Sapphire • A Gemologist's Guide
Richard W. Hughes, with Wimon Manorotkul & E. Billie Hughes | 2017
Designed as a companion to Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide, this massive volume is aimed specifically at working gemologists, appraisers and students. Based on Richard W. Hughes' 1997 classic, Ruby & Sapphire, this edition is fully updated. The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience and research, it covers every aspect of the subject from A–Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, Ruby & Sapphire—A Gemologist’s Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone.
Ruby & Sapphire • A Collector's Guide
Richard W. Hughes | 2014
Few gems capture the imagination like ruby and sapphire. This book removes the cloak of an otherwise secret world . Drawing on a lifetime’s experience, the author ventures around the globe for the finest specimens, in the process allowing readers to discover the people and places where these rare gems are found, along with the story of the stones themselves. Throughout the text, Hughes guides readers with the steady connoisseur's eye, explaining what collectors should look for. For many pieces, actual auction prices are given, aiding collectors in their buying decisions. Illustrated with more than 300 color photographs, this is a visual and intellectual feast of the most delicious order.
The Book of Ruby and Sapphire
J.F. Halford-Watkins | 2012
Prior to the 1930s, ruby and sapphire were mysteries, arcane gems oft-confused with spinel and other look-alikes. Enter Col. J.F. Halford-Watkins. Living in Mogok for more than two decades, he penned several articles and an entire monograph on the subject of these rare gems. Sadly he passed away before it could be published. In 1994, Richard Hughes came across a reference to the manuscript. Patrick Streeter, grandson of G. Skelton Streeter, and great grandson of the famed London jeweler, Edwin Streeter, had mentioned the Halford-Watkins manuscript while writing his book, Streeter of Bond Street. Following up on that obscure reference Richard Hughes stumbled upon something truly fantastic, an undiscovered treasure of the gemological literature. Over ten years in the making, The Book of Ruby and Sapphire is the realization of Halford-Watkins’ vision. Professionally edited and illustrated, it represents a gemological tour de force.
Still in Print. To order this book click this link
Terra Spinel | Terra Firma
Vladyslav Y. Yavorskyy, with Richard W. Hughes | 2010
Terra Spinel takes readers into the world of spinel through the lens and collection of renowned spinel dealer, Vladyslav Yavorskyy. Some of the world's finest spinels are featured in this book's pages as Yavorskyy travels to the most important locations. The traditional sources Burma (Myanmar), Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka are covered in detail, along with newer finds in Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar. This is not a gemology book in the traditional scientific sense. Instead, what it represents is a celebration of a rare gem and the places from which it comes. Stunningly illustrated, it is a must-have for any gem lover.
Out-of-print
Ruby & Sapphire
Richard W. Hughes | 1997
Ruby & Sapphire is widely acknowledged as one of the finest gemology books ever published. Not just an update of his previous volumes on ruby and sapphire, it represents something rarely seen in a technical book, a fusion of accurate science and spirited, accessible prose. Within its pages, one finds information on prices, quality analysis, sources, history, treatments and identification. Featuring over 300 color photos and 2500 references, this now out-of-print volume is today highly sought after by collectors and gemologists, who pay as much as $1000 or more for the privilege of owning a copy.
Sample chapters online
- Chapter 5 • Inclusions
- Chapter 10 • Judging Quality: A Connoisseur's Guide
- Chapter 12 • World Sources
- Appendix B: Ruby & Sapphire Prices (from 1995)
- Quotes from Book Reviews of Ruby & Sapphire
- Full Book Reviews of Ruby & Sapphire
Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy
Ruby & Sapphire
Richard W. Hughes | 1992
Ruby & Sapphire explores the fascinating story of the corundum family of gems. This single volume reporesents a slightly updated version of Corundum, the first detailed examination of both ruby and the various sapphires, widely considered to be the most sought after of all gems. The author draws on his many years of experience to take the reader back in time to the various Asian kingdoms that were the primary sources of the fabled ruby and sapphire. For those interested in rubies and sapphires, this book offers an unparallelled look at the world's premier gems. This is a slightly updated version of Corundum.
Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy
Corundum
Richard W. Hughes | 1990
Rubies and sapphires are widely considered to be among the most sought after and precious of gems. Together they account for over fifty percent of the world trade in colored gemstones. This book is the first from Richard Hughes on the subject, and the first major work to be devoted entirely to the corundum family of gemstones. It covers all aspects of rubies and sapphires, beginning with their history, chemical and physical properties. Other chapters look at treatments, synthetic corundums, methods of fashioning, famous rubies and sapphires, formation of corundum deposits and world sources, providing a valuable reference source for jewelers, gemologists, students, and the general reader.
Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy
