GemstonesA richly illustrated guide to the gemstones of the world Gemstones have been a source of delight and fascination for thousands of years, from the icy brilliance of diamond and the soft iridescence of pearl, to tough jade gems once used in weapons and pink topaz that was popular in Victorian jewellery. This book covers every known type of gemstone, exploring each one's unique beauty, rarity, and durability. Gemstones reveals how gems form, where they