Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites
Ah, the lure of the auction--online and off. Gemologist and multitomed author Matlins (aided here by coauthor Newman) uncovers the truth--or consequences--of selling and buying jewels by competitive bidding. She demystifies such common terms as "without reserve" and "seller's commission" while painting a realistic picture of the successful seller and buyer. The former, for example, needs to remember that presentation is key; buyers should track sales, subscribe to auction catalogs, and establish realistic estimates. The second half of her book concerns the dazzle and glitter of gemstones, educating the reader, at a macro level, about the fourcs of diamonds, quality in gemstones and pearls, and the signs and styles of great period pieces and great jewelers, from Belperron to Raymond Yard. Much of the gem-related materials is, of course, a rehash of her previous writings, but, given the current auction fever, it makes dollars and cents to cool down by reading her very practical recommendations. Information on internationally respected laboratories issuing reports used by major auction houses and online auction sites and a selected list of auction houses are appended.Barbara JacobsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved