A discussion of brilliance, windows and extinction as they relate to the face-up appearance of colored gemstones. Diagrams demonstrate that extinction is largely a function of cut.

Myanmar's jadeite mines occupy a privileged place, representing the planet's principal source of fine jadeite jade. This article covers the deposits themselves, along with the cutting, grading and trading of jadeite.

An essay on buying gems at the source in Asia, with a discussion of how con men play on the greed of those who believe gems will be cheaper at the mines.

Developing a comprehensive colored stone grading system has been the dream of gemologists since the late 1970's, but despite a number of valient attempts, we are no closer to the goal today than we were four decades ago. This article examines the various problems of colored stone grading, explaining why the challenges are at least an order of magnitude greater than the grading of diamonds.

The ethics of gem enhancement disclosure.

This article discusses the factors that influence quality and what to look for when buying both jadeite and nephrite. A list of jade auction records is also included.

A discussion of the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early to modern times, along with the difficulty in standardizing such definitions.

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.

Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy

Introducing…

Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector’s Guide

by Richard W. Hughes
with photographs by Wimon Manorotkul and E. Billie Hughes

This impressive coffee-table style volume takes readers into the secret world of ruby and sapphire, through the pen and lens of international expert, Richard Hughes. The author guides readers with the steady eye of a connoisseur, explaining what collectors should look for in ruby and sapphire. Many pictured pieces feature actual auction prices, aiding collectors in their buying decisions. Illustrated with more than 400 magnificent color photographs, for anyone with an interest in precious stones, this is a visual and intellectual feast of the most delicious order.

Published 2014; Available Now

PRICE: Thai Baht 3000 + Shipping & Handling

International Shipping & Handling from Thailand
Ships via International Parcel Air (2-3 weeks)

Hardcover with Dust Jacket
384 pages; 240 x 280 mm (9.45 x 11 inches); 2.4 kg shipping weight
Full Color Throughout

For orders of four or more, please contact us.

Order This Book Here

Covid-19 Shipping Update • 10 February 2021

• If your destination is listed below, please proceed with your order as usual.
• If your destination is not listed below, we can still ship to most destinations. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly with a list of the books you want to order and your shipping address, and we will provide you with a shipping quotation.
• Please note that some delays may be expected for handling & delivery at the destinations.

Proceed with your order if your destination is listed below:

All prices are in Thai Baht and will be charged in Thai Baht. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. See this link for current exchange rates. 

Introducing…

Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist's Guide

by Richard W. Hughes
with Wimon Manorotkul and E. Billie Hughes

This massive volume is the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. Designed as a companion volume to Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide, it 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. Ruby & Sapphire—A Gemologist’s Guide represents the definitive reference on the subject. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, it is nothing less than a tour-de-force of gemological scholarship.

Published 2017; Now Shipping!

Regular Edition Price: Thai Baht 6000 + Shipping & Handling
•
Special Limited Edition of 100 Copies – Silk Bound – Signed by all three Authors – Numbered – With Silk Slipcase
Price: Thai Baht 9,000 + Shipping & Handling
•

International Shipping & Handling from Thailand
Ships via International Parcel Air (2-3 weeks)

Hardcover with Dust Jacket
816 pages; 240 x 280 mm (9.45 x 11 inches); 4.6 kg shipping weight
Full Color Throughout

Once you click the "Add to Cart" button below, you can select the quantity on the next page.
For orders of four or more, please contact us.

Order This Book Here

Covid-19 Shipping Update • 10 February 2021

• If your destination is listed below, please proceed with your order as usual.
• If your destination is not listed below, we can still ship to most destinations. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly with a list of the books you want to order and your shipping address, and we will provide you with a shipping quotation.
• Please note that some delays may be expected for handling & delivery at the destinations.

Proceed with your order if your destination is listed below:

All prices are in Thai Baht and will be charged in Thai Baht. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. See this link for current exchange rates.

Click on the icon to download a corrected Table of Contents and Errata sheet for the current volume (PDF).

A few comments from reviewers…

Voilà un livre de poids, 735 pages et plus de 4 kg qui enrichira vos connaissances historiques comme scientifiques et gemmologiques. L' auteur, bien connu des gemmologues, nous offre un nouveau voyage dans l' univers des corindons. C' est un livre à regarder, approcher, toucher, feuilleter, découvrir enen l' ouvrant avec à la fois impatience et retenue, pour finalement s' y abandonner. C' est une leçon de vie, un livre-compagnon à déguster sans modération.

Association Française de Gemmologie

A brief description of the color types for ruby and sapphire used at Lotus Gemology.

A loving look at ruby – the gem of passion – from the standpoint of the connoisseur.

An examination of the problem of separating pink sapphire and padparadscha from ruby.

World auction records for ruby, sapphire and spinel.

Sapphire is one of the classic gems. In this article, Lotus Gemology's resident connoisseur casts a discerning eye at the factors that contribute to quality in this legendary precious stone.

Since the turn of the millennium, the price of fine spinel has risen at an incredible pace. No longer simply the poor man's ruby, spinel is finally getting the attention it deserves as one of the world's premier gems.