Book | Heinrich Fischer's Nephrite and Jadeite
Book | Heinrich Fischer's Nephrite and Jadeite
Introducing…
Heinrich Fischer's Nephrite and Jadeite
translated and edited by
Richard W. Hughes
A Gemological Masterpiece Translated into English for the First Time
In 1875, Leopold Heinrich Fischer (b. 1817; d. 1886) published an extraordinary work on jade, Nephrit und Jadeit, by far the most comprehensive ever to appear. Fischer examined jade not just from China, but from around the world. His book was the first ever to appear in a Western language entirely devoted to jade as we know it today.
As you thumb through the pages that follow, the depth of Fischer’s work will amaze. There is an astonishing amount of detail here. That this could be the product of a single author is simply beyond belief.
Fischer goes on and on, as he tracks virtually every Western (and some Oriental) source. One senses an obsession, days in cold museums and libraries examining dusty texts, sleepless nights poring over a candle-lit desk scratching out sentences with a quill, condensing this enormous body of human history into a book of just a few hundred pages. It is truly astounding and a book that will delight those who open its pages.
This English translation includes a special 43-page appendix containing full bibliographic details of all the references cited by Fischer, as well as additional references on jade in both Western languages and Chinese, making it a valuable resource for scholars.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leopold Heinrich Fischer (1817–1886) was a German polymath; born Freiburg i Breisgau; studied medicine at Freiburg/Vienna; practiced in Freiburg; fac U Freib zool, mineralogy, associate professorship 1845; professorship 1859; broad range of interests, noted for his many publications on entomology, microscopy, mineralogy, archeology, advanced study of insect taxonomy; later in life famous for studies of Stone Age implements & their distribution.
Hardcover | Published February 2025
Price: $195
638 pages; 189 x 246 mm (7.44 x 9.68 inches), 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Scattered Color Illustrations
Please note that this book is Print-On-Demand; as a result, the quality of printing willl not be the same as the exceptional quality of our other books which are printing on an offset press.
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Book | Broken Bangle | Jade Nomenclature Order Page
Book | Broken Bangle | Jade Nomenclature Order Page
Introducing…
Broken Bangle • The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature
by
Liu Shang-i ('Edward') | Richard W. Hughes
Zhou Zhengyu ('Adam') | Kaylan Khourie
Sponsored by
Zhuang Qingfang
The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong
On Tung Jewellery
Junhao Gemology
Pinde Xuan
Lotus Gemology
Broken Bangle | The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature takes readers through the entire tortuous history of jade nomenclature, detailing how the current monikers were based on misinformation and misunderstanding of the gems’ true natures. Thus, the Chinese gem yù (amphibole jade) was named “nephrite” by French mineralogist Alexis Damour in the mistaken belief it was the same as the Mesoamerican pyroxene jade that a 16th Century Spanish doctor himself misinterpreted as being used to treat kidney disease (‘nephritus’). Later, Damour created a mineral species he called “jadeite” for what was actually a gem rock already known in China as fei cui.
But this gemological whodunit is much more than a dry recitation of jade nomenclature. It includes a detailed section on the occurrence and mineralogy of both yù (nephrite) and fei cui. Because jade is so intimately connected with Chinese culture, much of the Middle Kingdom’s fascinating history is also woven through its pages.
Did we mention the illustrations? Broken Bangle features dozens of color images of both historical documents and spectacular photos of contemporary jade and stone carving in China. For those whose mental picture of jade sculpture is a cliché Chinese goddess statue, prepare to have your minds blown.
Lead author Liu Shang-i summed up the book’s major aim:
Our understanding of the world is deeply influenced by the names we assign to things. As history, culture, and scientific inquiry evolve, it becomes essential to assign accurate and fitting names to these unique types of jade that embody Chinese heritage. This nomenclature should reflect its cultural significance and resonate with both historical context and contemporary understanding.
Co-author Zhou Zhengyu added:
There is an ancient saying in China termed “casting a brick to attract jade.” Any book or article is only a stage of understanding, and this understanding, if it can be better than before, is progress. Our work is certainly not the last word on the subject, but we hope it will help improve people’s understanding of this gem’s fascinating history and inspire others to research the subject further. Not unlike a brick thrown in the hopes of attracting jade.
This edition of Broken Bangle is limited to just 600 copies. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy not just superb scholarship, but also extraordinary examples of China’s modern jade culture.
Comments from reviewers…
"A readable work of art…"
— John Koivula, Gemological Institute of America
"This book [is] not only a work of scholarship but of art…"
— Anne Carroll Marshall, Journal of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong
"Beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to read… a valuable contribution not only for the gemologist, but for all who deal with jade jewelry."
— Eric Hoffman, Hoffmanjade.com
"Whether you are a hardcore gemologist or just a garden-variety jade lover, Broken Bangle is the book for you. Buy it, read it yourself, and give it away. I enthusiastically give Broken Bangle two thumbs up!"
— Jeffery Bergman, International Gem Society
"…a splendid book"
— John Saul, geologist and author
"Wow, beautifully done, a must have to expand one's knowledge of jade."
— Georg Schmerholz, master jade carver and author
Hardcover | Published September 2024
THB2100 (~US$60)
120 pages; 240 x 280 mm (9.45 x 11 inches), 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Full Color Throughout
Sold Out
Check out our coffee-table style book Inside Out
Title Page & Table of Contents
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Sample Interior Spreads |
Book | Jade | A Gemologist's Guide | Limited Edition Order Page
Book | Jade | A Gemologist's Guide | Limited Edition Order Page
Thank you for reserving
Jade • A Gemologist's Guide
Limited Edition
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Book | Jade | A Gemologist's Guide | Order Page
Book | Jade | A Gemologist's Guide | Order Page
Introducing…
Jade • A Gemologist's Guide
edited by
Richard W. Hughes
featuring contributions from…
Ahmadjan Abduriyim • Dale Blankenship • George E. Harlow • Eric J. Hoffman • E. Billie Hughes • Richard W. Hughes • Jiang “Chris” Chenglong • John I. Koivula • Nikolai Kouznetsov • Liu Yicen • Kirk Makepeace • Jeff Mason • Dominic W.K. Mok • Qi Lijian • Mary Lou Ridinger • Donn Salt • Roland Schluessel • Andrew Shaw • Shi Guanghai • Susan Stronge • Wang Mingying • Stewart Young • Zhou "Adam" Zhengyu
with…
Rudolph I. Estrada • Tao Hsu • Jason C.H. Kao • Michael S. Krzemnicki • William F. Larson • Wim Vertriest
Sponsored by the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The study of jade is unlike that of any other gem, trespassing across conventional boundaries, particularly those of the gemological and mineralogical realm. Despite the march of mineralogical orthodoxy and conformity, the word “jade” is a fist in the air of protest, crying out not for further reduction and definition, but an expansion of the mineralogical canon to include the cultural aspects of human civilization and life. Because jade is so much more than a simple census of atoms, valence states, and places of residence. Jade is a lexicon liberator.
While the literature on jade is vast, perhaps greater than any other gem, there is a distinct lack of a volume in English that treats jade as a gemological material. This book is designed to fill that gap, with extensive information on the history, sources, appraisal and identification of both treated and imitation jades. All of this is together in a single volume for the first time, making it a must-have for collectors, dealers, gemologists, appraisers, curators and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating gem.
An understanding of jade is not limited to the technical or exacting; it also incorporates a feeling for the cultural, textural, and ephemeral qualities that make the study of this gem unlike any other. This volume will not just fill the “traditional gemological” gap, but will open readers’ eyes to a world beyond. Because jade is so much more…
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Publishing: 2022
Standard Edition Hardcover with Dust Jacket
US$200
534 pages; 240 x 280 mm (9.45 x 11 inches), 2.75 kg (6 lb)
Full Color Throughout
Special Limited Edition of 100 Signed and Numbered Copies Bound in Thai Silk with Slipcase
US$300 (Sold Out)
Title Page & Table of Contents
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Sample Interior Spreads |
Test FAQS
Test FAQS
Advanced Gem Inclusion Search Engine | Hyperion Sherlock
Advanced Gem Inclusion Search Engine | Hyperion Sherlock
Welcome to Hyperion Sherlock, Lotus Gemology's Advanced Gem Inclusion Search Engine. This allows you to search for inclusions by the gem species (corundum, spinel, beryl, chrysoberyl) or variety (ruby, sapphire, emerald, alexandrite). You can even search by country of origin or locality. The result will be a table listing all known solid inclusions in that gem material. Each inclusion is fully documented with references of when it was first discovered.
Where we have photographs of that inclusion, those will also show up in the search. See anything missing? Let us know with the reference and we will consider adding it to the database.
Hyperion Sherlock is part of Lotus Gemology's ongoing effort to provide tools to help gemologists learn more about gems. Enjoy!
Auctions & Press • Lotus Gemology lab in the news
Auctions & Press • Lotus Gemology lab in the news
Lotus Gemology has been featured alongside many important gems and pieces of jewelry at auction and by jewelers.
Lotus Image Galleries
Lotus Image Galleries
Book | Inside Out | Gemology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses | Order Page
Book | Inside Out | Gemology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses | Order Page
Introducing…
Inside Out: GEM•ology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses
by
E. Billie Hughes | Richard W. Hughes | Wimon Manorotkul
with a foreword by Paolo Minieri
Chinese translation by Jason C.H. Kao (高嘉兴), with Jinding Yu (俞瑾玎) and Bonnie Chao (晁艳)
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 – Gemology Through Lotus-Colored Glasses represents a fascinating new direction for gemology, linking the external and internal worlds of precious stones for the first time.
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Published 2020; Now shipping
Standard Edition – Hardcover
Price: Thai Baht 3000 + Shipping & Handling
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International Shipping & Handling from Thailand
Ships via International Parcel Air (2–3 weeks)
Hardcover with Dust Jacket
152 pages; 270 x 360 mm (10.6 x 14.2 inches); 2.5 kg shipping weight
Full Color Throughout | Bilingual text in English & Simplified Chinese
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| Americas | |
| Canada | ฿3000 |
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| USA | ฿3300 |
| Asia Pacific | |
| Australia | ฿2500 |
| China (mainland) | ฿1500 |
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All prices are in Thai Baht and will be charged in Thai Baht. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. See this link for current exchange rates.
Title Page
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Introduction |
A few comments from reviewers…
I am doubtless readers both inside and outside of the gem trade will enthusiastically welcome Inside Out. Buy it, read it, give it away. I am fully confident you will be satisfied, ingratiated and inspired.
Jeffery Bergman – InColor Magazine
This book fills a gap in the literature on gems by pictorially exploring the relationship between humans and gems on an artistic and emotional level. It is a work of art that lives from the quality of the photographs and gets by with minimal textual commentary on the images.
Michael Hügi – Journal of Gemmology
Inside Out is a truly stunning work reflecting the combnied personalities, skills, knowledge and philosophy of the authors, who have created something exceptional and innovative for the world of gemmology.
Terry Coldham – Australian Gemmologist
Book | From Peacock to Pigeon's Blood | Order Page
Book | From Peacock to Pigeon's Blood | Order Page
Introducing…
From Peacock to Pigeon's Blood: An Introduction to Ruby & Sapphire Color Types
by Lotus Gemology
A brief introduction to the ruby & sapphire color types used at Lotus Gemology.
This booklet makes a great reference to keep at the office or retail store, and is a fabulous gift for clients!
International Shipping & Handling from Thailand
Ships via Air (2-3 weeks)
Hardcover, 48 pages
In English and Chinese
Full Color Throughout
Price: 300 Thai baht
Discount of 40% for orders of 40+ books.
To order, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly for a quotation. Please include the number of books you'd like to order and your shipping address.
Book | Ruby & Sapphire | A Collector's Guide | 2014 | Order Page
Book | Ruby & Sapphire | A Collector's Guide | 2014 | Order Page
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; Sold Out
Hardcover with Dust Jacket
384 pages; 240 x 280 mm (9.45 x 11 inches); 2.4 kg shipping weight
Full Color Throughout
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Content |
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1. Résumé |
History |
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2. Source |
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Geology |
Valley of Serpents |
Afghanistan |
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Australia |
India |
Kenya |
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Laos |
Madagascar |
Malawi |
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Mozambique |
Myanmar |
Nepal |
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Pakistan |
Rwanda |
Sri Lanka |
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Tajikistan |
Tanzania |
Thailand & Cambodia |
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Thailand & Cambodia |
USA–Montana |
Vietnam |
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3. Connoisseur |
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Cutting |
From Pigeon's Blood to Peacock's Neck |
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Ruby & Sapphire Prices |
Does Size Matter? |
The Tao of Jewelry |
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4. Forensic |
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Inner Space |
Enhancements |
Connoisseurship of Crystals |
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5. Heart |
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Gem Cutting in Thailand |
The Thai Jeweler's Art |
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6. Library |
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Library |
Library |
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7. Portfolio |
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Portfolio |
Index |
Book | Ruby & Sapphire | A Gemologist's Guide | Order Page
Book | Ruby & Sapphire | A Gemologist's Guide | Order Page
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; Sold Out
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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
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Gallery
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Title Page
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Contents
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Contents
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Introduction
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1. History
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2. Chemistry & Crystallography
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3. Properties & Phenomena
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4. Color & Luminescence
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5. Inclusions
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6. Treatments
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7. Synthetic Corundum
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8. Assembled Stones
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9. Methods of Fashioning
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10. Judging Quality
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11. Geology
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12. World Sources
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Afghanistan
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Australia
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China
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Colombia
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France & Greenland
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India
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Kenya
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Laos
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Madagascar
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Malawi
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Mozambique
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Myanmar
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Nepal & Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Rwanda
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Sri Lanka
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Tajikistan
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Tanzania
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Thailand/Cambodia
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USA
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Vietnam
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Appendix A: Tagore's Mani-Mala
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Appendix B: Prices & ID Flow Charts
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Index
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Click on the icon to download a corrected Table of Contents and Errata sheet for the current volume (PDF).
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
Lotus Gemology Price List
Lotus Gemology Price List
Lotus Gemology produces what we feel are the finest gem testing reports in the gemological field. Each report includes gemstone identification, treatment identification and, in certain cases (mainly ruby, sapphire, spinel, emerald and jadeite jade) origin determination.