What the experts say:

"Secrets Of The Gem Trade: The Connoisseurs Guide To Precious Gemstones by Richard W. Wise is an impressive new reference for dedicated dealers and collectors of gems, gemstones, and ... pearls. Introducing and descriptively exploring each and every gem covered in the easy-to-use reference, Secrets Of The Gem Trade contains an illustrated summary of each stone inclusive of its history and general information, hue and tone, saturation, which may be noticed as the finest, an understanding of the particular gems rarity, and the caution for synthetics and how to depict them, however dependening upon the stone there may be description of clarity, color fading, multi-color effect, etc. Secrets Of The Gem Trade is very highly recommended to anyone interested in gemology as a superbly organized, authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow reference."

Midwest Book Review
April 2006

"In Secrets of the Gem Trade, The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones Richard W. Wise leads you through the swamps of the gem trade.

With an almost novelistic penmanship he teaches you how to judge and grade quality in gemstones while clearing some dogma's along the way.

whether you like to know what the best colour is in Tanzanite, or how to grade a Diamond, you will find it in this book. No other book I read before dealt with this topic is such detail as Richard Wise's masterpiece."

A. Van Acker, FGA
Amazon June 2005

“I have to tell you all that this is a story of the gemstone industry that is unlike anything I have ever read. I feared it would be another textbook...which I have little time for right now. But this book is the complete story of gemstones, from someone who knows gemstones and the gemstone markets better than anyone I have read. It is the most complete story of gemstones I have read, and should be required reading for every student of gemology.”

Robert James, FGA, GG,
President, International School of Gemology

“In the preface to Secrets of The Gem Trade, author Richard W. Wise states his intention to provide collectors with information about the gem trade…and, further to guide the collector toward becoming and expert in gem appreciation.  It is a promise that Wise keeps.”

Linda Kay Moses
Metalsmith, Fall 2004

“If gems interest you, this is one book you won’t want to miss.”

Terri Torbeck
Art Jewelry, July 2005

“Its uniqueness lies in the clarity with which the author “lifts the veil” on those factors that the trade has kept ot its self for so many years.  Purchase of this book is recommended to all gemmologist-valuers.”

The Australian Gemmologist, 2004

”Intended for collectors and connoisseurs, the books should also appeal to jewelry artists using gems…An extensive glossary and a bibliography complete this valuable reference.”

American Craft, April 2005

"Every goldsmith, jeweller, gemologist, gem lab, gem dealer and gemstone collector should have a copy of this book, especially gem collectors and connoisseurs, to whom the book is primarily aimed."

Charles Lewton-Brain
Canadian Jeweler, June/July 2004

"Richard Wise has lifted the veil to uncover many of the aspects of gem trading while holding back just enough to leave the reader yearniing for more...I highly recommend this book to students wishing to suppplement their gemological studies with practical gem value and trade knowledge. Collectors and gem enthusiasts will find many helpful bits of information to assist in their gem purchases while navigating the path to becomming a true gem connoisseur."

Edward Boehm
Gems & Gemology, Summer 2004

"Secrets Of The Gem Trade, unlike any other book I have read to date, unmasks the true criteria that expert gem dealers and collectors rely on for judging the quality of gem materials...The author's writing style and command of the subject matter keeps the reader captivated. I highly recommend Secrets Of The Gem Trade for anyone that has an appreciation for fine gems and a fascination in what makes them so."

Stuart M. Robertson, G.G.
Gem Market News, November, 2003

“Richard Wise’s new book is a real contribution to the gemology literature. Written by an veteran dealer, it is very up-to-date and full of insider insights. This book is an excellent primer for the collector and aspiring connoisseur and a very useful reference for jewelers.
I read it, enjoyed it and learned alot!”

Dr. Carl A. Francis

Curator: Harvard Mineralogical Museum Cambridge, MA

"This book takes a much-needed sledgehammer to the industry's conventional wisdom about what makes a gemstone precious, and in the process builds a solid foundation for anyone who wants to understand the true beauty and value of gemstones."

Morgan Beard
Editor-in-Chief Colored Stone Magazine

“For thousands of years these techniques have been hidden by dealers to allow them to take advantage of the buyer’s ignorance. Here Mr. Wise peels away the many veils of grading to reveal the beauty of the gem. I hate this book!”

David Epstein

Author, “The Gem Merchant”

“This book stands well above all the gemstone books I have ever read, and there have been many. Richard Wise has traveled the world acquiring his expertise and has presented it in a well written format that conveys his love of the material. Reading this book is a wonderful adventure that would benefit both the amateur and professional alike.”

Gloria Lieberman,
Chairperson, Jewelry Department, Skinner, Boston

“Richard Wise is one of the world’s foremost gem connoisseurs”

Gemkey Magazine

June,2000

“An interesting and totally new approach to telling the gemstone story, insightful, informative and eminently readable. Obviously the work of an expert who both loves gems and wants to share his passion with others. An excellent guide for the budding connoisseur or collector.”

Fred Ward

Author, The Fred Ward Gem Series

“Kudos to Richard Wise for his Secrets Of The Gem Trade: The connoisseur’s guide to precious gemstones. His insight and experience shine through. It’s a great read, just the right amount of fantasy and fact mixed together to paint a colorful picture of the mysterious time honored gem trade! Great for industry professionals and consumers alike who want to know how to buy smartly.”

Deborah Yonick

Freelance Writer, aka “The Jewelry Lady.”