Product Description
This extensive revision updates all of the world's jade sources with 65 new color photographs as well as revised text on every page. The lavishly illustrated all-color book is part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. Chapters include: History & Lore; China & the Stone of Heaven; the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec; the Maori in New Zealand; Jade Today; and Buying & Caring for Jade. This book provides the ideal introduction to one of the world's oldest and most famous materials. Follow author Fred Ward around the world in search for the best, most significant, and most beautiful examples of jadeite and nephrite, the two rocks known as jade. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An excellent book!
This is a great book for anyone interested in learning about jade. The color photos are excellent and really show the beauty of the fascinating stone.

Stone of Heaven
Jade (Fred Ward Gem Book)The pictures in this book are magnificent and show jade--and jade carving at its best!In fact, it is difficult to take your eyes off the pictures long enough to read the text.Readable, not pedantic--the book definitely shows the carvers skill and how the jade speaks to them about what to carve.This book truly shows the one stone that responds to a person's "chi."If you don't believe me, get the book--then buy some really good--not dyed or infused--jade and wear it next to your skin.See . . . I told you.

A good read
So far it is a good read,for I have not finished it as of yet

Informative and nice pictures
There are not too many books on Jade, so I'm glad I found this one.It was pretty informative and had very nice photographs illustrating the author's points.It's worth it if you're in the jewelry business and want to know more about jade, and it's good for any jade collector.I found the information to be accurate.

Buy this book!!!
Like all of the Fred Ward Gem Books Series, this is an instant classic. It features National Geographic quality photos, no surprise since Ward has photographed/authored a number of articles for that magazine. My favoritesection deals with the jade from Meso-America, used by the Olmec, Mayan andAztec civilizations. But it also contains much on Burmese and Chinese jade.This is simply an outstanding book. Buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. This lavishly-illustrated book in the all-color seriess includes History & Lore, Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Created Emeralds, Fakes, and Imitations, and Buying and Caring. This book provides the ideal introduction to one of the world's most famous gems. Follow author Fred Ward around the world in search of the most important examples of this and historic gemstone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Attractive...mildly biased?
This is a highly attractive book; the photographs actually almost made me salivate. The majority of emeralds in the marketplace are reprehensible--the ones pictured here prove that emeralds done right are among the most transcendently lovely objects on earth.

Ward clearly knows his emeralds (and other gemstones); he effectively and clearly transmits the basic information important to emerald novices. For example, he's correct to note that most people don't realize their emeralds have been oiled, and he puts to rest any criticisms of oiling--it makes the stone the best it can be be, after all.

I can tell he started out as a journalist. He has a very investigative-journalist, breathless tone. I think it works for the most part, especially when he's rhapsodizing over discoveries of sunken treasure or fabulous royal jewels attached to epic legends and lore.

But he is mildly biased against certain types of stones. He excessively disses the Egyptian mines. I'm glad he delves into the history of Cleopatra's mine, and I even appreciate his attempts to theorize as to the real chemical composition of the alleged "emeralds" from Egypt. However, he sprinkles in derogatory references to the Egyptian mines throughout the entire text, finding them vastly wanting. I think this is overkill. Colombians are the best--we get it.

Also, he frequently disparages ancient South American (Incan, for e.g.) and Egyptian empires' facility with stonework and knowledge of stones. He writes things akin to, "while we would never find such simply drilled, untumbled stones attractive, the ancients knew no better.." Actually, I quite liked the simple, untumbled emeralds he showcased; some of the ancient jewelry was quite stunning, and while it's not to my tastes to wear, I know several schools of people who are into that whole "organic" look.

By the way, this is a very slim volume. It's suitable either for complete novices or for collectorswho want anything on their favorite stones.

A great introduction to emeralds
This book is a fairly short book on Emeralds.Ward gives the reader a great introduction to the world of emeralds without losing the reader in a bunch of scientific jargon.Though the book is very short for its price,it is full of great color pictures and information.The photography in this book alone makes it a must have for emerald lovers.The only complaint that I have about the photograph is that many of the pictures are taken zoomed in so the reader has a tough time determining the actual size of the subjects.Ward touches on the ancient history of these beautiful gems and explores modern day sources of the world's emeralds.Ward also discusses treatments of emeralds before sale, care of emerald jewlery, and there is a particularly interesting section on the making of synthetic emeralds. I would recomend this book to anyone with an interest in emeralds, but I would not recomend it to those looking for a particularly scientific book or a buyer's guide.This little book is packed with information and photographs that won't let you down.

"Emeralds, filled with information"
I read Fred Ward's book "Emeralds", a part of his gem series, for an oral report I had to do for school. This book is packed with information on emeralds, from general info, to the cutting process; this book has it all! Not only is Fred Ward a talented author and researcher, but also he takes magnificent photographs. This book has lots of beautiful pictures of emeralds from all over the world. Fred Ward gives you a history of emeralds and their importance with the ancients.And shows and tells you about some of the beautiful jewelry that emeralds are in today, as well in the past. It even has a buying guide that shows what to look for when buying emeralds. I did tons of research for my report, and used a lot of books, but none of them even came close to "Emeralds". ... Read more

Product Description
This is the latest edition of Rubies & Sapphires, part of the Fred Ward Gem Series, the world's most popular gem book series. The history and lore of both gems are covered with great examples in gorgeous color photographs. You will learn how to appreciate these fine gems and how to buy and care for them in your personal jewelry. This is a comprehensive coverage of two of the best-known and best-loved gems in the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fascinating Stones
Even though this is a very slim volume, the information it contains is second to none - very interesting.

fred ward--rubies and sapphires
Great book with nice pics and history.I would recommend any of Fred Ward books on gems

Rubies & Sapphires
Great book by a knowledgeable and easy to understand author.The anecdotal recounts will help to keep everyone's interest, regardless of background.

A terrific introduction to the subject
Fred Ward is the author of the classic series on gems published in National Geographic magazine and this book displays similar quality. Meticulously researched, wonderfully photographed, it is a marvelousintroduction to the subject.

Excellent!
Fred Ward has a clear and concise writing style. This book is comprehensive, despite it's slender size. It is stunningly illustrated, with fabulous photos of well-known, and ordinary, gemstones and objetsd'art. A must for the fan of jewels and gemstones. I'm collecting all hisbooks now. ... Read more

Product Description
Phenomenal Gems is the latest Fred Ward gem book in his 8-book series, which covers the world of gemstones. Phenomenal Gems include stars, cat's-eyes, color-change, and iridescence. We call these rare and unusual gems that everyone wants to see "the gems that do tricks." By shimmering, changing colors, and fluorescing in daylight, these dazzling collectibles amaze everyone with spectacular colors and surprising light effects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Phenomenal
Those familiar with the Fred Ward Gem Series will not be disappointed with his newest volume. This unique book explains some of the more unusual phenomena observed in gems - eyes, stars, iridescence, etc. The stunning photography is paired with a wealth of information that will make this book an enjoyable read for gemologists and lay people alike.

Phenomenal Experience
Reading Fred and Charlotte Ward's series, Phenomenal Gems, particularly Pearls and Opals, has awakened the adventurer in me. Fred's description of his experience in the Australian opal mines brought back memories of my thrills diving in the North Sea on oil platforms. Having been an avid abalone diver all my life, I wish I had read Pearls 40 years ago. I certainly would have given more attention to saving all of the precious pearls and pearl blisters which I came across over the years. Thanks to my reading experience of the Phenomenal Gems series I am planning my next big adventure in The Outback mining opals. I highly recommend the series to both the novice and seasoned adventurer.

Richard D. Clark
Board Member of the Napa Valley Rock and Gem Club
Member of the Culver City Rock and Mineral Club

Perfect unusual book for gifts to jewelry lovers
Whereas I am not a professional, I do love things that sparkle and unusual things. This book appeals to both my fancies. How interesting to learn about these precious stones (Charlotte Ward's writing) and see the treasures vividly and captured by Fred Ward (a world-wide acclaimed photojournalist). He and his wife teamed up perfectly for this. She eloquently and factually wrote and he expertly photographed - a winning match.

This may be the closest I can come to being with these sparkling jewels in person. Nature's beauties inspire me so. I couldn't wait to give the book as gifts to my friends who love jewelry. And while you drool over these photos, check out the other gem books in their collection.

phenominal gems, phenominal books...
I have been in the gem business for 18 years, and I have all of Fred Ward's books. They are more than colorful, informative guides to understanding the gem world.
Every person who handles one is immediately drawn to the series.

The books show a love of gems - they show the extraordinary lengths we go to find treasures.

I appreciate the years of dedication it takes to accomplish something so beautiful.

Gem Book
This book for $19.00 is very limited to what it covers.It is not a thorough book like I had imagined. I was very disappointed in the size and the gems it covered (pearls included). ... Read more

Product Description
Part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. This lavishly illustrated book in the all-color series includes History and Lore, Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Synthetic and Industrial Diamonds, and Buying & Caring for Diamonds. This book provides the ideal introduction to the world's most famous gem. Follow author Fred Ward around the world in search for the most important examples of these beautiful and historic gemstones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

amazingly good
I just finished reading the Fred Ward books "Diamonds" and"Rubies and Sapphires" in his gem series, and I was verypleasantly surprised.These books are entertaining as well as informative,and found myself telling obscure facts about the different gemstones to myfriends and family. I was in the market for a ring with my fiance, and sofound the books particularly insightful.Along with the writing, the colorphotography was absolutely sinful, with the most striking pictures ofjewelry I have ever seen.Breathtaking.Definitely a must read, even ifyou think you aren't that interested in gems in the first place.I didthink that the price of the books was exceedingly high, however, and I wishthey would market them as an entire collection instead of just the separatebooks.

But all in all, wonderful read! ... Read more

Product Description
Part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series.This well illustrated book in the all-color series includes detailed information on caring for more than 70 of the most common gemstones. Included in an alphabetized and indexed listing are such favorites as amber, aquamarine, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, ivory, jade, lapis, opal, pearls, ruby, sapphire, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise as well as gold, silver, and platinum. A Mohs hardness scale for gems is included. Each gem is discussed with specifics on hardness, toughness, ultrasonic cleaners, and sensitivity to heat, steamers, and most chemicals. This publication is invaluable for assuring your precious gems last for generations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Must-Have for Jewelry Owners
As a professional gemologist, this book plays an extremely important role in helping to educate my clients in the proper care of their gems and jewelry.It is beautifully illustrated, thorough in its research and mastery of the subject, and well written.

Gem Care excellent overview
As a teacher of Gemology, I recommend this well written and researched book on gem care to all my students.The photographs, as usual in Mr. Wards books, are spectacular.Gem Care should be in everyone's collection and read for care and treatment of the jewelry and gem specimens in the reader's possession. This book is a must have.

Not worth [the price]
I was VERY disappointed with this gem-care book.It has nice pictures, but contains very little information about gem-care that isn't obvious already.The book does not address any of the more unusual gems and stones either.Do not buy this book!It's a waste of [money]. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. This lavishly illustrated book in the all-color series includes History and Lore, Natural Pearls, Cultured Saltwater Pearls, Cultured Freshwater Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl and Shell Products, Imitation Pearls, and Buying and Caring for Pearls. This book provides the ideal introduction to one of the world's oldest and most famous gems. Follow author Fred Ward around the world in search for the most important examples of these beautiful and historic gems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Pearls, dissapoints :-(
I was dissapointed in this book after reading it.I was looking more for a reference book on pearls and not a rambling history lesson.The history is important but not as much as the reference part I was looking for.

Wonderful Book
This book is like eye candy, at least for the lay person. I devour all of Fred Wards books. Wonderful combos of photos, history, quality info, etc.

Pearls
It's a small book yet it covers an amazing amount of information on the history of pearls, the environment under which they are cultivated, the buying and caring of the different qualities, and other fascinating topics. If someone is "into" pearls, then this is the book to have.

nice book
great pictures and interesting information. I enjoyed this book. It packs a lot of interesting information in a small, easy to read, book.

Simple, Concise Guide to Pearls
This book with 62 pages explains everything you need to know about Pearls. In addition to the knowledge of pearl for a consumer, this book also goes into great details in the trade of pearls. It covers the geographic sources of pearls, the competitive producers, and logical prediction of future market.
I enjoyed it a great deal. ... Read more

Product Description
Gorgeous photographs from a National Geographic photographer and world-renowned gemologist. Get global coverage of one of the major gemstones. Information for jewel lovers, collectors, retailers, and hobbists. From history and lore, through geology and mining, to famous jewels, and buying and caring for emeralds, you'll find a quick read and thorough observations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Craddock Stories
Craddock Stories is a collection of brief retellings of Craddock's life experiences from childhood, through seminary, from professor to parish pastor. This is a collection of the Fred B.Craddock stories which are most often quoted by others. They are a virtual string of pearls;subtle but extremely clear recantings of scripture and daily life rubbing up against each other. Extremely helpful in the pulpit and as clarifying points for difficult places in life. Strongly recommend.Craddock Stories

Uplifting stories
We love the Craddock Stories. We've purchased at least 3 copies of the book and given them as gifts. Fred Craddock is honest, uplifting and straight to the point of how God weaves our lives with one another. Thank you, Fred Craddock! Bill and Diane Tucker, Nashville, TN

Didn't need to be written
I love Fred Craddock.He is my favorite preacher and his new style was a watershed for the homiletics community.This book, however, goes against Craddock's entire method.Craddock weaves his stories in and out of his sermons in order to allow people to acquire the truth he is deliver without just making a pronouncement of that truth.The stories are everyday examples which help people understand a particular thought or doctrine, much the same way Jesus used parables that dealt with things everyone would understand like a sower going out to sow.These stories, while great, are best in the context of the sermon and therefore people should read his books with sermons in it and discover the true richness of his stories there rather than in this book.In the sermon the stories serve their purpose and can allow readers to better create their own stories and tell their own stories as they see how Craddock tells his in the form of the sermon.I recommend getting "the Cherry Log Sermons" which has many of the stories found in this book, "As One without Authority" and "Overhearing the Gospel."You can also find many of his sermons online to download for a small cost or buy several cds of his sermons so you can hear him tell his own stories, the way they are meant to be experienced, orally.

Nuggets of gold from a master storyteller
These short little stories, most of them not even a page long, are little sermons in themselves, for those who have ears to hear. Surely not all of them actually happened (unless you think dogs and birds talk back to Fred when he talks to them), but all of them are true. Several stories are printed twice in slightly different forms, making a different point altogether. Then again, if you put the book down for awhile and re-read it several months down the road, you may get a different point out of the same story! Some seem to have no point at all, except to make you think. The author assumes some intelligence on the part of the listener/reader, so he doesn't usually make the point or points obvious. Read, learn, and marvel at this wonderful collection!

Craddock Stories
Dr. Craddock has the ability to draw you in to his stories in such a way that you can picture and relive the story over and over in your mind.It is as though it were the readers story to own after reading it.With a slight smile Dr Craddock relates sometimes funny but always meaningful stories.I liken this book to Tuesdays With Morie.It needs to be read once every year.I am buying copies for my children. ... Read more

Product Description
Laugh your way through every day. The Internet has become the main distribution route for jokes around the world. For more than a year Fred Ward collected the jokes that poured into his computer daily. When they nummbered 100,000, he stopped and edited the mass down to the best, 1800 truly topical and funny jokes. Organized into 28 chapters (such as Animals, Blondes, Bumper Stickers, Celebrities, Ethnic, Lawyers, Movies, Office, Men, Rednecks, Religion, Sex, Sports, and Women), it's easy to laugh with a favorite topic or just dip in anywhere for a surprise. More than 800 cartoon graphics add to the humor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good, but there is better...
I enjoyed Jokes from the Internet by Fred Ward, but I have just read better. McFool's Internet Humor has an incomparable collection of Internet jokes and stories.Ward's book is good, but McFool's is better.

Intelligent and tasteful humor; a book of quality grins.
I have been enjoying this book immensely. I don't buy much homor, but I find it's a delight to pick up when I want a laugh, or would like to share something with friends or a colleague.

If you enjoy Internet jokes, you'll love this collection!
Fred Ward, a serious journalist, has put together a zany,eclectic bunch of Net jokes that's practically impossible to resist.At first glance you're sure you've heard them all before, but stick with it.Many are classics retold, but many are new.Good medicine for what ails us, and a bargain at the price!

A great book to browse through - a page or joke at a time
This is a great coffee table book you can read a joke or page at a time.I found myself laughing out loud many times.If you have a few minutes to kill or even longer, you can pick up this book, flip to any page and enjoythe jokes.If you are looking for specific humor, there are themes orcategories of jokes available.A good source for the short jokes neededfor a presentation or the water cooler.

A Year of Good Jokes
Ward is famous for his gem books. In this one he has a gem of a book. Not all of the jokes are politically correct, of course--but no worse than Governor Ventura's in-your-face honesty. Ward has gone to the trouble ofcategorizing the jokes by chapters so if you don't like dumb blonde jokes,skip that chapter. This may well be the first in a long series of jokebooks since Ward has included his email address and no doubt will beinudated with jokes from the internet. ... Read more

Product Description
A series introducing young children to simple science, craft and technology through a problem-solving approach. It emphasizes such skills as observation, organization, hypothesizing, measuring, testing and recording. It also encourages group work, discussion, and project and display work. ... Read more

Product Description
About the Book This book is about a young Marine who went through the entire battle of IWO JIMA just 43 days before his 19th birthday.Now less than two months from his 80th birthday, he is putting his memories on paper where it belongs. His memory is alive and well, his eyewitness accounts are extremely vivid and accurate.This former Marine is the author of his own book, Picking up the Pieces.You will find this book to be heart-breaking in its entirety, accurate and true.You'll find this book often times will give you the urge to cry.In writing this book, don't be surprised to see faded tear drops here and there, that's okay because it will make you appreciate this book more. I also hope that you will find the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the honesty of Lincoln, and the bravery of Geronimo in the determination and victory of this Marine.The AuthorP.S.In my old age, I try not to remember my battle experiences too often, but when I do, you know what?I cry too. ... Read more

Product Description
This gardening series is written for amateurs by master gardeners with clear, expert advice, boxed features and time-saving tips. In this volume, Fred Downham explores the various methods of raising plants, including sowing seeds, division, stem and root cuttings and layering. The author lists tools and equipment needed, and a third of the book is devoted to a comprehensive A-Z of plants, methods of propagation and the degree of difficulty likely to be experienced with a particular variety. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a revised edition of OPALS and part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. The lavishly illustrated all-color book continues in the quality tradition of the other gem seven books in the series. Opals from Australia, Mexico, the USA, and other sites are included, as are mining, processing, sales, and care. This is a compact, beautiful, and informative coverage of this fascinating gemstone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Opals
All of Fred Ward's books are a perfect blend of history, geology, geography, gemology, socioeconomic issues and chemistry, highlighted by fabulous photography.

Wonderful Book
This book is a nice addition to my "opal" library.It is not too technical, more dealing with the history of opal mining and then explaining the different opal types, including synthetics, triplets, etc., in addition to the different kinds ofsolid opals.It is not a very large book, but it is packed with valuable information and gorgeous pictures.If you like opal, you won't be disappointed in purchasing this book. I enjoyed it very much.It may be the only book you will need on opals, unless you want technical detail.

Intro to Opals
Informative book of the history of Opal mining in Australia.A useful guide for classifications, purchasing and overview for a lay person.Easy reading, but not quite enough depth to satisfy that "thirst for knowledge".

Close But It's Definitely Not Eckert's Opal Book...
I have been lucky to have obtained both newer and older source books on Opals.This book is good - perhaps very good.But it is lacking in some areas.It doesn't really come close to Allan W. Eckert's "The World of Opals."Nor does it compare with Paul B. Downing's book, "Opal Identification & Value."I think you can find these on Amazon and possibly you may even come across Wilfred C. Eyles' "The Book of Opals."This one is a bit older (last printing was somewhere around the mid-70s).Honestly, I'm not about to say, "thumbs down," to Mr. Ward's book.I't certainly has a lot of attractive pictures and decent information.Please do not let your opal library be without Mr. Ward's book.However, I do think an opal book collector would first want to find some of the other books I've mentioned.

Great overview of opals
Not a "how to" book for lapidarists, this is instead an excellent review of the many types of opals.The photos of the opal specimens are superb.The author has visited the mines for many of the familiar opal varieties - Coober Pedy, Andamooka, etc, and adds important human interest in describing the outback towns and their colorful residents.
I learned a great deal from the discussion of the formation of these fascinating gemstones.A must have for either the already addicted opal fancier, or those just curious about the stones they've longed for at jeweler's displays. ... Read more

Product Description
Even before the discovery of oil at Spindletop Field in 1901, Beaumont was a thriving lumber and railroad center where wealthy Beaumonters built gracious mansions that reflected their wealth and position. After Spindletop, even more grand home went up. One of the grandest of these was the McFaddin-Ward House. This is the story of the house and the people who lived in it. Evoking the history of a flamboyant era, this richly illustrated and highly readable book brings to life a period of history that is rapidly fading. ... Read more