Hidden within the geological formations of our planet are some of the most unique and beautiful expressions of nature: fancy coloured diamonds. For centuries, these mysterious, exotic, and rare gemstones have been admired by connoisseurs, analyzed by gemologists, and coveted by collectors. Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds, provides a detailed and handsomely illustrated account of these unusual gemstones. Using the Aurora Collection of 260 fancy colour diamonds as its foundation, Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds, explores the gamut of colours displayed by diamonds in nature and, in a format for both the layperson and the expert, investigates how diamond colours are perceived, measured, and classified. The Aurora Collection, considered one of the finest in the world, has been on exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York since 1989. Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds was created to be a joy to look at, a pleasure to read, and a detailed reference for anyone interested in learning about nature's diverse expressions of colours in diamond. It will be of great interest to the general public as well as an indispensable tool for members of the diamond trade. Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds is also a valuable addition to libraries, institutions of higher learning, and an essential book for connoisseurs and collectors of coloured diamonds. In addition to a comprehensive yet easy to read text, Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds presents the reader with: More than 700 colour photographs More than 650 black and white diagrams More than 300 quotations relating to coloured diamonds Chart listing coloured diamonds on public exhibit Charts denoting rarity for various diamond colours Chart denoting highest prices for various colours Chart denoting twelve colour varieties of diamond More than 275 diamond colours classified More than 560 terms defined in the glossary More than 1200 books and articles referenced More than 1400 coloured diamonds referenced (less)
