Gem Cutting: A Lapidary's Manual, 2nd Edition Paperback – Illustrated, November 21, 2014

I had read on some rockhounding sites that this was a really great book for people who enjoy the world of rocks. They were correct. It is a great tool to have to learn about the differences and a great starter guide to understand the tools you need and the how to’s of using them.

Book is a fantastic overview of the multiple lapidary hobbies, old equipment and times tested techniquesIt is written in easy flowing and candid narrative covering history, cutting, grinding, facetting and tumbling.Instructions and practices are insightful and useful.Draw back is that it is old and has black and white photos. However it is a great addition to any lapidary library.

I've enjoyed reading though this as a basic knownledge book.

I wish I had this book years ago. So glad I bought it before I ever decided to purchase any lapidary equipment. Was really helpful in the discussions of pros & cons of the equipment configurations. Saved me from tears as I almost bought the wrong equipment setup.

The best compilation of techniques available in English. A bit obsolete, but is the reference I use and the guide I give to my students for teaching the craft. (And I will continue to give them away. as long as I can obtain reasonably priced, used copies via Amazon.)

This item has so much useful information in it. I only wish the pictures would be in color. But the information in it is well worth the money

I'm not sure why 2014 is in the heading for this book (maybe that was a run of reprints?) but make sure you understand you're buying a dated classic from the 1960s. There might be information that's still relevant, but as a semi-beginner, it made it harder for me to not know which techniques and materials are still in use versus what have been replaced by better alternatives. I wouldn't recommend this for a beginner.

Great info. Dated as it seems diamond discs, files, wheels have taken over the silicon carbide spot. But still this seems to be the Bible of the lapidary arts.