Gemstone Enhancement by Kurt Nassau

Gemstone Enhancement by Kurt Nassau is a significant reference work on the science, history and detection of treatments used to alter the appearance of precious and semi-precious stones. Published by Butterworths in London in 1984, this first edition runs to 221 pages and contains 42 figures and 69 photographs, including 28 in colour. It was an important contribution to gemmological literature at a time when increasingly sophisticated treatments were becoming an important consideration in the identification and valuation of gemstones.

Nassau examines the many methods used to improve or alter the colour, clarity and overall appearance of gemstones. Gemstone Enhancement covers heat treatment, irradiation, impregnation, dyeing and other techniques, while also considering methods used to detect whether a stone has been treated. This makes the work particularly relevant to gemologists, jewellery professionals, collectors and anyone interested in the scientific examination of gemstones.

The historical dimension is especially interesting. Nassau traces gemstone treatments back to ancient practices, demonstrating that the desire to modify or imitate precious stones is by no means a modern phenomenon. His research draws attention to early techniques including dyeing, crackling, foil backing, doublets and triplets, and heat treatment.

The scientific approach is one of the book’s major strengths. Nassau considers the physical and chemical processes responsible for changes in gemstone colour and appearance, providing a foundation for understanding why particular treatments work and how they can be identified. The work discusses a wide range of materials, including corundum, quartz, beryl, jade, opal, amber and other gem materials.

Gemstone Enhancement is therefore more than a general guide to jewellery stones. It is a specialist reference dealing with an important area of practical gemmology, particularly the distinction between naturally occurring characteristics and artificially induced changes. Contemporary reviews noted its extensive illustrations and 27 or 28 colour plates, while later bibliographical records confirm that it includes bibliographies and an index.

This 1984 Butterworths edition is an appealing acquisition for collectors of gemmological literature, mineralogy enthusiasts, jewellers, jewellery historians and students of precious stones. Gemstone Enhancement provides an informed look at the techniques that can transform the appearance of gemstones and the methods developed to recognise those treatments.

Condition: Very Good – Shelf wear on dust jacket including small tears. Wear at corners of boards.