Guide to Affordable Gemology

(Second Edition)

by W. William Hanneman, Ph.D.

Spiral Flex, 180 pages

Dimensions (inches): 8.5 x 5.7 x .8

Published by Hanneman Gemological Instruments

Copyright 2001

Publisher's synopsis (Edited and Condensed):

Dr. W. Wm. Hanneman is a retired research analytical chemist. Gemology is his hobby. In the mid 1960’s, desirous of learning gemstone identification, he was told he must first take several prerequisite courses, each of which cost more money. Instead, he decided to buy some good books and teach himself.

As a chemist, and since all gems were chemical compounds, Dr. Hanneman recognized gem identification could be considered a "game" of qualitative analysis. Although having millions of dollars of analytical equipment at his disposal at work, he chose to play this game using the most simple and basic equipment possible. In fact, he made his own equipment.  Part I of this book tells you how you can make your own instruments.

Along the way, Dr. Hanneman developed and promoted the concept of Confirmative Gemology and his "ultimate weapon", The Jeweler’s Eye. After 25 years, the American gemological establishment has yet to come to understand this instrument.  Classified as an iconoclast, Dr. Hanneman has found that the American gemological powers have never had an interest in promoting his concepts. Consequently, a whole generation of American gemological graduates has been spawned who do not know his name. His significant technical papers, however, have found eager acceptance in foreign journals and his instruments have been featured in the classic English gemological books for nearly 20 years. In 1975, Dr. Hanneman introduced the Hodgkinson Method to U.S. gemology. Twenty years later, it has now become the "new rage" of the Graduate Gemology Alumni Groups.

At the 1998 Tucson Gem Show, Dr. Hanneman sought to purchase the latest gem identification textbook from what he considered to be "The Source". He was informed that there was no textbook and their "course material" was the text. Needless to say, to take that course requires an expenditure of several thousand dollars. "So much for the concept of gem identification for the public," he thought. "Apparently, gemological techniques are destined to become ‘guild secrets’ for only the wealthy. That should not be."  In true iconoclastic form, Dr. Hanneman concluded that his clothes were just as good as the emperor’s, and he could provide a guide to gemology:

Within the covers of this book, Dr. Hanneman has presented his guide. And above all, it is affordable.

Our Review:

A must have for anyone seeking an alternative, non-establishment view on gemstone identification, with excellent guidance on how to practice the trade affordably.

We now have a fresh supply of the 2nd Edition of this book, so it typically would ship within 1 business day of your order.

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