BOOKS

'Ivory'

by Maggie Campbell Pedersen

ISBN 978-0-7198-0053-5

A book covering in detail ivory's composition and unique properties, its sources in the animal kingdom, trade bans and conservation status, how it has been worked by craftsmen, its care and repair, and its fakes and imitations, identification and testing. The book also covers the history of ivory, world-wide, going back 40,000 years. Lavishly illustrated throughout with colour photographs, quick reference identification charts and diagrams, it is the first book to cover ivory from every aspect.

Reviews:

"An invaluable guide for collectors, antique dealers, curators, gemmologists, conservationists and frequenters of flea markets, as well as those who simply love this attractive material." (Antiques Diary)

"This new book provides invaluable information on ivory. ....an essential guide for anyone interested in studying this fascinating organic gem material." (The Journal of Gemmology)

"This is a very welcome addition to any gemmologist's library" (Gems and Jewellery)

'Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin’
by Maggie Campbell Pedersen

ISBN 0750658525

The only book devoted to Organics, ‘Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin’ is an easily accessible and interesting reference book. It contains chapters on amber and copal, jet, ivories, bone, antler, horn, rhino horn, tortoiseshell, pearl, shell, coral, many unusual organics, and plastics. A further chapter provides quick reference charts. Information is given on identification, tests, uses, history and conservation status. Over 200 colour photographs aid identification of the materials.

Reviews:

“This is a very interesting book………For the antique dealer, jeweller and gemmologist this book would be a most useful addition to their bookshelves” (Journal of Gemmology, the quarterly journal of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain)

“Chock full of interesting facts……A comprehensive and clearly written guide to organic materials …………a volume of genuine use to dealers, collectors and museum curators.” (Antiques and Collectables. Voted ‘Book of the Month’.)

“This book is the most comprehensive, in-depth, and scientific examination of these materials to date” (Gems and Gemmology, the quarterly Journal of the Gemological Institute of America)

“I have not found a reference book that has more data on this subject………..it is a mandatory item for every appraiser’s reference library.” (The Jewelry Appraiser, the quarterly journal of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers)

“A comprehensive reference……….. -- buy it!” (Plastics Historical Society Newsletter)

“An ideal reference book………a unique source of information on this neglected topic.” (Rock’n’Gem)

To order books from the publishers, go to www.crowood.com, and click on NAG Press.

MENU

BOOKS

'Tortoiseshell'

by Maggie Campbell Pedersen

ISBN 978 0 7198 3144 7 published 2021

Tortoiseshell is the only book describing in detail all the aspects of the material derived from three species of marine turtle, notably the hawksbill turtle, which has been used in the decorative arts -- and the animals themselves.

There are chapters on:

Turtle species, their origins, anatomy and lives
Conservation and the dangers facing marine turtles today
The nature of tortoiseshell, and how it grows
Identifying tortoiseshell and its simulants
Testing tortoiseshell
Treatments and enhancements
History and uses of tortoiseshell, from Ancient Times to today’s trade bans, and including the use of turtle meat as food.
Other similar materials (keratins) used in the decorative arts
Laws and regulatory bodies
Quick reference chart for worked materials

The book is illustrated throughout with high quality photographs

Reviews

Understanding and appreciation of the treasures made from tortoiseshell – greatly aided by this book – will help us preserve the old even while we ban the new. It is a work that will be of great benefit to anyone working in the decorative arts.

(Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) Annual Journal).

Maggie Campbell Pedersen’s passion and scholarship shine brightly in this concise work. (It is) excellent for gleaning a better understanding of tortoiseshell.

This book is a must for any gemmologist who wishes to learn the many aspects of tortoiseshell.

(Journal of Gemmology, The quarterly journal of The Gemmological Association of Great Britain.)

The author has been called the ‘Organics Queen’ of her field due to her vast knowledge of the subject.

Whether you are a gemmologist looking for expertise in tortoiseshell artefacts, or a chelonian enthusiast wishing to learn about this aspect of the sea turtle, there is a mine of information here. I learnt so much from this book.

(BGC Newsletter -- Testudo, the journal for British Chelonia Group)

'Ivory'

by Maggie Campbell Pedersen

ISBN 978-0-7198-0053-5 published 2015

A book covering in detail ivory's composition and unique properties, its sources inhe animal kingdom, trade bans and conservation status, how it has been worked by craftsmen, its care and repair, and its fakes and imitations, identification and testing. The book also covers the history of ivory, world-wide, going back 40,000 years. Lavishly illustrated throughout with colour photographs, quick reference identification charts and diagrams, it is the first book to cover ivory from every aspect.

Reviews:

"An invaluable guide for collectors, antique dealers, curators, gemmologists, conservationists and frequenters of flea markets, as well as those who simply love this attractive material." (Antiques Diary)

"This new book provides invaluable information on ivory. ....an essential guide for anyone interested in studying this fascinating organic gem material." (The Journal of Gemmology)

"This is a very welcome addition to any gemmologist's library" (Gems and Jewellery)

'Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin’

by Maggie Campbell Pedersen

ISBN 0750658525 published 2004 (1st edition), 2010 (2nd edition)

The only book devoted to Organics, ‘Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin’ is an easily accessible and interesting reference book. It contains chapters on amber and copal, jet, ivories, bone, antler, horn, rhino horn, tortoiseshell, pearl, shell, coral, many unusual organics, and plastics. A further chapter provides quick reference charts. Information is given on identification, tests, uses, history and conservation status. Over 200 colour photographs aid identification of the materials.

Reviews:

“This is a very interesting book………For the antique dealer, jeweller and gemmologist this book would be a most useful addition to their bookshelves” (Journal of Gemmology, the quarterly journal of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain)

“Chock full of interesting facts……A comprehensive and clearly written guide to organic materials …………a volume of genuine use to dealers, collectors and museum curators.” (Antiques and Collectables. Voted ‘Book of the Month’.)

“This book is the most comprehensive, in-depth, and scientific examination of these materials to date” (Gems and Gemmology, the quarterly Journal of the Gemological Institute of America)

“I have not found a reference book that has more data on this subject………..it is a mandatory item for every appraiser’s reference library.” (The Jewelry Appraiser, the quarterly journal of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers)

“A comprehensive reference……….. -- buy it!” (Plastics Historical Society Newsletter)

“An ideal reference book………a unique source of information on this neglected topic.” (Rock’n’Gem)

Book Sale

Signed copies, sent direct from the author. Please email maggiecp@btinternet.com, writing 'Book Sale' in the subject line, for book prices and postage costs.

To order books from the publishers, go to www,crowood.com