This book contains a wealth of information on all aspects of pearls, saltwater and freshwater, their appearance, diagnostic properties, common treatments and imitations. Designed for the beginner or experienced, it will greatly assist those wishing to find out more about how to correctly identify pearls. There is information on the physical and optical properties of pearls. There is also details on the correct readings for pearls, from various gemmological instruments, which will aid in accurate identification. This is book 8 in 'The Australian Gemstones' Series.