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Fred Ward
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Opals, Third Edition (Ward, Fred, Gem Book Series) (Fred Ward Gem Series) Perfect Paperback – September 10, 2011

by Fred Ward (Author, Illustrator), Charlotte Ward (Author), Christopher Ward (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 45 ratings
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Opals is one of eight gem books in a series written by Fred Ward and Charlotte Ward and photographed by Fred Ward and their son Christopher Ward. Charlotte Ward updated this edition. Each title, Rubies & Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, Diamonds (in Russian), Pearls, Gem Care, Jade, and Phenomenal Gems, provides part of a continuing global exploration into the history, geology, lore, and sources of priceless jewels. Glamor, intrigue, romance, and the quest for treasure make these books valuable and fundamental to any gem library. They appeal to miners, jewelers, museums, and consumers alike. The Wards believe that the more people know, the better and safer they will buy. As long as humankind has roamed the world, they have placed extraordinary value on the incredible gifts from the land and sea. To support a love of gemstones with valid information, the Wards provide gorgeous illustrations and concise text gathered from experts around the world. The books read like tales of adventure, rich in detail on assessing the vital aspects of the finest of the fine and the rarest of the rare.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    64 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Gem Book Publishers
  4. Publication date
    September 10, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.15 x 8.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1887651160
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1887651165
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Beautifully photographed...researched with Ward s usual thoroughness...easily understood. --Gemmological Association of Australia

A visually stunning tribute to opal, unquestionably the most colorful and intriguing of all gemstones....like looking through kaleidoscope...color images of opal jump out at you from every page. --John S. White, former Curator-in-Charge, Gems & Minerals, Smithsonian Institution

Opals from A to Z...detailed, concise, and personally researched at the mines... incredibly informative and a joy to read. --Greg Sherman, FGAA, renowned Australian opal dealer

A visually stunning tribute to opal, unquestionably the most colorful and intriguing of all gemstones....like looking through kaleidoscope...color images of opal jump out at you from every page. --John S. White, former Curator-in-Charge, Gems & Minerals, Smithsonian Institution

Opals from A to Z...detailed, concise, and personally researched at the mines... incredibly informative and a joy to read. --Greg Sherman, FGAA, renowned Australian opal dealer

A visually stunning tribute to opal, unquestionably the most colorful and intriguing of all gemstones....like looking through kaleidoscope...color images of opal jump out at you from every page. --John S. White, former Curator-in-Charge, Gems & Minerals, Smithsonian Institution

Opals from A to Z...detailed, concise, and personally researched at the mines... incredibly informative and a joy to read. --Greg Sherman, FGAA, renowned Australian opal dealer

About the Author

Fred Ward and Charlotte Ward, respected authorities on gems and gemology, visited the sites and artifacts displayed here. They continue to update each title to provide the most authentic and timely information available in the field. Fred Ward's original articles on all these topics except opals and gem phenomena first appeared in National Geographic Magazine. He spent as much as a year in the field on each of the subjects. In addition to being a journalist, Mr. Ward is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA). The Wards have evolved the series into a family enterprise. Besides Christopher's photographing many specimens, daughter Lolly edits the texts, and son David designs the layouts. Fred and Charlotte Ward present Keynote programs to professional and private groups. Also they conduct gem searches and design settings for discriminating clients desiring personalized jewelry. Photographs are available for purchase through their website: awardagency.com

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gem Book Publishers; Third edition (September 10, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Perfect Paperback ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1887651160
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1887651165
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.15 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

About the author

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Fred Ward

Fred Ward

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Many of our armchair adventures began by flipping pages of a National Geographic Magazine. Glimpses of foreign cultures, the beauty of the planet from the majestic to the minute, or a look toward the heavens above or secrets below have come from the images of National Geographic photographs. As photographer and writer over the past four decades, Fred Ward has opened our eyes to special and spectacular views of the world. His contributions to Time, Newsweek, Life, and, of course, National Geographic have led him through adventures that we merely read about. If the adventure makes the man, his retelling makes his audiences a part of the action.

Fred Ward has simply done it all. His travels for Geographic led him through more than 130 countries, piloting experimental aircraft and his own helicopter, and diving underwater, all in search of the perfect picture and the most interesting story. His photography has won numerous national awards, and his work--including historic images of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Gerald Ford¬--is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Library of Congress. His journalism has also collected a variety of honors.

Fred's gemstone series for National Geographic evolved into nine published gem books. His connections in the industry gave him the opportunity to become not only a gem dealer but also the owner and founder of Jade Designs, Blue Planet Gems, and ultimately, Gem Book Publishers. Along the way, he produced and directed two National Endowment for the Humanities films on Mexico, and various TV commercials and corporate documentaries, and he served as a special gem consultant for National Geographic television.

Without a doubt, through his explorations in the world, this man shares his legendary experiences with the rest of us.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
45 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sara Nicole
5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift!
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
I purchased as a Christmas gift for my dad and he was so impressed! Quality pages with bright photographs. He wants to go opal mining this summer and this is the perfect companion guide!
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Izze Lee-Green
5.0 out of 5 stars Opal addicts need this book
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
The perfect book about opals. Beautiful pictures and descriptions, highly recommend for opal addicts. Easy to read, and extensive knowledge in a compact book.
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Wes Harting
4.0 out of 5 stars Great photos
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great photos. A little light on the science. A good useable book.
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Suzi
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the money.
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
Lots of very good pictures. Quite interesting and informative.
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Crystal Poeschel
5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Book And It Is Up To My Standards It's Helping Me Learn Alot
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
This Book Is So Easy To Read And Learn About Opals From ! It's Definitely Any Age Level Book
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Tally
5.0 out of 5 stars Opaltastic
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2019
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Perfect for anyone looking to learn more about opals
One person found this helpful
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scotslass
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
I am very pleased to receive this book.It is what I wanted to learn more apout Opals. Thank you.
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Lampwrker
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2017
Verified Purchase
Easiest books to read and follow. Short with lots of info
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