What people in the trade say about this book:
"I have recently had the honor to review the latest edition of The Gem Merchant by David Stanley Epstein (Gem Market Publications, Piermont NY, 2012). This book is subtitled: "How to be one....How to deal with one" and that could stand alone as an accurate review of this book. I have once again found Mr. Epstein to offer a profound insight into the business of gemstone dealing that is unavailable in any other publication or venue.
There are three main issues that make The Gem Merchant a truly unique resource into the world of gemstone marketing:
1/ Mr. Epstein is actively engaged as a gem merchant, living and working in the world's leading gem producing area of Brazil, and brings decades of experience and knowledge as a gem dealer to this book.
2/ The Gem Merchant contains the latest developments and advancements in the current market. Mr. Epstein is on the cutting edge of the industry and he brings his readers out on that cutting edge with him to know the latest in the gemstone markets.
3/ The Gem Merchant delivers on its promises. It is full of "how-to" information regarding becoming or continuing as a successful gem dealer.
In The Gem Merchant, David Epstein has created a real-life primer on becoming a successful gem merchant that is based on his own successful and ongoing work as a professional gem dealer. He provides specific details on the various types of gem dealing markets that are available, how to set them up, how to market them, and most important how to successfully buy and sell gemstones from all levels of the market. This includes examples of forms, documents and business strategies.
Some gem industry publications claim to offer "secrets" of the gem trade. But let's be honest, there are no "secrets" to being successful in the current gem markets that can be found in 20 year old publications. Reworked publications that contain outdated information are of little use in the current fast-moving gemstone markets. The current gemstone market requires current gemstone marketing information and support...and The Gem Merchant provides both.
Successful gemstone dealers, both new and old, need to constantly stay on top of the latest developments in the markets in order to maintain their competitive edge. The Gem Merchant is the best publication I have found for gem dealers of all levels to maintain a marketing edge on their competition. I highly recommend this book to all established members of this industry...and to all those who would like to become successful Gem Merchants and set up your own gem business."--Robert James; President, International School of Gemology
"I found The Gem Merchant, How to be One, How to Deal with One a really entertaining and insightful read. It feels like you are having an in depth conversation with an experienced mentor who wants to insure your success in the gem industry on every conceivable level. Regardless of your trade experience, you will find this book a seriously useful tool. I certainly have.
Epstein does not leave a stone unturned, providing everything from beginner’s information on how to source and price gemstones to sophisticated tips on developing your business from the bottom up. From negotiating prices to insuring your security, you will find this book an invaluable asset!"--Barbra Voltaire; Gemology Online
“This is unquestionably the best book on “How to Buy and Sell Gems”. Although David has been my long time buying agent for Brazilian stones this book helped me make even more money from the gem business.”
--Richard Wise, G.G., jeweler and author of “Secrets of the Gem Trade”
“I wouldn’t have known how to locate or even define my market without this book and Mr. Epstein’s help. I entered the business with no friends or relatives in the trade. There was no one to help.”
--Gerard Walsh, F.G.A.A., Sydney, Australia
“Whether you are a jeweler, experienced gem merchant or a beginner, this book shows you how to avoid serious pitfalls and how to be successful buying and selling gems.”
--Bryan Pavlik, Ambassador to Austria
from the International Colored Stone Association“I had taken a gemological course in Antwerp but knew nothing about how gems were bought and sold. There is no doubt that David Epstein and his book “The Gem Merchant” made the difference.”
--Marco Minafra, Catania, Italy
“When I started as a gem merchant I had success, but not enough to do it full time. After David let me in on the secrets revealed in this book my business got to the point where it is a successful full time business.”
--Joe DeCristoforo, New York, USA
“We are an AGS, IJO store. Since my father started the store in 1929, we have always placed much emphasis on colored gems. David Epstein and his book “The Gem Merchant” have helped our colored stone sales and profit.
--Louis Castiglione, Ph.D., G.G.A., Castaglione Jewelers,
Gloversville, New York, USAWhat trade magazines say about this book:
“For those interested in learning more about what it takes to deal in gems.”
--National Jeweler
“This book should be carefully read and digested, by those involved in buying and selling gemstones, for advice offered covers the broad spectra of buying and marketing strategies for gemstones and gem rough, survival tips on entering the gemstone manufacturing industry, and a range of general information that could be successfully applied to trading in gemstones. Importantly, the advice offered is sensible, practical, honest, and straightforward.”
--Australian Gemmologist
“David Epstein is eminently qualified to write this book.”
--Alice Keller, Editor-in-Chief, Gems and Gemology
“This is a delightful account of the difficulties to be borne in mind when setting up (or out) as a peripatetic gem dealer. There is a good deal of common sense.”
--Gemmological Association & Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain
Professional gem buyers who search for the finest source buying assistance are whom this service was designed for.
::GEM BUYERS::A serious buyer can be confident of getting the hues and tones, sizes and shapes, clarity and cut at the price the goods come out of the lapidation, when they come on the market.