Vintage pearl books

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PearlReef

Guest
I am on the hunt for a few antique pearling books. I have checked several used book stores in my area but none have had any books that deal specifically in the pearling industry.

I am hoping to find a book, or a few books, from the early 1900's or late 1800's. I am not overly concerned with the condition of the books, I would just like to have a few vintage volumes for our reception area.

Any help would be appreciated!
 
Old Pearl Books

Old Pearl Books

I just did a search on Google for "Vintage Pearl Books", and a few other word combinations. I actually came back with severa results. A lot of the books are from Australia. I think this is a good way to find books you would like.
I also suggest checking the last edition of 'Pearl World'. I have looked for mine but cannot find it. It has a section in it about a vintage book dealer specializing in gems and gemology. I am sure he would have a few good pearling books.
 
Original Book From ...

Original Book From ...

Hey Jshepherd,

Do you Check your Private mail on this site! I sent you something of potential interest!

Ashby
 
I did! I sent the Webmaster an email about the book, but I have not heard back yet. It seems a bit strange that one cannot actually order from the Website even though there is an 'Add to Cart' button...
 
Thank goodness

Thank goodness

I am so glad you did get the message. I was wondering If I sent it right or not! I am not the best when it comes to this tech stuff.... I wrote him as well and never heard back... I thought since you have a business that you may have more luck! It does seem strange.... who knows maybe he will answer you in time! Good luck!

Ashby ;)
 
Ashby,

I just received my copy of The Pearl by Silvia Malaguzzi. I have been perusing it a bit this afternoon. It really is stock with historical information. I would have to say it rivals the Stevenson and Kunz book, mainly because it has incredible photos of the pieces.
 
Jshepherd,

WOW!!!!! Congratulations! I had just about given up on finding a copy out there somewhere!!!!! I will keep on digging! If you find any good and reputable leads please let me know. I have unfortunately been burnt recently trying to by a book online. So I am really cautious now!

Thanks

Ashby
 
pearls and pearling life

pearls and pearling life

I have a first edition copy of "pearls and pearling life" by EW Streeter. It is coming up for auction at Sotheby's London in June.
 
books

books

Hi,

Just found the forum. I collect rare gem books including books on pearls. good to find others with the same addiction. I am also a writer my new book is titled: Secrets Of The Gem Trade, The Connoisseurs Guide To Precious Gemstones. I cover pearls rather extensively in the book. You might still be able to find excepts at www.colored-stone.com. The book can be ordered on the publisher's website: www.secretsofthegemtrade.com

If you are interested in books with accounts of the pearling life suggest Sons of Sinbad, published in the late 40's, written by a fellow (on vacation, can't remember the name) who spent most of his adult life sailing in old ships. He sailed in an Arabian dhow down the coast of E. Africa then visited the pearl beds off Bahrain in the late 40's just before the demise of that market. Also, have you read Donkin's book. Much better than Kunz & Stevenson.

Richard W. Wise
 
I do not know about Son's of Sinbad, but Donkin's book, 'Beyond Price', is great, especially the maps. I will check out your new book online.
 
Pearl Books

Pearl Books

Hi Michael,

I am on the hunt for Beyond price, Pearls and pearl fishing....., I just ordered The Pearl By Sylvia Malaguzi(sp) and Pearls a Natural History, by Neil Landman Paula Mikkelsen (this one accompanies the really big traveling pearl show.) I tried to get to the site you listed But It did not let me get there.. I will try again tomorrow, I am really interested in seeing your book!

Ashby
 
Good Gravy!!!!

Good Gravy!!!!

Richard,

Good grief! I am really sorry about the name mix up! Please forgive me.I tried the Link one more time before I am off to bed, then discoverd my name mix up in a sleepy haze... Welcome to the site!!! I really am sorry..... When is the Book due out??? Any Idea when it may hit canada? 20 questions.. that's me... I am looking forward to it!


Michael,

I am glad about your review about Beyond price, I trust the reviews of teh people here at the Forum..

I hear my pillow calling.... Good night.
Again I really am sorry abotu the name mix up...

Ashby
 
books

books

Satine,

Love that name sounds like an ancient one.

My book is available at www.secretsofthegemtrade.com. Can also be ordered through Amazon.com at 15% off but unsigned. Also have a signed and numbered limited edition.

Unfortunately my agreement with Colored Stone Magazine has expired so they have taken the pearl excerpt off their website.

My good friend Henry Polissack, a gem book dealer worth knowing, has several (like new) copies of Beyond Price. I am currently on a beach vacation and do not have his address but he lives in Easthampton, Massachusetts so you can probably find him by calling information. Tell him I sent you.
 
Richard,

I Do Renaissance re-enactment and Satine is the name I go by it sounded "Old World" to Me I think its French for satin or something like that...

Thank you for the iNformation about your friend... I will contact him as soon as I am Able.. Right now everything has been put on hold...I have some personal family matters that are taking presidence(sp???) ... as soon as that is taken care of I can order "Beyond Price" and your book.

Have fun at the Beach and do not forget to Turn or Burn....

Ashby
 
source for vintage books

source for vintage books

Henry Polissack is a dealer I do a lot of business with. He is honest and very knowledgable.

413.527.4510. He has several copies of Donkin's book.

Richard
 
Richard..

I just recieved my Copy of Donkins book! I have just taken a glance at it WOW! is all I can muster to say about it! it has so much information and quite a bit on what I am looking for! Thank You Thank you and Thank you!!!!!



Ashby
 
Happy reading.

A couple of other possiblities for you:

Trade Winds, The Adventures of a Dealer in Pearls by Louis Kornitzer. Great if you want to know how the pearl business operated just before the introduction of the cultured pearl.

Pearl Diver by Victor Berge and Henry W. Lanier. The story of a young Swedish boy who ran away from home after his father died and eventually became a diver/captain on a pearl lugger off the coast of Australia. I first read this book when I was twelve then forgot all about it but it stayed in the back of my mind and I became a gem dealer and eventually rediscoved it when I began to collect rare gem books.

P.S. Now that you know all about the history, lore, chemistry, sources its time to learn how to judge their quality. My book is now available at 15% off for a signed author's edition on the Secrets Of The Gem Trade website. Needed to match Amazon. com but book will (trust me) never be discounted further.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
P.S. Now that you know all about the history, lore, chemistry, sources its time to learn how to judge their quality. My book is now available at 15% off for a signed author's edition on the Secrets Of The Gem Trade website. Needed to match Amazon. com but book will (trust me) never be discounted further.
__________________


LOL!!!!!!! I am slowly absorbibgit all!! for what I want to do with Pearls.. yes my main interest is history.. however all of it has me hooked!!! I will keep an eye out for the Other Pearl books you and Other have recomended.. I need to catch up on my reading right now and get other pearls projects started....


Ashby
 
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