The Curious Lore of Precious Stones; Being a Description of Their Sentiments and Folk Lore, Superstitions, Symbolism, Mysticism, Use in Medicine, Pro: ... dicine, Protection, Prevention, Religion, and

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Summary: A timeless classic devoted to gemstone lore.
Review: Geoge Frederick Kunz's contribution as a gemmologisy at the beginning of the century earned him universal fame and respect, even to the point that one the most popular stones in modern energy work is named after him: Kunzite. Dover has published a reprint of his 1913 monument to the "hidden" side of gems: The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. This 400 page volume contains a wealth of material based on medieval lapidary tomes, history, folklore,the Bible, the Eddas, archeological findings, and oral traditions still alive at the time of Kunz's writing. The casual or serious reader cannot help but be impressed by the depth of understanding Kunz deplayed in page after page of riches associated with all aspects of gems and their uses. Thank you, Dover, for allowing us access to this remarkable book.

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Summary: The Curious Lore of Precious Stones;
Review: I bought this book because I enjoy buying gemstones and rocks and just for fun I wanted to know more about the traditional properties that were associated with them. This book written in 1912 and was last reprinted in 1971. Author, George Frederick Kunz, was no doubt the leading expert of his time. The book is full of all kinds of information, from every religion and culture, and was very well researched. He quotes literature from ancient times through what was known up to his time. His writing style is also consistent with his times, so modern readers may find it a little stiff. There are newer lapidaries available...this is a good and entertaining reference.

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Summary: Keep going back
Review: I keep going back to this to research this stone or that one. Mr. Kunz is a bit on the dry side, but his information is superlative. Many of the pagan books of today don't give enough resources... Mr. Kunz does. I realize he is not a pagan author, but this is a useful resource for pagans interested in stone work. Here is where Scott Cunningham got much of his lore!

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Summary: 3 stars for being an interesting read...but...
Review: If you want something to help you buy jewelry more intelligently, or buy loose stones and have them made into your own designs, also here at Amazon try : Gemstones of the World (Schumann) *and* Jewelry & Gems, The Buying Guide (Matlins & Bonanno) -- they supplement each other well. As for this book : Kunz is a historic name well-known to gem and jewelry lovers, and I hoped there might be some helpful info -- or perhaps some fascinating gem exploration/ discovery tales -- here along with the 'lore.' None that I've found so far, though. Well, at least the 'lore' did provide me with some reasonably interesting chatter when folks ask about my jewelry or I notice theirs.

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Summary: 3 stars for being an interesting read...but...
Review: If you want something to help you buy jewelry more intelligently, or buy loose stones and have them made into your own designs, also here at Amazon try : Gemstones of the World (Schumann) *and* Jewelry & Gems, The Buying Guide (Matlins & Bonanno) -- they supplement each other well. As for this book : Kunz is a historic name well-known to gem and jewelry lovers, and I hoped there might be some helpful info -- or perhaps some fascinating gem exploration/ discovery tales -- here along with the 'lore.' None that I've found so far, though. Well, at least the 'lore' did provide me with some reasonably interesting chatter when folks ask about my jewelry or I notice theirs.

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Summary: THE resource for symbolism without embracing the occult
Review: Mr. Kunz is the father of American gemmology & served in acquisitions for Tiffany's. He is also the discoverer of kunzite. This book is the most excellent, all-in-one resource I have found in an extensive search. My main concern was that most resources had just as much content on witchcraft & the actual casting of spells (which I was NOT interested in). The author treats the subject from a reporter's point of view- stating the various cultural beliefs with his own sociological commentary. If you want a one-stop, non-religious/sectarian guide; look no more! (and spend no more extravagant amounts!)