Anyone who enjoys jewelry would benefit from reading Antoinette Matlins' new book, "Jewelry & Gems at Auction," but if you buy or sell jewelry online, this is a must-read.

Antoinette is an internationally respected gem and jewelry expert. She has written numerous books on jewelry and gems, and she has provided counsel to clients buying and selling jewelry for over twenty years. Now she turns her attention to auctions, both "real life" and Internet auctions.

The book is very personal as Antoinette shares her love of jewelry and gems. Her personal stories make the book highly entertaining, so you feel you are passing time with a friend, albeit a knowledgeable one.

Jewelry is an area where knowledge is critical. She gives numerous examples of how she has avoided bad purchases as well as gained some beautiful pieces for bargain prices because of her expertise. But she warns that even experts can make mistakes.

This book will give you the confidence to walk into an auction and enjoy yourself in the process, whether you bid or simply use the experience to add to your knowledge. The book contains recent auction prices as well as charts, facsimile certificates and lab reports, and many beautiful color photographs.

Recent stock market performance makes jewelry look like a good diversification strategy, or so we can tell ourselves. This book is certainly a good investment.

"Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites" by Antoinette Matlins, P.G. with contributions by Jill Newman Published by Gemstone Press http://www.gemstonepress.com 2002, 309 pages

Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0943763290/auctionbytescom