Southern Californians will have two chances this month to see Ronald Ringsrud, author of Emerald, A Passionate Guide, at:

Nevada Mineral & Book Company

342 S. Tustin Street, Orange, CA 92866.

Friday, December 18: Book signing 5–9 p.m., with a one-hour lecture and slideshow at 7:30

Saturday, December 19: Book signing 10 a.m.–12 noon with a one-hour lecture at 11 a.m.

In the spirit of the season, a raffle will be held each day for a half-kilo of Colombian coffee beans that Ringsrud will bring back from his December trip to the Bogotá emerald market and Colombian emerald mines. Mineral specimens of emerald will be on display and for sale. Colombian coffee will be served.

Stocking stuffer. Ringsrud will have emerald mineral specimens on hand for display and sale at his Southern California appearances this month. (Photo courtesy Ronald Ringsrud)

Read about the people, the miners, the personalities and adventurers – each caught in the allure of this exotic green stone! Rather than a mere introduction to emeralds, this book is a grand introduction to the royal view that a connoisseur takes on the subjects of color, gem appreciation and rarity.

There is information here for a gemologist to rise to the level of connoisseurship in emeralds. But beginners will find this book an expansive and informative read – one that celebrates as well as explains The final chapters carry the mind and heart to territory that is both thought-provoking and passionate – unusual for a gemological book, but timely and fitting.

“This book is a true adventure, a work of imagination and creativity, and in that respect it is much like Richard Hughes’ classic work,Ruby & Sapphire. It is also a complement to John Sinkankas’ Emeralds and Other Beryls, and importantly, a book that is fun to read.”

— From the foreword by John Koivula, Chief Gemologist, GIA and co-author
of the Photoatlas of Inclusions
in Gemstones series

“Ron masterfully conveys his intimate knowledge of the gem trade through his passion for emeralds, in all their aspects.”

— Edward Boehm, gemologist
and connoisseur

“In this fascinating book, Ron Ringsrud details the history, gemology and allure of this most precious of stones.”

— Richard Hughes, author of
Ruby & Sapphire