The materials covered in the book include Amber and Copal; Jet; Ivory; Bone; Antler; Rhino horn; Horn; Tortoiseshell; Pearl; Shell; Coral, and other materials of plant and animal origin that have been used as gem or ornamental material. The book describes how to recognize them and how to distinguish them from the materials most commonly used to imitate them, for example plastic.

A comprehensive list of materials is included and each is presented with details of its origin, availability and conservation status, examples of, and a brief history of, their use. Organics fit together because of their origins, because they are constantly used together, have similar histories and were the earliest gem materials used.

200 color images are included for ease of reference and identification, allowing you to identify this material by sight, avoiding the usual gemological tests which ruin them.

Organics occur in modern and antique jewelry, in decorative items and in some furniture, and this book draws all the information together to provide the first complete overview of the subject.

* A unique reference book comprehensively documenting organic materials
* Highly illustrated color filled book for ease of reference
* Learn the background and how to identify organic material