Fred Ward, graduate gemologist and author of The Fred Ward Gem Book Series, has revised his 1993 book, Emeralds, adding new pictures and printing the pages at a higher definition. In addition, each page has been varnished to give the images photograph-like quality.

Ward, whose gem-writing career began with articles for National Geographic, has written nine books: Emeralds, Diamonds, Pearls, Opals, Jade, Rubies & Sapphires, Gem Care, Diamonds in Russian, and Jades of Mesoamerica. The Fred Ward Gem Book Series typically includes history and lore; firsthand accounts of mines and miners; images of gems, jewelry, and localities; and current information.

For more information on The Fred Ward Gem Book Series books or the second edition of Emeralds, contact Gem Book Publishers, Bethesda, MD; (301) 983-1990, e-mail: fward@erols.com.