Jade is the eighth in a series of gem books written and photographed by Fred Ward and Charlotte Ward, who updated this edition. Each book Rubies and Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, Opals, Pearls, Gem Care, and Phenomenal Gems is part of a continuing global search into the history, geology, lore, and sources of these priceless treasures. Mr. Ward personally visited the sites and artifacts displayed here to provide authentic and timely information. His original articles on all those topics, except opals and gem phenomena, first appeared in National Geographic Magazine. Glamour, intrigue, romance, the quest for treasure those are all vital aspects of humankind s eternal search and love for gemstones. As long as people have roamed the world, they have placed extraordinary value on our gifts from the land and sea. The Wards capture the gem world in captivating, expert detail with an emphasis on the international contemporary scene.