Collecting Gem Stone Tree Sculpture from Around the World

Book excerpt: The International Gem Stone Tree Sculpture Buying Guide was written to help the buyers of international gem tree sculpture understand the background of this fascinating collecting field, learn about some of the most popular types of gem trees, and find resources for purchase, with photos throughout. One tree is beautiful but a gemstone forest is awe-inspiring! Tree sculpture is an ancient art form that can be made from many different materials. Gem trees are a sub-type of tree sculpture and can be made of anything as long as there is some type of gemstone present on the base or tree, whether polished, rough, or faceted. These are also referred to as gemstone trees, jade trees, wire trees, Ming or Peking trees, feng shui trees, lucky money trees, happiness trees, jiji (pronounced jeeka), faux bonsai, and artificial bonsai tree sculpture. Some of the most popular gems used in gem trees include jade, jadeite, amethyst, garnet, peridot (olivine), malachite, quartz, turquoise, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, citrine, agate, lapis, carnelian (red agate), onyx, jasper, aventurine, amazonite, amber, and emerald. As an art form, gem trees are part of many different cultures around the world, especially those with rich deposits of naturally occurring gemstone.This series of booklets, Buying Guides for International Collectables, celebrates folk art and collectable items from around the world, including some that are not well-known but that are relatively affordable and fascinating. Ceramics, wood carvings, semi-precious gemstones, embroidery, sculpture, and sterling silver figurines are just some of the areas explored. Let's feast our eyes on the traditional arts and crafts of India, Mexico, Russia, Ghana, South Africa, USA, Brazil, Japan, China, and many other nations.Table of Contents: Definition, Where To Buy Gem Trees, Displaying And Caring For Gem Trees, Type I: Manufactured Gem Trees, USA: Swoboda, Franklin Mint And Hawaii, Swoboda Sizes, The Famous Swoboda Jin And Other Branch Information, Re-Attaching Gem Leaves, Rare Swoboda Trees, Similar But Not Swoboda, Franklin Mint, Hawaiian Palms, China And Hong Kong, Japan, Related But Not A Gem Tree, Poland, South Africa, India, And Brazil, Type Ii: Artist-Made Gem Trees, And Proper Shipping For Trees.