Richard W. Wise is a Graduate Gemologist and is President of R. W. Wise, Goldsmiths, Inc., Berkshire jewelers located at 81 Church Street, Lenox, Massachusetts, and the author of The French Blue and Secrets Of The Gem Trade, The Connoisseur's Guide To Precious Gemstones.

Mr. Wise began his career In the jewelry industry as a goldsmith. His early interest in gemstone connoisseurship led him to travel extensively. He began writing on the subject in 1989. His articles on gemstones have since appeared in Gems & Gemology, Jeweler's Quarterly, Colored Stone and many other publications. As Gemology Columnist for National Jeweler his column Gem-Wise was a popular feature of the magazine. Mr. Wise has been a Contributing Editor with Gemkey Magazine and Gem Market News.

From the ruby mines of upper Burma to the Australian outback, from the Brazilian hinterland to the black pearl farms of Tahiti, the author's search for rare and beautiful gemstones has taken him to most of the world most important gem producing areas. As a respected journalist, he has interviewed some of the world great experts and received entrée to many important private collections.

Richard Wise is a popular lecturer and has spoken widely on gemstone topics before both industry and consumer groups. Secrets of the Gem Trade, The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones, is his first book. He has just finished a new historical novel The French Blue, based on the life of the 17th Century gem dealer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. The French Blue is his first novel.