author
Frank Bertram Wade
1875–1950
A science teacher and gem expert, he wrote practical books that made chemistry and precious stones easier to understand for students, jewelers, and curious readers alike. His best-known work brings a classroom clarity to the beauty and value of gems.
1 Audiobook
A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public
by Frank Bertram Wade
About the author
Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1875, Frank Bertram Wade built his career around science education and clear, useful writing. Records describe him as an American educator and author, and his published work shows a strong interest in chemistry, mineralogy, and the practical study of gems.
Wade wrote or co-wrote several instructional books, including Foundations of Chemistry, The Teaching of Science and the Science Teacher, and Diamonds: A Study of the Factors that Govern Their Value. His most widely remembered title is A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public (1918), a guide that explains gemstones in a straightforward way for both professionals and general readers.
That mix of technical knowledge and plain speaking gives his work lasting appeal. Rather than treating gems as mysteries, Wade approached them as subjects that could be studied carefully and enjoyed more deeply through understanding.