The Gem Merchants

By Ray Ferguson

Mark Branson, a young gem trader, knows that emeralds are mined, bought, stolen, coveted, and even killed forknowledge that weighs heavy on his mind as he journeys from the sedate, gentlemanly world... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0982103409
• ISBN13: 9780982103401
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Piermont Gem Publications
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

A fun and adventurous read

In pursuit of profit, there is nothing some won't do. "The Gem Merchants" is a thriller following ambitious Mark Branson as he dives into the heart of African mines in search of Emeralds to make his fortune. Not a trade condoned, he finds his path to fortune littered with strange and deadly characters, as he finds himself undeterred on his road. A fun and adventurous read, "The Gem Merchants" is a top pick for any thriller reader.

A Gem Dealer's Dream

In Ray Ferguson's exciting new novel The Gem Merchants, the young protagonist Mark Branson has achieved what every gem dealer dreams of. He is on the scene at the time and place of a major gem strike. In this case, the place is Zambia just as a major cache of emeralds has been unearthed. Branson, the gem buyer for a small London firm, manages to purchase a king's ransom in rough emerald crystals, but to hold on to them and get them out of the country, Branson must navigate his way through a series of obstacles including greedy politicians, sadistic military men and a grasping Indian gem dealer . The book is realistic and well paced. Ferguson show an adept hand in character development and a good sense of place. No mere cardboard cutouts, his characters live , breath and are quite believable. Along the way, the author, himself a gem dealer currently living in Madagascar, teaches us a good bit about the gem trade and how it operates across the world. I highly recommend The Gem Merchants to anyone who is interested in a fast paced, entirely believable and authentic account of the adventurous side of the international gem trade Richard W. Wise, author The French Blue The French Blue

Fascinating read

Reviewed by Ron Standerfer for Reader Views (11/09) The back cover of the book says it all: "Mined, Stolen, Bought, Sold, Coveted, and Killed For!" This describes in a nutshell the life gem trader Ray Ferguson lived for many years before writing "The Gem Merchants," a fascinating story about a young man engaged in the perilous occupation of emerald trading in Africa. Mark Branson understands all too well the dangers he faces each time he travels from the sedate and gentlemanly streets of Hatton Garden, London's center for precious stone trading, to the deep bush country of Africa in search of emeralds. Emerald trading is strictly illegal in Africa and if caught, he can expect to be imprisoned with no recourse to any embassy or in worse case, to lose his life. Meanwhile, he plies his trade armed only with a lucky gem given to him by an African mine owner, a generous supply of money to be converted to local currency supplied by his sponsor, plus his quick and inventive mind. During Branson's journeys in search for gems he encounters a variety of disparate and often hostile characters including hard-drinking Irish missionaries, suspicious and uncooperative Afrikaners, African politicians on the take, a smooth-talking, double-dealing Indian trader, and worst of all, the trigger-happy Zambian Police and Army. His greatest challenge is to learn quickly who to trust, who to bribe and who to avoid. It is a challenge fraught with dangers. As it turns out, Branson's most reliable ally while in Africa is the Irish priest who runs a missionary compound near his base of operation. Father O'Hara provides Mark with a ready source of black market local currency for his gem trading because he believes, "The work of God has to be financed and sometimes it has to be done by devious means." He also offers the compound as a place of refuge when Mark is being pursued or harassed by his enemies. During one of his stays in the compound Mark meets a beautiful young woman named Marian who works there. She quickly falls in love with him and shares his bed whenever she can. But while the compound provides a source of refuge and comfort, his stays there almost result in his undoing. When Rose, another comely resident, arrives at his door late at night filled with hashish-fueled lust he found it too difficult to refuse. The second night, however, he would not let her enter his room. This was a mistake. It seems that Rose's brother was a well-placed official with the secret police. Afterwards she reported his gem trading activities to her brother. It was a classic case of the woman scorned and what happens next almost cost him his life. "The Gem Merchants" by Ray Ferguson is a fine story filled with action, suspense, mystery and suspense; all wrapped in a package of authenticity that can only come from an author who knows what he is talking about. It's a great read!

AMAZING STORY! GREAT BOOK!

I have an interest in gems and was thrilled when I found this book. I could not put this book down. It is an exciting page turner. The author brings us through the jungles of Africa to the secretive Banks of Geneva to the upper class gem shops of London, and keeps us on the edge of our seat throughout. The fact that it's based on a true story makes it even more exciting. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a real life action adventure and I can't wait for the next book by Ray Ferguson. I will be surprised if this book isn't a number one best seller by the end of the year. Pick it up ASAP!

GEM MERCHANTS

Super adventure story. Couldn't put the book down. Ray Ferguson takes you through the unseen world of precious emeralds. From when they're taken from the earth to when they're sold to brokers. This dangerous journey as seen through the eyes of someone who has traveled it. A must read.