Richard W. Wise is a Graduate Gemologist. He is a former Gemology columnist for National Jeweler and a former contributing edtior to Gemkey Magazine and Gem Martket News. He is also the author of the French Blue.

"The French Blue by Richard Wise provides a creative and intriguing glimpse into the life of Jean Baptiste Tavernier, the greatest gem merchant of all time. Anyone who is passionate about gems has read Tavernier's own accounts of his travels and the fabulous gems he sought, but Wise takes us on a personal journey alongside Tavernier in which we feel his youthful exuberance and determination, his successes and his disappointments; his delights and his fears, his loves and his losses. Wise enables us to experience the world of the 16th century as experienced by Tavernier, and provides us a greater appreciation not only for the remarkable gems he brought to the attention of the world, but for the man himself, and his other great love--the beautiful Madeleine--who proved to be the most precious, and most elusive, of all the gems he succeeded in acquiring! The French Blue is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, adventure, fabulous gems...and of course, a great love story." Antoinette Matlins, gemologist and author of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide

"Featured in Antiques Info, May/June 2010"