Hundreds of fans of the best-selling book, The Treasure's Trove are excited about the newly released sequel and recent feature on the Today Show, Secrets of the Alchemist Dar, a fantasy story about fairies, spells and eclipses, written by Michael Stadther. With promises of hidden treasures valued at $2.2 million, the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) accredited senior appraiser and master gemologist appraiser, Donald Palmieri, ASA, of New York City was asked to value the 100 jeweled rings to assure their value and integrity.

"This is a fictional book, but I was dealing with real diamonds and gems, worth real money and appraising them was an extremely detailed process to ensure the authenticity of each piece," said Donald Palmieri, ASA, accredited senior appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). "I've been appraising gems and jewelry for 35 years, and this is definitely one of the most unique and interesting projects that I've worked with," Palmieri said.

Secrets of the Alchemist Dar begins with clues concealed in the pages of the book that will give anyone in the world who can read English a chance to solve the clues and obtain one of the 100 jeweled rings valued together at more than $2 million.

Palmieri spent one year consulting and valuing the 100 diamond rings consisting of one red-diamond ring, valued at $1 million. After Stadther's attorney conducted a nationwide search for an accredited gemological appraiser, Palmieri was chosen and asked by Stadther to work closely with internationally renowned jewelry designer Aaron Basha of New York City to develop 100 double-decker rings. He painstakingly reviewed each ring and counseled Stadther and Basha on what should be added or included to the ring to maintain its value.

The extremely rare red diamond, weighing in at a little more than one-half a carat, was paired with some pink diamonds on a rose gold band with a VVS clarity, with very few flaws or imperfections. With only 17 other known red diamonds of this size or larger in the world, this ring is the premiere find for treasure hunters.

There are three blue-diamond rings hidden also, appraised at $120,000 each, set within 18 karat white gold and four fancy, vivid, yellow-diamond rings valued at $50,000 a piece. Basha also designed five fancy, pink-diamond rings with three pink-diamond flowers on each side, set within 18 karat rose gold for $20,000 each. At the $5,500 level, 87 lady bug rings were hidden, consisting of a lady bug in the center of two yellow-diamond flowers, set in an 18 karat, yellow gold band with fancy yellow diamonds and near colorless white-diamond shanks.

Palmieri suggests all precious stones, gems and jewelry be appraised by an ASA accredited appraiser to ensure their value and quality. He offers the following tips for consumers.

1. When buying fine jewelry, ask the seller for a comprehensive sales receipt, detailing the full identification, quantity, weight and quality of the precious metals and gemstones used in the jewelry.

2. If the gems come with independent grading reports, read the fine print to see if the issuing lab takes responsibility for the accuracy and contents of their report. If not, ask the jeweler if they will guarantee the accuracy of the report they are showing you.

3. It's okay to believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy; however, they don't work at the jewelry store. Deals too good to be true, usually are too good to be true.

4. Consult your fine jeweler or expert appraiser concerning the care and cleaning of your precious jewels.

5. Have your fine jewels appraised by an accredited expert appraiser and then update the appraisal every two to five years.

Consult your insurance agent for specialized jewelry coverage to protect your fine jewels. Never insure using an inflated appraisal. You're wasting your money. Make sure you understand the policy before buying it. There are different types of coverage.