Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate mineral which has a polycrystalline structure. The hardness is 6.5-7 on the Mohs’ scale, the average specific gravity value is 3.33, and the refractive index is approximately 1.66. The…
*Free Featured ArticlesThe summer months are traditionally a time of restrained retail sales activity for the jewelry industry. This year was consistent with that trend. As the industry transitions into the autumn, several interesting conditions are presenting mixed…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)As technology marches forward so have techniques in the synthesis and treating of gemstones. Knowing how to identify these is of paramount importance to gemologists and valuers. This is why we possess the tools of…
Featured ArticlesWhen it comes to flux in ruby, there are some rather fundamental misunderstandings that are nearly uni- versal. They create a misperception of what is being done and why. The flux which is present in a…
Featured ArticlesActivity is slow in most markets for colored stones and we are seeing some price corrections following years of huge increases. However, while China may be slowing down, there are some signs of improvement in…
Colored Stone MarketDiamond markets slowed and price corrections followed. Long-term outlook however, is for possible increases with demand outpacing supply. Melee prices are hard to track with most production in China and India. Old European cuts gap…
Diamond MarketJade has been worked by the Chinese since ancient history. Burma is the major source of fine jade. Because of the high popularity of jade, there are a number of materials that are used to…
Featured ArticlesGemologists are trained and experienced in recognizing gems, treatments, synthetics, and outright fakes in gems and jewelry, but detecting fake watches is a different challenge altogether. Furthermore, when a watch is determined to be genuine…
News ArchiveWe recently saw a GIA diamond grading report that noted a "new" inclusion in its Key to Symbols list - the etch channel. The etch channel, or etch tube as it is sometimes called, is…
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