Month: May 2014

Richard W. Hughes – Lotus Gemology

During the February Tucson gem show, Stuart Robertson spoke with renowned ruby and sapphire authority Richard Hughes about his latest undertaking—a laboratory focused on putting the “gem” back in gemology. What was the motivation for launching…

Diamond Market

The general observation regarding the diamond market is that prices continue to edge up and are firm, while the trade and consumers remain cautious. There is a growing disconnect between the wholesale market and key…

Danburite

Danburite is calcium borosilicate (CaB2(SiO4)2) named after its place of initial discovery, Danbury, Connecticut in Fairfield County. It was discovered in 1839 by Charles Upham Shephard, a prominent mineralogist and assistant to Benjamin Silliman. Silliman…

Colored Stone Market

The colored stone market is currently positioned for growth this year. Dealers have reported strong sales results at each of the major tests to date: Tucson, Hong Kong and Basel. Inspired by the trend, market…

Amber Alert

Business was strong for many of the 450 exhibitors at the fair this year which ran from March 19-22. Of great concern and conversation, was the crisis in Ukraine with Russia annexing Crimea at the…