Valuing a Crazed Opal

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Richard B. Drucker, GG (GIA), FGA

Although the assignment discussed here involves a cracked or crazed opal, the methodology is similar for any damaged gemstone. The appraiser only has what is in front of them, and if it is a damaged…

News Archive

Considerations for Pricing Colored Stones

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Stuart M. Robertson, GG (GIA) and Dr. Cigdem Lule, FGA, GG (GIA)

The concept of the 4Cs is relatively well understood as they relate to classifying the quality of a gemstone. However, measurable quality is not the sole consideration for determining value. As the market grew and…

Featured Articles

Sphene

Posted on September 1, 2014 by John Bradshaw GG (GIA)

Sphene is calcium titanium silicate (CaTiSiO5). The mineral was first discovered in Hauzenberg in the Bavarian region of Germany in 1795. It was named titanite for its titanium content. The synonym, sphene, was introduced in…

Gem Notes

Diamond Market – September 2014

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Jon C. Phillips, GG (GIA), CG (AGS)

Is it the calm before the storm? Not really as prices predicted to roll along in future months. Polished prices remain firm while margins continue to be squeezed. DeBeers announces a change in structure for…

Diamond Market

Colored Stone Market – September 2014

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Stuart M. Robertson, GG (GIA)

The US gem market is experiencing typical slow summer business as vacation travel takes priority. Consumer confidence is up this year but if the turmoil in Ukraine continues to growth and the US gets pulled…

Colored Stone Market

Splendour & Science of Pearls

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Reviewed by Stuart M. Robertson, GG (GIA)

Edited by Dona Mary Dirlam and Robert Weldon A GIA Publication, 2013, 1st Edition, Hardcover, 149 pages, illus. $89.00 Available from GIA www.gia.edu Throughout human history few gem materials have been as coveted as the pearl…

Book Review