Again this year Tucson provided an excellent venue to research trends in the cultured pearl industry. Immediately apparent to this author was the influence that the rising costs for raw materials is having on prices…
Featured ArticlesThe Tucson 2015 Gem Show demonstrated that there are considerably more options than just the big three (ruby, sapphire and emerald) for buyers seeking fine quality gemstones. The availability of bigger and higher quality garnets…
*Free Featured ArticlesFor a brief few weeks each year, Tucson, Arizona forms the epicenter of the gem world. Dealers from around the globe come together to exhibit or search for gems as they have for decades. However, this…
Featured ArticlesIntroduction: Sphalerite is zinc sulfide (ZnS), also known as zinc blende. It is a fairly common mineral crystallizing in the isometric system and is a principal ore of zinc. In addition, it often contains iron…
Gem NotesAs I write this report I can’t help but envision the duck swimming metaphor, everything is calm on the surface but below the surface the feet are paddling like crazy to keep going. There is…
Diamond MarketThe Accredited Gemologists Association held their annual Tucson conference at the Marriott University Park Hotel on February 4. This year, with 136 registered attendees, the association hosted one of the biggest conferences in their history. The…
Conferences