Previous articles by the author covered the most recent breed of enhanced lapidary materials in the form of fancy compressed blocks comprised of natural gemstone ingredients, metals, shells and resins. Also, howlite and magnesite—two minerals that have…
Featured ArticlesSemi-transparent to transparent opal that is capable of being faceted is not unusual. Most are familiar with the cherry opal from Mexico, ranging in color from a yellowish- orange to reddish-orange, some with a play…
Gem NotesVäyrynenite [´vjairənə,nait] is an exceedingly rare manganese- beryllium phosphate mineral with chemical formula of Mn2+Be(PO4)(OH,F). Initially it was found by a Finnish mineralogist of Russian origin Oleg von Knorring (1915-1994) in Viitaniemi, Finland in 1939…
Gem NotesThe market remains generally attractive heading toward the important JCK Las Vegas show. Dealers expressing concern regarding the difficulty sourcing extra fine ruby and sapphire. Emerald continues to excite world markets. The price ceiling that…
Colored Stone MarketDiamond markets are quiet with prices steady as the market shrinks a bit. With many retail store closings, the way diamonds are purchased is changing. However, DeBeers Forevermark appears to be going strong as they…
Diamond MarketPearl prices and demand continue to rise thanks to Asia’s appetite for the gems, designer interest, and the marketability of their one-of-a-kind offerings. Aziz Basalely’s most interesting pearl sale in Tucson wasn’t an oversize peacock-color Tahitian or…
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