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 ArticlesPearl 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…
Featured ArticlesEmeralds are a welcome business for Ethiopia. The recently discovered gemstone deposits in Ethiopia contribute to the utterly needed economic growth of this East African nation. A few years ago, during an interview on international TV, a…
Featured ArticlesThis text gives an overview of the characteristics associated with engraved gems, presented from the perspective of a collector. Furthermore, it demonstrates that gem collectors have always existed and enjoyed a variation of gems based on…
Featured ArticlesIn this second installment, we will take a closer look at howlite and magnesite, two minerals that have famous all-natural varieties and infamous dyed simulants. They are all like “Phantoms of the Opera” hiding behind…
Featured ArticlesColor forecasting is done two years in advance for many industries such as fashion and automotive. It is also important for jewelry manufacturers to plan this far in advance for design, sourcing, manufacturing, and promotion. Color…
Featured ArticlesDepressed demand for jewelry is hurting everyone—from miners to retailers—in the supply chain. The GemGuide talked to industry leaders to explore opportunities for change and learn how to reignite consumer passion for our product. De Beers…
Featured ArticlesIn 1967, blue-violet crystals of the mineral species, zoisite, were discovered south of Mount Kilimanjaro in northeast Tanzania. The host rocks of the discovery, which are orders of magnitude older than Africa’s highest mountain, form…
Featured ArticlesTanzania is host to a vibrant gem trade. The country, like its East African neighbors, is rich with mineral deposits, many of which are relatively recent discoveries. For miners and traders, the wealth inherent in…
Featured ArticlesFANCY COMPRESSED BLOCKS: THE LATEST TREND We all love using natural untreated gem materials for our lapidary projects and jewelry artwork. We like the organic feel, the symphony of colors, the diversity of textures, the quality…
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