Nestled in a lush, forested valley in the Vosges Mountains, in northeastern France, lies the sleepy, traditional town of St-Marie-Aux-Mines. But it's not just any French village. For most of the year, day-to-day routine continues…
Featured ArticlesFor the first in our series on innovators in jewelry design, we are focusing on Philip Zahm, president of Philip Zahm Designs. Well established as a dealer of fine gemstones for decades, Zahm has been…
Featured ArticlesRecent developments have brought ‘due diligence,’ along with tracking and traceability, to the forefront of discussions and requirements in the diamond, colored stone and pearl industries (Hänni and Cartier, 2013;Archuleta, 2016; Cartier et al., 2018…
Featured ArticlesIdentifying an old European cut diamond may seem simple but there is a set of GIA standards that determine from their perspective whether it is or is not. This set of standards is not widely…
Featured ArticlesINTRODUCTION Diaspore is a mineral species with the formula, AlO(OH). It was first discovered in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia (the type locality) in 1801. Since the initial discovery, diaspore has been found in numerous localities around the…
Featured ArticlesOne evening last January, I just couldn’t get to sleep. As I lay in bed wondering what I could do to pass the time, it struck me, “I will look for gemstones on eBay.” Little…
Featured ArticlesA common question among valuers is how to value items purchased in different markets. Many factors influence the price, cost, and value. Another consideration is the use of price guides and how the international markets…
Featured ArticlesBranding provides individuality to a gem beyond its beauty, rarity and durability. Its purpose is to add value to the subject material. However, when done loosely, it can result in a misleading interpretation of a…
Featured ArticlesTucson sets expectations for 2019. Good demand for an array of colored stones. Two industries, one new and one old. Sapphires are king but everyone loves garnets. The emeralds of Ethiopia surprisingly scarce. Emerald disclosure or blunder? The…
Colored Stone MarketPearls are a vast subject worthy of years of study. There are nacreous and non-nacreous pearls, each with subcategories of varieties. Prices, colors, qualities, sizes are seemingly endless and it takes great effort to learn about all…
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