Amber Alert
Business was strong for many of the 450 exhibitors at the fair this year which ran from March 19-22. Of great concern and conversation, was the crisis in Ukraine with Russia annexing Crimea at the…
Featured ArticlesGem Quality Zoisite; Tanzanite and Other Varieties…
Although zoisite is best known for its blue-violet variety tanzanite, other colors of zoisite exist in nature. A number of dealers carry rare green, pink and yellow varieties alongside tanzanite. Most buyers are unfamiliar with…
Featured ArticlesTucson Color Report
Dealers are optimistic after successful Tucson show. No single gem stood out this year. Instead buyers were focused on fine spinel, beryl, tourmaline, zircon, agate and unusual gems. More American buyers turned out this year…
Featured ArticlesTucson Pearl Report
Lois Berger’s tour of pearl exhibitors was one of the highlights of Tucson again this year. The Chinese freshwater pearl market continues to offer some exciting products. Tahitian and akoya producers demonstrated a commitment to…
Featured ArticlesAlien Sightings: Pallasite
With some gemstones you might wonder if the price is down to earth, while one in particular may seem astronomical in cost. Consider the beautiful gemstone peridot. While the attractive citrus-green shades of peridot have been…
Featured ArticlesTanzania & Tanzanite
Tanzania is a country rich in resources but high in poverty and unskilled labor. The recent government sponsored gem show is just one effort to bring Arusha into the spotlight as a potential major gem trading…
Featured ArticlesLuminescence Techniques and Their Importance in Gem Testing
The study of gem materials is mainly based on the analysis of their optical and chemical properties. With the exception of certain chemical analysis techniques such as LIBS, ICPMS and SIMS which are destructive (generally…
Featured ArticlesGSA 2013, 125th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Expo
Geological Society of America, founded in 1888, is one of the biggest and most influential geosciences organizations in the world. GSA has more than 25,000 members spread out in 107 countries. The society celebrated its 125th…
Featured ArticlesNGI Jewelry Conference
The 2013 Northwest Jewelry Conference provided an in-depth look at techniques for dating jewelry; the influence that French jewelers have on style; the gem trade through history; treatments; and current trends in pearls. Nestled away in…
Featured ArticlesA Few Words on Keshi
The true meaning of keshi is a talking point in seemingly every discussion or class about pearls. The original Japanese definition has been broadened by some authorities causing confusion to the trade. We examine the history…
Featured Articles