The Burma Embargo
In 2008, the U.S. signed into law the “Tom Lantos Block Burmese Jade Act affecting both rubies and jade from being exported to the U.S. This past October, the ban was lifted. What were the effects of…
Featured ArticlesConnoisseurship: Grading Special Cases – Grading Pearls
Think of the beautiful glowing skin of a healthy baby or the dewy complexion of a beautiful young woman. These are excellent analogies because healthy skin has qualities similar to the skin of a pearl…
Featured ArticlesLomonosov in Russia: A New Promising Diamond Source
The first diamond operation in Europe, Russia’s Lomonosov mines near the port of Arkhangelsk is set to double diamond production this year to over four million carats. Little has been written about diamonds from Russia’s European side, but in…
Featured ArticlesThe Making of a Pearl—Natural Nacreous Pearl
“This prince possesses the most beautiful pearl in the world, not by reason of its size, for it only weighs 12 1/16 carats, nor on account of its perfect roundness; but because it is so clear and…
Featured ArticlesA Look at Emeralds
Emerald is the most prized variety of Beryl. The use of emeralds in jewelry and objects of personal adornment date back more than two millennia. Emerald occurrences are known from North and South America, Europe…
Featured ArticlesValue Effect of Fluorescence
Fluorescence in diamonds continues to be a debated topic not only on its effect on value but whether diamond grading standards are consistent in the determination of the level of fluorescence. Ongoing discussions also concern…
Featured ArticlesEthiopian Opal
For nearly a decade now, the new find of opal in Ethiopia has been both welcomed and debated on issues of stability and high water content. Some of the material can be quite beautiful and with the…
Featured ArticlesJadeite, the Enigmatic Gem
Excerpt from the 2nd edition of Secrets of The Gem Trade, The Connoisseur’s Guide to Precious Gemstones by Richard W. Wise, GG (GIA) “On examining jades, one should regard those white in colour as the best, though…
Featured ArticlesThe State of the Natural Colored Diamond Market-Spring 2016
Natural fancy colored diamonds are setting record prices at auctions but these are the few and unattainable to most of the worldwide consumers. Unscrupulous sellers are taking advantage of the stories of record prices. Colored diamond prices might…
Featured ArticlesThe Power of Provenance
Aside from the gemstones and the workmanship, why do people buy what they buy? It is an age-old question. Marketing 101 teaches that you need to create a unique approach to positioning a product. What is more…
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