Lighting directly affects both the beauty and value of your gemstones and jewelry as well as the psychological well being of your clients and staff. In the last two issues of this series we have…
Featured ArticlesIn April 2008, gem dealer David Sherman sued the Gemological Institute of America, the American Gem Trade Association,and several of the officers of the latter organization. The officers were named due to their role as…
Featured ArticlesOne recent technological development is that of rare earth magnets, which have incredible strength and stability, even in small sizes. While commonly nickel plated, these magnets are made of neodymium, iron, and boron (NdFeB) and…
Featured ArticlesGemstones can look dramatically different when viewed in different lighting conditions. The perceived color can make a huge difference when grading and pricing these gems. Understanding what light sources to use first requires a knowledge…
Featured ArticlesThis year’s AGA Tucson event tackled a series of treatment related issues through the kind of first class line-up of speakers and hands-on lab sessions that have come to define this annual event. The morning…
Featured ArticlesIn 2005, a Market Trends segment in the GMN tilted Andesine: The Next Paraiba? reported on the buzz building in the industry around this intensely red colored plagioclase feldspar appearing in the market in small quantities…
Featured ArticlesOn Friday February 8, 2008 the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in cooperation with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) presented an important presentation on irradiated gems in the Leo Rich Theater on the grounds of…
Featured ArticlesIn the early days, there were the foil backs. These synthetic stones, often nothing more than glass, had a gold colored foil coating on the pavilion that theoretically made the stone look more diamond-like. The…
Featured ArticlesIn November, the NRC issued a fact sheet, available on their website www.NRC.gov that addressed issues regarding the safety and sale of irradiated gemstones and most notably blue topaz. The fact sheet is in response…
Featured ArticlesIn the early part of the 1990s, a strong presence was seen in the marketplace for low commercial diamonds. Supply was good, prices were low, and consumers seemed willing to sacrifice quality for price. By…
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