Category: Featured Articles

Keshi Pearls

The term keshi has long been misunderstood in the jewelry markets. Keshi, in the traditional use is only the Japanese saltwater natural tiny pearls. They represent only 0.5% to 1% of the total Japanese akoya…

Scapolite

Several reasons appear to be influencing demand for nontraditional gems. Among them is the current economic condition that has triggered a trend towards nontraditional materials. These are appealing in part due to their lower price…

The Golden Opportunity

A study by Indias Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the consulting firm KPMG reports annual worldwide retail sales of newly manufactured jewelry totaled $146 billion in 2005 (most recent data available). Broadly speaking…

Raw Talent

Watch for jewelry styles that incorporate a more organic, rough-hewn approach in raw gems and rustic finishes to be especially popular through 2010. Earthy yet elegant, designs flaunting uncut crystals, often set in textured metals…

What’s New With Cobalt?

By now, we should all be aware of last years discovery of the use of cobalt coatings to improve the color of Tanzanite. This treatment, as reported by the AGTA-GTC and the AGL (May 23…