This article endeavors to provide a brief discussion of the new research concept known as archaeogemology, a relatively unknown discipline that applies a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the identity and origin of gem artifacts and…
Featured ArticlesMost materials are diamagnetic, that is repelled by a magnet. Those containing any of the transition elements iron, manganese, chromium, etc., or the rare earths may be paramagnetic or attracted to a magnet. Ferromagnetic materials…
Featured ArticlesIn late 2009, the Accredited Gemologists Association called attention to “ruby†products being sold as natural ruby in spite of the presence of a considerable amount of lead-glass component in the stones. In a hidden…
Featured ArticlesIt was only in the early 1980s when scientists like the well-known mineralogist and gemologist George Bosshart demonstrated the usefulness of spectrometers in gemstone analysis. Surprisingly enough, only a few laboratories jumped on the train…
Featured ArticlesThe beryl family has an interesting range of varieties (Figure-1), with the emerald tending to take ‘centre stage.’ Some evidence supporting this comes in the form of early synthetic emeralds in my teaching collection (Figure…
Featured ArticlesABSTRACT This article looks at gemology from two different, but complimentary perspectives, drawing the following conclusions: Scientific gemology needs experimentation in addition to observation. Unassailable source material is the foundation upon which that experimentation should be based…
Featured ArticlesIn what could have been the next Fred Ward emerald trial, the jeweler in this case prevailed. It was not that he was without error. However, had he lost this trial, it would have wrongly…
Featured ArticlesNot only has the recession taken hold, but a major generational shift has occurred in the United States, changing the rules of the game, Martin Rapaport warned in his state of the industry address at…
Featured ArticlesThe 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…
Featured ArticlesSeveral 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…
Featured Articles