Category: Featured Articles

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…

AGA Conference Report

The Accredited Gemologists Association held its annual winter Conference in Tucson on Wednesday February 4. The successful conference featured several speakers from the International gemological community. American Gemological Laboratories Vice President Christopher Smith this years…

Understanding the Burma Embargo

Cecilia Gardner, President, CEO & General Counsel for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee hosted an informational presentation on the “The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008.” The program was offered in cooperation with the…

Symmetry and the Polished Diamond

Polish and symmetry errors affect the perceptible appearance of a diamond. Off center culets, lopsided pavilions, off center tables, and lopsided crowns all detract from the overall beauty. During several visits to prominent manufacturing centers, I…