Category: Featured Articles

Synthetic Tourmaline-Rumors and Reality

Rumors spread like wildfire on the Internet. Knowledgeable gemologists cannot be criticized for believing what appear to be well-researched facts coming from seemingly reliable sources, especially when backed by high tech equipment. Case in point…

Paraiba Lawsuit

In 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…

Gemstones and Light: The Science

Gemstones 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…

Andesine Update

In 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…