One 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…
Featured ArticlesIn late August, Buddhist monks numbering in the hundreds, joined prodemocracy activists in protesting hardships faced by the greater population of Myanmar (herein after identified in this article by its proper name Burma) due to…
Featured ArticlesIn the past five years, Brazil has stepped outside the comfort zone of its domestic market to push its products from meats and wines to shoes, fashion and fine jewelry to a broader international audience…
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