The Value of Pearls: A Historical Review and Current Trends
Pearls are often reported as the oldest valuable gem known to humankind, and have been collected for at least 8,500 years
Featured ArticlesThe Artful Soul of Faust
The Artful Soul of Faust cameo collection carved by Dieter and Andreas Roth took over seven years to complete.
Featured ArticlesTucson Color Report
During interviews conducted the week after the AGTA and GJX shows closed, many dealers expressed their satisfaction with the strength of business conducted in Tucson. “It was a very good show, one of the best in years”
Featured ArticlesTreatment Disclosure and Other Notes from the Eastern Front
I devoted several pages to the subject of treatment disclosure and why it was not just a “swell idea,” but necessary to the very survival of the natural gem trade.
Featured ArticlesThe Supply Problem with Pearls
Pearl supply is down but demand is up, leaving U.S. dealers scrambling to get their hands on high-end inventory and paying a lot more for what is available.
Featured ArticlesThermal Testing of Gemstones
The use of silicon carbide (synthetic moissanite) led to the development of electrical conductivity testers of similar appearance, but which worked on different physical properties—electrical rather than thermal.
Featured ArticlesFitting A Jade Bangle
The bangle is the most popular jade jewel, but it is also the most complex to select. Next to all quality parameters, personal preferences, and budget, choosing the right size is of utmost importance. And when it comes to green and purple jadeite, perfect bangles are, as one would say, unheard of. Table 1 shows approximate retail values that currently apply for inferior to exceptional quality jade.
Featured ArticlesKeystone Dreams: Trends in Retail Jewelry Markups and their use in the Cost Approach to Value
This is the first comprehensive researched based study in more than a decade, comparing jewelry store margins using a broad spectrum of the industry. Markups are a key component to valuation assignments and understanding these margins is critical for appraisers to use in valuations.
Featured ArticlesAfghanistan Gemstone Industry – The Calm Before the Storm
Throughout history, Afghanistan gemstones have been of great value and steadily increasing in value. Today, mostly private families and residents operate mining and it is their main source of income. Over the years, organizations have worked together to develop the legal trade from this country.
Featured ArticlesOpals in the Harvard Mineral and Gem Collection
The mineral collection of the Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard University (MGMH) has played a significant role in the advancement of the science of mineralogy.
Featured Articles