Synthetic Diamond
Appraisers must be on their toes at all times and it gets harder every day. We wondered when, as independent appraisers, we would encounter our first synthetic diamond repre- sented as natural. The client purchased…
Gem NotesImitation Turquoise
In August, a corporate client submitted several bead strands to our appraisal division for verification of stated identity. These were samples from a large order of thousands of pieces purchased from a Chinese vender as…
Gem NotesKM Diamond
A gemologist colleague, Jim Swenton, relayed this gem note to us. Looking for a diamond for a customer, he had requested a diamond on memo from a supplier. The diamond came in with no indication of treatment…
Gem NotesDiffusion Star Sapphire
A local dealer brought in the ring shown here for identification. The large sapphire mounted in a mans ring was reportedly belonging to the father of a client. The father had passed away and the…
Gem NotesSynthetic Peridot Gem Alert
Things are not always what they appear to be. In todays world, new treatments and synthetics are appearing on a more regular basis. Many of these newer treatments, imitations and synthetics are getting harder to…
Gem NotesCoated Tanzanite
In late May, the American Gem Trade Association-Gem Testing Center informed the industry that the lab had identified several tanzanite gems that had been color enhanced by coating. As is often the case, the discovery…
Gem NotesWebbed Opal
An opal and diamond ring was submitted for a damage report pursuant to an insurance claim. The opal cabochon measured approximately 16.5 x 10.8 x 4.7mm. Standard gemological testing confirmed the identity of the opal…
Gem NotesA Classic (Synthetic) Example
A ladys platinum ring containing a blue center gemstone surrounded by old European cut diamonds was submitted by a jeweler for identification of the center stone. Standard gemological testing confirmed the stone was doubly refractive…
Gem NotesUnusual Zoned Paraiba
This gemstone came to us for observation and an opinion of value. The loose gem did prove to be Paraiba tourmaline…
Gem NotesUnusual Diamond Crystal
An old European cut diamond in a ring setting came in for an appraisal. The approximate measurements were 5.00 x 4.90 x 2.59 with an estimated weight of .39 cts. At first observation, the diamond…
Gem Notes