Category: News Archive

Danburite

Danburite is calcium borosilicate (CaB2(SiO4)2) named after its place of initial discovery, Danbury, Connecticut in Fairfield County. It was discovered in 1839 by Charles Upham Shephard, a prominent mineralogist and assistant to Benjamin Silliman. Silliman…

Colored Stone Market

The colored stone market is currently positioned for growth this year. Dealers have reported strong sales results at each of the major tests to date: Tucson, Hong Kong and Basel. Inspired by the trend, market…

Amber Alert

Business was strong for many of the 450 exhibitors at the fair this year which ran from March 19-22. Of great concern and conversation, was the crisis in Ukraine with Russia annexing Crimea at the…

Australian Fire Opal

In the past, non-play of color orange to red “fire opal” was best known from its sources in Mexico. While Australian opal varieties such as black opal, white, opal, and crystal opal are from sedimentary…

Diamond Market

It was a good year for diamonds with stronger than expected demand and higher prices overall. However, business remains mixed for the independent jeweler with ups and downs throughout the year. Tight money from banks…

Tucson Color Report

Dealers are optimistic after successful Tucson show. No single gem stood out this year. Instead buyers were focused on fine spinel, beryl, tourmaline, zircon, agate and unusual gems. More American buyers turned out this year…

Tucson Pearl Report

Lois Berger’s tour of pearl exhibitors was one of the highlights of Tucson again this year. The Chinese freshwater pearl market continues to offer some exciting products. Tahitian and akoya producers demonstrated a commitment to…

Alien Sightings: Pallasite

With some gemstones you might wonder if the price is down to earth, while one in particular may seem astronomical in cost. Consider the beautiful gemstone peridot. While the attractive citrus-green shades of peridot have been…