As technology marches forward so have techniques in the synthesis and treating of gemstones. Knowing how to identify these is of paramount importance to gemologists and valuers. This is why we possess the tools of…
Featured ArticlesDiamond markets slowed and price corrections followed. Long-term outlook however, is for possible increases with demand outpacing supply. Melee prices are hard to track with most production in China and India. Old European cuts gap…
Diamond MarketJade has been worked by the Chinese since ancient history. Burma is the major source of fine jade. Because of the high popularity of jade, there are a number of materials that are used to…
Featured ArticlesGemologists are trained and experienced in recognizing gems, treatments, synthetics, and outright fakes in gems and jewelry, but detecting fake watches is a different challenge altogether. Furthermore, when a watch is determined to be genuine…
News ArchiveWe recently saw a GIA diamond grading report that noted a "new" inclusion in its Key to Symbols list - the etch channel. The etch channel, or etch tube as it is sometimes called, is…
Gem NotesOne area of misuse of the GemGuide is in pricing large gemstones beyond the largest weights listed. This can occur with any variety of gemstone and it is critical to understand what happens in the…
News ArchiveEven though HPHT grown synthetic diamonds have been produced since 1953 (first by Asea, today by ABB in Norway) they posed little concern to the gem market because of their high production cost, clarity issues…
Featured ArticlesRobert Webster's Practical Gemmology was first published in 1943. It was regarded as one of the primary readings in gemological education in the UK. The 6th and the last edition, was published in 1976. Naturally…
Book ReviewFlux residue in ruby started to show up in the early to mid 1990s. The residue occurs when ruby, mostly from the Mong Hsu deposit in Burma, is heated to extreme temperatures. To protect the…
Gem NotesIn Las Vegas everything is supposed to be big, bright, and shiny so it may seem like an odd backdrop for serious discussions about tough issues that put the diamond industry's "shine" on the line…
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