Cerussite
Cerussite is a mineral species, lead carbonate, with the formula PbCO3. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. It is an important ore of lead.
Gem NotesBasic Gem Testing
One-step testing is a tempting proposition; however, it requires extensive knowledge and experience to perform the minimum number of tests required for accurate and conclusive identification.
Gem TestingPeach Garnet
Peach garnets became quite popular in the last a few years; the most desirable stones will have a bright, medium light orangy pink color.
Market TrendsGem Focus August 2021: Coral
Coral, especially the red to pink type, has been used as an ornamental gemstone both in jewelry and intricate carvings. Strangely, the word “coral” does not have an established taxonomic meaning but is instead broadly used to define for any organism that grew attached to the sea floor.
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Lab Grown Diamond Price Index – 3rd Quarter 2021 Market Report
Laboratory-grown diamond acceptance continues to grow as noted by announcements such as Pandora in June going “all in” on lab grown diamonds for their fashion jewelry line, no longer using natural diamonds. The July issue of the GemGuide gives more detail on this move by Pandora in the market report by diamond correspondent Jon Phillips. As he noted, it was a brilliant PR move, focusing on ethical and sustainability concerns over mined diamonds, though we know some of these claims continue to be challenged by the natural diamond producers.
Lab-Grown DiamondKeystone 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 ArticlesDiamond Market Holds Steady and Lab Grown Vs. Mined Diamonds
Companies shift selling preferences to lab-grown based on profitability and so-called ethical reasons, though sometimes unsubstantiated. Rough diamond prices are on the rise by both DeBeers and Alrosa with India struggling with COVID issues. Argyle is finally closing with an impressive final tender offering fancy color diamonds for the last time.
Diamond MarketColored Stone Market
The August JCK Las Vegas show provides the first opportunity since the 2020 Tucson GemFair for buyers and exhibitors to come together for a major jewelry trade event in the U.S. At press time JCK, Couture, AGTA and the Antique shows were set to go ahead in late August as scheduled.
Colored Stone Market