Cultured pearls, especially the fine quality Chinese Freshwater varieties, are one of the fastest growing sectors in the gem trade. Many varieties of Chinese freshwater pearls have earned widespread consumer appeal across the global market…
Market TrendsAgain this year Tucson provided an excellent venue to research trends in the cultured pearl industry. Immediately apparent to this author was the influence that the rising costs for raw materials is having on prices…
Featured ArticlesEdited by Dona Mary Dirlam and Robert Weldon A GIA Publication, 2013, 1st Edition, Hardcover, 149 pages, illus. $89.00 Available from GIA www.gia.edu Throughout human history few gem materials have been as coveted as the pearl…
Book ReviewLois 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…
Featured ArticlesShell “pearls” are appearing in the market with greater frequency and, more importantly, with features that now mimic cultured pearls of commercial, midlevel and finer qualities. During the recent Northwest Gemological conference, Gemstar International’s Evie…
Gem NotesThe 2013 Northwest Jewelry Conference provided an in-depth look at techniques for dating jewelry; the influence that French jewelers have on style; the gem trade through history; treatments; and current trends in pearls. Nestled away in…
Featured ArticlesThe true meaning of keshi is a talking point in seemingly every discussion or class about pearls. The original Japanese definition has been broadened by some authorities causing confusion to the trade. We examine the history…
Featured ArticlesGemworld International was recently contracted by a colleague hired to assess potential damage caused by floodwaters that breached the foundation of a local branch of a major bank in the Greater Chicago area. The bank’s…
Gem NotesPearls, especially the Chinese Freshwater varieties, have been one of the bright spots for the industry during a sluggish economic period where other gem industry products were facing tremendous pressure in the marketplace. The main…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)A damaged Tahitian cultured pearl that was presented for identification is a good example for demonstrating the importance of nacre thickness as an evaluation factor for Cultured Pearls. The Single Pearl had been bought a year…
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