Sphene
Sphene is calcium titanium silicate (CaTiSiO5). The mineral was first discovered in Hauzenberg in the Bavarian region of Germany in 1795. It was named titanite for its titanium content. The synonym, sphene, was introduced in…
Gem NotesDiamond Market – September 2014
Is it the calm before the storm? Not really as prices predicted to roll along in future months. Polished prices remain firm while margins continue to be squeezed. DeBeers announces a change in structure for…
Diamond MarketColored Stone Market – September 2014
The US gem market is experiencing typical slow summer business as vacation travel takes priority. Consumer confidence is up this year but if the turmoil in Ukraine continues to growth and the US gets pulled…
Colored Stone MarketSplendour & Science of Pearls
Edited 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 ReviewGem Market Pulse August 2014: Ivory
Earlier this year, February 11 to be precise, The Obama Administration announced details of the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking and Commercial Ban on Trade in Elephant Ivory. In essence this two prong initiative…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Gem Market Pulse July 2014: Colored Stone Market
The colored stone market continues to see prices for finer gems rise on demand in world markets. However, sales of lower ends goods are sluggish. The summer is traditionally slow for wholesalers and this year…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Diamond Market – July/August 2014
A slow summer and moderate demand for diamonds. Some fancies selling well but pear and princess sales are flat. GIA grading reports still greatest demand but report times are weeks to months out due to backlog. IDMA warns…
Diamond MarketThe Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels
Cheapside Hoard Exhibition was featured in the Museum of London, UK from October 11 to April 27, 2014 and became one of the most sensational museum exhibitions in Europe. The historically important collection has been…
Book ReviewThe Gems of East Africa
“If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa…
Featured ArticlesColored Stone Market – July/August 2014
Designers at JCK Las Vegas exhibited the greatest variety of materials in years. Traffic was down but business overall was good. Prices continue to rise in the fine colored stone markets. Earth themed materials such…
Colored Stone Market