Semi-transparent to transparent opal that is capable of being faceted is not unusual. Most are familiar with the cherry opal from Mexico, ranging in color from a yellowish- orange to reddish-orange, some with a play…
Gem NotesVäyrynenite [´vjairÉ™nÉ™,nait] is an exceedingly rare manganese- beryllium phosphate mineral with chemical formula of Mn2+Be(PO4)(OH,F). Initially it was found by a Finnish mineralogist of Russian origin Oleg von Knorring (1915-1994) in Viitaniemi, Finland in 1939…
Gem NotesThe market remains generally attractive heading toward the important JCK Las Vegas show. Dealers expressing concern regarding the difficulty sourcing extra fine ruby and sapphire. Emerald continues to excite world markets. The price ceiling that…
Colored Stone MarketDiamond markets are quiet with prices steady as the market shrinks a bit. With many retail store closings, the way diamonds are purchased is changing. However, DeBeers Forevermark appears to be going strong as they…
Diamond MarketPearl prices and demand continue to rise thanks to Asia’s appetite for the gems, designer interest, and the marketability of their one-of-a-kind offerings. Aziz Basalely’s most interesting pearl sale in Tucson wasn’t an oversize peacock-color Tahitian or…
Featured ArticlesUS gem trade is carrying some interesting trends from 2017 into 2018. At the forefront of these is the evolving structure of how and where consumers, mainly millennials, buy their jewelry. While traditional retail jewelers’ sales are…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)This year, the AGA conference was held on Wednesday, January 31st located at the Tucson University Park Hotel. Approximately 150 gemologists and industry professionals attended the conference from all over the world. It was a…
ConferencesGrandidierite has been a rare collector’s stone since its discovery in Tuléar Province, Madagascar at the end of the 19th century. It is a nesosilicate with a chemical formula of (Mg,Fe)Al3(BO4)(SiO4)O and crystalizes in the…
Gem NotesPolished prices on the rise—slowly. Indian import duties not well-received. Antwerp diamond trade has a great start to 2018. DeBeers says the need to restock creating demand for diamonds in early part of the new year. Rio…
Diamond MarketThis text gives an overview of the characteristics associated with engraved gems, presented from the perspective of a collector. Furthermore, it demonstrates that gem collectors have always existed and enjoyed a variation of gems based on…
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