The sentiment echoed by participants of the fourth annual Northwest Jewelry Conference (NWJC), August 12-14 Seattle, Washington, was “thought-provoking.” While history, artistry and collectability have become hallmarks of the NWJC, students were drawn into interesting…
ConferencesIntroduction Kornerupine is a mineral species with the formula Mg3Al6(Si,Al,B)5O21(OH). It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. The minerals kornerupine and prismatine were once considered to be the same mineral, but microprobe analysis proved that the two…
Gem NotesLack of support for manufacturing and cuttings centers makes shortages the new norm. High prices continue with some exceptions. The US market is showing stability. Dealers optimistic about the holiday season and Tucson. One of the takeaways for…
Colored Stone MarketPolished and rough markets stabilize with no dramatic changes expected for rest of year. DeBeers reports improved trading. Canada diamond mining going strong. Younger consumers seem to be buying jewelry in stronger numbers. Rio Tinto closes the Bunder…
Diamond Market“This prince possesses the most beautiful pearl in the world, not by reason of its size, for it only weighs 12 1/16 carats, nor on account of its perfect roundness; but because it is so clear and…
Featured ArticlesEmerald is the most prized variety of Beryl. The use of emeralds in jewelry and objects of personal adornment date back more than two millennia. Emerald occurrences are known from North and South America, Europe…
Featured ArticlesRetailers interested in unusual material beyond sapphire. This summer’s soft demand is attributed to the coming elections, although dealers began to experience some improvement by mid-September. The market hopes to see the sense of uncertainty and…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Diffusion treatment of corundum is achieved at extremely high temperatures and involves adding certain elements such as Beryllium (Be), Titanium (Ti) and/or Chromium (Cr) to the process. The diffusion of Be into corundum results in more desirable yellow, orange…
Market TrendsIntroduction Taaffeite, (pronounced TAH-fite), is a mineral species crystallizing in the hexagonal system with the formula Mg3Al8BeO16. It is often included on a list of the rarest gemstones in the world. For a period of time, only a handful of…
Gem Market NewsThe economic outlook is better than is may feel. US jewelry sector sales up over last year. Gemfields ramps up production in a big way. Focusing on the interesting and exceptional is proving to be…
Colored Stone Market