William R. (Bobby) Mann, GG (GIA), PG, is co-founder of the International Ivory Society (1996) and a collector of unusual ivories, tusks, teeth, skulls as well as natural and imitations. He has been teaching ivory…
Book ReviewMining is a technical subject that leaves little room for error. Yet when it comes to books that detail the many considerations and procedures of mining, gem miners have very few options to choose from…
Book ReviewThe market is seeing demand not only in the inexpensive unusual gems but also the rare exotics like alexandrite and Padparadscha. Recent Gübelin lab personnel fieldwork in Burma finds increased production in that gem sector…
Colored Stone MarketWhat was old is new again…sort of. America is back in the driver’s seat for polished diamonds. Difficulties arise in the Indian diamond market with the drop in value of the rupee. High clarity diamond…
Diamond MarketGemworld 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 NotesBurma has been, and still is, the most famous ruby and sapphire source. There are three mining areas for ruby and sapphire: Mogok, Nanyaseik, and Mong Hsu. Mogok has a long history of having foreigners…
Featured ArticlesOrigin reports are in high demand but the science behind the reports has changed over the years. Are reports now given too much prominence overshadowing the important quality of beauty? Geology knows no borders and…
Featured ArticlesThe summer months are traditionally a time of restrained retail sales activity for the jewelry industry. This year was consistent with that trend. As the industry transitions into the autumn, several interesting conditions are presenting mixed signals regarding expectations for the coming season…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Erratic Diamond Markets, Colored Stone Markets Holding... Prices are up. Prices are down. What do we believe? Since the beginning of the year, DeBeers has increased rough prices by 5-10% and certain categories of rough increased by more…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Vegas was all about fancy color diamonds. Demand for melee and single stones in color is strong. Colorless diamond prices are stable despite rising cost of rough. Manufacturers are angry at mining companies for the…
Diamond Market