Obtaining a gem’s spectrum via a handheld spectroscope can be difficult, if not intimidating for most gemology students and some practicing gemologists. However, the use of visible spectrum is vital to the proper identification of…
Book ReviewFor those who have never been to Basel, Switzerland for “Baselworld,” the world’s most impressive watch and jewelry show, this will give you a sense of the importance, or enormity, of the show. Let’s begin…
Featured ArticlesIn a volatile market will high prices be maintained? Both diamonds and colored gems are going through an interesting phase right now. Prices are high and in some cases, so high that the average consumer is…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Again 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 ArticlesThe Tucson 2015 Gem Show demonstrated that there are considerably more options than just the big three (ruby, sapphire and emerald) for buyers seeking fine quality gemstones. The availability of bigger and higher quality garnets…
*Free Featured ArticlesFor a brief few weeks each year, Tucson, Arizona forms the epicenter of the gem world. Dealers from around the globe come together to exhibit or search for gems as they have for decades. However, this…
Featured ArticlesIntroduction: Sphalerite is zinc sulfide (ZnS), also known as zinc blende. It is a fairly common mineral crystallizing in the isometric system and is a principal ore of zinc. In addition, it often contains iron…
Gem NotesAs I write this report I can’t help but envision the duck swimming metaphor, everything is calm on the surface but below the surface the feet are paddling like crazy to keep going. There is…
Diamond MarketThe Accredited Gemologists Association held their annual Tucson conference at the Marriott University Park Hotel on February 4. This year, with 136 registered attendees, the association hosted one of the biggest conferences in their history. The…
ConferencesEconomy, Colored Stones, Strong While ruby sales slow, red tourmaline alternate benefits. In the US, consumer confidence as reported by the Conference Board now stands at a level not seen since August 2007. A number of factors…
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