Tanzania & Tanzanite
Tanzania is a country rich in resources but high in poverty and unskilled labor. The recent government sponsored gem show is just one effort to bring Arusha into the spotlight as a potential major gem trading…
Featured ArticlesTanzanite vs. Sapphire
Although tanzanite does not directly compete against sapphire, consumers looking for blue do have a choice and the lower price of tanzanite can be very attractive. We refer to this as color substitution. When a…
Market TrendsLuminescence Techniques and Their Importance in Gem Testing
The study of gem materials is mainly based on the analysis of their optical and chemical properties. With the exception of certain chemical analysis techniques such as LIBS, ICPMS and SIMS which are destructive (generally…
Featured ArticlesColored Stone Market
This past year revealed more signs that the industry is adjusting to the new dynamic that emerged as the economy recovered from the recession. Colored stone dealers are optimistic heading into the holiday season. Increasing…
Colored Stone MarketGem Market Pulse December 2013: Blue Sapphire
Blue is the color ...sapphire remains strongest, tanzanite selling well Prices for fine blue sapphires over 5 carats limit consumer access so color substitution creates demand for other blue gems. The colored stone market turned an important corner during…
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)GSA 2013, 125th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Expo
Geological Society of America, founded in 1888, is one of the biggest and most influential geosciences organizations in the world. GSA has more than 25,000 members spread out in 107 countries. The society celebrated its 125th…
Featured ArticlesDiamond Market
Diamond prices may have peaked. As banks go stingy on lending, diamond prices forced to fall. DeBeers moves to Botswana. China and India slow in growth with a stronger US dollar. Big sales at auction…
Diamond MarketColored Stone Market
The timing of the U.S. Government shutdown is particularly damaging to small businesses and their customers that would be planning for the holiday season. Hong Kong Show reports record results but Chinese buyers far more…
Colored Stone MarketMarket Trends – November and December 2013
Since 2008 independent jewelers have been forced to cope with a market dynamic that accentuates an economic trend that has been forming for decades—the rich are getting richer, while everyone else is stagnating at best…
Market TrendsShell Pearls
Shell “pearls” are appearing in the market with greater frequency and, more importantly, with features that now mimic cultured pearls of commercial, midlevel and finer qualities. During the recent Northwest Gemological conference, Gemstar International’s Evie…
Gem Notes