A New Diamond Inclusion: Etch Channels
We recently saw a GIA diamond grading report that noted a "new" inclusion in its Key to Symbols list - the etch channel. The etch channel, or etch tube as it is sometimes called, is…
Gem NotesValuing Large Gems with the GemGuide
One area of misuse of the GemGuide is in pricing large gemstones beyond the largest weights listed. This can occur with any variety of gemstone and it is critical to understand what happens in the…
News ArchiveMelee-Sized Synthetic Diamonds: A Major Challenge for the Market and for Gem Testing Laboratories
Even though HPHT grown synthetic diamonds have been produced since 1953 (first by Asea, today by ABB in Norway) they posed little concern to the gem market because of their high production cost, clarity issues…
Featured ArticlesPractical Gemmology
Robert Webster's Practical Gemmology was first published in 1943. It was regarded as one of the primary readings in gemological education in the UK. The 6th and the last edition, was published in 1976. Naturally…
Book ReviewFlux Ruby Levels
Flux residue in ruby started to show up in the early to mid 1990s. The residue occurs when ruby, mostly from the Mong Hsu deposit in Burma, is heated to extreme temperatures. To protect the…
Gem NotesDiamond Issues: Supply, Synthetics, Conflict, Certs
In Las Vegas everything is supposed to be big, bright, and shiny so it may seem like an odd backdrop for serious discussions about tough issues that put the diamond industry's "shine" on the line…
Featured ArticlesThe Diamond Industry and the Future
Gem quality natural diamonds are noticeably scarce in the market and seem to be getting scarcer. As a result, prices for the most part, are on an upward trajectory. Short term volatility with long term…
Featured ArticlesColored Stone Market
Buyers at JCK focus on specific products and price points. Colored stone business concentrated at high and low end with the middle soft. Colored stone confidence may be gaining with slightly improved sales. Corundum and…
Colored Stone MarketMarket Trends: Padparadscha
Padparadscha sapphire is one of the rarest of all corundum varieties. The delicate pinkish orange color ”what Richard Hughes refers to as a marriage of ruby and yellow sapphire” is a true connoisseur's gem. Initially…
Market TrendsTanzanite: Gemstone of Our Generation
It's been 45 years since tanzanite was found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Unlike other precious gems such as emerald, ruby and sapphire that boast centuries-long histories, tanzanite is the gemstone of…
Gem Market News