The Heat Treatment of Spinel
Spinel was always thought to be a gem that did not respond to heat treatments. Now, some research shows that some spinels may in fact respond to treatment. The Treatment of Spinel, is a topic I…
Gem Market NewsSmoke on the Water: Treated Ethiopian Hydrophane Opal
Opal is an intriguing gemstone since mineralogically it is considered to be a common silica gel. However, in certain locations, it occurs in its precious form displaying play-of-color due to more regular internal structure compared…
Gem Market NewsDiamond Market
With slow markets, diamond prices were expected to drop but so far only minimal corrections have been seen. Buyers globally remain cautious. Mining companies produce fewer diamonds and BHP considers selling its Ekati diamond mine…
Diamond MarketAppraisal Forum Tucson 2012
In Tucson, an appraisal forum was held, developed and sponsored by the California Institute of Jewelry Training and Master Valuer International. The concept was to invite a panel of appraisal experts to discuss appraisal issues…
News ArchiveRuby Sources and Pricing
For centuries the ruby deposits of Burma (Myanmar) have been particularly important to supplying the trade with rubies, and as such have essentially set the standard by which both price and quality of all rubies…
Gem Market NewsGood as Gold
Gold hit a record price of about $1,920 per ounce on global markets this past September. High gold prices have been the norm since they exceeded $1,000 per ounce in March 2008. How has this…
Gem Market NewsYellow Sapphire
Gemworld received this yellow stone for identification from a jeweler. Our first instinct was that the greenish yellow color was "unnatural." However, this color is rare but possible in nature and as always, full gemological…
Gem NotesA Mystery Diamond
Gemworld International, Inc. recently received an antique gold ring for appraisal. The ring is set with a cushion shape, transparent, brownish stone displaying very high luster and prominent fire, almost iridescent looking. It is surrounded…
Gem NotesFaux Pearls
This item came in for a quick valuation for sale as scrap along with several other items of gold and diamonds. When the jewelry is all of high quality and high value, one has a…
Gem NotesDiamond Market
A new era begins for the diamond industry as ownership of mines changes hands. Huge increases in prices in the first half of 2011 show no signs of any correction and remain high despite average…
Diamond Market