The prevailing attitude in the market is still one of caution. However, several months of positive economic news gives cause for marginal optimism for jewelers this holiday season. Consumer confi- dence has more than doubled…
Colored Stone MarketWe are in interesting times right now. We know that the economy is trying to recover and we know that luxury items will take longer to recover. We know that demand for diamonds is way…
Diamond MarketIn what could have been the next Fred Ward emerald trial, the jeweler in this case prevailed. It was not that he was without error. However, had he lost this trial, it would have wrongly…
Featured ArticlesNot only has the recession taken hold, but a major generational shift has occurred in the United States, changing the rules of the game, Martin Rapaport warned in his state of the industry address at…
Featured ArticlesWhile these two stories are not related based on place of purchase, they illustrate the increasing prevalence of consumers being duped with false corundum purchases. The first is a sad story of how our military…
Gem NotesToday, akoya pearls are produced in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, with the most significant source clearly being Japan. Akoya experts report that production has declined sharply during the last three decades. According to industry…
Market TrendsThe story here on the "Crown of Light" Diamond is part Gem Note and part Appraiser's Notebook. What is it? Who is selling it? How much is it worth? Jewelers and appraisers are often quick…
*Free Featured ArticlesThe practice of appraising has been exploding for more than 20 years, spurred by a small but aggressive group of trained valuators determined to make appraising a true profession. Seemingly, books have been published overnight…
News ArchiveCos Altobeli ranks as one of the most qualified appraisal experts in the industry so it is no surprise that this comprehensive work is his doing. His experience dates back to early childhood and by 17…
Book ReviewThe colored stone market experienced a typical slow summer at the retail and wholesale level of the market. However, dealers also report that production remains stagnant in key producing areas and that is not typical…
Colored Stone Market