Cos 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 MarketOver the last four months, the prices for rough diamonds have continued to rebound from the lows of November and December. It has caught many a diamontaire by surprise with its steady rise. After a…
Diamond MarketRecently, a client presented a 14KT white gold and three stone engagement ring seeking confirmation of the identification of the stones. The ring featured three round brilliant cut colorless stones set in four prong heads…
Gem NotesThe term keshi has long been misunderstood in the jewelry markets. Keshi, in the traditional use is only the Japanese saltwater natural tiny pearls. They represent only 0.5% to 1% of the total Japanese akoya…
Featured ArticlesPhenomenal gems exhibiting a true color change are rare in the industry and sought after by many collectors. The best-known example is the chrysoberyl variety alexandrite. In its finest quality, alexandrite is one of the…
Market TrendsSeveral reasons appear to be influencing demand for nontraditional gems. Among them is the current economic condition that has triggered a trend towards nontraditional materials. These are appealing in part due to their lower price…
Featured ArticlesLets face it - most diamonds are sold based on a laboratory report. Ask the appraisal customer if they were told the color and clarity grade (and sometimes the cut grade), were based on the…
News ArchiveAs I pulled open the flap of the cardboard box, I spied a glimpse of green. At that moment, I knew the much-awaited book that emerald specialist Ron Ringsrud had been promising to write was now…
Book ReviewIn the last issue of the Gem Market News (May/June 2009), an article appeared on the Crown of Light Diamond, a patented cut sold exclusively by Diamonds International. Never has an article commanded such intense…
Featured Articles