Diamond Market
We 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 MarketThe $800,000 Emerald Necklace and Earrings Trial
In 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 ArticlesA Rock & A Hard Place – The Evolution of an Industry
Not 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 ArticlesCorundum "Fakes" Expanding
While 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 NotesMarket Trends: Akoya Pearls
Today, 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 “Crown of Light” Diamond
The 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 ArticlesMaking the Mark
The 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 ArchiveThe Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising, Third Edition
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 ReviewColored Stone Market
The 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 MarketHere We Go Again- Is it a “V” Market or “W” Market?
Over 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 Market