Dealers have reported an increase in demand for extra fine quality, larger size red tourmalines and spinels since early fall. Although this may be in part due to the issues involving Burmese ruby importation restrictions…
Market TrendsWe have had many contacts over our previous questions regarding that group of tourmalines that gave the anomalous reactions to the Raman, immersion cell, and virtually all other tests. At one point we raised the…
Featured ArticlesPolish and symmetry errors affect the perceptible appearance of a diamond. Off center culets, lopsided pavilions, off center tables, and lopsided crowns all detract from the overall beauty. During several visits to prominent manufacturing centers, I…
Featured ArticlesRumors spread like wildfire on the Internet. Knowledgeable gemologists cannot be criticized for believing what appear to be well-researched facts coming from seemingly reliable sources, especially when backed by high tech equipment. Case in point…
Featured ArticlesThe markets may be tight and there is certainly downward pressure on gems in the industry. However, some prices are holding and some have even managed to increase despite the economic forecasts. Blue sapphire prices…
Market TrendsIn August, a corporate client submitted several bead strands to our appraisal division for verification of stated identity. These were samples from a large order of thousands of pieces purchased from a Chinese vender as…
Gem NotesThe debate about whether or not the U.S. is in a recession is now over. And just to drive the point home, on September 29, the stock market suffered its biggest single day decline ever…
Economic ReportNo way. Not in a million years will the Yellow Pages no longer be the mainstay of appraisers promotional efforts. Welcome to the future. Lets face it. Appraisers do not have unlimited budgets for advertising…
News ArchiveDuring and after the Hong Kong Jewellery Fair in September the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute received several red spinels for testing, which were found to be flux synthetic spinels. These spinels apparently have been offered…
Featured ArticlesThe economy figured prominently into the recent changes to the fall/winter edition of the GemGuide Color. In many categories prices have held stable with spring/summer levels. The slowing market has negated some of the increases…
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