Diamonds in Brief
At the Tucson gem show in February, I spoke of the sad chapters of bankruptcies that now plague the diamond industry. Back then we knew of filings from the previous year that included Fabrikant, Fortunoff…
Diamond MarketGemstones and Light: The Science
Gemstones can look dramatically different when viewed in different lighting conditions. The perceived color can make a huge difference when grading and pricing these gems. Understanding what light sources to use first requires a knowledge…
Featured ArticlesMarket Trends: White Sapphire
Like most sapphire varieties, white sapphire has experienced increased demand and higher prices during the past few years. Dealers in Sri Lanka report that material is being heated to produce the colorless material now that…
Market TrendsDiamonds in Brief
Soft holiday sales will not influence suppliers and diamond prices are expected to continue to rise. Store closings and bankruptcies are rising. Greater return memo hurting the industry. More sightholders…
Diamond MarketUnusual Zoned Paraiba
This gemstone came to us for observation and an opinion of value. The loose gem did prove to be Paraiba tourmaline…
Gem NotesUnusual Diamond Crystal
An old European cut diamond in a ring setting came in for an appraisal. The approximate measurements were 5.00 x 4.90 x 2.59 with an estimated weight of .39 cts. At first observation, the diamond…
Gem NotesThe Accredited Gemologists Association Tucson Conference
This year’s AGA Tucson event tackled a series of treatment related issues through the kind of first class line-up of speakers and hands-on lab sessions that have come to define this annual event. The morning…
Featured ArticlesAndesine Update
In 2005, a Market Trends segment in the GMN tilted Andesine: The Next Paraiba? reported on the buzz building in the industry around this intensely red colored plagioclase feldspar appearing in the market in small quantities…
Featured ArticlesNRC Comes to Tucson
On Friday February 8, 2008 the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in cooperation with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) presented an important presentation on irradiated gems in the Leo Rich Theater on the grounds of…
Featured ArticlesCoated Gems
In the early days, there were the foil backs. These synthetic stones, often nothing more than glass, had a gold colored foil coating on the pavilion that theoretically made the stone look more diamond-like. The…
Featured Articles