Your Gemologist: What You Should Know

Gemologist with a loupe

The role of gemologist is crucial to the gem trade. A gemologist is someone who has trained professionally at an accredited institution in colored stone identification and colored stone grading. The training may also include diamond grading. Gemologists may work in gemological laboratories, in retail jewelry stores, and in manufacturing organizations using their knowledge in … Read more

Heavy Metal and Rock Stars: The Setting of a Gemstone

If you have purchased an un-mounted or “loose” gemstone, there are several things you need to know before choosing a setting that will show off your gem to its best advantage. The kind of jewelry metal, the type of setting, even how you choose to wear your gem can greatly alter its visual appearance. Read … Read more

Buying a Gemstone: The Right Questions to Ask

Image of Review gemstone jewelry before buying

Whether you are in the market for a fine ruby or an amethyst, there is a lot to know before finalizing a gemstone purchase. How can you be sure of what you are getting? Are you aware of the different gem treatments that can alter the appearance of a gemstone? Some treatments will greatly affect … Read more

Carats and Clarity: Some Clear and Specific Answers

Lots of carats with little clarity Amethyst Gemstone

If you have shopped for a diamond or gemstone recently, you have no doubt been apprised of the “4 C’s”: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. The 4 C’s play an important role in the description and valuation of diamonds and gemstones. Here, you will learn key information about two of the four C’s: carat … Read more

A Custom Gemstone Creation

Making Custom Gemstone Jewelry

The use of gemstones as adornment dates back to the earliest civilizations. Egyptian amulets, jade carvings from ancient China, and indigenous tribal ornamentation all point to a unifying theme in human culture across the globe: as soon as the human eye could recognize the appeal of gems, effort was made to turn the gifts of … Read more

Cut and Color in Gemstones

Image of the various cuts of a Gemstone.

The world of colored gemstones is enticing and beautiful. Minerals formed deep within the earth are brought to light and then expertly fashioned by lapidarists into coveted and prized treasures. Gem cutting is an art, a collaboration between man and nature. And while no two people perceive color in the exact same way, read on … Read more

Gemstone Pricing: What You Need to Know

Gold Coins for Gemstone Prices

If you are shopping for a gemstone, no doubt you have encountered some confusing price issues. One vendor may list a gemstone at a particular price, and then you might see a similar gemstone offered for sale for hundreds of dollars less! How can you be sure you are getting the best price on your … Read more

How to Find the Perfect Gem for You

Amethyst gemstone amongst other colors

If you’ve ever wondered how to select the perfect gemstone for you, one that will flatter and transcend the seasons and fashions, you can start by simply looking in the mirror. It has been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. By selecting the right gemstones for your earrings, you can make … Read more