Emily Frontiere

The beryl gem group contains quite a few famous species including emerald and aquamarine. However, not all beryl gems are...

Opaque gemstones have a different kind of beauty than their sparkly transparent counterparts. They are solid and powerful, evaluated on...

The feldspar group is one of the most abundant classes of minerals on Earth and there are several varieties that...

Cordierite is a blue and violet mineral that gemologists call “iolite”. Cordierite is a trichroic gem, which means that it...

Aquamarine gemstones are the physical embodiment of serenity. Exhibiting a gentle color of either pure blue or blended blue and...

Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful environments on Earth. Scientists say that healthy reefs are the most biodiverse...

They say that yellow and orange are the colors of happiness and creativity. Fortunately, there are many gemstones in this...

In the seas of the Paleozoic Era almost 400 million years ago, a squid-like creature with a spiral shell called...

Garnets are the workhorses of the gemstone world. A hardy gem that comes in pretty much any color you can...

Emeralds are more than just a pretty stone. They set the standard for the best green color in the world....

Opal is a gem with an infinite number of faces. Every aspect of their appearance has a multitude of potential...

Once known only as a ruby impersonator, the popularity and value of spinel have skyrocketed in recent years. This beautiful...

Turquoise is one of the world’s most popular opaque gemstones. Used as ornamentation and a symbol of wealth for thousands...

Amethysts are one of the most popular gemstone varieties. Used in jewelry at every price point, and you can find...

Amber is part of a small group of gemstones that are created by living organisms known in the trade as...

Sporting a deep green color that features complex banding and swirling patterns, malachite easily ranks as one of the most...

Move over dainty chains and barely-there stackable rings, the cutting-edge jewelry at the 2025 Las Vegas shows was noticeably more...

At the 2024 JCK show, we interviewed both natural and synthetic diamond sellers about the state of the global diamond...

Ever since synthetic diamonds became a significant player in the wider diamond marketplace in 2018, gem news has been dominated...

The Spirit of the Tucson Gem Shows Tucson gem shows are neutral territory for those in the gem and jewelry...

GCAL by Sarine is a US-based company that offers a diverse range of services, from diamond grading to precious metal...

The demand for the next new thing defines the Modern Age. However, this expectation of significant developments in rapid succession...

Over the past year and a half, the jewelry industry has had to contend with skyrocketing gold prices. In January...

This year, sellers at the Tucson Gem Shows reported observing a markedly different energy from their clientele. Rather than chasing...

Rainbow moonstone is among the many gemstone varieties that Madagascar is known to house. Specifically, the gem is part of...

Shopping for an engagement ring with a budget of $10,000 will allow you to select a style that combines a...

In 2024, US buyers spent an average of about $5,000 on their engagement ring. With that budget, you can not...

A budget of $2,500 for an engagement ring gives you quite a bit of options. You can look for sizable...

Are you searching for an engagement ring on a tight budget? No problem! There are many engagement ring styles available...

This black and 14k yellow gold ring features a 2.01 ct lab-grown heart shaped diamond. When wearing a ring that...

If you are searching for a unique diamond with tons of sparkle, look no further than heart shaped gems. Heart...

The best setting for a heart shaped diamond ring is a solitaire. Any other setting style will compete with the...

The best carat weight for radiant cut diamond rings is probably between 1.5 and 2 carats. Radiant cuts are deeper...

The best clarity grade for a radiant cut diamond is VS1 or better, but if you are on a tight...

The best color for a radiant cut diamond ring is generally H or better, though, in this case, size matters....

What is a Radiant Cut Diamond? There are two types of facets that cutters can use when cutting diamonds: brilliant...

What is the Difference Between Rose Gold and Yellow Gold? Pure gold is naturally a yellow color, but most jewelry...

When shopping for jewelry, choosing your primary metal is one of your first decisions. Let's take a quick look at...

When shopping for fine white metal jewelry, you have two choices: platinum and white gold. The appearance of the two...

An engagement ring featuring a two carat diamond is a bold and beautiful choice! When selecting the style of your...

What is the Difference Between 14k White Gold and 18k White Gold? Based off an ancient system of weight, gold...

A gorgeous moss agate ring. Photo credit: Shuttertock/Liem Men Sang In recent years, the gemstone market has observed an ever-growing...

Green Burmese Imperial jade ring and bangle. Photo credit Shuttertock/W. Scott McGill When discussing how gemstones are valued, jadeite is...

Rings with natural moonstones. Photo credit: Shutterstock/AnaKle The gentle, billowing light that shines from within moonstones is one of the...

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/boykung If you say the phrase “emerald by day, ruby by night” to any gemstone professional or collector,...

Clarity is an important consideration for a two carat diamond because, regardless of the shape, its table facet is large...

Two carat diamonds are big gems and people will notice their color more than they would for a smaller stone....

Purchasing a two carat diamond is a big decision because the gem is large enough to attract a lot of...

We know that there is a lot to think about as you decide whether to buy a two carat natural...

How much are rubies worth? The best rubies are some of the most expensive colored gemstones on the market. One...

Tourmaline was found in many 2024 Las Vegas gem show booths, with some selling unset gems while others offering beautiful...

The explosive growth in the market for lab grown diamonds has raised important questions about its relationship to the market...

Spinel has been on quite a dramatic ride! Confused with corundum for centuries, it was only identified as an independent...

As a December birthstone, blue zircon is very popular. But are blue zircons natural? Learn how zircons form and get...

Natural radiation can create beautiful colors in many gems. Learn how natural radiation works and what gems are most commonly...

Zircons are beautiful but delicate gems. Our zircon engagement ring guide will help you pick the right setting for your...

A lot happens in eleven years. Those celebrating an eleventh wedding anniversary have jointly experienced their fair share of life’s...

Wow, ten years of marriage.  That’s a full decade! You and your spouse have now been married for a double-digit...

Are zircons natural gemstones? Learn how zircon heat treatment works and the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia.

Zircons occur in many locations all over the world. Learn which zircon sources produce the most notable gem-quality stones.

In the nineteenth century, the gemstone market was separated into two broad categories: precious and semi-precious. The four gems in...

When one discusses the diamond market, there are quite a few individual niches which each have their own trends. Firstly,...

We truly live in a digital age where we can access news, follow our favorite sports teams, and shop for...

©Canva. Used with permission. On July 21, 2023, the world got its first look at the long-anticipated movie Barbie. Fans...

Celebrating nine years of marriage is an accomplishment indeed! For your union to last this long, you and your partner...

Just like birthstones, there are gemstones that represent each wedding anniversary year. Tourmaline is the gemstone to give for an...

Congratulations on making it to lucky number seven! This is a big milestone anniversary due to the long-standing symbolism behind...

Black is a color that can say a lot. Wearing black diamond jewelry communicates a sense of unique strength and...

Professionals will tell you never to trust a trade name used to describe the appearance of a fancy colored diamond....

Diamonds with a pure gray hue are a rare treasure indeed. More often, gray is mixed with blue or violet...

Green diamonds are the oddballs of the fancy colored diamond varieties. Their rare color is usually the result of damage...

What do gemologists need to know when appraising turquoise? Learn what are the main value factors to consider and the...

Turquoise Hill in New Mexico is the oldest turquoise mine in North America. Learn the history of this amazing site...

Almost all turquoises receive enhancements for jewelry use. Learn how to identify the most common turquoise treatments and synthetic options....

When someone mentions diamonds, the first image that most people think of is the colorless variety. It may surprise you...

The most common of all fancy colors that can be expressed by diamonds is brown. Some claim that approximately 98%...

The discovery of any fancy-colored diamond is an exceedingly rare and exciting discovery. Diamonds that are predominately red, meaning that...

Quite a few diamonds on the market display orange as part of a multi-hued color. However, orange diamonds with an...

Purple is a powerful color that historically has been linked with wisdom and royalty. In some cultures, it was a...

Blue diamonds may be rare, but they have gained a big reputation over the years. From a presence in blockbuster...

People have prized turquoise jewelry for millennia. Learn about these traditional turquoise designs that still influence modern artisans.

Pink diamond is one of nature’s rarest beauties. Often found in small quantities and typically under one carat, these incredible...

Is all turquoise turquoise color? Learn about this gem's most popular natural colors and how people have prized them for...

Beautiful turquoises tend to show wear over time. Our turquoise care guide will show you the best ways to clean...

Turquoise gems can show many beautiful variations. Learn how turquoises form and how geology affects their color, shape, and durability....

Discover 24 stunning gray gemstones that embody quiet luxury and sophistication. From diamonds to serpentine, explore these versatile gems that...

Discover 16 stunning black gemstones from black diamonds to obsidian. Learn about their properties, rarity, and value in this comprehensive...

Explore 13 beautiful purple gemstones for every budget and style. Learn about amethyst, tanzanite, purple sapphire, and rare purple varieties...

Discover 21 stunning pink gemstones , including diamond, morganite, and tourmaline. Learn hardness, rarity, and pricing for each pink gemstone...

Expert lapidarist Jim Buday shares how he learned to cut gems and created his Reddit subgroup. Read about his new...

The concept of a “trend” is an important one in the jewelry world. Having a good understanding of historical trends...

Over six thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians created beads made of silver and inscriptions indicate that it was worth...

For centuries, balas rubies were prized by royalty. Learn what happened after gemologists identified these gems as red spinels instead....

Learn about important spinel sources across the globe — from historical mines to recent discoveries — and the colors they...

Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...

Available in many colors, spinels are becoming more popular with consumers. Learn how spinels form and how these gemstones get...

The materials trapped inside gems hold a wealth of information. Learn what the most common types of spinel inclusions reveal...

Spinel collector and gem trade expert Seth Rosen discusses the current market and potential future for this beautiful but little-known...

Learn how gemologists identify cobalt spinels and what qualities you should look for when buying these beautiful, vivid blue gemstones....

Our spinel engagement ring stone guide can help you learn about this beautiful, colorful, durable, but little-known gemstone.

Spinels are rarely treated, but gemologists should know how to detect spinel treatments. Learn about filling, heating, and diffusion.

Of all the types of jewelry that you can wear, some argue that custom made pendants have the most potential...

When shopping for engagement rings in the past, you were limited to the same generic designs that everyone else was...

Designing a pair of custom earrings is a great way to make a statement. Learn how to create custom earrings...

A hallmark of the American military culture is a profound sense of loyalty to one’s comrades and country. The students...

Signet rings are having a moment.  The market for personalized jewelry continues to grow and customizable designs like signet rings...

Signet rings have a long history of symbolizing an alliance, union, romance, or family ties.

March 3, 2023 The pandemic changed a lot of things in the world. One effect was the interruption of supply...

February 20, 2023 Many in the United States view gemstones as exotic luxury items from romantic, far-away locations. Perhaps you...

The traditional gift for a second year wedding anniversary is garnet jewelry, representing passion, love, commitment, and friendship.

Looking for an alternative to diamonds? A moss agate engagement ring makes a beautiful, affordable, and unconventional choice.

Jade color trade names describe prized hues and patterns in jadeite and nephrite stones. Learn about the most popular and...

Jade expert Jeff Mason of Mason-Kay discusses the US and Chinese jade markets and what to look for in fine...

Discover everything about the June birthstone pearl - from its unique organic formation and stunning color varieties to its cultural...

What is the Birthstone for May? The birthstone representing May is emerald, a rich green variety of the diverse beryl...

What is April’s Birthstone? The birthstone representing April is diamond. The vast majority of diamonds are transparent, colorless, and show...

The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, a blue stone often connected to the ocean.

Discover the July birthstone ruby - the "King of Colored Stones" known for its vibrant red hues. Learn about ruby...

Discover the beauty and meaning of October birthstones: pink tourmaline and opal. Learn about their unique characteristics, origins, durability, and...

Amethyst, the February birthstone, comes in beautiful purple colors and makes a durable jewelry stone. Learn more about this wonderful...

Discover December birthstones: blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. Explore their meanings, origins, and jewelry options in this guide!...

Jewelry for men is an ancient concept. Traditionally, the owning and wearing of jewelry served as a demonstration of someone’s...

March 15, 2022 Many global jewelry retailers are reporting that the current state of the global jewelry market is robust...

March 3, 2022 Dealers showcased inventory that had been building over the last few years at the American Gem Trade...

February 16, 2022 TUCSON -- After a cancellation in 2021, the Tucson Gem Show returned to Arizona from February 10-13,...

You don’t have to travel too far to find an exciting proposal destination. Here are our choices for the top...

Overwhelmed by romantic proposal ideas that seem too expensive or creative for you? Here are some options for every budget...

This Valentine’s Day, make her feel special with diamonds. Learn how to shop for diamond jewelry Valentine’s Day gifts for...

Proposing during a romantic getaway is a dream for many people. Learn how to prepare for a vacation proposal and...

Simple doesn’t mean boring. Here are six simple proposal ideas to help you create a low-key but special and memorable...

Proposing in the great outdoors can be a wonderful experience. If you're looking for some outdoor proposal ideas and inspiration,...

Proposing at home has recently increased in popularity. Looking for some inspiration? These seven ideas can help you plan the...

Diamond tennis necklaces are popular and very versatile. Learn more about these jewelry pieces and the best design options and...

Round diamonds are popular and classic. They are a timeless choice for an engagement ring and a style staple in...

Here are the top 5 facts about diamonds you need to know: (1) the supply of blood diamonds has decreased;...

Throw the old engagement ring budget rule in the trash. You should spend as much or as little as you...

Just starting your engagement ring search? Our guide explores the most popular gemstone shapes to help you find the best...

Padparadscha sapphires show a blend of orange and pink colors, one of the rarest of all sapphire color combinations. Padparadschas...