Emily Frontiere

Emily Frontiere is a GIA Graduate Gemologist. She is particularly experienced working with estate/antique jewelry.

Articles by Emily Frontiere

The State of the Diamond Market in 2024

The State of the Diamond Market in 2024

When one discusses the diamond market, there are quite a few individual niches which each have their own trends. Firstly,...
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Dealers at 2024 Tucson Gem Show Report on Colored Gemstone and Pricing Trends

Dealers at 2024 Tucson Gem Show Report on Colored Gemstone and Pricing Trends

We truly live in a digital age where we can access news, follow our favorite sports teams, and shop for...
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The Power of Advertising: How the Marketing Juggernaut Behind the Barbie Movie Rocked the Gem World

The Power of Advertising: How the Marketing Juggernaut Behind the Barbie Movie Rocked the Gem World

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

Ninth Anniversary Gift Guide: Morganite

Celebrating nine years of marriage is an accomplishment indeed! For your union to last this long, you and your partner...
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Eighth Anniversary Gift Guide: Tourmaline

Eighth Anniversary Gift Guide: Tourmaline

Eight is a powerful number when it comes to marriages. If you have made it to this milestone anniversary, take...
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Seventh Anniversary Gift Guide: Yellow Sapphire

Seventh Anniversary Gift Guide: Yellow Sapphire

Congratulations on making it to lucky number seven! This is a big milestone anniversary due to the long-standing symbolism behind...
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Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Black is a color that can say a lot. Wearing black diamond jewelry communicates a sense of unique strength and...
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Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Professionals will tell you never to trust a trade name used to describe the appearance of a fancy colored diamond....
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Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Diamonds with a pure gray hue are a rare treasure indeed. More often, gray is mixed with blue or violet...
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Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Green diamonds are the oddballs of the fancy colored diamond varieties. Their rare color is usually the result of damage...
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Appraising Turquoise: Challenges for Gemologists

Appraising Turquoise: Challenges for Gemologists

What do gemologists need to know when appraising turquoise? Learn what are the main value factors to consider and the...
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Turquoise Hill: a Profile of the Cerrillos Turquoise Mines

Turquoise Hill: a Profile of the Cerrillos Turquoise Mines

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

Turquoise Treatments and Synthetics Guide

Almost all turquoises receive enhancements for jewelry use. Learn how to identify the most common turquoise treatments and synthetic options....
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Yellow Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Yellow Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

When someone mentions diamonds, the first image that most people think of is the colorless variety. It may surprise you...
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Brown Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Brown Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

The most common of all fancy colors that can be expressed by diamonds is brown. Some claim that approximately 98%...
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Red Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Red Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

The discovery of any fancy-colored diamond is an exceedingly rare and exciting discovery. Diamonds that are predominately red, meaning that...
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Orange Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Orange Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Quite a few diamonds on the market display orange as part of a multi-hued color. However, orange diamonds with an...
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Purple Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Purple Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Purple is a powerful color that historically has been linked with wisdom and royalty. In some cultures, it was a...
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Blue Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Blue Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

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

Traditional Turquoise Jewelry Styles

People have prized turquoise jewelry for millennia. Learn about these traditional turquoise designs that still influence modern artisans.
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Pink Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Pink Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

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

Turquoise Color and the Color Turquoise

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

Turquoise Care Guide

Beautiful turquoises tend to show wear over time. Our turquoise care guide will show you the best ways to clean...
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How Do Turquoises Form?

How Do Turquoises Form?

Turquoise gems can show many beautiful variations. Learn how turquoises form and how geology affects their color, shape, and durability....
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24 Gray Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

24 Gray Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

Nothing communicates quiet luxury like jewelry set with gray gemstones. Regardless of size, gray gemstone jewelry is incredibly versatile and...
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16 Black Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

16 Black Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

Some black gemstones are so well-known their names have become synonymous with the color black. Others are less well-known by...
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13 Purple Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

13 Purple Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

Rarely found in nature, purple gemstones can make quite a fashion statement. Here are 13 examples for every budget and...
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21 Pink Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

21 Pink Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

Pink gemstones are becoming more popular, especially for engagement rings. Here are 21 examples for every budget and style.
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An Interview with Lapidarist Jim Buday

An Interview with Lapidarist Jim Buday

Expert lapidarist Jim Buday shares how he learned to cut gems and created his Reddit subgroup. Read about his new...
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Vintage Jewelry with Synthetic Color Change Sapphire

Vintage Jewelry with Synthetic Color Change Sapphire

The concept of a “trend” is an important one in the jewelry world. Having a good understanding of historical trends...
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A History of Silver Mining in the United States

A History of Silver Mining in the United States

Over six thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians created beads made of silver and inscriptions indicate that it was worth...
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What are Balas Rubies and Ruby Spinels?

What are Balas Rubies and Ruby Spinels?

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

Spinel Sources

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

Four Famous Spinels

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

How Do Spinels Form?

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

Spinel Inclusions

The materials trapped inside gems hold a wealth of information. Learn what the most common types of spinel inclusions reveal...
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An Interview with Spinel Collector Seth Rosen

An Interview with Spinel Collector Seth Rosen

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

What are Cobalt Spinels?

Learn how gemologists identify cobalt spinels and what qualities you should look for when buying these beautiful, vivid blue gemstones....
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Choosing a Spinel Engagement Ring Stone

Choosing a Spinel Engagement Ring Stone

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

Spinel Treatments and Enhancements

Spinels are rarely treated, but gemologists should know how to detect spinel treatments. Learn about filling, heating, and diffusion.
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Custom Pendants: Buying Guide for 2024

Custom Pendants: Buying Guide for 2024

Of all the types of jewelry that you can wear, some argue that custom made pendants have the most potential...
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Geeky Engagement Rings: Buying Guide for 2024

Geeky Engagement Rings: Buying Guide for 2024

When shopping for engagement rings in the past, you were limited to the same generic designs that everyone else was...
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Custom Earrings: Buying Guide for 2024

Custom Earrings: Buying Guide for 2024

Designing a pair of custom earrings is a great way to make a statement. Learn how to create custom earrings...
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Custom Class Rings: Buying Guide for 2024

Custom Class Rings: Buying Guide for 2024

A hallmark of the American military culture is a profound sense of loyalty to one’s comrades and country. The students...
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Custom Signet Rings: Buying Guide for 2024

Custom Signet Rings: Buying Guide for 2024

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

History of Signet Rings

Signet rings have a long history of symbolizing an alliance, union, romance, or family ties.
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Almost Three Years Later, Covid-19 Continues to Plague Gemstone Mining in Brazil and Madagascar

Almost Three Years Later, Covid-19 Continues to Plague Gemstone Mining in Brazil and Madagascar

March 3, 2023 The pandemic changed a lot of things in the world. One effect was the interruption of supply...
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American Gemstones: Domestic Treasures Featured at the 2023 Tucson Gem Show

American Gemstones: Domestic Treasures Featured at the 2023 Tucson Gem Show

February 20, 2023 Many in the United States view gemstones as exotic luxury items from romantic, far-away locations. Perhaps you...
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Second Year Anniversary Gift Guide: Garnet Jewelry

Second Year Anniversary Gift Guide: Garnet Jewelry

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

Moss Agate Engagement Ring Guide

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

Jade Color Trade Names

Jade color trade names describe prized hues and patterns in jadeite and nephrite stones. Learn about the most popular and...
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An Interview with Jade Expert Jeff Mason of Mason-Kay

An Interview with Jade Expert Jeff Mason of Mason-Kay

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

June Birthstone: Pearl

What is the Birthstone for June? The birthstone representing June is the pearl. Individuals born in June are truly lucky...
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May Birthstone: Emerald

May Birthstone: Emerald

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

April Birthstone: Diamond

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

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

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

July Birthstone: Ruby

What is the July Birthstone? The July birthstone is ruby – the red variety of the gem species, corundum. Corundum...
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October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal

October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal

Those born in October are lucky to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from. Pink tourmaline is the modern birthstone...
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February Birthstone: Amethyst

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst, the February birthstone, comes in beautiful purple colors and makes a durable jewelry stone. Learn more about this wonderful...
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December Birthstones: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise

December Birthstones: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise

What is December’s Birthstone? Those born in December are lucky to be able to choose from four gorgeous blue gemstones:...
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Best Rings for Men in 2024

Best Rings for Men in 2024

Jewelry for men is an ancient concept. Traditionally, the owning and wearing of jewelry served as a demonstration of someone’s...
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Fine Jewelry Market Forecasts Growth in 2022 Driven By Online Sales, Luxury Goods

Fine Jewelry Market Forecasts Growth in 2022 Driven By Online Sales, Luxury Goods

March 15, 2022 Many global jewelry retailers are reporting that the current state of the global jewelry market is robust...
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How COVID Has Impacted the Supply of Tourmaline and Zircon

How COVID Has Impacted the Supply of Tourmaline and Zircon

March 3, 2022 Dealers showcased inventory that had been building over the last few years at the American Gem Trade...
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Dealers at Tucson Gem Show Confirm Increasing Demand for Montana Sapphires

Dealers at Tucson Gem Show Confirm Increasing Demand for Montana Sapphires

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

The 10 Best Places to Propose in the USA

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

Romantic Proposal Ideas for Everyone

Overwhelmed by romantic proposal ideas that seem too expensive or creative for you? Here are some options for every budget...
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Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her in 2024: Diamond Jewelry

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her in 2024: Diamond Jewelry

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

Vacation Proposal Guide

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

Six Simple Proposal Ideas

Simple doesn’t mean boring. Here are six simple proposal ideas to help you create a low-key but special and memorable...
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Outdoor Proposal Ideas: A Quick Guide

Outdoor Proposal Ideas: A Quick Guide

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

Proposing at Home: Seven Great Ideas

Proposing at home has recently increased in popularity. Looking for some inspiration? These seven ideas can help you plan the...
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Diamond Tennis Necklaces: A Buying Guide

Diamond Tennis Necklaces: A Buying Guide

Diamond tennis necklaces are popular and very versatile. Learn more about these jewelry pieces and the best design options and...
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Round Cut Diamonds: A Buying Guide

Round Cut Diamonds: A Buying Guide

Round diamonds are popular and classic. They are a timeless choice for an engagement ring and a style staple in...
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Facts About Diamonds vs Diamond Buying Myths

Facts About Diamonds vs Diamond Buying Myths

You’re sure to encounter many myths when diamond buying. Learn these facts about diamonds so that you can find the...
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How Much Should You Spend on a Diamond Engagement Ring?

How Much Should You Spend on a Diamond Engagement Ring?

The old rule about spending a month's salary on a diamond engagement ring is just that: old. Learn how you...
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Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings in 2024

Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings in 2024

This French pavé crown solitaire platinum engagement ring features a 1.20-ct round center diamond. © Blue Nile. What's the Difference...
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Padparadscha Sapphire Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Padparadscha Sapphire Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

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