International Gem Society

Each wedding anniversary is associated with a gemstone. Our chart tells you the best gemstone anniversary gifts by year.

You might find synthetic jade for sale, but is this material really lab-made jade or something else? Learn how to...

Our table comparing the properties of jade lookalikes with natural jade will help gemologists distinguish authentic jade from simulants.

How does the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act of 2021 affect imports of Xinjiang nephrite jade from China? Learn what...

What do the 2021 Myanmar sanctions cover and will they affect the jade trade? Learn about the origins, scope, and...

Jade is an elegant choice for an engagement ring stone. Our jade engagement ring guide will show you how to...

Should you wear chrysoprase jewelry only at night to protect the gem’s striking green color? Learn the facts here.

Did you know most gem species can be distinguished without the element of color? Learn the role gemstone colors play...

How does faceting affect gem value? Custom-cut gemstones are unique pieces and command a high price. Learn how custom cutting...

For millennia, artisans have carved intricate cameos from black-and-white onyx. Solid black onyxes, faceted or cabbed, are also popular jewelry...

Our peridot buying guide can help you learn how these gems are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify...

Learn how lab grown sapphires are made and how gemologists can distinguish natural from synthetic sapphires.

Our sphalerite buying guide can help you learn how these gems are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify...

Faceting wax or dop wax comes in different colors with different melting points. Learn how to choose the wax best...

What is the birthstone for September? The birthstone for September is sapphire. Sapphires are members of the gem species corundum....

Before you turn the alloyed gold you got a great deal on into gold jewelry, carefully consider what gold refining...

Most black diamonds used in jewelry are enhanced, but natural black-colored diamonds do exist. Learn more about these as well...

Jewelry making is a great way to tap into your creative side. Learn what jewelry making tools you’ll need to...

A ceramic lap is an excellent choice for polishing gemstones. Here is a guide for properly charging ceramic laps and...

Polishing synthetic corundum without leaving pits requires certain techniques and tools. Get expert lapidary advice here.

Polishing gemstones is difficult to master. Pre-polishing plays a major role in how well a gem can take a polish....

Long associated with royalty, sapphires are some of the most popular (and expensive) gems in the world. Our sapphire buying...

Our spinel buying guide can help you learn how spinels are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a...

Commentaries on the foundation stones of the Book of Revelation influenced the development of the Western birthstone system. Learn more...

Golden beryl, also known as heliodor, can display rich colors and is an excellent gem choice for jewelry. Learn more...

Finding good diamond rough and the right equipment can be challenging for a non-professional diamond cutter. Learn what to look...

Independent report by International Gem Society on the Best Engagement Ring Insurance on the Market in 2022.

There are few guides to gemstone wholesale prices. However, appraising gemstones requires in-depth knowledge and experience, not just price lists....

Looking for alternatives to a classic diamond engagement ring? Learn about your options and see some wonderful photos of colored...

Jewelry attachments are the pieces used to hold jewelry items together. Learn about the most popular types as well as...

Earrings are available in many styles. Learn to identify the most popular types of metal and gem earrings and the...

In Exodus, the breastplate of Aaron was said to hold 12 gems. However, the gemological identities of the stones, like...

Bracelets and necklaces share much of their terminology. Learn the names and functions of the different parts of these popular...

These cleaning tips will make polishing silver jewelry a little easier. Learn how to prevent tarnish and how to clean...

Though rings may come in many styles, gem cutters will regularly encounter a few common types of gem rings. Learn...

An inexpensive pocket spectroscope can be great for student gemologists as well as pros who need to identify gems while...

Want to start cutting beautiful star gemstones? Here are some helpful gemological resources for novice lapidaries and jewelers.

Although emeralds and peridots are both green gems, differences in shade might make it hard to pair them in jewelry....

Silk inclusions in sapphires are hard to detect. Learn to pick the best orientation and cut for these gems. You...

Online diamond sellers have occasional sales throughout the year but it's time-consuming to keep track of them all. One thing...

Opals should be handled with care. If you buy opals that have been kept in water, follow these instructions to...

Will a lab-grown diamond from Blue Nile’s Lightbox Jewelry collection save you money? We’ll take you shopping for pink diamond...

A gemstone's optic sign may be listed as either + or -. Learn whether impurities in a specific stone or...

This solitaire ring displays the distinctive heart-shaped stone perfectly. This romantic diamond shape is also ideal for a 14K rose...

Are opals too delicate for jewelry? Learn how to choose the right settings for opal wearability, so you can enjoy...

What are the best techniques and tools for polishing girdles? Learn how to complete your faceted gems quickly and easily...

Searching for a 2 carat diamond ring that is a real piece of eye candy?  Shopping for this diamond size...

The GIA grading system describes gem color in terms of hue, tone, and saturation. Learn what the abbreviations and numbers...

Radiant diamonds combine symmetry, fire, and brilliance to offer, in one stone, the best traits of round and princess cut...

Platinum and gold are the two most popular and most expensive metals for engagement rings. But are they the best...

Learn how to modify a powder scale for specific gravity testing. A handmade wire basket will make this easy-to-use scale...

Learn how to organize your gemstone collection. Choose the storage and display options that are right for you and create...

Learn which rough gemstones are ideal for beginning faceting practice. A progression of relatively inexpensive gem species can teach important...

Gem faceters must consider factors like brilliance, color, and faceting yield before choosing a cut style. Learn what a Barion...

Our jewelry insurance guide reviews the policies of the top eight companies. Learn what to look for so you can...

Will your gem fit in a standard setting? Use this chart of standard gem sizes for popular cuts and also...

Updated July 23, 2022. Up-to-date promo codes, coupons, and sales to save you money on diamond rings, engagement rings, jewelry,...

Do you have an offer for bargain rubies that's too good to be true? Learn what you need to know...

Since ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with...

Will wearing gems that touch the skin of your finger bring you health benefits? Before you buy any ring stone,...

Asscher diamonds get their name from the Royal Asscher Diamond Company, the Dutch company that invented the cut. It features...

Round cut diamonds have been around for centuries. As a timeless diamond cut, they offer exceptional resilience in popularity when...

Cushion-cut diamonds are the second most sought-after diamonds on the market today. The cut's popularity comes from combining two other...

How can you get lower gem and jewelry insurance quotes? Asking a potential insurer these four questions could help lower...

Natural alexandrite is popular and rare, which creates a market for synthetics. But is lab-created alexandrite real alexandrite? Learn the...

Before you buy jewelry and gemstone insurance, learn what to ask insurance companies and make sure the policy meets your...

Your homeowners insurance may cover gems and jewelry, but don’t assume it covers all risks or the value of your...

Uranium glass, or Vaseline glass, is a prized collector's item and is generally safe to handle. But is it safe...

Oval diamonds are consistently one of the most popular diamond cuts on the market. Oval diamond engagement rings are popular...

Need insurance for your jewelry? You’ll need jewelry and gemstone appraisals. Learn what info they should include and who to...

With study, care, and the right tools, hobbyist gem cutters can add diamond cutting to their repertoire. Get started with...

Can gemstone pricing formulas help gem merchants and buyers make fair deals? Learn what factors should play a role in...

For faceting, the distinction between gems and minerals is usually clarity. However, learn why the decision to cut may be...

Aquamarines are evaluated based on the Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Learn how each factor affects aquamarine grading...

The IGS Gem Price Guide covers commonly traded colored gemstones as well as more unusual, collectible gems. The values listed...

Learn what gemstone dispersion means, what causes it, and how it relates to other optical effects.

Bench jewelers work very hard with little or no acknowledgement, creating and repairing treasured possessions. These stories pay tribute to...

Deep-cut gems like Barions may not fit in standard ring mountings. Jewelers can try to find special mounts or custom...

The most common aquamarine enhancements try to turn blueish green stones pure blue. Learn how heating and other aquamarine treatments...

Aquamarines are fairly tough jewelry stones, but they do have some weaknesses. Learn about aquamarine durability and what precautions you...

Synthetic aquamarines are relatively rare, but gemologists may encounter them. Learn how these stones are made and how to distinguish...

Aquamarines can look great, but what’s the best way to mount them? Novice jewelers should learn the pros and cons...

How can gemologists quickly distinguish aquamarines from aquamarine imitations? We’ll review some common lookalikes and their most notable differences.

Aquamarines are popular gemstones and can be found in many areas worldwide. Learn about some prized varieties and the most...

The March birthstone, aquamarine is a popular gem. Learn how aquamarines form, what they look like, and how they get...

Aquamarines have been cut into many large and beautiful gemstones. Let’s take a look at six of the world’s most...

Many factors contribute to gemstone brightness. Learn the role a gem's refractive index plays and the difference between gemology theory...

Identifying diamonds requires the right equipment. Learn what diamond grading tools novice professionals or hobbyists need.

Some gems are seldom faceted because they're rarely found in nature or rarely used for jewelry. Learn a few tricks...

Cutting tourmaline can be difficult. Some gems seem to shatter easily. Learn faceting techniques to minimize this risk as well...

Learn the scientific definition of crystal used by gemologists and answer some basic questions about what is and is not...

What’s the difference between a reflectometer and a refractometer? If you’re interested in studying or buying gems, learn the facts...

The Usambara effect is a gemstone color change phenomenon distinct from pleochroism or the alexandrite effect. Tourmaline and other species...

A classic chameleon diamond can change color from green to yellow under certain conditions. Learn more about this process and...

Diamonds may form under intense heat and pressure, but under what conditions can diamonds burn? Learn the science behind a...

Fuzzy refractometer readings may be the result of poorly faceted gems, the wrong amount of refraction liquid, and even stone...

Although you can't weigh a gemstone in a jewelry setting, you can get a close approximation of the gem weight...

Learn how gems absorb wavelengths of light and how gemologists use gemstone absorption spectra to identify gems. There’s more to...

The glass used to make refractometer hemicylinders is susceptible to tarnish. Here's a step-by-step guide for re-polishing a refractometer hemicylinder....

The spectroscope is one of gemology’s principal tools. Our basic spectroscope instructions will teach you how to operate and calibrate...

Using heavy liquids to measure a gemstone's specific gravity poses some health hazards. Learn the techniques and precautions that gemologists...

You can use an electronic scale for calculating specific gravity if you have the right accessory, a hanging basket for...

Using a balance scale to test specific gravity is a recommended practice in gemology. Learn to make your own scale...

Learn specific gravity testing methods for gem identification. Our 5-part introductory series starts with the basics and key definitions.

Any stone that changes color under different types of light is a rare treat for collectors. Color change garnets show...

Vapor deposition can be used to enhance gemstones like topaz and quartz with a metal coating or sheen. Learn how...

Our topaz buying guide can help you learn how topazes are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a...

Gemologists may immerse gems in refraction fluids during examinations. This refractive index list of household liquids offers some common alternatives....

Novice and expert gemologists discuss their experiences at the celebrated annual February Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. You'll find reviews...

Properly pricing faceted gems can be a daunting task for investors. Learn how to research gem prices and calculate your...

Accurate descriptions and quality photographs are essential for marketing your gems online. Learn about options and best practices for improving...

Determining where to sell your gems — whether online or in-person — can be difficult. Here’s a look at the...

What negotiating strategies work best in the gem trade? Learn how some general principles and a win-win mindset can help...

Research is crucial for success in any business deal. To prepare for gemstone negotiations, focus on these three subjects to...

Your gem investment profits depend mostly on the prices you set through negotiations. Understanding four key business principles will help...

How should you pay for investment gems? Learn the pros of cons of three options for financing gem investments —...

To make a profit investing in gems, you’ll need a network of gem trade contacts. Here’s some advice on how...

Investors have many gemstone sourcing options, but which ones will work best for you? Learn the pros and cons, as...

Lab-grown stones have the potential to disrupt the gem market. Learn how they can affect supply and demand and whether...

Gemstone pricing can vary greatly between dealers. Learn about the myriad factors that go into prices for both colored gems...

Choosing the best gemstone orientation for your rough takes skill and experience. Learn what factors you should take into account...

Most gemstones are rare, but some are rarer than others. Learn how gemstone rarity and ease of replacement can affect...

The gem market can be very subjective. Nevertheless, investors can make money by starting with the basics: understanding supply and...

A gemstone’s clarity grade indicates how free it is of inclusions and blemishes. Learn how to decipher the GIA clarity...

Good-quality gemstones are expensive, but you can make money investing in gems even if you have a small investment budget....

How long should investors hold on to gemstones? Learn how your investment goals, business model, and patience affect your investment...

Gemstone investors must keep up with global trends when evaluating market risk. Learn how studying sociocultural factors can lead to...

You can’t eliminate all risks from gem investing, but understanding the risks you’ll face and your appetite for them will...

Successful investing in gemstones requires knowledge and experience. The IGS Buying Gems for Profit course will give you the knowledge...

Gem pricing isn't easy, and guidelines aren't always fixed. Learn what factors gem cutters should consider to determine a fair...

Some gems show pleochroism, two or three different colors depending on the viewing angle. Learn why this occurs and how...

Oil treatment is a standard industry practice for enhancing emeralds. However, the treatments are not permanent. Learn how to re-oil...

Meteorites can make beautiful, unique jewelry. This primer on meteorite terminology will help you buy the perfect meteorite jewelry piece...

Emeralds get their green color from chromium and vanadium. Learn how the presence of these elements affects their formation and...

Our ruby buying guide can help you learn how rubies are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a...

Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl. If you encounter so-called white aquamarines, buyer beware. Learn the facts...

What's the difference between a lab-created emerald and a natural emerald? Is a synthetic gem a real gem? Learn the...

Curved striae or lines are a telltale sign of synthetic ruby and sapphire. If you're having trouble seeing them, here...

Although Tanzania is a source of rubies, so-called Serengeti rubies are more likely to be garnets. Learn more about rubies...

There are many ways to grow ruby and sapphire in a lab. However, determining the best synthetic corundum for faceting...

The best rough sapphire stones may come from different sources, depending on the color you want. However, valuable blues may...

Both natural and synthetic rubies fluoresce under UV light. Learn how slight differences in fluorescence patterns can help gemologists distinguish...

How do gemologists distinguish between rubies and pink sapphires? Learn about the chemistry of corundum and the history of the...

What’s the average gemstone faceting yield from a single piece of rough? Learn how to estimate how much material you’ll...

You'll find gem cutting acronyms like L/W in faceting guides. Learn what these frequently used terms mean and how they...

This table contains a selection of minerals gemologists may encounter as jewelry stones or gem specimens. The gems are sorted...

Measuring specific gravity helps gemologists identify gemstones. The following table lists the specific gravity values for a variety of gem...

How do you make money investing in gems? What should you buy, for how much, and how can you add...

Thinking of becoming a gemologist? Consider these gemology career options, compare their estimated salaries, and decide which one may be...

While the colors of spessartite garnet gemstones cover a wide range of orange shades, the mandarin garnet is as pure...

Gemstone transparency describes how much light passes through a gem and how it scatters. Learn what causes a gem to...

Refractive indices and double refraction (birefringence) help gemologists identify gems. The following table lists these values for selected gemstones.

Do you want to buy a diamond for an engagement ring? Don't. Still want to buy a diamond? OK. Here...

Diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, often appear in jewelry. See how the properties of real diamonds compare with...

Separate fact from fiction and you’ll find lab-created diamonds make great alternatives to mined diamonds. Our guide will show you...

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help jewelry marketers avoid making deceptive claims. Learn about the FTC diamond jewelry...

Blockchain tech can provide secure, digital transaction records. Can blockchain diamonds resolve ethical and legal issues related to sourcing and...

NGOs and movies have helped raise awareness of conflict diamonds, and governments have taken steps to stop their trade. How...

Learn how diamonds formed geologically and how they became the virtual standard for engagement ring stones in this brief history...

Opals and pearls have special setting, cleaning, and storage needs. Our opal and pearl care guide will help you keep...

Gemstone birefringence is a measure of a gem's double refraction. Learn how it’s used to identify gems and see the...

Whether you’re a novice bead jewelry maker or just shopping for necklaces, these bead and necklace size charts and links...

The IGS survey results for polishing miscellaneous gems include recommendations for popular stones as well as gems seen less frequently...

Take a look at the IGS member survey results for opal polishing. You'll find recommendations for polishes, laps, and techniques...

Popular jewelry stones, peridots can actually vary in hardness. Our IGS member survey results can help you choose the right...

The corundum gem family includes ever popular rubies and sapphires. Our IGS member survey results offer some corundum polishing recommendations....

Cubic zirconia is the most popular diamond simulant currently available. You can find polishing recommendations for this material in our...

Some very popular jewelry stones, such as beryl, quartz, and topaz, fall in the 7-8 hardness range. You can find...

Polishing feldspar, fluorite, apatite, or other gems in the 4-6 hardness range? Our IGS member survey results can recommend some...

Looking for lap, polish, or lubricant suggestions for quartz polishing? You can find numerous combinations and technical advice in our...

The idea of a single birthstone for each month is a modern idea with a long history, but today's consumers...

Artists, lapidaries, and gem merchants all have stories to tell. Three very different books with varied perspectives explore the lives...

The International Gem Society (IGS) ran a jewelers pricing survey in 2002 and 2012. Over those ten years, we saw...

The Mohs hardness scale measures a mineral's resistance to scratching. Find the traditional scale here and a chart of select...

What does it take to become a professional gemologist? Try these sample gemology questions from the International Gem Society certification...

Wax opens a world of creativity for jewelers. Learn how to use centrifugal and vacuum casting techniques, tools, and machines...

Our ruby buying guide can help you learn how rubies are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a...

With the right tools and a little drilling know-how, you can create a rock lamp with an agate or jasper...

Some opals from Spencer, Idaho show asterism or the “star stone” effect. Learn how to price these beautiful but rare...

Polishing sapphire gemstones can be tough on laps. Learn the pros and cons of different laps and some techniques to...

Flint and mozarkite are types of chert. While flint is known for its practical use, mozarkite is a colorful variety...

What's the best gem cutting machine for novices? Read about some popular models and learn the importance of finding the...

Wax casting makes it possible to create intricate and unique metal pieces for jewelry. Here are some tips for beginners...

Is a flat lap to dop swing really necessary? Learn how a gemstone should contact a faceting machine lap and...

Turkey's gemstones include well-known species such as diaspore, chalcedony, and jade, as well as unusual specimens of lesser-known gems. Learn...

To pick the right cut for a gem, you need to figure its maximum potential shape. Preforming gemstone rough is...

What's the best doublet glue for creating assembled stone jewelry? Learn about the choices as well as tips for making...

Has your sterling silver money clip lost its spring? If you have experience with metalworking, learn these methods for repairing...

Working with platinum is actually a little easier than working with gold. If you want to add platinum jewelry repair...

A quartz wedge can be used with a polariscope to help a gemologist distinguish the + or – optic sign...

Faceted dark colored gemstones can have intense colors but little brilliance. A simple formula can help a gemologist estimate a...

What factors determine the light return of faceted gemstones? Facet quality, polish, color, and cut style all play roles. Learn...

Cabochon cuts are popular for showcasing opal doublets. Learn a trick for making a bezel setting for doublets that are...

Agate stones typically form slowly in the cavities of ancient hardened lava flows. Learn where you can see this process...

Ring sizing is an important part of jewelry making and repair. Learn a few soldering and annealing tricks from the...

What are the best facet designs for novice gem cutters? Find recommendations for cutting styles, books, resources, and gemstone rough...

Dark green tourmaline and red rubellite gems can look very black in an emerald cut. Learn how to minimize this...

How do you start making a living in the jewelry trade? You need to learn gemology and metalsmithing and get...

Learn how to cut a labradorite gemstone to showcase its striking color flash most effectively. Spectrolite is one variety that...

Learn why citrine gemstones are sometimes misidentified as topaz. A professional appraisal by an independent gem lab is the best...

Learn what factors most influence a sphalerite appraisal and what kind of jewelry will best showcase this beautiful gemstone.

Make gemology for kids educational and fun with these gemstone-themed games for all ages. Try these solo and party activities....

Our gemstone crossword puzzle collection is a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge of gemology, whether you’re an...

Whether you’re an expert or novice gemologist or collector, add these gemology reference books we’ve reviewed to your library.

We make recommendations about the best books to buy and read when getting started in faceting.

Marilyn Monroe said “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Jill St. John said “Diamonds are forever.” Elizabeth Taylor said “Big...

Color change sapphires are those that change color between light sources.

Star sapphire is a type of sapphire that displays asterism, a star-like optical effect.

Padparadscha is a light to medium toned pink-orange to orange-pink hue sapphire.

Quartzite is a rock made up of tightly packed quartz grains. Sometimes, it contains small crystals that reflect light. This...

Smoky quartz comes in every shade of brown, from a light tan to nearly black. This gem is known for...

Microcline is a variety of feldspar. The only microcline you are likely to encounter is amazonite.

A few almandine/pyrope garnets from the US will change with treatment into proteus garnets. In reflected light, they have a...

Hydrogrossular differs from the other garnets in that it is never transparent. It ranges from translucent to opaque. The most...

Jasper is an opaque, solid or patterned variety of cryptocrystalline quartz. All types of jasper take an excellent polish, are...

Marketed as "Gem Silica" this relatively rare, blue to blue-green, opaque to near transparent material is the most expensive type...

Crocidolite, (blue asbestos,) alters to quartz, but while retaining its fibrous structure. This material is frequently stained by iron, giving...

The best-known and generally least expensive variety of chalcedony is carnelian. It ranges in color from yellow-orange to rich, near...

The IGS Gem Price Guide covers many popular as well as unusual, collectible gems. Find your gem’s retail value based...

Colored gemstone engagement rings are a trend that has been around for awhile, and the results are unforgettable and beautiful....

Idocrase is one of the lesser known and more beautiful collector gems. When properly cut it is as bright and...

Advanced gemological laboratory services and appraisals at cost-effective prices.

A list of False or Misleading Gemstone Names and its Actual Gemological Name. Gathered by the source "Gemstones of the...

Successful tips and guide in identifying Inclusions Found in Natural Gems. Read and learn several ways to identify inclusions found...

This beginner's bead bracelet project is a great way to learn how to string beads with wire. Follow these hints...

Tremolite runs in a solid-state series with actinolite to ferroactinolite. (Ferroactinolite is not used as a gemstone.) Details and information...

Ultra Tec Faceting Machine Review . The Ultra Tec has been referred to as the BMW of faceting machines. We...

Vivianite is fragile and soft that cut gems would be difficult to handle safely,let alone wear.The color is very rich,...

Faceting Survey Results for Polishing Sunstone: Get polishing methods for Sunstone. View results for various procedures in polishing Sunstone gemstones....

Faceting Survey Results for Polishing Topaz: Get ideas and methods on polishing Topaz. View results for various procedures in polishing...

Faceting Survey Results for Polishing Tourmaline: Get polishing methods for Tourmaline. View results for various procedures in polishing Tourmaline gems....

Faceting Survey Results for Polishing Garnet stones. Know the preferred polishing methods for Garnet. Also, view results for various procedures...

Polishing Beryls: Get successful tips, suggestions, and methods to polish a Beryl laptype, synthetic emerald laptype, or any gemstone of...

Below are a number of comments, instructions, and hints that I thought would be of interest.  Enjoy:) Tin Lead lap...

Sea shells are one of our most ancient decorations. Our prehistoric ancestors used to string them into necklaces or hang...

Spinel has played an important part in gem history. Prior to the last century, it was impossible to distinguish from...

Rhodonite is a popular and useful decorative material, ranging in color from pink to a fine rose-red.This article covers informative...

A guide for the price of various gemstones that is based on various sources for commonly traded goods. However, gems...

Glass comes in several natural forms. All are used in jewelry.

Laserblue is a rare, synthetic glass. It's hard for glass but easy to chip.

The transcription of the interview of International Gem Society IGS with C.D. Parsons of Santa Paula, Calif. and Gerald Wykoff...

Gahnospinel is a solid-state solution between spinel and gahnite.

Diamond are our most popular gem. ts history of use and great value extends thousands of years into the past....

Have the information of authoritative gemology books at the click of your mouse. Our gemology interactive media reviews showcase three...

Clinochlore is a family of minerals in the chlorite group. To date, only kämmerite and sheridanite varieties are known to...

No one to date has a total inventory, or a complete database, of gems and all their properties. Gemologists need...

This year we asked our members for their impressions of the Tucson show. Here are their impressions. A little insight...

Hyperitdiabas is one of the most outstanding minerals I have encountered in recent years. Its appearance striking beautiful and a...

What are the birthstones by month? January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is...

Printable chart to convert weights and measures including Carats, Grams, Kilograms, Ounces, Pounds and Troy Ounces Pounds and Pennyweights.

A tabel of Lap Materials, Compliments of The International Gem Society. These figures are approximate and are put together for...

Ring Size Comparison Chart compliments of the International Gem Society. A conversion table of Ring sizes. 7 different ring size...

A gem structure chart that shows various information on a specific structure and gems of example. Details include Refractive Indexes,...

Jewelers need to know how to determine how much gold is needed for a wax mold. Here are three methods...

A book review on "Gem Dealers Secrets". It is always a treat to find a book that lives up to...

Gerald Wykoff has gained worldwide recognition for his "Master's" series of gemological and lapidary books. The first, Beyond the Glitter,...