Questions About Gems and Jewelry
Questions from consumers and novice gemologists about all things related to gemstones and jewelry.
Should You Buy Jewelry on a Cruise?
Are the offers you'll find for jewelry on a cruise ship too good to be true? Learn to look beyond...
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Does Synthetic Jade Exist?
You might find synthetic jade for sale, but is this material really lab-made jade or something else? Learn how to...
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Is Xinjiang Nephrite Banned in the US?
How does the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act of 2021 affect imports of Xinjiang nephrite jade from China? Learn what...
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Do the 2021 US Myanmar Sanctions Affect the Jade Trade?
What do the 2021 Myanmar sanctions cover and will they affect the jade trade? Learn about the origins, scope, and...
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Does Chrysoprase Jewelry Fade?
Should you wear chrysoprase jewelry only at night to protect the gem’s striking green color? Learn the facts here.
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Can You Identify Gems Without Seeing Gemstone Colors?
Did you know most gem species can be distinguished without the element of color? Learn the role gemstone colors play...
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Price and Value: Factory-Cut vs Custom-Cut Gemstones
How does faceting affect gem value? Unique custom-cut gemstones command high prices. Learn how custom cutting compares to factory cutting....
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The Foundation Stones of the New Testament
Commentaries on the foundation stones of the Book of Revelation influenced the development of the Western birthstone system. Learn more...
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Is Golden Beryl a Good Gem Choice for Jewelry?
Golden beryl, also known as heliodor, can display rich colors and is an excellent gem choice for jewelry. Learn more...
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Gemstone Wholesale Prices and the Art of Appraising
There are few guides to gemstone wholesale prices. However, appraising gemstones requires in-depth knowledge and experience, not just price lists....
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What Were the Gemstones of the Breastplate of Aaron?
In Exodus, the breastplate of Aaron was said to hold 12 gems. Discover the historical debate around it and learn...
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Recommendations for Polishing Silver Jewelry
These cleaning tips will make polishing silver jewelry a little easier. Learn how to prevent tarnish and how to clean...
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The Pocket Spectroscope: A Quick Guide for Gemologists
An inexpensive pocket spectroscope can be great for student gemologists as well as pros who need to identify gems while...
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Do Emeralds and Peridots Look Good Together?
Although emeralds and peridots are both green gems, differences in shade might make it hard to pair them in jewelry....
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How to Dry Opals Safely
Opals should be handled with care. If you buy opals that have been kept in water, follow these instructions to...
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Opal Wearability and Jewelry Tips
Are opals too delicate for jewelry? Learn how to choose the right settings for opal wearability, so you can enjoy...
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What Does the GIA Colored Gem Grading Code Mean?
The GIA grading system describes gem color in terms of hue, tone, and saturation. Learn what the abbreviations and numbers...
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Should I Make an Investment in Bargain Rubies?
Do you have an offer for bargain rubies that's too good to be true? Learn what you need to know...
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Can Wearing Gems That Touch Your Skin Improve Your Health?
Will wearing gems that touch the skin of your finger bring you health benefits? Before you buy any ring stone,...
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Is Lab-Created Alexandrite Real Alexandrite?
Natural alexandrite is popular and rare, which creates a market for synthetics. But is lab-created alexandrite real alexandrite? Learn the...
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Is Uranium Glass Safe to Facet?
Uranium glass, or Vaseline glass, is a prized collector's item and is generally safe to handle. But is it safe...
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Aquamarine Enhancements
The most common aquamarine enhancements try to turn blueish green stones pure blue. Learn how heating and other aquamarine treatments...
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Aquamarine Durability
Aquamarines are fairly tough jewelry stones, but they do have some weaknesses. Learn about aquamarine durability and what precautions you...
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Emerald Myth Busters: Identifying Colombian Stones
Colombian emeralds can command premium prices. Jeffery Bergman separates emerald myth from fact when it comes to determining the origins...
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What is a Gem Reflectometer?
What’s the difference between a reflectometer and a refractometer? If you’re interested in studying or buying gems, learn the facts...
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What is the Usambara Effect In Gemstones?
The Usambara effect is a gemstone color change phenomenon distinct from pleochroism or the alexandrite effect. Tourmaline and other species...
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Are There Color Change Diamonds?
A classic chameleon diamond can change color from green to yellow under certain conditions. Learn more about this process and...
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Can Diamonds Burn?
Diamonds may form under intense heat and pressure, but under what conditions can diamonds burn? Learn the science behind a...
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What Causes Fuzzy Refractometer Readings?
Fuzzy refractometer readings may be the result of poorly faceted gems, the wrong amount of refraction liquid, and even stone...
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How to Re-Polish a Refractometer Hemicylinder
The glass used to make refractometer hemicylinders is susceptible to tarnish. Here's a step-by-step guide for re-polishing a refractometer hemicylinder....
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Tucson Gem and Mineral Show Reviews
Novice and expert gemologists discuss their experiences at the celebrated annual February Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. You'll find reviews...
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What Do the GIA Gem Clarity Grading Codes Mean?
A gemstone’s clarity grade indicates how free it is of inclusions and blemishes. Learn how to decipher the GIA clarity...
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What Causes Emerald Fractures?
Emeralds get their green color from chromium and vanadium. Learn how the presence of these elements affects their formation and...
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Are White Aquamarines Genuine Aquamarines?
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl. If you encounter so-called white aquamarines, buyer beware. Learn the facts...
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Is a Lab-Created Emerald a Real Emerald?
What's the difference between a lab-created emerald and a natural emerald? Is a synthetic gem a real gem? Learn the...
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Are Serengeti Rubies Real Rubies?
Although Tanzania is a source of rubies, so-called Serengeti rubies are more likely to be garnets. Learn more about rubies...
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Do Natural Rubies Fluoresce?
Both natural and synthetic rubies fluoresce under UV light. Learn how slight differences in fluorescence patterns can help gemologists distinguish...
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Ruby and Sapphire Survey: Where Do You Draw the Line?
Our survey asked for your input on the age-old question: where is the line between ruby and sapphire? The results...
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An Introduction to Conflict Diamonds and the Kimberley Process
NGOs and movies have helped raise awareness of conflict diamonds, and governments have taken steps to stop their trade. How...
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Fake News in the Gem Trade: A Waterworn Emerald from Chivor?
A number of online sites have reported on a large emerald, supposedly recently extracted from the Chivor mine in Colombia....
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Pricing Information For Star Opals From Spencer, Idaho
Some opals from Spencer, Idaho show asterism or the “star stone” effect. Learn how to price these beautiful but rare...
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What Is The Difference Between Chert, Flint, And Mozarkite?
Flint and mozarkite are types of chert. While flint is known for its practical use, mozarkite is a colorful variety...
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An Introduction to Turkey’s Gemstones
Turkey's gemstones include well-known species such as diaspore, chalcedony, and purple jade, as well as unusual specimens of lesser-known gems....
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Advice For Grading Dark Colored Gemstones
Faceted dark colored gemstones can have intense colors but little brilliance. A simple formula can help a gemologist estimate a...
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Where Can You Find Agate Stones Forming?
Agate stones typically form slowly in the cavities of ancient hardened lava flows. Learn where you can see this process...
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Why are Topaz and Citrine Gemstones Misidentified?
Learn why citrine gemstones are sometimes misidentified as topaz. A professional appraisal by an independent gem lab is the best...
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Sphalerite Appraisal
Learn what factors most influence a sphalerite appraisal and what kind of jewelry will best showcase this beautiful gemstone.
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