The Lighter Side of Gemology
Gemstone history, legend, lore and other fun, non-technical articles.
Four Famous Spinels
Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...
Read More
Sapphire Symbolism
Beautiful blue colors and the star stone effect have influenced sapphire symbolism through the ages. Learn more about the legends...
Read More
Why We Love Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires
With rich cornflower blue Yogo sapphires and fancy-colored gems in any color of the rainbow, Montana sapphires are a great...
Read More
The World’s Largest Emeralds
Emerald crystals can grow very large. Learn about some of the world’s largest emeralds, whether rough, faceted, or carved.
Read More
Seven Famous Emeralds and Their Stories
Some famous emeralds have amazing histories. These seven gems have gone through revolutions, shipwrecks, and thefts to become crown jewels...
Read More
What are Black Diamonds and Carbonados?
Most black diamonds used in jewelry are enhanced, but natural black-colored diamonds do exist. Learn more about these as well...
Read More
Garnet Symbolism
Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. This gemstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light, and...
Read More
Ten Gemstones Rarer than Diamond
If you're looking for something unique for your next jewelry purchase, check out these ten gemstones rarer than diamond. How...
Read More
Take the Birthstone Quiz
What do you know about birthstones? Take our short birthstone quiz and learn about the makeup, cutting, and value of...
Read More
Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha Takes on Esperanza
The Esperanza is the most valuable diamond ever mined in the US. Learn the story behind the find and the...
Read More
Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques
Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities....
Read More
Jade Symbolism
Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes...
Read More
Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)
Learn everything you need to know about Ethiopian emeralds, including quality, pricing, gemology, and how they compare to those from...
Read More
Onyx Symbolism
Onyx symbolism and lore is filled with negative associations. Learn how people have counteracted these purported effects and enjoy this...
Read More
Moonstone Symbolism
With a silverly light that seems to come from within, moonstone has many associations with the Moon. While you certainly...
Read More
Carnelian Symbolism
Carnelian symbolism and lore touches on health, luck, and royalty. However, just wearing these gems isn't always effective. Would-be alchemists...
Read More
Pearl Symbolism
Prized for millennia, pearls have strong links to the Moon, value, and weddings. Learn more about pearl symbolism and the...
Read More
Gemstones with Health Benefits
Since ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with...
Read More
Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite
Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut...
Read More
La Belle De Jour: A Giant Emerald Matrix
La Belle De Jour is a unique emerald matrix. Learn how it formed, where it was found, and what makes...
Read More
History of Birthstones
What is a Birthstone?
Birthstones have become very popular for gift-givers and gem-lovers for their dazzling array of colors and...
Read More
Six Famous Aquamarines
Aquamarines have been cut into many large and beautiful gemstones. Let’s take a look at six of the world’s most...
Read More
Amber Symbolism
Amber has a long history of ornamental use and popular associations with animals, energy, and the Sun. Learn more about...
Read More
Malachite Symbolism
Behind every mystical gem is a merchant. Since ancient times, malachite has been “the salesman's stone.” Learn more about malachite...
Read More
Lapis Lazuli Symbolism
How do you say “love me” with a stone? Learn about lapis lazuli symbolism and legends. This beautiful blue mineral...
Read More
Turquoise Symbolism
Many people consider beautiful sky blue turquoise stones to be lucky. Learn about the turquoise symbolism and lore of Native...
Read More
Topaz Symbolism
Topaz's most popular mystical association has been with wealth. However, topaz symbolism and lore also covers areas such as health,...
Read More
Is the 500-Pound Beleza Emerald Really Worth $280 million?
A couple claims the Beleza Emerald was lost in the Camp Fire of 2018 and was worth $280 million. The...
Read More
The Sacred Emerald Buddha
Carved in Thailand in 2006 from a 3,600-ct emerald, “The Sacred Emerald Buddha” has a message of peace. Read the...
Read More
Emerald Symbolism
Emerald symbolism encompasses not only royalty but also wit, eloquence, and foresight. Learn more about the legends surrounding this prized...
Read More
Ruby Symbolism
Many cultures have long considered ruby a king's gem. Not surprisingly, ruby symbolism and lore have many associations with power,...
Read More
Eight Famous Rubies
Blood red ruby gems have captivated people's hearts and imaginations for centuries. Read about these eight famous rubies and what...
Read More
Eight Famous Sapphires and the Stories Behind Them
Large, beautiful, and historically important, these eight famous sapphires have fascinating stories to tell. Learn what makes them so special....
Read More
Seven Famous Pearls and Their Histories
Cursed, perfect, or just huge, these famous pearls are fascinating. Read their history-rich tales filled with people like Kublai Khan...
Read More
16 Famous Opals and Their Amazing Stories
These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in...
Read More
Alternative Birthstones
Not happy with your birthstone? Explore these alternative birthstones associated with astrological signs, angels, the hour or day of your...
Read More
Opal Symbolism
Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as...
Read More
Amethyst Symbolism
Amethyst has many popular folkloric associations, from love and spirituality to supernatural protection. Learn more about amethyst symbolism and legends....
Read More
Love, Marriage, and Korite
Marriage and Korite (or ammolite) both need special care. With strong support systems, both can endure. This is the story...
Read More
What is my Birthstone?
The idea of a single birthstone for each month is a modern idea with a long history, but today's consumers...
Read More
Gemology For Kids: Games And Activities
Make gemology for kids educational and fun with these gemstone-themed games for all ages. Try these solo and party activities....
Read More
Gemstone Crossword Puzzle Collection
Our gemstone crossword puzzle collection is a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge of gemology, whether you’re an...
Read More
10 Most Famous Celebrity Gemstone Rings
Colored gemstone engagement rings are a trend that has been around for awhile, and the results are unforgettable and beautiful....
Read More
Double Eagle Mining Company
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Oregon...
Read More
Out Back Mining Company
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what he has to share about...
Read More
Sharing the Fun and Folklore of Gemology
My goal is to share with each of you the fun and folklore or gemstones. Since this is my first...
Read More
Old Mine Tales
Old Mine Tales that were submitted as letters to Faceter's Digest. They are a personal history of the author's experiences...
Read More
Interviews
The transcription of the interview of International Gem Society IGS with C.D. Parsons of Santa Paula, Calif. and Gerald Wykoff...
Read More
The worlds largest cut cats-eye chrysoberyl
The Eye of the Lion.This Cats-Eye Chrysoberyl is the largest cut example in the world(as documented by the Smithsonian Institute)with...
Read More
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!