Determining Gemstone Value, Price, and Appraisals
How to price or obtain the value, price and appraisal of a gem or piece of gemstone jewelry.
Is Morganite Expensive?
The beryl gem group contains quite a few famous species including emerald and aquamarine. However, not all beryl gems are...
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Is Lapis Lazuli Expensive?
Opaque gemstones have a different kind of beauty than their sparkly transparent counterparts. They are solid and powerful, evaluated on...
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Is Feldspar Expensive?
The feldspar group is one of the most abundant classes of minerals on Earth and there are several varieties that...
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Is Cordierite Expensive?
Cordierite is a blue and violet mineral that gemologists call “iolite”. Cordierite is a trichroic gem, which means that it...
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Is Aquamarine Expensive?
Aquamarine gemstones are the physical embodiment of serenity. Exhibiting a gentle color of either pure blue or blended blue and...
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Is Coral Expensive?
Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful environments on Earth. Scientists say that healthy reefs are the most biodiverse...
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Is Citrine Expensive?
They say that yellow and orange are the colors of happiness and creativity. Fortunately, there are many gemstones in this...
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Is Ammolite Expensive?
In the seas of the Paleozoic Era almost 400 million years ago, a squid-like creature with a spiral shell called...
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Is Garnet Expensive?
Garnets are the workhorses of the gemstone world. A hardy gem that comes in pretty much any color you can...
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Are Emeralds Expensive?
Emeralds are more than just a pretty stone. They set the standard for the best green color in the world....
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Are Opals Expensive?
Opal is a gem with an infinite number of faces. Every aspect of their appearance has a multitude of potential...
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Is Spinel Expensive?
Once known only as a ruby impersonator, the popularity and value of spinel have skyrocketed in recent years. This beautiful...
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Is Turquoise Expensive?
Turquoise is one of the world’s most popular opaque gemstones. Used as ornamentation and a symbol of wealth for thousands...
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Is Amethyst Expensive?
Amethysts are one of the most popular gemstone varieties. Used in jewelry at every price point, and you can find...
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Is Amber Expensive?
Amber is part of a small group of gemstones that are created by living organisms known in the trade as...
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Jewelry Investment Pieces: Which Gemstones Hold Value Over Time?
Learn which gemstones are the best investments for long-term value. Explore diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls that retain worth...
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Interview with GCAL: Grading Reports and 8X Diamond Cuts
GCAL by Sarine is a US-based company that offers a diverse range of services, from diamond grading to precious metal...
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Is Moss Agate Expensive?
A gorgeous moss agate ring. Photo credit: Shuttertock/Liem Men Sang
In recent years, the gemstone market has observed an ever-growing...
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Is Jadeite Expensive?
Green Burmese Imperial jade ring and bangle. Photo credit Shuttertock/W. Scott McGill
When discussing how gemstones are valued, jadeite is...
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Are Moonstones Expensive?
Rings with natural moonstones. Photo credit: Shutterstock/AnaKle
The gentle, billowing light that shines from within moonstones is one of the...
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Are Alexandrites Expensive?
Photo Credit: Shutterstock/boykung
If you say the phrase “emerald by day, ruby by night” to any gemstone professional or collector,...
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Are Rubies Expensive?
How much are rubies worth? The best rubies are some of the most expensive colored gemstones on the market. One...
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Top Five Gemstone Investments for 2025
What are the top gemstone investments for 2024? Learn why these five gems, some well-known and some less so, are...
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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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Gold Markup for Jewelry: The Ultimate Guide
Learn how to calculate gold markup for jewelry with our comprehensive guide. Understand gold weight measurements, karat values, and practical...
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Helping Clients with Inherited Gemstones and Jewelry
Gem dealers are often their clients' most trusted advisers on gem matters. Learn how to help your clients with inherited...
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Appraising Rubies
Appraising rubies is a skill every jeweler and gemologist needs to master. Learn about the different quality factors that can...
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Appraising Pearls: How to Grade Pearls
Novice gemologists and jewelers may find appraising pearls difficult. Our guide will show you how to appraise and grade different...
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Best Engagement Ring Insurance in 2025
Independent report by the International Gem Society on the Best Engagement Ring Insurance on the Market in 2025.
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Finding the Best Artificial Lighting for Gems: Buying, Selling, and Grading
Gemstones are creatures of light. Learn how lighting impacts gem sales and get recommendations for high-quality artificial lighting for gems....
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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Jewelry Insurance Companies
Our jewelry insurance guide reviews the policies of the top seven companies. Learn what to look for so you can...
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Appraising Opals
Opals are unique gems with their own unique terminology. Learn the modern standard system for classifying and appraising opals used...
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Appraising Gems and Jewelry
Appraising gems and jewelry involves opinions of value based on knowledge and research. Learn what information gemologists should include on...
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Basic Jewelry and Gem Appraisal Terms: What is Value?
Many people assume that a gem appraisal sets a definitive price for an item. Actually, the price depends on the...
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Gem and Jewelry Insurance Quotes: Four Money-Saving Questions
How can you get lower gem and jewelry insurance quotes? Asking a potential insurer these four questions could help lower...
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Jewelry and Gemstone Insurance: Nine Questions You Need to Ask
Before you buy jewelry and gemstone insurance, learn what to ask insurance companies and make sure the policy meets your...
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Gems and Jewelry?
Your homeowners insurance may cover gems and jewelry, but don’t assume it covers all risks or the value of your...
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Jewelry and Gemstone Appraisals for Insurance
Need insurance for your jewelry? You’ll need jewelry and gemstone appraisals. Learn what info they should include and who to...
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Advice for Determining Gemstone Value
Judging gemstone value is complex, and new gemologists can have trouble with this. These four exercises can help you learn...
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Aquamarine Grading and Pricing
Aquamarines are evaluated based on the Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Learn how each factor affects aquamarine grading...
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Rubellite Tourmaline Buying Guide
Our rubellite buying guide can help you learn how rubellites are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a...
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Chrome Tourmaline Buying Guide
Rare chrome tourmaline can show an emerald-like green color. With a highly desired color and tourmaline's excellent qualities as a...
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Verdelite (Green Tourmaline) Buying Guide
Looking for a tourmaline jewelry stone? If you like green and you're on a budget, green tourmaline or verdelite is...
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Are Diamonds Really Rare? Diamond Myths and Misconceptions
Diamonds are popular gemstones surrounded by popular misconceptions. We'll tell you how they became so prized and debunk some of...
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How Can Gem Buyers Protect Themselves from Fraud?
How can gem buyers avoid undisclosed gem treatments and substitutions? Learn why it's best to deal with expert gem cutters...
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Pricing Faceted Gems and Calculating Your Return
Properly pricing faceted gems can be a daunting task for investors. Learn how to research gem prices and calculate your...
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Marketing Your Gems Online
Accurate descriptions and quality photographs are essential for marketing your gems online. Learn about options and best practices for improving...
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A Guide to Gem Selling Platforms
Determining where to sell your gems — whether online or in-person — can be difficult. Here’s a look at the...
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