Determining Gemstone Value, Price, and Appraisals

Ruby and sapphire origins greatly affect the values of these prized gems. Learn where these stones occur and how inclusions can help identify their…

Appraising rubies is a skill every jeweler and gemologist needs to master. Learn about the different quality factors that can affect ruby prices.…

Appraising blue sapphires is a critical skill for any jeweler or gemologist. Learn the basics you’ll need to evaluate one of the most popular…

Novice gemologists and jewelers may find appraising pearls difficult. Our guide will show you how to appraise and grade different types of cultured…

How do you make money investing in gems? What should you buy, for how much, and how can you add value to your investments? Learn these top 5 rules.

Can you rely on gemstone certificates to reveal everything that can affect the value of pricey gems? Learn what to look for when you have a gem certified.…

The effects of the 2014 scandal over diamond overgrading at EGL labs are still emerging. Learn what gemologists and retailers can do to prevent…

Gemstones are creatures of light. Learn how lighting impacts gem sales and get recommendations for high-quality artificial lighting for gems.…

Diamonds are popular gemstones surrounded by popular misconceptions. We’ll tell you how they became so prized and debunk some of those diamond…

Based on interviews with gem trade experts, this series of FAQs addresses many topics, such as gem value, investing, insurance, and collecting.…

Gem dealers are often their clients’ most trusted advisers on gem matters. Learn how to help clients and their families who inherit a gemstone collection.…

If you learn the meaning of the trade terms for gold weight and karat, you can calculate the gold content value of any item as well as the jeweler’s…

Rare chrome tourmaline can show an emerald-like green color. With a highly desired color and tourmaline’s excellent jewelry stone qualities,…

Appraising gems and jewelry involves opinions of value based on knowledge and research. Learn what information gemologists should include on…

Looking for a tourmaline jewelry stone? If you like green and you’re on a budget, green tourmaline or verdelite is the gem for you.

Many people assume that a gem appraisal sets a definitive price for an item. Actually, the price depends on the type of appraisal done and can consist…

Like all tourmaline gemstones, rubellite wears well in almost any type of jewelry. This stone’s raspberry-like color draws a great deal of attention.…

Two major problems plague the cut gemstone market: undisclosed gem treatments and substitutions of synthetic for natural gems. Gem buyers need…

Novice gem cutters often ask me about gem pricing. They want to know how to determine a fair price for what they cut. This is never an easy question.…

Many new gemologists buy low-quality gems believing they’ve found a real bargain. However, judging gemstone value is very complex.

The International Gem Society (IGS) ran a jewelers’ pricing survey in 2002 and 2012. Over those ten years, we saw significant changes in the world’s…

Buyer beware! Not all color-change chrysoberyl is alexandrite. Learn the classic color ranges of true alexandrite and avoid being scammed by…

Opals are unique gems with their own unique terminology. Learn the modern standard system for classifying and appraising opals used by major gem…

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

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

Your homeowner’s insurance may cover gems and jewelry, but don’t assume it covers all risks or the value of your items. Ask your insurer these…

Lookup the current retail and wholesale price of any gemstone.

Underkarating is a fraudulent practice whereby a jeweler represents a piece of jewelry or gold as containing more precious metal than it actually…

Understanding how the price of an underlying jewelry metal, such as gold, impacts the price of your finished jewelry.

The newest thing in the opal world is the Opal Smart Chart. This is a software package designed to help you value your opals. It has two segments.

The newest thing in the opal world is the Opal Smart Chart. This is a software package designed to help you value your opals. It has two segments.

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

Rarity is one of the most prized qualities of gemstones. But some gems are far more rare than others! This article helps explain what’s rare and what…