October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal
Those born in October are lucky to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from. Pink tourmaline is the modern birthstone and opal is the traditional…
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst, the February birthstone, comes in beautiful purple colors and makes a durable jewelry stone. Learn more about this wonderful gem.
January Birthstone: Garnet
Both the modern and traditional birthstone for January is garnet. Garnets come in many colors, including red, yellow, orange, green, and blue.…
Emerald Origins: History and Identification
Emeralds from different sources can vary in quality. Learn how to identify emerald origins by analyzing the optical and physical properties of…
Proustite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Proustite crystals have magnificent red colors and good brilliance. Although facetable, they’re too soft for jewelry use but highly desired…
Emerald Buying Guide
Our emerald buying guide can help you learn how these gems are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a high-quality stone or a bargain in the rough.…
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 as unusual carbonado…
Rutile Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Though perhaps best known as inclusions within other gems, rutile crystals themselves can be faceted or cabbed as curiosities for collectors.…
Clarity Grading Diamonds
Mastering clarity grading diamonds takes a lot of experience. This grading guide, with definitions, images, and examples, can help beginning…
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