Rose Quartz

Many square gem designs lack appeal because they’re not very bright. Jeff Graham’s Chinese Checker cut combines good light return with a square…

Inspired by the classic children’s toy, Jeff Graham’s award-winning Pin Wheel gem design is easy to cut and makes a very interesting stone.…

With protective settings and special care, these seven beautiful but delicate engagement ring stones can help you make a unique statement piece…

While some cut names may describe the face-up shape of the finished gem, others refer to the shape and arrangement of the gem’s facets. These cuts…

Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns…

Gem cutters use the “length-to-width” or L/W ratio to determine how to cut rough gems. Learn how to choose gem designs based on a stone’s L/W…

Distinguishing natural from synthetic gems is a critical skill for gemologists. It could mean the difference between valuing a gemstone at thousands…

Trigon inclusions are part of a natural, uncut diamond’s original crystal structure. These were photographed on the surface of a rough…

Although gemstone magnetism isn’t a commonly tested gemstone property, it may be useful for making quick separations outside the lab. By Richard…