Emerald

Considering a conch pearl buying trip to the Caribbean? Quality factors for these gems differ from colored gemstones. Before you make a purchase,…

Explore the amethyst meaning and journey from ancient protection against drunkenness to spiritual symbol. Discover the legends, meanings,…

Rounds dominate the gem market, but fancy gem cuts offer many beautiful options. Learn about the most popular fancy shapes, such as heart and emerald…

Gem cutting styles refer to the shape and arrangement of facets. The three most basic styles are brilliant, step, and mixed. Learn what characterizes…

Not only do gemstone facets create beautiful patterns on gem surfaces, they also help gems shine. While gem cutters will learn all about facets,…

Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most popular…

Also known as the “cinnamon stone,” hessonite is the yellow-orange to reddish orange variety of grossular garnet. Hessonites can make beautiful,…

Always a dark, rich green color, uvarovite is one of the rarest members of the garnet family. Usually only seen as druzy on matrix, these crystals…

All gem designs balance multiple factors that affect the stone’s appearance. Before tweaking a design, consider the overall goal for the finished…