Lapidary Health Hazards and Safety Tips
Whether you’re a new or experienced gem cutter, brush up on safety procedures. Learn about lapidary health hazards and how to prevent chronic…
Blue Gemstones: 37 Varieties, Properties & Care Guide
Explore 37 blue gemstones from rare collectors’ specimens to durable jewelry options. Learn how to assess quality, understand durability factors,…
Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques
Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities.…
A Guide to Early Victorian Romantic Period Jewelry
The Romantic Period marked the start of the Victorian Era. Learn about the typical qualities of Romantic Period jewelry, including its sentimental…
A Guide to Belle Époque Jewelry
Belle Époque jewelry combined opulent but graceful metalwork with a variety of gems. Learn more about this style and how it inspires modern jewelry…
Gemstone Cufflinks Guide
Wearing gemstone cufflinks is a great way to add personality and style to a standard tuxedo. Learn how to choose gems for both formal and casual events.…
What are Allochromatic and Idiochromatic Gems?
Learn the difference between allochromatic and idiochromatic gems and why some gem species can occur in many color varieties and others occur…
Mechanical Gemstone Cleaning
Mechanical gemstone cleaning has benefits and risks. Learn all about ultrasonic, steam, and boiling systems and how gems might react to them.…
A Gem Identification Quiz for Novice Gemologists
Learning how to identify gems involves more than just data. This gem identification quiz can help novice gemologists learn how to choose tests…
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