garnet

Don’t underestimate the importance of clarity, one of the Four Cs of gemstone grading. For faceted gems, basic clarity grading involves evaluating…

Which laps and polishes can produce the flattest facets and sharpest edges on gemstones? Our lap testing compares tin, Corian, and ceramic.

If you’ve inherited or received a gift of gems or jewelry, you’re probably wondering whether the stones are real diamonds, other white gems,…

Step 5: Advanced Gem Information Lesson 2 Back to syllabus Synthetic diamonds aren’t new. General Electric (GE) has been making them since…

Some people make distinctions between different kinds of synthetic or lab-grown gems. In fact, you may even find different definitions of synthetic…

Are you looking for something truly unique for your next jewelry purchase? Explore these ten gemstones that are actually rarer than diamond. How…

What are the best techniques and tools for polishing girdles? Learn how to complete your faceted gems quickly and easily and avoid common errors.…

A bright, minty green tourmaline with colors much like a Merelani mint garnet.

Beautiful rose red to pink rhodochrosite crystals are popular with mineral collectors. Although very soft, opaque stones have been fashioned…