gemstone-shapes

How do lapidaries decide what gemstone shape to cut? Learn how inclusions, rough, orientation, and other factors can influence that...

Hearts and diamonds are a match made in romantic heaven. Hearts display the tenderest of human emotions while the diamond...

The Cut: Marquise + Round = Pear First, let’s look at its shape and discover how this cut handles light....

Can you rely on gemstone certificates to reveal everything that can affect the value of pricey gems? Learn what to...

Wearing gemstone cufflinks is a great way to add personality and style to a standard tuxedo. Learn how to choose...

Mechanical gemstone cleaning has benefits and risks. Learn all about ultrasonic, steam, and boiling systems and how gems might react...

A gemstone's birefringence is a measure of its double refraction. Learn how to use it to identify gems and see...

Chemical formulas identify the chemical composition of minerals, including gems. Learn what their symbols, numbers, and parentheses mean.

The Pentafan is a unique cut designed for larger gems with deep color saturation. Learn how to cut this design...

How goes gemstone grading work? Learn how gemologists evaluate both diamonds and colored gems and the qualities they examine.

The AGTA has proposed the use of gemstone treatment codes to promote disclosure and a common language for these procedures....

Investors have many gemstone sourcing options, but which ones will work best for you? Learn the pros and cons, as...

Gem faceters and jewelry enthusiasts alike should learn about gemstone toxicity. This table has toxicity ratings for 280+ gems, based...

What kinds of gems can novice faceters cut to make a profit? Learn which gemstones make money reliably and which...

Non-destructive tests are critical for gemologists trying to identify gems. Learn how measuring thermal properties, especially thermal inertia, can help....

Gemstone cleavage is a break in a crystal along internal planes. Learn the science behind this and the difference between...

How is a faceted gem like a retroreflecting prism? Learn to distinguish gemstone brilliance from scintillation and how gem cutters...

A novice gem cutter needs to master various dopping techniques for cabbing and faceting gemstones. Learn how to attach gem...

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...

Gemstone enhancements improve the appearance and wearability of gems. Learn about the most commonly used procedures and frequently treated types...

The best setting for a heart shaped diamond ring is a solitaire. Any other setting style will compete with the...

Gemstone pricing can vary greatly between dealers. Learn about the myriad factors that go into prices for both colored gems...

Gemstone inclusions are materials trapped inside gems as they form. Learn how gemologists use inclusions to help identify gemstones and...

Destructive gemstone testing, done carefully, can help gemologists and mineralogists with difficult gem or mineral identifications. Learn the right techniques...

Identifying lab-created gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn how to spot the most common synthetic gemstone inclusions.

Carats are the units used to measure gem weight and one of the main factors in gem grading. Learn what...

Choosing the best gemstone orientation for your rough takes skill and experience. Learn what factors you should take into account...

Learning how to conduct a gemstone examination takes practice. Follow an expert gemologist step-by-step through tests of five unknown samples....

Gemstone luster describes how a gem's surface looks when it reflects light. Learn the common terms gemologists use for this...

Some gems show pleochroism, two or three different colors depending on the viewing angle. Learn why this occurs and how...

Gemologists use refraction liquids to identify gemstone refractive indices (RI). Learn about the properties of these liquids and safe RI...

Accurately measuring optical properties is critical for identifying gemstones. This article covers the basic terminology and concepts of gemstone optics....

Two of the trickiest gemstone separations to make are scapolite from citrine and apatite from tourmaline. Learn some tips for...

The optical properties of gems attract our eyes and can give a cut stone a unique character. However, gemstone physical...

Learn how gemstone optical properties, like refractive index and pleochroism, help gemologists identify gems and lapidaries choose cuts.

Explore gemstone hardness, wearability, and durability. Learn how hardness, cleavage, and settings affect jewelry use. Essential for smart gemstone choices....

Gemstone transparency describes how much light passes through a gem and how it scatters. Learn what causes a gem to...

Learn what gemstone dispersion means, what causes it, and how it relates to other optical effects.

Our gemstone care guide covers many popular gems. Learn how best to maintain your gemstone jewelry and what kinds of...

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to How...

Gemstone luminescence is a glow that occurs when certain stones are subjected to energy such as UV light. This effect...

The Hayek cut is great for light to medium-colored gem rough that’s blocky but not square enough for an emerald...

The Gemstone Butterfly is a stunning design for a custom-cut gem. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to facet...

Just starting your engagement ring search? Our guide explores the most popular gemstone shapes to help you find the best...

Dreaming of a pear shaped diamond engagement ring? Learn the pros and cons and read our expert advice to find...

If you are searching for a unique diamond with tons of sparkle, look no further than heart shaped gems. Heart...

Teal sapphires feature blue and green colors in a beautiful combination. Learn all about these gems and why they might...

Gemstone coatings are a simple way to enhance color and luster. Learn about commonly coated gems, different coating techniques, and...