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When buying gems, gemologists must temper their excitement with an analytical eye. Test your gem identification skills with these quizzes....

Master citrine buying with our comprehensive guide. Learn quality factors, treatments, and pricing for this stunning yellow-orange gemstone perfect for...

Clarity grades are the most confusing part of diamond engagement ring buying. See what an SI clarity diamond looks like...

Quick facts about the optical and physical properties of diamonds.

A microscope is an essential tool for gemologists. The Achiever Microscope is an excellent choice at a good price. Read...

Soft, violet-blue hues have made iolite a popular stone. Read about the quality factors for this trendy gem in our...

Rounds dominate the gem market, but fancy gem cuts offer many beautiful options. Learn about the most popular fancy shapes,...

Phenomenal gems seem to do magical things with light. Learn the science behind optical effects like cat’s eyes and star...

Center-fused color treated gems are assembled from natural rough. Learn how the procedure works and how to identify this stable...

Rare, beautiful, and expensive, sapphires will really wow when brides need “something blue.” When you’re shopping for sapphire engagement ring...

Discover 21 stunning pink gemstones , including diamond, morganite, and tourmaline. Learn hardness, rarity, and pricing for each pink gemstone...

A major purchase like buying a diamond should not be rushed. It should actually be the result of self-education and...

Oil treatment is a standard industry practice for enhancing emeralds. However, the treatments are not permanent. Learn how to re-oil...

With bright, apple-green hues, chrysoprase makes an eye-catching jewelry stone. Our chrysoprase buying guide will help you pick a top-quality...

Learn what gemologists do in our introduction to gemology. Whether your interest is casual or professional, the world of gems...

Discover the July birthstone ruby - the "King of Colored Stones" known for its vibrant red hues. Learn about ruby...

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

Mermaid sapphires are the rarest type of teal sapphires. Learn all about these blue-green gems that could soon become popular...

HPHT diamond treatments can only be positively identified with costly equipment. However, you can learn to assess the probability that...

Vivid color change makes alexandrite one of the world’s most coveted stones. Our alexandrite buying guide can help you find...

Cordierite is a blue and violet mineral that gemologists call “iolite”. Cordierite is a trichroic gem, which means that it...

Emeralds get their green color from chromium and vanadium. Learn how the presence of these elements affects their formation and...

Practical tips on uvarovite garnet faceting information. Covers Uvarovite Faceting & Garnet Information related issues, research and guide.

As a December birthstone, blue zircon is very popular. But are blue zircons natural? Learn how zircons form and get...

Spinels are rarely treated, but gemologists should know how to detect spinel treatments. Learn about filling, heating, and diffusion.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock/boykung If you say the phrase “emerald by day, ruby by night” to any gemstone professional or collector,...

Complete morganite buying guide covering the 4 Cs, treatments, and pricing. Learn how to choose the perfect pink beryl gemstone...

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. Learn how quartz forms and how its most popular varieties...

Trapiche emerald gems are some of the world's rarest emeralds. Learn where they're found and how their characteristic “spoked wheel”...

Emerald fillers can improve the beauty of these gems but also have some drawbacks. Learn how to choose the right...

When is a VS clarity diamond the best option for your engagement ring? Learn about diamond clarity grades and how...

Master tanzanite buying with our expert guide covering the 4 Cs, treatments, simulants, and investment tips. Learn to identify quality...

Selecting and orienting rough gems can be challenging for new faceters. These tips can help you choose the right tools...

Judging gemstone value is complex, and new gemologists can have trouble with this. These four exercises can help you learn...

Practical tips on Goshenite Facet / Faceting Information. Covers Goshenite Facet / Faceting Information related issues, news, research, tips, and...

Explore 37 blue gemstones from rare collectors' specimens to durable jewelry options. Learn how to assess quality, understand durability factors,...

Discover expert moonstone buying tips, evaluation criteria, and pricing insights. Learn about colors, clarity, cuts, and settings for perfect moonstone...

Aquamarine gemstones are the physical embodiment of serenity. Exhibiting a gentle color of either pure blue or blended blue and...

Many varieties of gems besides diamond can be created in the laboratory. Our synthetic gemstone guide covers many examples and...

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

High-performance diamonds are marketed as perfectly symmetrical stones of exceptional quality. Learn if they’re worth the extra money you’ll spend...

How does the GIA diamond cut grading system work? Our guide will explain what the grades mean and how gemologists...

In Part 3 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers how to select gem rough as well as dopping and...

Diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, often appear in jewelry. See how the properties of real diamonds compare with...

Some student gemologists might be unfamiliar with the microscope. This tutorial video will demonstrate how this instrument can help you...

With practice and some basic tools, anyone can separate natural rubies from ruby simulants. Learn all about the most common...

A little gemology goes a long way. Learn how to clean your gemstone jewelry safely and how to deal with...

Gemstone identification can involve many tests. These quizzes can help novice gemologists learn to pick the appropriate ones and identify...