Should I Buy a VS2 Clarity Diamond?
How will a VS2 clarity diamond look in an engagement ring? Learn if it’s the right stone for you and how to pick the best one within your budget.
Center-Fused Color Treated Gemstones
Center-fused color treated gems are assembled from natural rough. Learn how the procedure works and how to identify this stable color enhancement.…
Is an I Clarity Diamond a Good Buy?
An I clarity diamond has a low clarity grade, but can it look OK in an engagement ring? Learn the pros and cons of these stones and how to find a great…
A Beginner’s Guide To Common Gemstone Heat Treatments
Gemstone heat treatments can increase the beauty and value of many rough pieces. Learn how to conduct the most common procedures safely.
Fancy Brilliant Oval Cut Demantoid Garnet, Namibia, .95 Carat cts
This demantoid garnet actually looks surprisingly clean in person considering the tiny inclusions under magnification. The video is a much better…
Fancy Brilliant Oval Cut Spinel, Burma (Myanmar), 1.81 Carat cts
This spinel has a very nice, almost lavender purple color and only a small amount of faint silk along the edge with no big inclusions of any kind.
How Can Gem Buyers Protect Themselves from Fraud?
How can gem buyers avoid undisclosed gem treatments and substitutions? Learn why it’s best to deal with expert gem cutters rather than commercial…
Is an SI Clarity Diamond a Good Deal?
Clarity grades are the most confusing part of diamond engagement ring buying. See what an SI clarity diamond looks like and learn how to pick the…
Destructive Gemstone Tests: Dye Testing
Gemologists can use dye testing to determine if a gemstone has been dyed to alter its color. Learn how to perform this procedure safely here.
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