The Fifth C: What Determines Diamond Cost?
When consumers think of diamonds, they think “expensive.” However, what exactly makes that so? Beyond the unavoidable factors of mining, cutting,…
Diamond Buying and the 4 Cs, Part 4: Assessing Diamond Clarity
Diamond buyers often find assessing clarity challenging. Although inclusions may be difficult to see and identity, they can have a significant…
Diamond Buying and the Four Cs, Part 3: Evaluating Diamond Cuts
Cut is perhaps the most complex of the Four Cs of gem grading and is usually taken for granted by consumers. However, diamond cuts greatly affect…
Diamond Buying and the Four Cs, Part 1: Diamond Carat Weight
Diamond buyers often want to know which of the Four Cs of gem grading is most important — color, clarity, cut, or carat. However, these qualities…
Gem Trends 2018: Ultra Violet Gems and More
What will 2018 bring to the world of gems and jewelry? Learn about the latest gem trends — everything from colors, designs, and settings to the…
An Introduction to Fancy Gem Cuts
Rounds dominate the gem market, but fancy gem cuts offer many beautiful options. Learn about the most popular fancy shapes, such as heart and emerald…
Fancy Colored Pink Diamond Buying Guide
With only a few produced each year, pink diamonds are among the rarest gems on the planet. Learn how quality impacts cost for these rarities in our…
Hessonite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Also known as the “cinnamon stone,” hessonite is the yellow-orange to reddish orange variety of grossular garnet. Hessonites can make beautiful,…
Iolite Buying Guide
Soft, violet-blue hues have made iolite a popular stone. Read about the quality factors for this trendy gem in our iolite buying guide.
IGS Become Member