Turkish Purple Jade Jewelry
What is Turkish purple jade? Learn about the qualities of this rare, beautiful, and versatile gemstone and see it transformed from rock to finished…
Identifying Jade Treatments
Jade is one of the most popular and expensive gemstones. It can also receive many enhancements. Learn about jade treatments and how to identify…
Carving an Arizona Black Jade Pendant
What is Arizona black jade? Learn about this unusual opaque black gem material and follow this pendant carving demonstration by a master carver.…
Jade Symbolism
Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes of harmony, eternity, and virtue.…
Hardness and Cleavage Considerations
Picture this: You’re holding a stunning piece of rough diamond, the hardest material on Earth. You strike it with a hammer, expecting it…
Yield Optimization vs. Aesthetics
Picture this: You have a stunning piece of aquamarine rough worth thousands of dollars. Do you cut it for maximum weight retention to preserve its…
What Is Faceting?
Imagine holding a diamond that sparkles with brilliant flashes of light, each tiny surface reflecting and refracting light in perfect harmony.…
What Is Faceting?
Discover the ancient art of faceting – how rough stones become brilliant gems through 3,000 years of cutting techniques. Learn about cabochons…
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