Search results for: lapis%20lazuli | International Gem Society IGS

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Lapis Lazuli Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Lapis lazuli has been used since ancient times and remains popular today. This gemstone has been prized for its bright,...

lapis lazuli cuff links

Lapis Lazuli Symbolism

How do you say “love me” with a stone? Learn about lapis lazuli symbolism and legends. This beautiful blue mineral...

Is Lapis Lazuli Expensive?

Opaque gemstones have a different kind of beauty than their sparkly transparent counterparts. They are solid and powerful, evaluated on...

Lapis Lazuli Buying Guide

Our lapis lazuli buying guide can help you learn how to grade these gems, what to avoid, and how to...

Destructive Gemstone Tests: Acid Testing

Acid testing is a destructive procedure gemologists and mineralogists can use to determine if some pieces are real or fake....

What Were the Gemstones of the Breastplate of Aaron?

In Exodus, the breastplate of Aaron was said to hold 12 gems. Discover the historical debate around it and learn...

Sapphire Symbolism

Beautiful blue colors and the star stone effect have influenced sapphire symbolism through the ages. Learn more about the legends...

List of False or Misleading Gemstone Names

A list of False or Misleading Gemstone Names and its Actual Gemological Name. Gathered by the source "Gemstones of the...

Destructive Gemstone Tests: Streak Testing

Streak testing is a destructive gemstone test rarely used by gemologists, but it is a standard diagnostic test for mineralogists....

Destructive Gemstone Tests: Hot Point Testing

Gemologists use the hot point test to determine if a piece is a plastic imitation or coated in wax. Learn...

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...

Bead and Necklace Size Charts

Whether you’re a novice bead jewelry maker or just shopping for necklaces, these bead and necklace size charts and links...

Blue Gemstones: 37 Varieties, Properties & Care Guide

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

Simple Design Ideas for Freeform Gems

You can learn gem carving by practicing simple designs. Let the native shapes of stones inspire freeform gems you can...

The Foundation Stones of the New Testament

Commentaries on the foundation stones of the Book of Revelation influenced the development of the Western birthstone system. Learn more...

Is Golden Beryl a Good Gem Choice for Jewelry?

Golden beryl, also known as heliodor, can display rich colors and is an excellent gem choice for jewelry. Learn more...

$Refractometer Guide, Part 3: Determining Optic Character and Recognizing Optic Effects$

Refractometer Guide, Part 3: Determining Optic Character and Recognizing Optic Effects

Learn how to determine a gem’s optic character with a refractometer and identify optical effects you may encounter during gem...

Take the Birthstone Quiz

What do you know about birthstones? Take our short birthstone quiz and learn about the makeup, cutting, and value of...

Traditional Turquoise Jewelry Styles

People have prized turquoise jewelry for millennia. Learn about these traditional turquoise designs that still influence modern artisans.

Carnelian Symbolism

Carnelian symbolism and lore touches on health, luck, and royalty. However, just wearing these gems isn't always effective. Would-be alchemists...

Identifying Inclusions of Specific Gems

Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most...

A World of Crystals

We live in a world of crystals. Learn what they are and where you can find them, from deep underground...

Alternative Birthstones

Not happy with your birthstone? Explore these alternative birthstones associated with astrological signs, angels, the hour or day of your...

Identifying Synthetic Gems

Distinguishing between natural and synthetic gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn about gem making processes and the telltale...

Common Gemstone Treatments Cheat Sheet

There are so many common gemstone treatments available today that keeping track of them can be difficult. This list and...

Idar Oberstein Gem Cutting: What Is It?

The demand for the next new thing defines the Modern Age. However, this expectation of significant developments in rapid succession...

Turquoise Treatments and Synthetics Guide

Almost all turquoises receive enhancements for jewelry use. Learn how to identify the most common turquoise treatments and synthetic options....

Table of Gems Ordered by Crystal System

This table contains a selection of minerals gemologists may encounter as jewelry stones or gem specimens. The gems are sorted...

GemEx iLoupe Review

How does the GemEx iLoupe compare to a standard jeweler’s loupe? Our review tests the device and app, designed for...

Gemstone Cufflinks Guide

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

The World’s Largest Emeralds

Emerald crystals can grow very large. Learn about some of the world’s largest emeralds, whether rough, faceted, or carved.

Enhanced Gem Inclusions

Gem treatments can affect a stone’s value and stability. Learn how the most common procedures work and how to identify...

What are Crystal Systems and Mineral Habits?

Crystals have habits. In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. There are six...

Raw Stone Jewelry Design and Care

Raw stone jewelry is trending. Read this article for tips on incorporating raw stones into your jewelry designs and cleaning...

Early History of Jewelry: Ancient Times to the 17th Century

An early history of gems and jewelry, highlighting different cultures and their varied beliefs about the powers of gems and...

Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques

Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities....

Lapidary Fundamentals: Cabochon Cutting

Cabochon cutting or cabbing is the most popular form of gem cutting. With practice, you can master this skill. Read...

Gemstone Coatings: CVD and More

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

Birthstone Chart

What are the birthstones by month? January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is...

Hybrid Gemstones: Glass Rubies and More

Some gems contain both natural and lab-made components. Learn about these hybrid gemstones and how to distinguish them from mined...

Synthetic Opal Types

Distinguishing synthetic opal from a mined gem is a vital skill for opal dealers. Learn about five different types of...

What is a Gem?

Even the most general definition of a gem has many exceptions. Learn what qualities have been used to identify gemstones...

Gemstone Care Guide

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

Gemstone Physical Properties

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

What is Your Gemstone Personality?

Think of jewelry stones as reflections of you or the recipient. Learning about colored gems can help you find the...

Custom Earrings: Buying Guide for 2025

Designing a pair of custom earrings is a great way to make a statement. Learn how to create custom earrings...

Specific Gravity Values of Selected Gems

Measuring specific gravity helps gemologists identify gemstones. The following table lists the specific gravity values for a variety of gem...

History of Birthstones

What is a Birthstone? Birthstones have become very popular for gift-givers and gem-lovers for their dazzling array of colors and...