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…
Light Behavior in Gems: The Science Behind Sparkle
Have you ever wondered why a diamond sparkles so brilliantly, or why some gemstones seem to glow with rainbow colors? The answer lies in the fascinating…
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…
A Beginner’s Guide To Common Gemstone Heat Treatments
Gemstone heat treatments can turn mediocre pieces into items of great beauty. Heating a gem to a specific temperature and then cooling it is a common…
Synthetic Gemstones and Their Identification
Distinguishing natural from synthetic gems is a critical skill for gemologists. It could mean the difference between valuing a gemstone at thousands…
Amethyst Symbolism
The captivating purple amethyst has enchanted humanity for millennia with its mystical properties and rich symbolism. This comprehensive guide…
Natural Radiation and Gemstone Color
Some well-known jewelry stones owe their colors to the effects of radiation. Occasionally, gemstones receive radiation treatment in laboratory…
What are Allochromatic and Idiochromatic Gems?
Many factors can contribute to a gemstone’s color. However, some gemstones can have many different colored varieties, while others only occur…
IGS Become Member