opal

Whether you’re a new or experienced gem cutter, brush up on safety procedures. Learn about lapidary health hazards and how to prevent chronic…

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

Learn how to organize your gemstone collection. Choose the storage and display options that are right for you and create a practical cataloging…

Your next plate of steamed clams might hold a rare quahog pearl. Learn how to judge the quality of these purple pearls before your next trip to New…

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

Learn which rough gemstones are ideal for beginning faceting practice. A progression of relatively inexpensive gem species can teach important…

Although many gem enthusiasts want to become collectors, they may not know where to begin. Read this article for tips on how to start a gem collection.…

From bright, sunny colors to deep golden hues, yellow gemstones are warm and inviting. Learn how to assess the quality of yellow gems and find out…

Gemstone color measurements are hard to make with conventional color-order systems. Learn how recent colorimetry tech advances have improved…