sapphire

What is the Birthstone for May? The birthstone representing May is emerald, a rich green variety of the diverse beryl...

In recent decades, something remarkable invaded the thinking process of the colored stone industry. From dealers to consumers, they all...

What is the November Birthstone? The most common birthstone for November is yellow topaz however citrine, another lovely yellow gemstone,...

Discover expert moonstone buying tips, evaluation criteria, and pricing insights. Learn about colors, clarity, cuts, and settings for perfect moonstone...

Stunning green hues and a brilliance that outshines diamond combine to make demantoids truly captivating. Read more in our demantoid...

Novice gem faceters often have questions about dopping with wax. Learn what types of dopping wax to use and how...

When is recutting diamonds and other gems worthwhile for a professional gemologist? Learn how to make this determination and avoid...

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

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

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

Selecting and orienting rough gems can be challenging for new faceters. These tips can help you choose the right tools...

Rare malaya garnets come in many colors and make wonderful jewelry stones for any style. Learn the 4 Cs of...

Your gem investment profits depend mostly on the prices you set through negotiations. Understanding four key business principles will help...

Gemologists use refraction liquids to identify gemstone refractive indices (RI). Learn about the properties of these liquids and safe RI...

There are no shortcuts in the gemstone business. Learn why newcomers need to identify clear goals before investing in gems...

Explore gemstone hardness, wearability, and durability. Learn how hardness, cleavage, and settings affect jewelry use. Essential for smart gemstone choices....

Aquamarines can look great, but what’s the best way to mount them? Novice jewelers should learn the pros and cons...

No single gemstone polishing method will work for all people or all stones. Our guide will help you choose laps...

Today's custom gem cutters use faceting equipment for precision work and design inspiration. Take a look at the toolkit of...

A precision faceter can turn a rough stone into a story gemstone as unique as each client. Choosing the right...

Explore the amazing world of gemstone photomicrography. These tips can help you view and photograph spectacular inclusions found inside many...

The Eye of the Lion.This Cat's-Eye Chrysoberyl is the largest cut example in the world(as documented by the Smithsonian Institute)with...

Late Victorian Aesthetic Period jewelry marked a turn from weighty opulence to more delicate designs. Learn more about this popular...

Gem faceters and jewelry enthusiasts alike should learn about gemstone toxicity. This table has toxicity ratings for 280+ gems, based...

Do you want to buy a diamond for an engagement ring? Don't. Still want to buy a diamond? OK. Here...

Gemstone enhancements improve the appearance and wearability of gems. Learn about the most commonly used procedures and frequently treated types...

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are...

Phenomenal gems seem to do magical things with light. Learn the science behind optical effects like cat’s eyes and star...

Selling lab-created cut gems can be quite difficult. Learn what makes this market hard to crack and the best ways...

Buying a faceting machine means making compromises between economy, looks, and technical features. Learn what questions to ask before you...

Accurately describing gem color is critical to determining a gemstone's value. Learn how to grade hue, tone, and saturation and...

Discover ideal diamond sizes for rings, earrings, and necklaces with our comprehensive guide exploring carat weights, visual impact, and price...

Learn about the different crystal growth methods used to artificially create gemstones in laboratories.

Starting a jewelry business takes a lot of planning. Answer these questions about your inventory and services now and save...

Based on interviews with gem trade experts, this series of FAQs addresses many topics, such as gem value, investing, insurance,...

A little gemology goes a long way. Learn how to clean your gemstone jewelry safely and how to deal with...

Don't underestimate the importance of clarity, one of the Four Cs of gemstone grading. For faceted gems, basic clarity grading...

18K Yellow Gold Marquise Cluster Halo Diamond Engagement Ring by James Allen. What Does Mineral Hardness Mean? Mineral hardness refers...

A gemstone’s clarity grade indicates how free it is of inclusions and blemishes. Learn how to decipher the GIA clarity...

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

Although many gem enthusiasts want to become collectors, they may not know where to begin. Read this article for tips...

Learn everything you need to know about Ethiopian emeralds, including quality, pricing, gemology, and how they compare to those from...

Some gems show pleochroism, two or three different colors depending on the viewing angle. Learn why this occurs and how...

"Just Ask Jeff" shares his thoughts on the Color Stone Grading System of The GIA. In May 2008, he had...

Explore our comprehensive standard gem sizes chart to determine if your gemstone will fit standard settings and learn how to...

If you're trying to create an ethical engagement ring, you have some research ahead. Our guide can help you shop...

With so many recommended faceting angles, new gem cutters can have a hard time choosing one. Learn the basic guidelines...

Discover the ancient art of faceting - how rough stones become brilliant gems through 3,000 years of cutting techniques. Learn...