Over the past 15 years a combination of market forces, environmental events, and scientific research has radically changed the cultured pearl industry from a single commodity dominated by one producer ...

A look at the history of analytical instruments used for gem testing. UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy measures how gemstones absorb and interact with light across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared ...

Cultured pearls come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Perhaps the best-loved gems of all time, pearls—both natural and modern cultured pearls—occur in a wide variety of colors. The most ...

If you were born in the month of June, you are lucky enough to have three birthstones to call your own. June is one of only three months (the others are August and December) that has three birthstones ...

Vietnamese aquamarine is notable for its attractive color and well-formed crystals. Commercially significant deposits are known only from the Thuong Xuan District in Thanh Hoa Province, where the ...

GIA is proud to provide the most comprehensive research in the industry with a world-renowned field gemology team and a dedication to acquiring colored stones directly from the source. Our ...

Figure 1. Pleochroism in a 15 ct tanzanite, as seen with the unaided eye through the crown and the pavilion sides and ends. Photo by Wimon Manorotkul. In describing colored gemstones, the major ...

As a consumer, you will regularly encounter in the marketplace gems that have been treated to change their appearance. A topic that often comes up is whether a particular gemstone is or isn’t treated.

The Jewelry Design & Technology diploma program covers topics essential to becoming a jewelry designer and CAD (computer-aided design) technician, including designing a piece of jewelry from a concept ...

Ruby is the July birthstone – and it’s one of the most coveted of gems. The name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red” – the color of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the ...

Useful contact information if you’re looking for a professional to value your gem or jewelry item. GIA does not provide an appraised value for gemstones or jewelry. This service should be performed by ...

If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, ...