Category Archives: Gemstones

Popularity of Turquoise can Result in Deceptive Practices

Turquoise is one of those gemstones whose popularity never seems to diminish. It’s been mined in various parts of the world for thousands of years and treasured by a number of ancient and modern cultures, including our own. The problem … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Gemstones | Tagged gem treatments, misnomers, reconstituted turquoise, turquoise, turquoise matrix, turquoise treatments

New Gem Scam Targeting Our Troops

All gem scans are bad, but some are just worse than others. And, when our troops are scammed, it’s just unconscionable. Credit goes to Antoinette Matlins, a highly respected gem expert and writer, for uncovering this scam and issuing public … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemstones | Tagged Antoinette Matlins, composite rubies, composites, corundum, lead glass rubies, troops

The Tiffany Diamond Gets New Setting

Today, Tiffany & Co. unveiled its new setting for its famous yellow diamond. The new setting commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Tiffany Diamond, perhaps the most famous yellow diamond in the world. Not only is the Tiffany Diamond unique … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Gemstones, Jewelry Design, Jewelry History | Tagged Frederick Kunz, Jean Schlumberger, kunzite, Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Diamond, yellow diamond

Conference to Focuses on Tourmaline

The CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, has announced that its third annual gemological mini-conference in May will focus on tourmaline. Tourmaline is a mineral group that includes gemstones of many colors sourced on all five continents. It is available to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemstones, Reference | Tagged tourmaline, tourmaline varieties

Beading and Pearl and Bead Stringing

Pearl and bead stringing is a niche in the jewelry making trade. So, too, is beading. This can lead to some confusion because although they are distinct niches, the terms are often used interchangeably. Beading refers to jewelry that is … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Gemstones, Jewelry Design | Tagged beading, jewelry making, making jewelry, pearl and bead stringing, seed beads

Pearl and Bead Stringers: Be Wary of Bad Advice from “Experts”

The internet is wonderful for so much. However, and this is a big however, the publishing freedom it provides means that there is an awful lot of advice out there that is not only wrong, but destructive. I came across … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Gemstones, Pearls | Tagged destructive tests, fake pearls, gemstone tests, gemstones, nacre, pearl authenticity, real pearls

Key Concept for Making Jewelry

There are some tools and concepts that all jewelry makers, including pearl and bead stringers, should be familiar with. One of these is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The Mohs scale is named for Frederick Mohs, a German geologist, … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Gemstones, Manufacturing Tips | Tagged beads, breaking, gemstones, hardness, Mohs Scale, scratching, toughness

Argyle Diamond Mine Announces Historic Find

The Argyle Diamond Mine Company in Western Australia announced last week that it had unearthed a 12.76 ct. pink diamond, the largest in the Mine’s history. The Mine is calling the new find “The Argyle Pink Jubilee.” Pinks are in … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemstones | Tagged Argyle, Argyle Diamond Mine, DeBeers, fancies, pink diamonds, Pink Jubilee, Williamson Diamond

Naming the Hue for You

This year, the jewelry trade is told that “Tangerine Tango” is 2012’s color of the year. This means that orange gemstones, fire opal, spessartite garnet, and citrine, are on the “must have” list. In addition, we are told that colors … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Gemstones, Jewelry Design | Tagged color of the year, hue, Pantone, Tangerine Tango, trends

Jewelry 2011: Hits and Misses

With the close of the year, it’s time to take a look at the major jewelry news and trends of 2011. Here are my top picks offered with the caveat that these are purely subjective, reflective of my own interests … Continue reading →

Posted in Fair Trade, Gemstones, Gold | Tagged ATM machines, DeBeers, gold, Kate Middleton, Kimberley Process, Liz Taylor, Williamson Brooch