Blogs
The Beauty Beneath Our Feet
One of the things I love about gemology is it promotes an appreciation for things unseen, when only taking a simple glance. Magnification opens up a whole other world of...
The Beauty Beneath Our Feet
One of the things I love about gemology is it promotes an appreciation for things unseen, when only taking a simple glance. Magnification opens up a whole other world of...
Akoya Pearls: Saltwater and Freshwater
Photo: Chinese nucleated cultured pearl on the left; Japanese Akoya cultured pearl on the right. Credit Melissa J. Cultured freshwater pearls were once easy to spot. They typically lacked...
Akoya Pearls: Saltwater and Freshwater
Photo: Chinese nucleated cultured pearl on the left; Japanese Akoya cultured pearl on the right. Credit Melissa J. Cultured freshwater pearls were once easy to spot. They typically lacked...
Oregon Sunstone!
I feel so fortunate to live where I do; to be able to travel to the source of my state gemstone. Oregon sunstone is only found in Oregon! It...
Oregon Sunstone!
I feel so fortunate to live where I do; to be able to travel to the source of my state gemstone. Oregon sunstone is only found in Oregon! It...
What You Should Know About Mall Jewelry Gemstones
Looking for something unique and uncommon? The mall is probably not going to have as much to offer. Most of the big chains work with large quantities, which means more...
What You Should Know About Mall Jewelry Gemstones
Looking for something unique and uncommon? The mall is probably not going to have as much to offer. Most of the big chains work with large quantities, which means more...
Natural vs. Synthetic and Adulterated Diamonds
Left to right: moissanite, diamond, cubic zirconia. Photo credit: Melissa J. Let’s first look at simulants vs synthetics…—Simulants are defined as gemstones used to resemble another gem. For example,...
Natural vs. Synthetic and Adulterated Diamonds
Left to right: moissanite, diamond, cubic zirconia. Photo credit: Melissa J. Let’s first look at simulants vs synthetics…—Simulants are defined as gemstones used to resemble another gem. For example,...
Lab-Grown Gilson vs. Natural Coober Pedy Opal T...
Photo: Ring is Coober Pedy, loose gem is Lab-grown Gilson When presented with fine quality Coober Pedy opal triplets, at first glance, it may be hard to tell if...
Lab-Grown Gilson vs. Natural Coober Pedy Opal T...
Photo: Ring is Coober Pedy, loose gem is Lab-grown Gilson When presented with fine quality Coober Pedy opal triplets, at first glance, it may be hard to tell if...