Why is Bloodstone the Alternative March Birthstone?
Chances are you’ve heard of the March birthstone aquamarine… but did you know there are actually two gems associated with the month of March? Bloodstone is considered an ‘alternative’ March birthstone, perhaps because of its gothic colour palette and unusual history. Here, Gem-A gemmology tutor Lily Faber FGA EG delves into the properties of bloodstone, which […]
Coloured Gemstones from Brazil: Past, Present and Future
Guy Lalous ACAM EG presents us a historical review, and an updated overview, of the Brazilian coloured stone industry. His latest Journal Digest from Gem-A’s Journal of Gemmology (Winter 2017. 35.8) also examines the effects of China’s emergence as a consumer market on Brazil’s gem industry. Recent information on Brazilian gem occurrences is presented from data […]
Industry Leaders Unite for ‘Diamond Terminology Guideline’
Nine leading diamond and jewellery industry organisations, including CIBJO, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the Diamond Producers Association (DPA) have released a jointly developed ‘Diamond Terminology Guideline’ to foster clarity when referring to diamonds and synthetic diamonds. The organisations (AWDC, CIBJO, DPA, GJEPC, IDI, IDMA, USJC, WDC and WFDB) believe this clear […]
Gemstone of Passion: Padparadscha sapphire
Considered to be among the most beautiful of the corundum gems with its delicate colour, Padparadscha sapphire has recently hit the headlines thanks to Princess Eugenie of York’s engagement ring. Here, we explore this majestic gemstone fit for royalty. Om mani padme hum – “Hail the jewel in the heart of the lotus” – Buddhist […]
Birthstone Guide: Amethyst for Those Born in February
Gem-A gemmology tutor Lily Faber FGA EG explores the history of amethyst and its significance as the February birthstone. Amethyst is a well-known, purple variety of quartz that is February’s birthstone. Fashioned pieces can vary from a lighter lavender to a deep, saturated purple. In ancient Greece, it was believed that if worn or used […]
Glass Simulants of Gems and Enhancement of Natural Gem Materials in the 16th Century
Guy Lalous ACAM EG, summarises the state of making glass simulants of gems in the 16th Century, as well as exploring the historical information we have available on the enhancement of natural gem materials. What about gem treatments? Many gemstones can be treated to alter their colour and clarity. Today, gemmologists are confronted to a broad […]
Birthstone Guide: Garnet For Those Born In January
If you’re lucky enough to be born in January, vibrant garnet is your birthstone. A rainbow jewel of the gem world, garnet displays the greatest variety of colour of any mineral and is very often untreated, making it a rarity in the gem world. Garnet is recognised for its rich history as a favourite gemstone […]
Discover Two Bewitching Cameos at the Natural History Museum, London
First published in The Journal of Gemmology Vol.35/No.8, Robin Hansen FGA, gem curator at the Natural History Museum, London, takes us through the gemmological, mineralogical and historical background of two fascinating cameos from the late 1800s. The collections of the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London include minerals, gemstones, worked objects and carvings. I recently had the pleasure […]
Challenging Perceptions: Meet the Gem Cutters Thriving in Newcastle
Sarah Steele FGA DGA, visits a growing community of gem cutters in Newcastle who are quietly, but effectively, pushing boundaries. When we think about the great gem centres of the world, Newcastle in the North East of England wouldn’t necessarily spring to mind. There is however a growing community of gem cutters who are challenging […]
Discover the Storytelling Powers of Master Gem Carvers
Deborah Mazza FGA explores how contemporary gem carvers are continuing an age-old artistic tradition of storytelling through gemstones. Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was…How often have we all heard these words? This is the most common beginning to a story that fires the imagination, transporting one into a magical […]
