Beginner’s Guide: Everyday Gemstone Identification in the FieldÂ
Beginner’s Guide: Everyday Gemstone Identification in the Field When it comes to everyday gemstone identification techniques, there are some tricks you can learn to aid your efforts in the field. In some cases, however, gemstones can be elusive and tricky to pinpoint. Here, Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Pat Daly offers some insights into gemstone identification and […]
Buying Guide: What Are the Different Types of Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a mineral group that includes more than a dozen species A few of them can be fashioned into gem-quality faceted stones that are perfect for use in fine and high jewellery collections. Here, Gem-A Gemmology Tutor, Pat Daly, delves into the rainbow world of tourmaline gemstones and explains the types you should be […]
Understanding and Testing for Rare Natural Citrine
Finding natural yellow citrine is a challenge Although citrine gemstones are abundant in jewellery, it’s unusual to find natural yellow citrine on the market. Here, we explore the causes of colour in rare natural citrine, its properties, localities, and the testing methodologies gemmologists can use to pinpoint this quartz variety in the field. Quartz (silicon […]
Understanding the Shapes of Diamond CrystalsÂ
Diamonds belong to the cubic crystal system When you first start learning about diamonds, you will discover that these carbon-based gems belong to the cubic crystal system. Diamonds can be unearthed in numerous forms that belong to this system. Here, Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Pat Daly explains more about the shapes of diamonds.  All crystals belong […]
The Importance of Gemstone Locations and Points of Origin
Gemstone points of origin matter. Here’s why… Some gemstone species only have a single point of origin, while some gem types are limited to a specific commercial locality that determines their value and desirability. Others are linked to certain locations to increase their importance or achieve a higher price. Here, Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Pat Daly FGA […]
The World’s Most Famous Opal GemstonesÂ
Dive into the remarkable world of famous opals Explore nine of the most famous opal gemstones with Gem-A gemmology tutor Lily Faber FGA DGA EG. Here, we guide you through some of the most fantastical opals to be uncovered in recent centuries, including extraordinarily large gems and examples with vibrant play of colour. Opals are, […]
Buying Guide: What Are the Different Types of Garnet?
Within the garnet group of minerals there are six species that can produce gem-quality stones. Here, Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Pat Daly FGA, explores the essential types of garnet and shares some important information to help your gemstone and/or jewellery buying decisions… The garnets are a group of minerals, some of which are so beautiful that […]
Buying Guide: What Are Hardstones?
What is the meaning of a hardstone? We often hear the word ‘hardstones’ when shopping for jewellery, but what does this term actually mean and what gemstones can feasibly be called ‘hardstones’? Gem-A Gemmology Tutor, Pat Daly FGA DGA, shares his view on the meaning (or should we say lack of meaning) behind the concept […]
The Largest Blue Diamonds that Gemmologists Should Know
Blue diamonds are some of the rarest in nature and command phenomenally high prices at auction. Here are some of the most significant blue diamonds that gemmologists should be aware of, including the De Beer Cullinan Blue Diamond that was sold at auction for US $57.4 million. Coloured diamonds are not only wonderful to look […]
Understanding Boulder Opal
Deep in the Australian outback miners labour tirelessly through tons of rock in the hope of finding a fine source of boulder opal. But what exactly is boulder opal, and why is it so desirable? Here, Gem-A Stone Curator and ODL Tutor Barbara Kolator FGA DGA explores this highly-prized desert gem. What is Boulder Opal? […]
