Understanding Jade and its Importance in China
One of the oldest loved gems in the world, jade has long been revered by gem lovers internationally, but nowhere more so than in China. But what is it that makes this gemstone so special? Gem-A’s Assistant Gemmology Tutor Dr Juliette Hibou FGA gives us an overview of jade, how to identify it and its […]
Why Are Some Gemstones Associated with Bad Luck?
With Halloween looming around the corner, there surely couldn’t be a better occasion to discuss the mysterious stories surrounding gemstones which, allegedly, bring bad luck. Here, Lily Faber FGA DGA EG delves into the superstitions surrounding three infamous gemstones. When gemstones are used or appreciated for their mystical properties, it is generally for their positivity […]
The Extraordinary Siren of Serendip Blue Sapphire
At 422.66 carats, the Siren of Serendip blue sapphire is a sight to behold. Here, Rui Galopim de Carvalho FGA DGA shares the story behind this fascinating (and exceptionally large) gemstone and describes the process of setting it into a beautiful white gold and diamond necklace. Sri Lanka, former Ceylon until 1972, was historically known […]
Gems&Jewellery Winter 2019 is Available to Read Now!
We are pleased to announce that the Winter 2019 issue of Gems&Jewellery is now available to Gem-A Members in print and online. Our quarterly magazine includes exciting updates from the world of gemstones and jewellery, interviews and features from industry experts and the latest Gem-A news. On the cover of this season’s issue is the winning photograph […]
A Journey into the Blues of Iolite from Tamil Nadu
Gem-A graduate Nishka Vaz FGA shares an abridged version of her stellar Gemmology Diploma project, which focuses on the various colourations of iolites from Tamil Nadu, India. Few gemstones can boast myriad colours like iolite, one of the most uniquely pleochroic gemstones known. Pleochroism is the name given to the optical effect where a gemstone […]
Exploring the Varieties of Quartz
At Gem-A we are fascinated by quartz. This amazing mineral can occur in a wide variety of colours and can be a treat for the eyes when fine specimens are carved, cut or set in jewellery. Here, Gem-A Tutor Pat Daly takes us through a whistle-stop tour of some of the most distinctive varieties of […]
An Exploration of Amethyst in Antique Jewellery
In his second of a series of Gemstone Conversations columns for Gems&Jewellery, jewellery historian and valuer John Benjamin FGA DGA FIRV considers how amethyst has been used by jewellery designers throughout history. This transparent variety of crystalline quartz is surely one of the most distinctive and recognisable gemstones ever used in decorative jewellery. It has […]
Getting to Grips with Multi-Coloured Gemstones
Many of us marvel at the feat of nature that is the multi-coloured gemstone. Here, Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Lily Faber FGA DGA EG takes us through the basics of three popular multi-coloured gemstones and explains how they can be identified. Multi-coloured gemstones are a fantastically colourful type of gem that display two or more colours […]
Understanding Red Beryl
Gem-A is pleased to have some fascinating red beryl specimens in the historic Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection. Here, Gem-A senior gemmology tutor Rona Bierrum FGA DGA EG, explores what makes this rare member of the beryl family so special. Red beryl is the rarest variety of the large beryl family whose better-known varieties include […]
Buying Guide: Which Gemstones are in the Beryl Family?
The beryl family of gemstones is fantastically versatile as it includes gems that come in a veritable rainbow of colours. For those of you who may think that you’ve never even heard of a beryl, think again! Within the beryl group are a slew of well-known gems that are regularly used in jewellery. Gem-A gemmology […]
