Understanding Tanzanite
Delve into the Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection and you will find this fantastic cut tanzanite and rough tanzanite crystal specimen (pictured above). Here, Gem-A gemmology tutor, Charles Bexfield FGA, explores what makes this relatively new gemmological discovery so special. Found in 1967 at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is a relatively new stone […]
5 Things to Consider before Starting the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation Course
Do you have a passion for diamonds, gemstones and the science of gemmology but have no idea where to start? Take a look at our guide to the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation and the things you should consider before taking this highly respected beginner’s gemmology course. There is no one-size-fits-all student at Gem-A. Some have chosen […]
What Career Paths Can Trained Gemmologists Take?
Are you fascinated by a career that utilises a gemmology skill set? Or perhaps you have completed your Gem-A Gemmology Diploma and want to know what’s next? Take a look at our guide to the opportunities open to gemmologists… you may be surprised! At Gem-A, we know that people join our courses for a whole […]
The Famous Diamond Collection of Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661)
Having successfully completed her Gemmology Diploma and Diamond Diploma, Charlotte Pittel FGA DGA shares an abridged version of her excellent project on Cardinal Jules Mazarin and his legendary love of diamonds. The Mazarin diamonds were a collection of 18 diamonds left to Louis XIV and the French Crown Jewels by Cardinal Jules Mazarin. Discovering the […]
The History of Queen Victoria’s Sapphire and Diamond Coronet
Queen Victoria (1819-1901) famously shared a love of fine jewels and coloured gemstones with her beloved husband, Prince Albert. In fact, one of her most prized possessions – a sapphire and diamond coronet – was designed and commissioned by her husband in 1840. Here, we delve into the story behind this beautiful piece of history. It […]
Buying Guide: Saltwater versus Freshwater Pearls
Treasured the world over for their timeless elegance, lustre and iridescent multi-tonal colours, pearls have been a favourite of high-end jewellers and collectors alike for hundreds of years. The majority of gem-quality pearls are produced by bivalve molluscs (an animal whose shell has two hinged parts), but they can also be produced by gastropods (a […]
What Should Be in the Ideal Gemmologist’s Toolkit?
Gem-A Instruments manager, Sam Lloyd FGA DGA EG shares her advice on compiling your own gemmology toolkit that’s useful, portable and reliable in the field or at trade events. How many of Sam’s essential items are in your collection? Find out here… For me, the essentials of any gemmology toolkit start with the hand-held instruments. […]
Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition Returns for 2019!
We are thrilled to announce that the Gem-A Photographer of the Year competition is back for 2019! With new rules, a new judging process, and fantastic new prizes, this year’s competition promises to be our biggest and best yet. What’s more, while the competition had traditionally only been open to Gem-A Members and students, we […]
Understanding Stibnite
Gem-A assistant gemmology tutor, Dr Juliette Hibou FGA explores the history, origins and chemical composition of the mineral, stibnite, which can be found in the Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection. Stibnite is an antimony trisulphide mineral with the chemical formula Sb2S3. It is a natural mineral source of the chemical element antimony (Sb), which is […]
Explore the History of Garnet in Antique Jewellery
Gems&Jewellery is delighted to welcome jewellery historian and valuer, John Benjamin FGA DGA FIRV as our columnist for 2019. As part of a new Gemstone Conversations series, John explores the history of the use of garnet in antique jewellery and tells us why we should give more credit to this special yet undervalued gemstone. I have […]
