What Makes A Gemstone Rare? Diamond, Painite, Grandiderite and More
The term ‘rare’ is thrown around alot online, but what gemstones actually deserve the term and do diamonds fall into this category at all? Gem-A tutor manager, Rona Bierrum FGA DGA, explores some of the rarest gemstones known to man and considers how rarity is measured in the gem and jewellery trade. The term ‘rarity’ […]
What is the Link Between an Emerald and the Emerald-Cut?
Sometimes, we come across terms in gemmology that cause confusion. We all recognise the beautiful green colour of an emerald, but then there is also an emerald-cut diamond that has nothing to do with the green gem itself… or does it? Here, we explain the story behind the terminology. Let’s start with an emerald An […]
Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection: Understanding Fossils as Decorative Materials
Inspired by a fantastic specimen in the Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection (pictured above), tutor Pat Daly FGA DGA explores the use of fossils as decorative objects and describes some collectable specimens, like ammonites, trilobites and peanut wood. Fossilised tree resin and wood, under the names of amber and jet, have been well-known gem materials […]
Beginner’s Guide: What Are the Different Types of Opal?
Are you fascinated by the beautiful colours of opal? Do you wish you knew more? Here, Gem-A assistant gemmology tutor, Charlie Bexfield FGA DGA EG offers a beginner’s guide to opal types, including common and precious varieties. Types of Opal Opal is comprised of tiny silica spheres, formed when silica-rich water seeps into deep cracks […]
Top 10 Luxury Brands: The Jewellery Connoisseur’s Wish List
Do you dream about a sparkling high jewellery collection featuring world-leading brands? Christa Van Eerde MA MLitt FGA DGA discovers the quintessential pieces from the top 10 houses leading the luxury jewellery sector. CARTIER Every jewellery enthusiast desires a Panther or Tutti Frutti piece. The iconic panther is rooted deep within Cartier’s heritage, and exudes […]
Questions to Ask When Buying a Piece of Gemstone Jewellery
Buying a piece of fine jewellery is often an emotional experience. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a wedding band or a special occasion gift, a piece’s particular combination of diamonds, gemstones, precious metal and design is chosen by the customer for a purpose. Yet with such a wide array of stones, cuts, colours, styles and […]
Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection: Understanding Dioptase
Gem-A is proud to own a fantastic collection of gemmological specimens that have been gathered, gifted and bequeathed throughout our history. Now, we are opening the vault doors to reveal some of the most unusual, colourful and unique items in the Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection, starting with this dioptase. Assistant gemmology tutor, Dr Juliette […]
Understanding the Value of Sapphires
What makes Kashmir sapphires so special? What about the padparadscha? What role do treatments play in value? Here, Gem-A tutor, Beth West FGA DGA EG offers a beginner’s guide to sapphire value. Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum – a fairly abundant material composed of aluminium oxide. Corundum is hard, tough and stable. […]
Field Trip: Gold and Gemstones on the Greek Island of Naxos
Gems&Jewellery contributor and avid gemstone explorer, Helen Serras-Herman FGA, takes us on a tour of the beautiful Greek island of Naxos and shares insights into the marble, emery, flint and gold that shapes its history. The Greek island of Naxos is part of the Cyclades, an island group in the Aegean Sea, located southeast of […]
Birthstone Guide: Tanzanite for Those Born in December
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for a December baby? Gem-A tutor Lily Faber FGA DGA EG considers tanzanite – one of three birthstones for December – and shares how this relatively new gemstone compares to its purple and blue-hued rivals. In the grand scheme of gemstones, tanzanite – a variety of zoisite […]
