Diamond Buying Guide – Special Free Preview
First-time gem buyers may find diamond grades confusing. Our consumer guide explains how diamonds are evaluated and gives advice on how to choose…
First-time gem buyers may find diamond grades confusing. Our consumer guide explains how diamonds are evaluated and gives advice on how to choose…
Gem carvings are judged on material, workmanship, and artistry. Learn how to apply these criteria to a piece with our step-by-step guide.
Why are some gems so rare in nature? Learn which elements in the Earth’s crust are the rarest and how these ingredients help form uncommon gemstones.…
The 10X loupe is the gemologist’s best friend. Learn how to examine gemstones for fractures, inclusions, color, and much more with this simple…
Learn what gemologists do in our introduction to gemology. Whether your interest is casual or professional, the world of gems will amaze you.
Glass has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. By itself, glass is brittle and unimpressive with very little color or brilliance. However,…
Fancy cut diamonds can have any finished shape, except round. These stones have their own grading criteria, in particular regarding proportion…
When is recutting diamonds and other gems worthwhile for a professional gemologist? Learn how to make this determination and avoid potential…
Gems in jewelry settings can’t be evaluated the same way as loose stones. These guidelines are for gemologists learning to grade set gemstones.…
Gem formation usually involves mineral crystallization and other geological processes. Learn how these affect the gemstone properties gemologists…
Distinguishing diamonds from their lookalikes requires educated eyes. Learn what visual features to look for and the properties of many popular…
First-time gem buyers may find diamond grades confusing. Our consumer guide explains how diamonds are evaluated and gives advice on how to choose…
Visit one of the top gem hunting spots in the US. Go alone or with the family. A gemology-themed vacation can be fun, educational, and (maybe) profitable.…
Ultraviolet testing can be crucial for gemstone identification. Learn the basics of this technique as well as how to make your own UV viewing box.…
Gem identification is part detective work, part art. Learn how gemologists can distinguish gem species and determine whether a stone is natural…
One of the most prized ornamental materials in China, chicken-blood stone has been used for centuries to create carvings with characteristic…
Diamond is the hardest natural material in the world. However, it’s also brittle. Scientifically speaking, gemstone hardness measures the…
Gem cutting styles refer to the shape and arrangement of facets. The three most basic styles are brilliant, step, and mixed. Learn what characterizes…
Not only do gemstone facets create beautiful patterns on gem surfaces, they also help gems shine. While gem cutters will learn all about facets,…
Lapidary is the art of working in stone. The term usually refers to the creation of small objects from gem materials. Read on to learn about the four…
Gem species are mineral species prized for their durability and beauty. Learn how chemical formulas and crystal structures define species and…
Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most popular…
Beware of cheap “no name” refractometers (and their distributors). These tools may not be suitable for gem identification. Read our review…
The Duplex II and Rayner Dialdex both make excellent refractometers for gemologists. How do they compare head-to-head? Learn more from our review.…
These tips and tools for handling gems securely will help novice gemologists and gem cutters reduce the risk of dropping and losing valuable stones.…
Some household products and do-it-yourself methods can clean jewelry safely and save you money. Discover the common ingredients in some miracle…
How well do you know your birthstone gemology? Take our short quiz and learn about the composition, cutting, and value of birthstones.
Gold, silver, and platinum are the most commonly used jewelry metals. Learn about their physical properties, alloys, and history.
These gemology cheat sheets review gem color and clarity grading, specific information on evaluating diamonds and opals, and basic gem identification…
Gemstone identification can involve many tests. These quizzes can help novice gemologists learn to pick the appropriate ones and identify gems…
When buying gems, gemologists must temper their excitement with an analytical eye. Test your gem identification skills with these quizzes.
A visual examination is the first step to identifying a gemstone. These quizzes will help student gemologists learn to recognize what they might…
Learn how gemologists evaluate color, clarity, cut, and carat for gem grading. Consumers can use this information to find the right stone for their…
Learn the difference between allochromatic and idiochromatic gems and why some gem species can occur in many color varieties and others occur…
Getting a brilliant polish is one of the most important steps to finishing fine jewelry. Learn the tools and techniques you’ll need for polishing…
The GIA modern diamond cut grading method is the most widely accepted in the industry. Our step-by-step guide covers the tools and techniques you’ll…
Traditional diamond cut grading methods prepare gemologists for making evaluations with minimal time, tools, and references. This step-by-step…
Mastering clarity grading diamonds takes a lot of experience. This grading guide, with definitions, images, and examples, can help beginning…
Mastering the art of color grading white diamonds is a challenge. Learn about the standards, terms, tools, and testing procedures and start practicing.…
The color grading standards for white diamonds don’t apply to fancy colored diamonds. Learn the GIA and Argyle grading systems and how to find signs…
Distinguishing a diamond look-alike from the real thing can challenge new gemologists. However, specific gravity and birefringence hold the…
The GIA GemSet offered plastic color masters for color grading gems. It’s no longer in production. Software alternatives exist but still face…
Sometimes, microscopic inclusions are the only way to distinguish natural from synthetic gems. This makes the microscope an essential lab instrument…
With so many recommended faceting angles, new gem cutters can have a hard time choosing one. Learn the basic guidelines and some exceptions to the…
Although most manufacturers disclose their synthetic diamonds, some resellers don’t. Learn how to identify these lab-created diamonds.…
You can use a polariscope to observe gemstone twinning, dichroism, and crystal strain. Test your ability to identify these and other gem properties…
Distinguishing between natural and synthetic gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn about gem making processes and the telltale signs…
Using prongs is the most common way to secure a gem to a jewelry piece. Learn basic prong setting procedures and how to make a variety of adjustments.…
Learn how to use a polariscope to find the optic figure and sign of a gemstone. This is an important test for gem identification.
The polariscope is one of gemology’s simplest and most useful tools. With a little practice and our three-part polariscope guide, you’ll…
Learn how to determine a gem’s optic character with a refractometer and identify optical effects you may encounter during gem identification…
The Quartzsite gem shows attract gemologists and rock hounds from around the world. Learn what to expect and how to shop at these huge annual January…
Learn how gemstone optical properties, like refractive index and pleochroism, help gemologists identify gems and lapidaries choose cuts.
Sometimes, analyzing cabochon gems with a refractometer requires different techniques than those for faceted gems. Learn these cabochon testing…
The optical properties of gems attract our eyes and can give a cut stone a unique character. However, gemstone physical properties are also important.…
A gem refractometer is the best tool for refractive index testing. Learn how to use this instrument to conduct this and other gem identification…
How do you choose jewelry settings for your gems? Learn the pros and cons of pre-made settings, assembling findings, modifying wax models, and…
Don’t underestimate the importance of clarity, one of the Four Cs of gemstone grading. For faceted gems, basic clarity grading involves evaluating…
Choosing the right cut for a piece of gem rough is an art. Learn how to balance brilliance with color and other factors before cutting.
The spectroscope is a fundamental gemological tool. Learn how to use it to identify gemstones based on their absorption of different wavelengths…
Learn how to spot diffusion treated gems with a simple immersion test. This common treatment for sapphire can significantly reduce their value…
Learning how to identify gems involves more than just data. This gem identification quiz can help novice gemologists learn how to choose tests…
Accurately describing gem color is critical to determining a gemstone’s value. Learn how to grade hue, tone, and saturation and avoid some common…
Appraising gems and jewelry involves opinions of value based on knowledge and research. Learn what information gemologists should include on…
We faceters all like to take pride in our work. However, no matter our skill level, we all make errors. However, you can learn a few tricks for correcting…
Many people assume that a gem appraisal sets a definitive price for an item. Actually, the price depends on the type of appraisal done and can consist…
Frequently, people ask me to explain how gemstone color change works. Some stones can change color under different light sources. Although the…
Gem cutters can choose from many faceting styles. Learn about the most common custom cutting techniques and pick one that suits your needs and skill…
Many new gemologists buy low-quality gems believing they’ve found a real bargain. However, judging gemstone value is very complex.
There were no standards for grading gems ’til the 30’s. Then the G.I.A. instituted the Four C’s method for diamonds, which has now become the standard.…
Even the most general definition of a gem has many exceptions. Learn what qualities have been used to identify gemstones both scientifically and…
Combining stones can be more than adding diamond accents to colored gemstone jewelry. Explore colored stone combos and learn how to set gems within…
There is not one way to classify gems, rather there are several ways, each of which has its own purpose and its own exceptions that warrant close attention.…
Gemstone enhancements improve the appearance and wearability of gems. Learn about the most commonly used procedures and frequently treated…
When combined with optical instruments, a reticle can take fine measurements. Learn how gemologists use this tool for measuring lengths and angles…
Several species of marine mollusks produce stony growths called calcareous concretions or non-nacreous pearls. Varieties such as conch pearls,…
Disclosing enhancements to gems is a key duty for gemologists. Learn what are the hardest treatments to detect and how to report your findings clearly.…
Jewelry designers and consumers can pick from many different gem settings. Learn the names and uses of common and speciality settings for any type…
Cutting kunzite and other gemstones with easy cleavage is challenging. These tips can help you facet this beautiful and valuable gem.
Crystals have habits. In crystallography, mineral habits refer to the way crystals form within a specific mineral. There are six crystal systems.…
The minimum cutting technique will help you get the largest gems possible from rough. Learn how to deal with internal and external problems in gemstones.…
Gemstone identification requires a good reference library and some basic gemology tools. Before you go shopping, learn more about what you’ll…
Learn how to cut star and cat’s eye gems. Once you understand how these light effects work, you’ll find unexpected treasures in overlooked gemstone…
Learn the basic procedures of gemstone faceting. This walkthrough for a standard round brilliant cut gem includes cutting instructions and pics.…
A novice gem cutter needs to master various dopping techniques for cabbing and faceting gemstones. Learn how to attach gem rough to a dop stick safely.…
Cabochon cutting or cabbing is the most popular form of gem cutting. With practice, you can master this skill. Read on to learn more about this technique.…
Gemstone scratch testing can help determine the Mohs hardness value of a mineral sample. Learn how to conduct this destructive gem test safely.…
Gemstone tumbling is the simplest and least expensive lapidary art to learn. These guidelines can help you choose the right equipment and get started.…
Gemologists can use dye testing to determine if a gemstone has been dyed to alter its color. Learn how to perform this procedure safely here.
Learn the best techniques and tools for cutting rough stones. Making small pieces from big pieces is one of the most basic procedures in the lapidary…
Acid testing is a destructive procedure gemologists can use to determine if some pieces are real or fake. Learn how to perform this test safely.…
Gemologists use the hot point test to determine if a piece is a plastic imitation or coated in wax. Learn more about this destructive test here.
Phenomenal gems seem to do magical things with light. Learn the optical effects behind these displays and how to judge the value of these beautiful…
“Frosted Stars” are variations on classic five and six-pointed star-cut gemstones. Learn how to facet these gem designs and make the stars…
Streak testing is a destructive gemstone test rarely used by gemologists. Most gems leave no streak. Learn which gems do and what colors they leave.…
Gemstone heat treatments can increase the beauty and value of many rough pieces. Learn how to conduct the most common procedures safely.
The Gemstone Butterfly is a stunning design for a custom-cut gem. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to facet this piece and suggest some variations.…
Add sparkle to an emerald cut with a new cutting technique. You can apply this design to gemstones with standard proportions as well as long crystals.…
You can learn gem carving by practicing simple designs. Let the native shapes of stones inspire freeform gems you can cut for many purposes.
Inclusions don’t have to result in a loss of mass or value when cutting transparent gems. Learn how to manage inclusions with basic gem carving techniques.…
Whether you’re creating a simple gem accent or an exquisite cameo, the tools and techniques of cabochon carving are the same. Get started with this…
Leftover gemstone rough is a great material for learning to cut cabochons. Learn advanced cabbing techniques and find new inspiration for jewelry…
Cutting garnets and other color saturated gems for brilliance can be challenging. Here’s some advice for choosing the best angles for color and…
Identifying garnets by species is complicated. Learn how to use refractive index, hue, and absorption spectrum readings to simply the separation…
Follow these simple formulas for effective advertising. Engage your customers and translate the features of your gems and jewelry into appealing…
Test your knowledge of refractometer gem analysis with this mini-quiz. You can review material on any question you miss at the end of the quiz.
Learning how to conduct a gemstone examination takes practice. Follow an expert gemologist step-by-step through tests of five unknown samples.…
Learn how to identify gems using gemology tools and the Gemology Tools software, which makes it easier than ever to differentiate gemstones.
Carats are the units used to measure gem weight and one of the main factors in gem grading. Learn what affects the value per carat of various gem species.…
Opals are unique gems with their own unique terminology. Learn the modern standard system for classifying and appraising opals used by major gem…
Manufacturing jewelry is a great way to tap into your creative side along with having something cool and original to wear. Don’t like what…
Extraordinarily difficult to cut, spodumene has several colorful varieties, such as hiddenite and kunzite, highly coveted for jewelry.
Polariscopes are one of our most useful instruments. They come in a wide variety of prices and qualities. There are a number of ways to make a polariscope.…
The least expensive digital scale for gem use is now the GemPro 50. It sells for around $150, which is quite a bit less than anything else on the market.…
A Product Review on Sony Cyber-shot. Overall, it is an excellent camera and I was surprised by the low cost.The image quality is excellent at any…
A microscope is an essential tool for gemologists. The Achiever Microscope is an excellent choice at a good price. Read our review to learn more.…
There is a new piece of software available that will be of interest to many of you. It is called the Diamond Calculator. More information available…
The GL Spectroscope Lite is a versatile, easy to use, and inexpensive tool for gemologists. Read our review to learn more.
Destructive gemstone testing, done carefully, can help gemologists with difficult gem identifications. Learn the right techniques with our…
The dichroscope is one of the most useful instruments a gemologist can have. Its primary purpose is to determine the pleochroism of a gem.
Discovered in 1989, paraíba tourmalines are among the world’s most prized gemstones. These rare gems are renowned for showing intense blue…
One serious pitfall for the novice is the quality of advice they get in choosing what faceting machine to buy. Here are a few tips in choosing the right…
Inclusion management is one of the most challenging aspects of gemstone faceting. Learn when to remove and when to keep inclusions.
Polishing Laps and Techniques. Covers helpful information, tips, suggestions for polishing. A guide on techniques that will be useful for polishing…
Recently, a survey was taken to see what kind of Facet Machines are being used by members of the Faceter’s Digest . 246 people had responded to the…
Soldering is one of the most useful techniques a metal smith can have. It is used both to create new pieces and to repair damaged jewelry.
The Australian International Faceting Challenge is a competition to see a cutters ability to cut a perfect stone. With designs being extremely…
HPHT diamond treatments can only be positively identified with costly equipment. However, you can learn to assess the probability that a stone…
Successful tips and guide in identifying Inclusions Found in Synthetic Gems. Read and learn several ways to identify inclusions found in synthetic…
Gem treatments can affect a stone’s value and stability. Learn how the most common procedures work and how to identify enhanced gem inclusions.…
Learn what you need to set up a your own gem lab. You may be surprised to learn that this is easily within your reach, and doesn’t need to cost a fortune.…
Guide to jewelry metalsmithing tools. Tips for choosing the right tools to get stared in jewelry metalsmithing.
An overview on How to Make a Beaded Necklace. Detailed information on the tools, materials, designs and techniques on making a beautiful beaded…
Center-fused color treated gems are assembled from natural rough. Learn how the procedure works and how to identify this stable color enhancement.…
Rarity is one of the most prized qualities of gemstones. But some gems are far more rare than others! This article helps explain what’s rare and what…
This is a quick story about finding employment (a job) in the gem or jewelry industry. It explains why starting a store is likely not your best bet!…
Learn these quick and simple test taking tips and strategies to help you on your next gemology test.
How does the GIA diamond cut grading system work? Our guide will explain what the grades mean and how gemologists evaluate round brilliant diamond…
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