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Asterism in Natural Diamond Cabochons

July 9, 2021

Two cabochons displaying white four-rayed “stars” are fashioned from one large natural diamond crystal.

Lead Glass–Filled Laboratory-Grown Ruby

Natural Fossil Pearls and Shell Blister from the Coast of Florida

Fossilized specimens discovered near St. Petersburg, Florida, provide unique insights into ancient mollusks.

Unusual Fibrous Inclusions in Blue Opal

Mysterious fibrous inclusions displaying chatoyancy are discovered in an opal with probable Mexican origin.

Dudley Blauwet (Dudley Blauwet Gems)

Colored stone dealer Dudley Blauwet describes attending the 2021 Tucson “show,” the heightened interest in yellow sapphire and gray spinel due to Pantone’s colors of the year, the rough supply situation, and Afghani blue spodumene.

Eric Braunwart (Columbia Gem House)

Mr. Braunwart highlights newer trends such as younger female clients with strong digital platform experience, and increasing interest in North American stones as well as melee and smaller stones.

Gem Shopping Network: An Online Jewelry Business During the Pandemic

As an online jewelry shopping platform, GSN was well-positioned to ride out the pandemic and even improve their performance, resulting in one of their strongest years financially.

Jeff Hapeman (Earth’s Treasury)

Thanks to an established online presence, Earth’s Treasury has had good sales throughout the pandemic, which raises the question of the future of international gem shows.

Josh Hyman (Philadelphia Jewelry Appraisers)

Philadelphia appraiser Josh Hyman credits consumer confidence in purchasing gems online and increased discretionary spending due to lack of travel with the quick comeback following pandemic shutdowns.

Peter Ngumbi (Vter Young)

National and provincial regulations varied greatly in East Africa during the pandemic, affecting the supply of rough gems throughout the entire industry.

Phenakite as a Diamond Imitation

A set of loose stones submitted as diamond prove to be phenakite when put through a series of diagnostic tests.

Adapting to the Changes with Paula Crevoshay

Award-winning jewelry designer Paula Crevoshay found that careful planning and quick adaptation allowed her business to thrive in 2020 and beyond.

An Unusual Treated Agate Presented as “Shi Zi Hong” Agate from Liangshan

Raman analysis identifies yellow agate treated by low temperature masquerading as a new type of “Shi Zi Hong” agate.

“C” is for Cookie and “G” is for Geode

Geologic design and pure luck turn a sliced geode into a beloved Muppet and an international Internet phenomenon.

Constantin Wild (Constantin Wild GmbH & Co. KG)

The Idar-Oberstein colored gem dealer and his staff have made increased use of technology and social media, and note that sales in high-end jewels are steadily increasing.