
Rare Mixed Type IaB-IIb Diamond with a Long-Lasting Phosphorescence
Phosphorescent-based screening initially results in a rare mixed-type natural diamond falsely testing as laboratory-grown.

Pearl Classification: The GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors
Provides a visual guide to GIA’s approach to classifying and describing pearls.

Detection of Color Treatment and Optical Brightening in Chinese Freshwater “Edison” Pearls
Analyzes a group of 23 freshwater “Edison” pearls (a trade name referring to near-round freshwater cultured pearls, usually shell bead cultured) using various gemological and advanced instrumental techniques.

Bent Rutile in Rock Crystal Quartz
The authors recently examined a polished quartz disk with an unusual rutile (TiO2) inclusion.

Quarterly Crystal: Heavily Etched Blue Beryl Crystals Reportedly from Pakistan
In previous Micro-World columns, the Quarterly Crystal entry has showcased exceptional crystalline specimens masterfully crafted by geological forces.

Xenomorphic Olivine Inclusion in Diamond
A most unusually-shaped olivine inclusion in a faceted diamond takes a three-spoke form.

Natural Freshwater Pearls from Europe: Russia, Scotland, and Germany
Analysis of eight European freshwater pearls of known provenance gives pearl specialists the opportunity to add greatly to GIA’s identification database.

Unique Non-Bead Cultured Freshwater Pearls from Lake Biwa, Cultured for 14 Years
Pearls from Lake Biwa mussels, left alone for 14 years, make an intriguing preliminary study of time-frame effects.


Yellow Fluid Inclusions in Transparent Sodalite
A rare transparent and near-colorless sodalite contains two-phase inclusions linking it to its ancient formation.

The Rarest Books on Jade are Now at GIA
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Aug. 24, 2021 – Jade motifs often represent the ancient relationship between gems and humanity; they tell important stories and traditions. These stories come to life in a rare, spectacular set of books, The Bishop Collection: Investigations and Studies in Jade, recently acquired by GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

Sapphires from Anakie, Australia: A Closer Look at Blue, Yellow, Green and Bicolor Sapphires
Though long underappreciated, Australian sapphires could see a resurgence with the arrival of Fura Gems, a major mining and marketing company.

Sapphires from Anakie, Australia: A Closer Look at Blue, Yellow, Green and Bicolor Sapphires
Though long underappreciated, Australian sapphires could see a resurgence with the arrival of Fura Gems, a major mining and marketing company.

GIA’s Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design Goes Virtual
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Aug. 19, 2021 – The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design is usually announced early in the year amid the glorious colors of the Tucson gem shows.

Technical Evolution and Identification of Resin-Filled Turquoise
Provides criteria for detecting the resin filling of turquoise, an advanced treatment that reduces porosity and can dramatically improve appearance and stability.

Fourth Annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award
A graduate of GIA’s Hong Kong Jewelry Design program hopes her award-winning design will help raise environmental awareness.

Prida Tiasuwan (Pranda Jewelry Group)
Thailand’s travel ban greatly affected the supply of raw materials from other countries, but the Pranda Group was able to keep employees safe and return to full capacity after just a few months.

Somewhere in the Rainbow Finds a Home at the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum
A beautiful new gem and mineral museum in Tucson is home to the stunning Somewhere in the Rainbow collection.

Unusual Fluorescence of a Color-Enhanced Amber Bracelet
Abnormal fluorescence supports the likelihood that this amber bracelet had been “baked” to enhance its color.

Virtual Report on the Industry in 2021
An overview of how the gem and jewelry trade, from miners to manufacturers, and from designers to dealers, dealt with the many challenges posed by the pandemic.

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