Rare material seen at the GJX show in February 2015.

Exceptional innovations using gem and mineral rough at Tucson’s GJX show.

The New York lab investigates the use of the shells of Tridacna species as imitation pearls.

A uniquely carved tourmaline suite on display in Tucson.

An up-close look at the cultured pearl’s role in the gem and jewelry industry.

Prismatic blue and colorless dumortierite inclusions in rock crystal quartz are examined for the first time in the Carlsbad lab.

Exceptional stones are recirculated and new production is showcased at the AGTA show in Tucson.

Unique carvings in gems are displayed at GJX in Tucson.

Striking Tanzanian garnets showing color shifting at the Riverpark Inn (Pueblo) show in Tucson.

At AGTA, exquisite jewelry pieces inspired by natural scenes were on view.

Color and size make a statement at this booth in Tucson.

Emerald from the Belmont and Montebello mines of Minas Gerais, Brazil seen at the GJX show in Tucson.

A gemological examination of chrysocolla in quartz from Tucson’s AGTA show.

GIA’s Bangkok lab investigates the gemological properties of Moroccan amethyst.

A Fancy black round brilliant diamond has an inclusion that is revealed to be a natural diamond crystal.

A purple non-nacreous specimen is revealed to be a natural northern quahog pearl.

Beautifully cut spinel and aquamarine was among the finds at Tucson’s GJX show.

Insight into the markets for ruby, sapphire, emerald, and other colored gems.

A review of Chinese freshwater cultured pearl production, with an update on the market for Tahitian, South Sea, and akoya cultured pearls.

The New York lab discovers a synthetic melee diamond in a pendant, underscoring the importance of testing for undisclosed synthetics.