The annual Tucson shows always provide an illuminating window into the world of colored gem supply and demand

Beads are identified as quartz with polymer.

Guided by their cultural heritage and powered by a rapidly growing domestic consumer market, Chinese designers are exerting a powerful influence on the global stage.

An introduction to Moroccan amethyst, which features distinctive color zoning and inclusions.

Offers geological context and gemological characterization of this increasingly popular vivid blue spinel from northeast Vietnam.

Explores the geology, production, and yield of the world’s most commercially important ruby deposit.

Features a foldout chart containing representative visible spectra and photos of the major color categories of diamond.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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