PJ Joseph

Welcome! I’m P.J. Joseph—a trained gemologist with over 40 years of experience in the fascinating world of gemstones. My journey blends scientific precision with storytelling, as I’ve spent decades educating others through writing. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned collector, I’m here to share insights that empower ethical, informed choices in jewelry and gemology. I hold a professional diploma (DgemG) in gemology from the Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft e.V., Idar-Oberstein, Germany, and the Gemological Institute of India, Mumbai, India.

De Beers launches free education app for US jewelry retailers to boost natural diamond sales

De Beers Launches Free Diamond Education App for US Retailers | Natural Diamond Sales

Diamonds, Gem News, Jewelry Business, Retail Training, Uncategorized /

De Beers Group has released a new free education app to help jewelry retailers in the United States sell natural diamonds with confidence. The app, developed by the De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. What the App Offers You will […]

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Close-up photo of mineral specimen with lighting, showing risks of online buying.

Digital Dangers: The Top 3 Mistakes When Buying Minerals Online

Gemology, Mineral Collecting, Online Buying Tips, Uncategorized /

Buying minerals online saves time and gives you access to dealers worldwide. But it also carries risks. Many beginners lose money because they overlook three common mistakes. 1. Relying on Bad Photography A mineral photo can mislead you. Sellers may use strong lighting or filters to make crystals look brighter than they really are. Sometimes

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Dyed quartz mimicking amethyst with visible color concentrations in cracks

Don’t Be Fooled by Quartz: Spotting Dyed Amethyst, Citrine, and Impersonators

Gemology, Gemstones, Jewelry Buying Guide /

Quartz is everywhere in the gemstone world. Because it’s abundant and easy to treat, quartz often takes on the role of a stand-in for more expensive stones. Dyed quartz, especially, can mimic amethyst, citrine, and even rarer gems. If you work with jewelry, or if you’re a collector, you need to know how to spot

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Fracture-filled emerald showing flash effect under loupe

The Telltale Signs of a Fracture-Filled Emerald or Ruby | Spot the Flash Effect

Buying Guides, Emerald, Gem Treatments, Gemology, Ruby, Uncategorized /

Fracture-filling is one of the most common gemstone treatments you’ll come across, especially with emeralds and rubies. The process involves filling surface-reaching cracks with glass, resin, or oil. This makes the stone look cleaner to the naked eye, but the treatment also lowers durability and long-term value. If you want to protect your money and

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A gemologist examining a gemstone under a microscope, showing the importance of professional testing.

The Most Important Skill a Gemologist Can Have: Knowing When You Don’t Know

Gemology, Gemstone Identification, Professional Skills /

Being a gemologist means living with curiosity and respect for stones. After 40 years in the trade, I can tell you something that surprises many people. The most important skill a gemologist can have is not memorizing every inclusion or mastering every trade secret. It’s humility.It’s knowing when you don’t know. Why Humility Matters in

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tanzanite gemstone after heat treatment showing vivid blue violet color

Heated Debate: The Truth About Heat Treatment in Tanzanite

Buying Guides, Gemology, Tanzanite /

When you first hear that heat treatment in tanzanite is common, it can raise doubts.You might ask yourself: Am I buying something fake? That fear is natural, but it comes from misunderstanding the role of heating in gemstones. Read more about gemstone treatments every buyer should know. Why Heating Matters in Tanzanite Tanzanite in its

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Learn why heat treatment in sapphires is a standard and accepted practice.

Why Your Heated Sapphire Isn’t Fake (And Why You Shouldn’t Overpay)

Gemstones, Jewelry Education, Sapphires, Uncategorized /

Why Your Heated Sapphire Isn’t Fake When you hear the word “treated,” you may think your sapphire is fake. But it isn’t. More than 95% of sapphires and rubies on the market are heat-treated. Heat treatment is a simple process. The stone is exposed to controlled high temperatures so the natural color and clarity improve.

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Natural pearls can form in many mollusks.

Pearls Beyond Oysters: Conch, Melo Melo, and Rare Natural Pearls

Gemstones, Jewelry Education, Pearls /

Most people think pearls only come from oysters. The truth is different. Natural pearls can form in many mollusks. Some of the rarest gems in the world are non-nacreous pearls from conch, melo melo, clam, scallop, and abalone. Knowing about these pearls helps you see beyond the oyster and understand the full story of nature’s

Pearls Beyond Oysters: Conch, Melo Melo, and Rare Natural Pearls Read More »

Learn the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls.

Saltwater vs. Freshwater Pearls: Why They’re Not the Same

Gemology, Jewelry Guide, Pearls /

Most people think pearls are just pearls.Saltwater or freshwater—same thing, right? That’s the mistake. Natural pearls and cultured pearls are two different stories. And the saltwater–freshwater divide matters more than you may realize. Let’s make it clear. Natural Saltwater Pearls Natural Freshwater Pearls Cultured Freshwater Pearls Why This Matters for You Practical Tip Think of

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The “Perfect Sphere” Trap: Why Chasing Round Pearls Can Cost You

Gemology, Gems, Jewelry, Pearls /

Natural pearls are rarely perfectly round. Learn why baroque, button, and drop shapes carry beauty, authenticity, and lasting value beyond the myth of the perfect sphere. The myth of the perfect pearl misleads many buyers.Natural pearls are organic creations, not factory products.Perfection is rare. Most natural pearls are not perfectly round.They form inside living mollusks

The “Perfect Sphere” Trap: Why Chasing Round Pearls Can Cost You Read More »

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