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.

Design Dynamic African Jewellery designers at GemGenève 2026

African Jewellery Competition 2026 | Design Dynamic by JGAA

African Art, African Jewellery, Competitions, GemGenève, Gemstone Industry, Jewellery Design, Mentorship /

Summary The African Jewellery Competition 2026, launched by the Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA), connects designers across Africa and the diaspora with mentors, ethical experts, and exposure at GemGenève 2026. Moreover, the theme, Africa Birdlife Collection, celebrates identity, creativity, and African-mined gemstones. Introduction: African Jewellery Competition 2026 on the Global Stage The African […]

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Man of the Hour by Wei Koh Discovery series poster featuring independent watchmakers

Man of the Hour Docuseries by Wei Koh | Discovery Series 2025

Documentaries, Horology, Watchmaking /

SummaryThe Man of the Hour docuseries by Wei Koh explores the craft and passion behind independent watchmaking. Across eight Discovery episodes, this docuseries takes viewers from Los Angeles to Geneva, Paris to Singapore, revealing how artisans keep horology alive with creativity and precision. Introduction The Man of the Hour docuseries by Wei Koh brings a

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“Gold jewellery display in a Chinese retail store 2025”

Chinese Jewellery Trends 2025 | Gold and Self-Wear Lead

Gold Jewellery Trends, International Jewellery Business, Jewellery Market Insights /

Summary Gold jewellery remains the top performer in China’s 2025 retail market. Despite high prices and competition, spending stayed strong. Hard Pure and Heritage gold items deliver higher profits, while lighter and self-wear pieces dominate sales. Retailers remain optimistic about continued growth. Introduction Chinese jewellery trends 2025 show that gold remains the core of China’s

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Guests around campfire during bushcraft adventure at Fogo Island Inn

Fogo Island Bushcraft Adventure | Half-Day Wilderness Experience

Activities, Canada Travel, Eco Adventures, Nature & Wildcraft, Travel Experiences /

Summary Discover the Bushcraft Adventure at Fogo Island Inn — a half-day wilderness experience that blends survival skills, tea foraging, and forest mindfulness. Led by local guide Travis House from the Outdoor Adventure Team, guests learn fire-making, spoon-carving, and wild tea brewing in Newfoundland’s old-growth forests. This post explains what to expect, what to bring,

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Kerala traditional meal with coconut-based curries served on banana leaf.

Kerala’s Culinary Culture: Where Coconut Meets Spice

Kerala Cuisine, Travel & Food /

Summary Kerala’s culinary culture blends coastal freshness, spice, and heritage. From Malabar’s biryanis to Kochi’s street food, every dish tells a story of trade and tradition. Explore how this South Indian state became one of India’s most flavorful travel destinations — where coconut meets spice, and food connects people across time and tide. Introduction Kerala

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Exterior of Pettagam Chettinad jewellery museum in Karaikudi, showcasing heritage architecture

Chettinad Jewellery Museum – Pettagam in Karaikudi

Chettinad Jewellery, Heritage Design, Museums /

Summary:Pettagam is India’s first private Chettinad jewellery museum in Karaikudi. Here, visitors explore five generations of craftsmanship, rare close-setting techniques, and the global journey of the Nagarathars, discovering a heritage that blends local artistry with international influences. Introduction to Chettinad Jewellery Museum I remember a young couple who recently brought me a magnificent-looking ruby from

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Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches book cover with luxury timepieces of Jay-Z, Kanye West and Travis Scott

Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches | Book Review

Coffee Table Books, Collectibles, Hip Hop Culture, Luxury Watches /

Summary Drawing from my forty years in the gemstone and luxury trade, this review explores how “Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” tells the story of hip hop through timepieces worn by Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Travis Scott. Edited by Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, and Tobias Kargoll, it shows how provenance, design, and story elevate a

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Slater Jones, the diamond-eyed jeweler, showcasing his 2-carat prosthetic diamond eye

The Diamond-Eyed Jeweler: Slater Jones’ Brilliant Comeback

Artisans, Gemology, Human Interest, Jewelry Stories /

Summary Houston jeweler Slater Jones, the diamond-eyed jeweler, wears a real 2-carat diamond prosthetic eye. As a result, after losing his vision to a parasitic infection, he transformed personal tragedy into art and worldwide attention. Jones now runs Jones Jewelry & Co., inspiring aspiring artisans with his craftsmanship and resilience. The Diamond-Eyed Jeweler’s Journey from

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AI-assisted jewellery design concept.

AI in Jewellery: CIBJO 2025 Report Insights

CIBJO Reports, Industry Trends, Jewellery Technology /

Summary The CIBJO 2025 Technology Report provides a detailed analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) in the jewellery industry. Specifically, it explores AI’s benefits, potential pitfalls, ethical considerations, and how it can enhance productivity without diminishing artisanal craftsmanship. Additionally, companies integrating AI strategically can improve design, trend forecasting, manufacturing efficiency, and ethical sourcing while maintaining the

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