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.

UAE Ramadan Watch Sales fake 70 percent discounts in Dubai malls

UAE Ramadan Watch Sales: The 70% Off Trap Explained

Quick Answer: Are Ramadan Watch Discounts in the UAE Real? UAE Ramadan Watch Sales attract thousands of shoppers each year, promising huge 70% discounts on luxury watches. In reality, most of these “offers” rely on inflated original prices, making it hard to find genuine bargains. The key is understanding how these sales operate, comparing prices, […]

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The Superbook of Gems by Super Smalls – kids’ birthstone guide with photos and stories

The Superbook of Gems by Super Smalls – Kids’ Birthstone Guide

Introduction The Superbook of Gems by Super Smalls is more than just a children’s book. It is a deluxe kids’ coffee table guide that explores the fascinating world of gems and birthstones. Month by month, this book introduces young readers to twelve birthstones through stories, scientific facts, and colorful photography. Parents looking for an engaging

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The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring by Andy Koehn of Koehn & Koehn Jewelers

Inappropriate Guide Engagement Ring | Andy Koehn’s Advice

Introduction If you’re nervous about shopping for a ring, The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring by Andy Koehn of Koehn & Koehn Jewelers is exactly what you need. This book is raw, practical, and full of real-world advice that helps you cut through the noise of jewelry store sales tactics. Unlike the polished

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Indian Natural Diamond Retailers Alliance supporting jewelers in India

Indian Natural Diamond Retailers Alliance in India

Indian Natural Diamond Retailers Alliance and De Beers Partnership The Indian Natural Diamond Retailers Alliance (INDRA) is helping jewelers across India grow, build trust, and educate consumers about natural diamonds. Partnering with De Beers and supported by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the alliance provides training, marketing support, and certification services to

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DiamondView Zoom verification device detecting natural vs lab-grown diamonds

DiamondView Zoom Verification – Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

Table of Contents Introduction DiamondView Zoom verification is the most reliable method by De Beers to determine whether a diamond is natural or laboratory grown. Using shortwave ultraviolet light, this device captures fluorescence patterns on the diamond surface, showing if a diamond is natural or a CVD/HPHT lab-grown diamond. Research confirms 0% false positives for

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NOMOS Glashütte Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer Silver with DUW 3202 caliber

NOMOS Glashütte Worldtimer Silver – Thin Travel Watch

Introduction The NOMOS Glashütte Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer Silver is more than a travel watch. With its ultra-thin case under 10mm, an in-house DUW 3202 caliber, and effortless 24-time-zone display, it redefines what collectors expect from a German worldtimer. This review explains why it’s becoming a benchmark for modern luxury travel watches. Case height and

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Guests enjoying Le Dîner en Blanc in all-white attire at a secret location

What Is Le Dîner en Blanc? An Elegant All-White Pop-Up Picnic

Table of Contents Introduction Le Dîner en Blanc is a world-renowned all-white pop-up picnic that transforms cities into elegant dining and cultural experiences. Guests dressed in white gather at secret locations to enjoy gourmet meals, music, and dancing while celebrating community and style. This iconic event encourages social connection and creativity. Whether attending for the

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Wishful thinking in gem identification leading to costly mistakes

Wishful Thinking in Gem Identification: Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Introduction Wishful thinking in gem identification is one of the most dangerous traps in gemology. When you want a stone to be valuable, confirmation bias can blind you to evidence that proves otherwise. This guide explains how to avoid the costly mistakes that come from desire overriding discipline. Is Wishful Thinking the Most Dangerous Trap

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Gemology notebook practice with a gemologist writing stone details—color, clarity, and luster.

Gemology Notebook Practice: Document Every Stone for Lasting Expertise

Gemology Notebook Practice: Document Everything Gemology notebook practice is the simplest way to grow your expertise.Instead of relying on memory, write down every detail of the stones you examine—color, clarity, cut, luster, inclusions, and weight. This habit builds a personal knowledge base that no textbook can replace.Over time, your notebook becomes your most powerful tool.

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Gemology mistakes: gemologist examining stones under magnification

Gemology Mistakes: Why Every Error Is a Lesson

Introduction Gemology mistakes happen to every beginner and even to seasoned experts. Instead of fearing them, you should see each mistake as part of your learning curve. In gemology, errors often lead to sharper skills, deeper knowledge, and stronger client trust. Why Gemology Mistakes Help You Grow The key is that every mistake has a

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