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.

Tucson Gem Show 2025 visitors exploring gems and minerals in Arizona

Tucson Gem Show 2025 – World’s Largest Gem & Mineral Event

The Tucson Gem Show 2025 is the world’s largest gem and mineral event. Each February, Tucson, Arizona welcomes more than 65,000 visitors from 40+ countries. Dealers, collectors, miners, and jewelry designers gather to showcase everything from rare diamonds to museum-grade fossils. What Makes Tucson Gem Show 2025 Special The Tucson Gem Show is not a […]

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Final Beyond Rare Tender Into the Light diamonds from Rio Tinto Argyle and Diavik mines.

Final Beyond Rare Tender: Rio Tinto Into the Light Diamonds

The Final Beyond Rare Tender by Rio Tinto marks a historic moment in diamond history. Titled Into the Light, this last Art Series includes 52 lots of rare diamonds from the Argyle Mine in Australia and the Diavik Mine in Canada. Why the Final Beyond Rare Tender Matters The Argyle mine closed in 2020, ending

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Robert Wan Pearl Museum Tahiti – World’s Largest Tahitian Pearl

Robert Wan Pearl Museum Tahiti: A Journey into Pearl History

The Robert Wan Pearl Museum in Tahiti is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to pearls. Located in Papeete, it actively immerses visitors in the fascinating story of these luminous gems, from myths and legends to modern pearl farming techniques. Additionally, at this Tahitian pearl museum, you’ll explore how pearls shaped civilizations. Ancient

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Perfect gemstone for you—emerald ring matching skin tone and style

Perfect Gemstone for You: How to Buy Stones You’ll Actually Wear

Choosing a gemstone isn’t just about rarity or flawless clarity. You need the perfect gemstone for you—one that fits your style, skin tone, and lifestyle. The key is prioritizing your personal needs over market trends. A stone may appear flawless on paper. Yet if the color clashes with your skin tone, or the size is

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Geneva watch show booth displaying micro-brand timepieces alongside traditional Swiss watches

Geneva Watch Shows Micro-Brands: Unknown Makers Worth Your Investment | 2025 Guide

The watch industry has witnessed a remarkable shift in recent years. Furthermore, Geneva watch shows now dedicate significant floor space to unknown micro-brand makers alongside established Swiss houses. As a result, this change reflects a broader transformation in how collectors and investors evaluate timepiece value. Research shows that micro-brand watches appreciate 15-25% faster than mass-market

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Rudy J. Smith examining blue sapphires in Bangkok 1998 gemstone market

Bangkok 1998 Rudy Smith: Survival and Gemstone Adventures

Survival, Sapphires, and Strategy In Bangkok, 1998, Rudy Smith returned to Thailand after surviving Khmer Rouge captivity in Pailin, Cambodia. For over five years, he had been held hostage while a $1 million ransom was demanded. Rudy’s expertise in blue sapphires and the Bangkok gemstone market helped him reclaim his business and reconnect with the

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Bangkok ruby trade betrayal 1997 with Winston Lord’s downfall

Bangkok Ruby Trade Betrayal 1997: Winston Lord’s Gem Scandal

The Bangkok ruby trade betrayal in 1997 shook Winston Lord’s world. Sitting in his Silom Road office, he realized too late that misplaced trust in Ris Rubyhall had cost him everything. Winston Lord slumped on a sofa in his Silom Road office. His open-necked shirt clung with sweat under fluorescent lights. The vibrant parcels of

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Shopping for gems and jewelry – jeweler inspecting a diamond ring with a loupe.

Shopping for Gems and Jewelry: What Every Buyer Must Know

When shopping for gems and jewelry, you need to follow practical rules that protect your money and guarantee quality. A reliable jeweler gives you authenticity and accountability. A proper receipt documents purity, gemstone type, and any warranty. How to Inspect Jewelry Before Buying Use a 10x magnifying lens. Check: 💡 The key is simple: You

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Emerald gemstone ring symbolizing clarity, focus, and wisdom — not instant wealth — reflecting realistic expectations for gemstone wearers.

Emerald Gemstone Expectations – Why It Won’t Make You Rich

Many buyers have emerald gemstone expectations that go far beyond reality. They wear an emerald ring for a week and wait for instant riches. But gemstones are not magic wands. They are supportive tools that work over time, aligning with your effort and persistence. What an Emerald Gemstone Really Does But remember: “The emerald is

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