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.

IndiRAM Portable Raman Spectrometer for Gemstone Testing

IndiRAM Portable Raman Spectrometer for Gemstone Testing

Gemological Instruments /

Discover the IndiRAM Portable Raman Spectrometer for gemmological studies. Dual mode acquisition, high throughput, inbuilt library, and compact design for quick gemstone testing. IndiRAM Portable Raman Spectrometer for Gemstone Testing The IndiRAM™ Portable Series Raman Spectrometer is designed for fast and reliable gemstone studies. You can use it as a quick screening tool for samples […]

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Hydrostatic Weighing Using a Modern Single-Pan Electronic Balance

Gemology Instruments, Hydrostatic Weighing Balance /

Learn how to use a modern single-pan electronic balance for hydrostatic weighing. Step-by-step guide to measure gemstone specific gravity with accuracy. Hydrostatic weighing is one of the most reliable ways to measure the specific gravity of gemstones. With a modern single-pan electronic balance, the process is faster and more accurate than the old twin-pan balance.

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Foldscope: The One-Dollar Microscope that Changed Global Science

Foldscope: The One-Dollar Microscope that Changed Global Science

Education, Foldscope, Science, Technology /

Discover how Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski invented Foldscope, a paper-based microscope that costs less than one dollar. Learn why this simple tool is helping students, teachers, and researchers worldwide. Foldscope: A Microscope for Everyone Foldscope was created by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski at Stanford University. The idea was born when Jim, a PhD

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Refractometer in Gemology: A Simple Guide to R.I. Measurement

Gem Testing Instruments /

Learn how to use a refractometer in gemology for accurate refractive index (R.I.) measurement. Understand requirements, limits, and information you can obtain from flat and curved gemstone surfaces. Refractometer: How It Works A refractometer is an optical instrument based on the principle of total internal reflection.It measures the refractive index (R.I.) of gemstones and other

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The Billion-Dollar Mistake: Why You Shouldn’t Call Your Red Spinel a Ruby

Gemology, Gemstones, Jewellery /

Red spinel has been mistaken for ruby in history, but misidentifying it lowers its value and hurts your credibility. Learn the difference and why honesty is your strongest tool. The most famous mistake in gem history sits in the British Crown Jewels. The Black Prince’s “Ruby” is not a ruby at all. It’s a red

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A Dirty Secret: Why Selling Uncleaned Jewellery Could Cost You Money

Gold Selling Tips /

Selling gold in Kerala? Unclean jewellery can reduce your payout. Learn why dirt affects melting loss and how to clean your pieces safely before resale. When you sell jewellery, every gram counts. But what happens when your gold isn’t clean? Dirt, grime, and body oils stick to your jewellery over time. This adds a tiny

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MING 57.04 Iris: The Landmark Destro Chronograph for MING’s 8th Anniversary

MING 57.04 Iris: The Landmark Destro Chronograph for MING’s 8th Anniversary

Chronographs, Luxury Timepieces, Watches /

Discover the MING 57.04 Iris, launched for MING’s 8th anniversary. A 40mm destro monopusher chronograph with Art Deco-inspired design, stepped lugs, and a unique shifting dial that moves between turquoise and purple. August 2025 marks MING’s 8th birthday.The brand has delivered more than: Now comes a watch that defines the next chapter: the MING 57.04

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Understanding the Gemological Microscope: A Closer Look

Understanding the Gemological Microscope: A Closer Look

Gemology, Gemology Tools /

Introduction to the Gemological Microscope: A Beginner’s Guide Learn how a gemological microscope works. Understand the role of objective and ocular lenses in gemstone analysis and discover how magnification helps you see inclusions, cuts, and surface details clearly. A gemological microscope is one of the most important tools you can use as a gemologist. It

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