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.

Gemology guide showing a gemologist using a loupe and tweezers to examine a colored gemstone.

Gemology Guide: A Complete Overview

Summary This gemology guide explains how to identify, grade, and value gemstones using scientific methods. You learn how gems form, how treatments affect value, and how synthetics enter the market. The guide covers essential tools, diamond and colored stone grading, and market behavior. You also explore career paths, education programs, and opportunities in labs, retail, […]

Gemology Guide: A Complete Overview Read More »

2025 Opulence Collection coin with Canadian yellow diamonds.

2025 Opulence Collection: Canadian Yellow Diamond Coins

Summary The Royal Canadian Mint presents the 2025 Opulence Collection with two rare coins—Radiance and Brilliance—each set with Canadian fancy yellow diamonds from the Ekati Mine. Radiance features six marquise-cut stones in pure gold, while Brilliance blends platinum, gold accents, and twenty-three diamonds shaped around the Canada lily. Through careful craftsmanship, limited mintages, and controlled

2025 Opulence Collection: Canadian Yellow Diamond Coins Read More »

Fluorite mining site in Mexico linked to clean-energy demand.

Fluorite Mining in Mexico for Clean Energy

Summary Fluorite supports batteries, solar panels, and electronics. Mexico ranks second in global production and supplies major markets. Demand keeps rising due to clean energy. Even so, communities near mining regions report spills, emissions, and water issues. This article shows how Mexico became a major producer and why environmental debates continue. Introduction Fluorite Mining in

Fluorite Mining in Mexico for Clean Energy Read More »

Australian opal showing natural colour play under Art of Opal concept.

Art of Opal

Summary The idea behind Art of Opal becomes clear as the Andreou family’s three-generation journey unfolds. The formation of Australian opals, the natural stories held within each stone, and the way these pieces turn into personal heirlooms all come into focus. The text also offers simple steps to choose the right opal, build a meaningful

Art of Opal Read More »

ORIGIN De Beers Group diamond with provenance details.

ORIGIN De Beers Group: A New Way to Buy Natural Diamonds

Summary ORIGIN De Beers Group brings documented, traceable natural diamonds to stores across North America. You can follow your diamond’s full journey and see where it came from, how it was discovered, and who benefits from it. Provenance data, the Natural Rarity Score, and digital storytelling tools give you deeper insight. Retailers support this clarity

ORIGIN De Beers Group: A New Way to Buy Natural Diamonds Read More »

gem identification tools arranged on a gemologist’s table

Gem Identification Methodology Made Simple

Summary This guide gives you a clear gem identification methodology you can use with any gemstone. You move from visual checks to optical tools, structural tests, and density clues. Each step adds direction, supports your judgement, and leads you to a confident identity. Introduction You follow a gem identification methodology to achieve consistent results. To

Gem Identification Methodology Made Simple Read More »

Mene 24k gold jewelry in pure 24K gold with minimalist design

Mene 24k Gold Jewelry: Why Pure 24K Pieces Still Matter Today

Summary Mene 24k gold jewelry appeals to buyers seeking purity, transparency, and measurable long-term value. Each piece is crafted from 24K gold and priced by weight, giving full visibility. Additionally, this article explains how Mene changed modern jewelry buying, why pure gold remains relevant, and how consumers connect beauty with financial security. The Return of

Mene 24k Gold Jewelry: Why Pure 24K Pieces Still Matter Today Read More »

Travellers visiting a mine during gemstone tours

The Rise of Gemstone Tours: Mines & Markets

Summary The Rise of Gemstone Tours shows how travellers visit mines, meet cutters, and gain gem-buying confidence. You follow a gem from source to finished jewellery. These tours combine travel, hands-on learning, and insider access. You understand people, places, and processes behind every stone. Introduction: Why The Rise of Gemstone Tours Matters The Rise of

The Rise of Gemstone Tours: Mines & Markets Read More »

Visitor walking inside an old mining tunnel in India during a guided tour.

Mining Tourism in India: New Travel Experiences

Summary Mining tourism is emerging across India as states convert abandoned or active mines into safe visitor zones. Travellers now explore tunnels, machinery, mining towns, and geological formations that shaped India’s mineral history. Jharkhand’s new initiative leads a growing movement across Karnataka, Rajasthan, Goa, and Odisha. In addition, this expanded guide explains what you can

Mining Tourism in India: New Travel Experiences Read More »