Saju Elizamma is a personal archive that became a global blog. Named after my mother — a quiet strength behind everything I do — this space brings together decades of work and wonder.
Here, you’ll find:
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Practical guides on buying gemstones and jewelry
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Honest food stories from around the world
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Hotel stays and hospitality insights
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Snapshots of culture, art, watches, and craftsmanship
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Reflections from a life spent observing, exploring, and learning
My expertise in gemstones has taken me around the world, where I’ve also discovered hidden cuisines, vibrant cultures, and timeless stories worth sharing.
This site is the next chapter, a curated portal of everything rare, valuable, and fascinating.
I write for curious readers — from Kerala to Kyoto, from Mumbai to Milan.
De Beers Group has released a new free education app to help jewelry retailers in the United States sell natural diamonds with confidence. The app, developed by the De Beers Group Institute of...
Buying minerals online saves time and gives you access to dealers worldwide. But it also carries risks. Many beginners lose money because they overlook three common mistakes. 1. Relying on Bad...
Quartz is everywhere in the gemstone world. Because it’s abundant and easy to treat, quartz often takes on the role of a stand-in for more expensive stones. Dyed quartz, especially, can mimic...
Fracture-filling is one of the most common gemstone treatments you’ll come across, especially with emeralds and rubies. The process involves filling surface-reaching cracks with glass, resin, or oil...
Being a gemologist means living with curiosity and respect for stones. After 40 years in the trade, I can tell you something that surprises many people. The most important skill a gemologist can have...
When you first hear that heat treatment in tanzanite is common, it can raise doubts.You might ask yourself: Am I buying something fake? That fear is natural, but it comes from misunderstanding the...
Why Your Heated Sapphire Isn’t Fake When you hear the word “treated,” you may think your sapphire is fake. But it isn’t. More than 95% of sapphires and rubies on the market are heat-treated. Heat...
Most people think pearls only come from oysters. The truth is different. Natural pearls can form in many mollusks. Some of the rarest gems in the world are non-nacreous pearls from conch, melo melo...
Most people think pearls are just pearls.Saltwater or freshwater—same thing, right? That’s the mistake. Natural pearls and cultured pearls are two different stories. And the saltwater–freshwater...
Natural pearls are rarely perfectly round. Learn why baroque, button, and drop shapes carry beauty, authenticity, and lasting value beyond the myth of the perfect sphere. The myth of the perfect pearl...
Many buyers confuse natural and cultured pearls. Learn the key difference with a simple analogy. Avoid costly mistakes when choosing your pearls. When you shop for pearls, one mistake can change...
Discover the most popular drinks in the world, from tea and coffee to kombucha and bubble tea. Learn why these beverages dominate global culture and find your next favorite sip. Key Takeaways Why...
Discover Darjeeling Express in London, founded by Asma Khan. Enjoy homestyle Mughlai and Calcutta dishes, served by an all-women kitchen. A unique dining experience blending heritage, community, and...
Discover Brij Lakshman Sagar in Pali, Rajasthan. A 19th-century hunting lodge turned boutique hotel with 12 private cottages, rock-carved pools, and authentic desert architecture. In the wild heart of...
Discover Amaya in Solane, Himachal Pradesh – boutique villas by Studio Mumbai’s Bijoy Jain. Handcrafted architecture, sustainable living, organic food, pool, sauna, and library in the Himalayas. A...
The TAOS Dentelle pays tribute to Saint-Gall lace with an enamel dial, silver paillon mesh, and embroidered relief. Powered by the VOP318 caliber, it comes in 18K white gold with diamond-set details...
Can you negotiate gold prices in Kerala? The rate is fixed, but making charges and wastage often leave room for bargaining. Learn practical tips and polite phrases for getting a fair deal at jewellery...
Buying a gem based on Instagram photos can be misleading. Learn why lighting, editing, and color shifts matter, and why videos or in-person viewings are crucial before you invest. Why Photos Can...
Discover how gemstone cuts affect color and durability. Learn about windowing, extinction, and why a skilled cutter makes all the difference. Why Cut Matters Beyond the 4Cs When you think of...
Learn how to tell the difference between gold-plated and solid gold. Protect your budget and avoid overspending when buying jewelry in India and abroad. Gold-Plated vs. Solid Gold: Why It Matters When...
Complete ruby gemstone guide covering $1M per carat values, Mozambique mining operations, conflict ruby concerns, and ethical buying tips for 2025 investors and collectors. Ruby Market Value Analysis:...
Furlan Marri Disco Volante Diamonds Onyx review: 38mm Swiss watch with black onyx dial, lab-grown diamonds, Peseux 7001 movement, and dual strap options. Complete specifications and analysis. Product...
Louis Erard Fil d’Or x Wire Art limited edition watch features a 39mm stainless steel case, automatic movement, and unique wire art craft. Only 99 pieces available. Louis Erard Fil d’Or:...
CIBJO Precious Metals Commission releases 2025 market report showing gold peaked at $3,500. Analysis covers platinum, palladium, silver markets with ESG sustainability focus ahead of Paris Congress...
Discover how generative AI tools like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Fashn.ai are changing jewelry design. Learn how AI models trained on jewelry styles can create unique design concepts in...
Find your birthstone by month and learn its meaning. Understand what your gem says about you and how people worldwide value it. What Is a Birthstone? A birthstone is a gem linked to your birth...
Festival discounts on gold and diamond jewelry look attractive, but are they genuine? Learn how to spot real deals from marketing tricks before you shop. Festival season and jewelry stores Every...
Starting your watch collection in the UAE? Learn how to set a budget, pick a versatile first watch, and avoid costly beginner mistakes before expanding your collection. Building your watch collection...
This guide helps you identify fake Rolexes in Geneva’s famous watch district. Learn to spot counterfeits through weight, movement, engravings, and documents. Includes buyer mistakes and safe shopping...
This post explains why Geneva airport duty-free shops are not always the cheapest option for buying luxury watches. It compares prices with city boutiques, highlights warranty differences, and offers...
A gemstone that sparkles under showroom lights may look dull in natural sunlight. Learn why you should always test gems under different lighting to spot color change and windowing before you buy. When...
A clear guide to gold savings schemes in Tamil Nadu. Learn how they work, what benefits they offer, and the hidden conditions that can affect your savings. How Gold Savings Schemes Work Jewellers in...
Learn how to read hallmarks and stamps on gold jewelry in the UAE. Understand purity marks, assay office stamps, and country codes to confirm authenticity before you buy. When you buy gold in the UAE...
Learn how to spot fake Rolex watches in UAE markets. Discover key signs like weight, movement, engravings, and documents to avoid buying counterfeits in Dubai and Sharjah. Beginner’s Guide to...
Dubai’s heat and humidity damage Swiss watches faster than most owners expect. Learn how water resistance ratings, gasket care, and climate-specific habits protect your luxury watch in the UAE. You...
Many travelers assume watches in Geneva are always the best deal and guaranteed authentic. Learn why that’s not always true and how to research prices, compare grey market deals, and shop smart. The...
Most buyers focus only on gemstone colour for astrology rings. Learn why clarity and cut are just as important. Discover how poor clarity blocks energy and why a precise cut helps the gem connect with...
Buying diamonds in New York’s Diamond District without understanding the 4 Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat—can lead to costly mistakes. Learn why each factor matters and how to use them when...
Learn how to spot jewelry scams in NYC and vet jewelers before buying. Protect yourself from fraudulent sellers with our practical beginner’s guide and credibility checks. New York City’s...
Avoid common gold buying mistakes during Akshaya Tritiya and wedding season. Plan ahead, shortlist designs, and focus on fundamentals to make smart purchases. Festive seasons and wedding months create...
A practical checklist for buying gold in Kerala. Ask these 7 questions to your jeweller to ensure transparency, correct making charges, BIS certification, and buy-back policies. Buying gold in Kerala...
Discover the Beauregard Dahlia White Gold & Red Coral watch. A Swiss-made flying tourbillon with handcrafted gemstone petals, set in diamond-paved white gold. A rare union of Swiss horology and...
Planning to shop jewelry in Jaipur? Learn about Kundan, Meenakari, and gemstone jewelry, discover key markets like Johari Bazaar, and find out why research before shopping saves you time and money...
Discover the Dennison ALD Dual Time watch in Gold PVD with a split dial of Bloodstone and Lapis. Features two Swiss Ronda 1032 quartz movements, sapphire crystal, and black Epsom leather strap...
Celebrate 25 years of the World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok from 22–28 September 2025. Experience Michelin-starred dinners, wine pairings, and global culinary talent in one unforgettable...
Cheap diamond melee often means poor cut, weak color, or questionable sourcing. Learn why chasing the lowest price can cost you more in the long run. Why the Lowest Price Comes with Hidden Costs When...
Learn how to avoid overpaying for common minerals dressed up with grand stories. Spot over-hyped specimens and make smarter buying decisions. Are They Selling a Mineral or a Story? When you buy...
Think tourmaline is only pink or green? Discover the full rainbow of this diverse gem family. Learn about Schorl, Dravite, Elbaite, and rare varieties like Achroite. When most people hear tourmaline...
Many buyers apply the traditional 4Cs of colorless diamonds to fancy colored diamonds. Learn why Color is the key factor and why clarity and cut take a back seat. When you buy a colorless diamond, the...
Choosing between your trusted family jeweller and a big brand showroom for your first gold chain? Learn the pros and cons of both. Understand personal trust, designs, HUID hallmarking, and offers...
Many gems sold as “astrological” are actually glass or lab-grown stones. Learn how to spot fakes, why only natural gems are valued in astrology, and what to check before you buy. Astrological gems are...
Learn why gemstone origin stories are often fake. Focus on quality over fabricated tales when buying precious stones. Expert guide to authentic gem evaluation. That ruby didn’t belong to a...
Professional 220W BLDC gem faceting machine with complete accessories. Cut gemstones with precision using variable speed control up to 3000 RPM. Includes grinding discs, polishing lap, and diamond...
Learn about GIA master stones – the standardized diamond reference set used for accurate color grading. Discover how these calibrated diamonds ensure consistent D-to-Z color assessment...
Learn how context helps in gem identification. A Victorian diamond in a modern setting or a 2-carat ruby for $20 are clear warning signs. When identifying gems, context gives you the first and often...
Wishful thinking can mislead you in gem identification. Learn how confirmation bias makes you ignore evidence, and discover practical steps to avoid costly mistakes. Wishful thinking is the biggest...
Many old diamond tests like scratching glass or fogging the stone don’t prove authenticity. Learn why these methods fail and safer ways to test your diamond. You’ve probably heard someone say, “If it...
Indian jewelers can capture studio-quality jewelry images and 360° videos using GemLightbox by Gesswein. Compatible with smartphones, optional turntables make 360° jewelry videos easy. GemLightbox by...
Explore diamond fluorescence and its effects on color. Learn when it improves diamond appearance and when it creates a hazy look. Practical tips for buyers. The Blue Glow: Diamond Fluorescence...
Discover how gold is tested with common appraisal methods like the touchstone method and XRF machines. Learn how these techniques build transparency and trust in the gold-buying process. When you buy...
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...
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...
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...
Learn how to use a spectroscope in gemology. Discover how this simple tool separates rubies, garnets, spinels, and jadeite by revealing absorption spectra. Spectroscope: A Simple Tool with Powerful...
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...
Learn how to use a 10x loupe for gemstone examination. Discover what makes a good loupe, how to test lens quality, and the right technique for inspecting gems. Loupe: Your First Tool in Gemstone...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Learn why diamonds lose value once purchased. Discover the difference between retail and resale price, and what you can expect when selling your diamond in India or abroad. When you buy a diamond, you...
Learn how gemstones in Kerala jewellery affect your gold price. Discover why jewellers deduct stone weight, what stones are common, and how to check the real gold value before you pay. Don’t Get...
Learn the real meaning of 22K gold in Kerala. Understand the difference between 24K, 22K, 18K, and 14K. Discover what the 916 stamp means and how to check purity before buying jewellery. Is Your 22...
Learn the difference between natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones. Avoid costly mistakes by asking the right question before you buy. Natural, Synthetic, or Imitation? When you walk into a...
Learn when a gemstone certificate from labs like GIA, AGL, IGI, GII, SSEF, or Gübelin adds value—and when it’s unnecessary. Discover what lab reports reveal, what they miss, and how to decide if you...
Discover how the 4 Cs—Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight—apply differently to colored gemstones. Learn why color is king and how to judge gems beyond diamond standards. When it comes to colored...
New to gemstone collecting? Don’t fall for the “investment” trap. Learn why your collection should be about joy, not a get-rich-quick plan. “It’s an investment!”The phrase that traps...
A smaller diamond with excellent cut, color, and clarity often brings more beauty and long-term value than a larger but dull or included stone. Learn why presence matters more than size. When you buy...
Discover the Nivada Grenchen F77 Mark II Gold. A modern reissue of the 1977 icon with an 18K yellow gold-plated case, black onyx dial, and Soprod P024 automatic movement. Vintage soul meets modern...
Many travelers fall for the “vacation gem” trap. Learn how high-pressure sales and emotional souvenirs lead to overpriced stones. Protect your money before buying jewelry abroad. You’re on vacation...
Are you collecting gemstones for personal love or just for social media likes? Learn how to avoid chasing trends and build a collection that truly reflects you. When you buy a gemstone, are you...
Your first gemstone purchase often comes from insecurity or the urge to impress. Learn how to choose gems with curiosity and love instead of buying to look like an expert. Your first gemstone tells a...
Stop relying on online ruby price calculators. Learn why only a gem lab report from GIA, SSEF, Gubelin, IGI, AGL, or GII reveals the true value of your ruby. Can you find out your ruby’s value by...
Planning to sell gold in Kerala? Learn the 3 essential steps before you go: weigh your gold at home, check the BIS hallmark, and take clear photos. Protect your money with these proven tips. Thinking...
Do heated sapphires lose their astrological power? Learn what gemstone heat treatment means and whether a treated sapphire or ruby can still work for astrology. Does heating remove a sapphire’s...
Learn how astrologers and gemologists can work together to find your perfect gemstone. Get expert recommendations within your budget and avoid common mistakes. Why Two Experts Beat One You want the...
Discover why letting your astrologer price your gemstone is a costly mistake. Learn the real 4Cs that determine gem value vs astrological claims. Protect yourself from inflated prices. Your astrologer...
Learn why diamonds priced at “magic numbers” like 1.00 ct or 2.00 ct cost much more. Discover how buying just under these weights (like 0.95 ct) can save you thousands without any visible...
Learn what “eye-clean” really means in diamond clarity. Discover why both VVS2 and SI1 diamonds can look flawless to the naked eye, but differ greatly in price. When you buy a diamond, you...
Most buyers believe only a D color diamond is truly white. Learn why G, H, or even I color diamonds look just as bright once set—and how choosing them can save you big money. When you hear about...
Diamond cut is not the shape. Cut refers to angles, symmetry, and polish that create sparkle. Learn why a well-cut diamond shines brighter than any grade in color or clarity. Why “Cut”...
Buying a diamond? Don’t make the mistake of trusting the certificate alone. Learn why two GIA-graded diamonds with the same report can look completely different and how to choose beauty over paper...
When you buy pearls, are you paying for the gem itself or the brand stamped on the box? Luxury names can push prices far beyond the actual value of the pearl. You deserve to know if what’s inside the...
Learn how to detect dyed pearls. Spot color concentrations near drill holes or blemishes, know when to ask for a lab report, and protect your jewelry investment. When you buy a pearl, the first...
Many dark pearls sold as “Tahitian” are actually dyed freshwater or Akoya pearls. Learn the key signs to identify real Tahitian pearls and avoid costly mistakes. Many people see a dark pearl and call...
Pearls at a bargain price often mean thin nacre, poor luster, bad matching, or even fakes. Learn how to spot these tricks and protect your money when buying pearls. You walk into a shop and see a...
Maharani Irish Gin is crafted in Cork by Rebel City Distillery.It brings together Irish distilling traditions and Kerala’s spices. Created by husband and wife, Robert and Bhagya, the gin carries the...
Learn why “Zero Making Charge” gold offers in Kerala are often misleading. Understand the real cost, how to calculate final prices, and make smarter gold purchases. You see it everywhere...
Learn why you must ask about gross weight vs. net weight when buying stone-studded jewellery in Kerala. Avoid paying gold rates for stones in Nagapada Thali, jhumkas, and bangles. When you buy...
Understand how jewellers in Kerala calculate gold bills. Learn about making charges (Pani Kuli), wastage (Thattam), and GST. Find out how to negotiate and save on your gold purchase. Decoding the...
Learn how the daily gold rate in Kerala is calculated, why it changes, and how it affects the value of your gold. A clear guide for every Malayali gold buyer. Decoding the Daily Gold Rate in Kerala...
Understand gold purity in Kerala. Learn the difference between 22K and 24K gold, and why the BIS hallmark on your jewellery is the key to trusted quality. When you buy gold jewellery in Kerala, you...
Is every inclusion a flaw?Not really. In gemology, some inclusions do the exact opposite of what most buyers think. They don’t reduce value—they confirm authenticity. Let’s break that down. What Are...
Jaipur Gem Buying Tips – How to Avoid the “Cheap Stone” Trap Don’t let low prices fool you. Learn why Jaipur’s cheapest gems often cost you more in the long run. Understand price vs. value...
You’ve heard the names.“Pigeon’s Blood” for rubies.“Cornflower Blue” for sapphires. Sounds poetic.But does it mean anything? Here’s the truth: These terms started in gemology with specific...
You think you’re buying sterling silver in Jaipur.You pay the price.But you might walk away with a plated trinket or low-grade alloy. Here’s how to check silver purity before you buy. Look for...
Jaipur Gem Buying Tip | Gemstone Treatment Awareness | Jewelry Shopping in India Most gem buyers make the same mistake. They focus on price, not process. But any gemologist will tell you—The first...
Kappa Chakka Kandhari takes its name from three Kerala favorites – tapioca, jackfruit, and bird’s eye chili. Kappa Chakka Kandhari focuses on bringing you the real taste of India’s regional cuisines...
Malayali Beer blends crisp European hops with smooth Indian rice flakes. Inspired by Kerala’s culture, this lager pairs perfectly with seafood, curries, and grilled meats. Malayali Beer brings...
Buying gold in Kerala? Learn how the BIS Hallmark and 6-digit HUID protect you. A must-read guide for Malayali gold buyers. Buying gold in Kerala has always been a serious affair. But today, there’s a...
Most people only look at the stone. They forget to inspect the setting — and that’s where big problems hide. A high-quality gem in a poorly made setting is a bad deal.It’s not just about appearance...
Buying gold is a tradition in Kerala.You see it at weddings, temple festivals, and family celebrations.If you don’t understand gold purity, you risk paying more than you should. Gold Purity in Simple...
Astrologers recommend gemstones based on your birth chart. Gemologists ensure the stone you wear is real and effective. Learn why both roles matter and how to get the best results from your planetary...
Don’t assume every gemstone you see in Jaipur is natural. Many stones on display are lab-made or heavily treated. Here’s how you can protect yourself—even if you’re not an expert. 1...