Gemology

Vintage Art Deco and Retro Jewellery Collection by Beth Bernstein

Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery – Beth Bernstein

SummaryExplore Beth Bernstein’s Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery to learn how to identify gemstones, styles, and collectible pieces from the 1930s to the 1980s. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts. Beth Bernstein is a jewellery historian, author, journalist, and former designer. Her book Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery explores collectible jewellery from the 1930s to the […]

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CIBJO Congress 2025 Pearl Report on sustainable pearl farming

CIBJO 2025 Pearl Report: Pearls and Sustainability

Summary The CIBJO Congress 2025 Pearl Report explains how scientific research supports transparency and sustainability in pearl farming.It highlights contributions from the CIBJO Pearl Commission, GIA, and DANAT, and previews the updated Pearl Guide, a 267-page educational reference for pearl-producing species. The CIBJO Congress 2025 Pearl Report demonstrates how science is reshaping the global pearl

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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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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 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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Close-up photo of mineral specimen with lighting, showing risks of online buying.

Buying Minerals Online: 3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Summary Buying minerals online offers convenience but also carries hidden risks. Many collectors lose money because they fall for misleading photos, vague descriptions, or unclear return policies. This guide explains the top three mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them, ensuring safe and smart mineral purchases. Introduction Buying minerals online seems simple. It saves

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Dyed quartz mimicking amethyst with visible color concentrations in cracks

Dyed Quartz Identification: Spotting Fakes in Amethyst and Citrine

SummaryDyed quartz often imitates amethyst and citrine. Learn how to identify color concentrations, uneven saturation, and bright synthetic hues with simple loupe inspection and expert signs. Quartz: The Master of Disguise Dyed quartz identification is a skill every gem enthusiast and jeweler should master. Dyed quartz often imitates amethyst and citrine so convincingly that even

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Fracture-filled emerald showing flash effect under loupe

Fracture-Filled Emerald Ruby | Spot the Flash Effect

Summary Many emeralds and rubies on the market are fracture-filled with glass or resin to improve their clarity. You can identify these treated gems by spotting the flash effect—bright color flashes seen through a loupe. This guide explains how fracture-filling works, how to detect it, and why it matters for gem buyers and collectors. Introduction

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A gemologist examining a gemstone under a microscope, showing the importance of professional testing.

Knowing When You Don’t Know: Key Gemologist Skill

Summary In gemology, the wisest skill is humility. Knowing When You Don’t Know protects credibility, builds client trust, and keeps your science sharp. Introduction After 40 years in gemology, I’ve learned this truth: Knowing When You Don’t Know is your strongest professional skill.It’s not about memorizing data or mastering instruments—it’s about knowing your limits and

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