Gemology

Dyed quartz mimicking amethyst with visible color concentrations in cracks

Dyed Quartz Identification: Spotting Fakes in Amethyst and Citrine

Gemology, Gemstones, Jewelry Buying Guide /

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

Buying Guides, Emerald, Gem Treatments, Gemology, Ruby /

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

Gemology, Gemstone Identification, Professional Skills /

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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tanzanite gemstone after heat treatment showing vivid blue violet color

Why Tanzanite Is Heated — And Why It’s Perfectly Natural

Buying Guides, Gemology, Tanzanite /

Summary Almost every tanzanite on the market is heated to reveal its vivid blue-violet color. The process is permanent, stable, and globally accepted. Heating doesn’t reduce authenticity or value—instead, it it enhances the gem’s natural beauty, much like polishing perfects a diamond. Introduction When you first learn that heat treatment in tanzanite is standard, you

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Learn the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls.

Saltwater vs Freshwater Pearls: Why They’re Not the Same

Gemology, Jewelry Guide, Pearls /

Most people assume all pearls are the same. However, saltwater and freshwater pearls differ significantly. Understanding these differences can save you from costly mistakes and help you choose the right pearls for your collection or jewelry. Natural Saltwater Pearls Almost all natural pearls you see today are saltwater pearls. They form in oysters along ocean

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A close-up of natural pearls in various shapes—baroque, button, and drop—gleaming with subtle luster, showing their organic beauty and individuality.

Natural Pearls Shapes: Baroque, Button & Drop Explained

Gemology, Gems, Jewelry, Pearls /

Summary Understanding natural pearls shapes helps buyers and collectors choose authentic, beautiful, and valuable pearls. Baroque, button, and drop pearls showcase individuality, while perfectly round pearls are rare and expensive. Introduction When buying pearls, knowing natural pearls shapes is crucial. Many buyers assume roundness equals value or beauty. However, natural pearls form organically inside mollusks,

Natural Pearls Shapes: Baroque, Button & Drop Explained Read More »

A vivid gemstone showing brilliant facets that enhance its deep color and sparkle.

Gemstone Cut Color Durability: How Cut Shapes a Gem’s Beauty

Gemology, Gemstone Fashioning, Jewelry Buying Tips /

Summary:A gemstone’s color and durability depend greatly on its cut. This guide explains how gemstone cut color durability is linked through light behavior, windowing, extinction, and expert craftsmanship. Introduction When it comes to gemstones, gemstone cut color durability are inseparable. The way a gem is cut decides how it reflects light, displays color, and resists

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A rainbow-colored collection of tourmaline crystals showcasing shades of pink, green, blue, black, and brown.

Tourmaline Colours: The Full Rainbow Explained

Gemology, Gemstone Education /

Summary Tourmaline colours cover the full spectrum, from black Schorl and golden Dravite to rainbow Elbaite and rare colourless Achroite. Learn how to identify each type and buy wisely. Introduction Tourmaline colours are often misunderstood. Most people think of only pink or green stones. However, the tourmaline family is much more diverse, offering a full

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A person examining a gemstone with skepticism, considering whether confirmation bias may influence their judgment.

Wishful Thinking in Gem Identification: Avoid Costly Mistakes

Gem Identification, Gemology, Jewelry Education /

SummaryWishful thinking in gem identification can mislead even skilled buyers. This article explains how confirmation bias causes costly errors and offers practical steps to stay objective when testing gemstones. Introduction Wishful thinking in gem identification can quietly distort your judgment.When you want a gemstone to be valuable, your mind filters out clues that say otherwise.This

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Illustration showing common unreliable diamond tests like scratching glass, fogging, and heat, contrasted with professional diamond testers and gemologist certification.

Diamond Tests That Don’t Work: Why Common Home Methods Fail

Diamonds, Gemology, Jewelry Education /

Summary Many home diamond tests—scratching glass, fogging, or checking sparkle—don’t prove authenticity. Learn why these methods fail and discover safe, reliable ways to test your diamond. Introduction Many people rely on old diamond tests that don’t work, like scratching glass, fogging the stone, or checking sparkle. These DIY methods are misleading and can even damage

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