Trace-element analysis is used to identify metamictization, treatment, and growth conditions of zircon.

The Bangkok lab examines near-colorless HPHT synthetic diamonds in melee sizes.

We invite gemologists to take a closer look at the astounding beauty and variety of the micro-world of gems.

Diffusion treatment is used to induce color and asterism in a colorless synthetic sapphire.

The New York lab examines three pink CVD synthetic diamonds which have received LPHT annealing treatment.

A report summarizing the expeditions and lectures at the June 2015 pegmatite workshop in Poland, Maine.

An unusual parti-color tourmaline necklace and clasp are seen at the 2015 AGTA show in Tucson.

An overview of recently expanded sapphire production at the Gem Mountain mine near Philipsburg, Montana.

Advances in pearl culturing are seen in a parcel of specimens from Strombus gigas gastropods.

An exceptional ruby is discovered in Namya, Myanmar.

A translucent Brazilian emerald exhibiting pronounced chatoyancy is examined.

A necklace of Chinese freshwater bead-cultured pearls demonstrates the strides made in culturing techniques.

Baroque pearls were ubiquitous at the Tucson 2015 gem shows.

An update on the nephrite jade market from the 2015 GJX show.

The Green Dragon mine yields exceptional demantoid, including a round brilliant seen at Tucson’s GJX show.

The popularity of gem slices, particularly diamond, is on the rise, as reflected at the 2015 Tucson gem shows.

A hexagonal boundary, usually found in natural material, is observed in a synthetic star sapphire.

An insider’s view of the stunning world of inclusions.

A tourmaline displaying different colors of chatoyancy on opposite sides of a double cabochon is examined.