Most working in the industry are aware sapphires are routinely treated to increase their marketability. What many dealers, manufacturers, and retailers may not be aware of, however, is a relatively new treatment used to beautify unattractive sapphire: high pressure, high temperature (HPHT).
Rubies in North America are so rare that these stones used to be only available to collectors; however, thanks to a new mine in southwestern Greenland, North American rubies are now being sold in jewellery stores.
As consumers and designers alike continue to prioritize the ethical mining of metals and gemstones, I have encountered more and more individuals interested in adding stones with Canadian origin to their collections.
More than anything, colour forecasting is a combination of in-depth research and flashes of intuition. A forecaster is constantly immersed in the world of colour; he or she lives, breathes, and dreams in colour.
The Tucson gem shows have yet again struck our hearts and wallets. Each February, the city comes alive with tourists and professionals alike, converging to gape at the fossils, crystals, jewellery, and oddities that line the streets in need of homes.
Participants in the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA’s) Retailer Support Program now have access to an enhanced collection of materials to sell and promote coloured stones.
These days, we often hear lip service paid to the need for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethics in the gemstone industry. During the Second World Emerald Symposium (2WES), however, the focus was on concrete actions being taken in Colombia and around the world to improve the lives of those in mining communities.
Combining cultured pearls with coloured gems offers many benefits. It not only allows jewellers to make one-of-a-kind pieces and expand their jewellery lines, but also helps them add contrast to their coloured gem jewellery while making it more affordable.
