From Cocktail to Couture: the “Tequila Diamond” in the Limelight at the Met Gala
"Can you make a synthetic diamond from tequila?" In this pun-worthy moment, we take our best shot–literally.
In an effort to stand out in a...
Rio Tinto discovers exceptional yellow diamond from its Diavik Diamond Mine
Rio Tinto has unearthed one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada, from its Diavik Diamond Mine.
The 158.20 carat rough diamond...
GIA Announces a Tariff Work-Around: Overseas Labs Accepting Larger Diamonds for Grading
In response to logistics challenges related to recently announced tariffs affecting global shipments of gemstones, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will temporarily expand services...
The Crater Gives up a 3.81-Carat Brown Diamond: Arkansas’ State Park Yields a Winner!
Sarah Reap, park interpreter with Arkansas State Parks, including the Crater of Diamonds in Murfreesboro, tells us that David DeCook, from Stewartville, MN, and...
The Spectacular High Jewelry Auction: Sotheby’s Geneva Results
Feeling the need to break away from the pack (or at least from its closest rival, Christie's) Sotheby's has changed the name of it's...
Sotheby’s High Jewelry: Red Diamonds, Vanderbilt Jewels, Graff, Winston, & More!
Sotheby"'s June New York High Jewelry auction presents a standout selection of exceptional gemstones and important pieces from renowned collections.
Highlights include a rare 9.60-carat...
GIA to Use ‘Premium’ or ‘Standard’ to Describe Synthetic Diamonds: Clarity and Color Grades...
"Change reflects narrow color and clarity range of the manufactured product"
In a move that feels both obvious and, at the same time, curious–not to...
In Memoriam: George Peter “Pete” Yantzer
George Peter “Pete” YantzerNovember 10, 1948 - January 10, 2026
George Peter “Pete” Yantzer, a respected gemologist and influential figure in modern diamond grading, passed...
Diamonds, Gold, and Platinum: South Africa Is Still a Mining Giant—But the Rankings Have...
Mention South African mining and most of us immediately think of diamonds and gold. The country that gave us the Kimberley Mine, the Cullinan...
Furlong Auction Sells DeBeers Memorabilia: Some very Surprising Historical Artefacts
Held live online on January 8, London's Furlong Auction House presented a wide-ranging Collectables & Memorabilia Sale, 262 lots total, of which many included...
Why the African Diamond Council Says the Kimberley Process Definition Is Broken
In an extensive interview with Rough&Polished, the ADC chairman Dr. M'zée Fula Ngenge argued that the Kimberley Process’s definition of “conflict diamonds” no longer...
Scoping It Out: Photomicrography from Melissa Scarani
Here we have a 0.25 ct. round brilliant cut diamond with an extraordinary garnet crystal. Melissa not only captures the crystal beautifully, she manages...
