AGTA Announces the 2025 Spectrum & Cutting Edge Award WINNERS! … and the Roskin...
On a Personal Note:There was certainly a buzz in the room – well over 300 pieces to view, loose gems and gem-set jewelry stretched...
How AGTA is Singlehandedly Saving the International Colored Gemstone Industry*
Behind the scenes, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has been fighting a quiet, complex, and costly battle in Washington, D.C. As AGTA CEO...
Guild Gemology Education Reports on Gemfields’ $32 Million Auction: “… a Measured Signal of...
Andrew "Andy" Lucas is the President of Guild Gemology Education. A former GIA field gemologist and education manager, Lucas has spent more than four...
Photomicrography: Images from Within, by Sammantha Maclachlan
Images by Sammantha Maclachlan
Sammantha Maclachlan FGA DGA FIRV MJVA AJP PJDIP CPAA - JVA Registered Valuer®ï¸
Winner of the Gordon Ness trophy (gemmology)
Fellow of the...
ZaZa Azul: A Paraíba for the People
How a beloved 13.34-carat tourmaline went from a private treasure to the Smithsonian
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday morning, September 16th, 2025, the Smithsonian Institution's...
AGTA Helps Secure EU Tariff Relief for Loose Colored Gemstones and Pearls
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced a significant win this month: loose colored gemstones and natural pearls imported from the European Union will...
Rediscovering Marcus & Co.: Macklowe Gallery Brings Masterpieces Into the Spotlight
NEW YORK – For decades, Marcus & Co. has been one of those elusive names in American jewelry history: admired by connoisseurs, but shrouded...
GAA’s Certificate in Opal Studies: A Complete Education in the World of Opal
The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) has taken a giant leap this year with the launch of its Certificate in Opal Studies–its first comprehensive,...
Mogok Under Attack: Myanmar’s Legendary Ruby-Mining Town Becomes the Latest Flashpoint in the Civil...
Following numerous posts on social media, we see that Mogok–Myanmar's legendary gem mining region–has been under attack for several weeks now.
According to the latest...
Understanding Fei Cui: The Trade Term Now Found on Jade Reports
Beginning June 1st, 2025, jadeite jade authenticity reports issued by Mason-Kay, started to look a little different. Mason-Kay, U.S. jade experts located in Colorado,...
Rediscovering Red: Vietnamese Garnet and the Partnership Behind Its Return
Over the course of decades in the business, Richard von Sternberg has handled more than his share of remarkable gems. He"'s built a long...
France says it’s a “Synthetic Diamond”: No (Again) to using “Lab Grown”… and Here’s...
In February of this year, we gave you several diamond discussions regarding the use of the terms "created," "lab/laboratory grown," and "synthetic." In one...
