Australia is known for its opals, and in 2003 an opal miner named John Dunstan was mining in the remote outback town of Coober Pedy when he discovered what would prove to be the finest specimen of opal that has ever been seen. Named the Virgin Rainbow for its amazing and varied colors and iridescences,…
The Plant That Guides Diamond Hunters in Liberia
You may not envision the search for diamonds as a hunt that requires a specific set of tracking skills, but in fact, diamond hunters rely on a number of telltale signs to spot rocks that could potentially contain diamonds. Now, thanks to a recent discovery in geobotany, also known as the study of the geographical…
Our Favorite Fall Gemstones of 2015
Fall is in full swing, so we thought that this was the perfect time to highlight some of our favorite fall gemstone trends for this season! For this fall, we’re seeing a trend towards rich, vibrant tones, such as greens, purples, and oranges. Here are our top picks for fall 2015 gemstones: Garnet With many…
3D Printing is Poised to Shake Up the Jewelry Industry
3D printing is changing the way we think about manufacturing in many industries, and now it seems Jewelry is no exception to the trend. Lionel Theodore Dean, a designer whose projects range in subject from cars to motorcycles to light fixtures, has made the first-ever line of precious-metal jewelry that was created wholly via 3D…
First Fine Jewelry and Timepiece Awards Held in Paris
Before smartphones, laptops, and handheld tablet devices, whenever we wanted to know the time, we stretched out our arm and glanced at our wrist. These days, watches might not be the ubiquitous fashion accessories they once were, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a devoted contingent of jewelers and fashionistas who hold a deep…
The Brooch is Back
Looking for an elegant gift to give to someone special for the upcoming holidays or a landmark birthday? How about a brooch? Did you think they’d gone out of style? Well, we’re here to tell you that brooches are back—and in fact, this classic piece may have never left at all! The brooch has been…
$12 Million Private Gem Collection Headed for Auction
There are few things more elegant than precious gemstones. From rubies to the rarest of diamonds, people have been in awe of their magnificent beauty for centuries. Of course, the more precious and rare the gem, the more financially valuable they become. Gem collections all across the globe end up in family inheritances and estate…
5 Little-Known Facts about Diamonds
There’s plenty of cultural significance and status associated with diamonds in today’s society, but one of the most interesting things about diamonds is their history. They’ve been important to other cultures for thousands of years, from the Ancient Greeks and Romans, to the Egyptians, to European kings from the Renaissance era. Here are some little-known…
The Science of Light and Diamonds
Do you ever wonder why diamonds seem to sparkle? Well, it’s not exactly the reflection of romance; there’s actually some science behind it! In fact, the sparkle of a diamond is due to a combination of its natural internal properties and the way it is cut. It is the craftsmanship of the diamond, coupled with…
Summer Gemstone Guide
With a warm summer around the corner, June, July and August birthstones will be popular choices, as well as a few other stones that represent the sun and natures growth. Here are some great stones for a summer birthday or jewelry purchase for those fond of the summer weather. Pearl The traditional June birthstone,…