Diamond Rarity, Quality, and Cost
Word is out that diamonds aren’t that rare. So, why are they still so expensive? Learn about diamond rarity and quality and how they impact cost.…
Word is out that diamonds aren’t that rare. So, why are they still so expensive? Learn about diamond rarity and quality and how they impact cost.…
Do white sapphires make good alternatives to diamonds? Compare their qualities and learn how to choose the right engagement ring stone for you.…
Can you save money with an I1 clarity diamond and still have a nice-looking engagement ring? Learn how to look for an affordable and eye-clean center…
You’ll have to make many decisions when you choose a diamond for your engagement ring. Here are nine things you should know before buying a diamond.…
Does a VS1 clarity diamond offer a good balance between quality and price? Learn how to compare clarity grades so you can pick a good eye-clean ring…
The old European cut (OEC) has a lovely charm. Learn what makes an OEC diamond special and how to find the best one for your engagement ring.
Although an SI2 clarity diamond has a low clarity grade, you can still find one that will look good in an engagement ring. Learn how to shop for one.…
What diamond color will look best in a rose gold engagement ring? In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to pick the right stone for this…
Super ideal cut diamonds meet exacting standards for top visual performance. But are they worth the extra cost? Before you buy, learn about these…
A trillion-cut diamond makes a distinctive center stone, but finding a good one can be difficult. Learn how to choose the best quality stone for…
If you like the diamond look but want something different, learn the pros and cons of these white gems and find the right mined-diamond alternative…
An SI1 clarity diamond might be a bargain, but can you find one that looks great? Learn how to assess these diamonds and choose one that’s right…
Is an E color diamond a good choice for your engagement ring? Learn why the second-best white diamond color grade might not be worth the cost.
When is a VS clarity diamond the best option for your engagement ring? Learn about diamond clarity grades and how to choose the stone that’s right…
Finding the best diamond color for your budget and style can be a challenge. Learn how to choose a diamond color for a yellow gold engagement ring.…
How will a VS2 clarity diamond look in an engagement ring? Learn if it’s the right stone for you and how to pick the best one within your budget.
An I clarity diamond has a low clarity grade, but can it look OK in an engagement ring? Learn the pros and cons of these stones and how to find a great…
Finding the best diamond color for a white gold engagement ring can be tricky. Read our complete guide to finding the best color for your ring and…
Clarity grades are the most confusing part of diamond engagement ring buying. See what an SI clarity diamond looks like and learn how to pick the…
What’s working in a gem lab like? Gemology tools expert Cara Williams talks about the challenges as well as the most useful equipment for identifying…
Jade is one of the most popular and expensive gemstones. It can also receive many enhancements. Learn about jade treatments and how to identify…
Some gems contain both natural and lab-made components. Learn about these hybrid gemstones and how to distinguish them from mined gems.
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. Learn how quartz forms and how its most popular varieties get their colors.
Gemstone coatings are a simple way to enhance color and luster. Learn about commonly coated gems, different coating techniques, and how to detect…
There are so many common gemstone treatments available today that keeping track of them can be difficult. This list and handy cheat sheet can help.…
Topaz requires specific and unusual conditions to form. Learn how topaz develops and how it gets its colors, from yellow and blue to rare and valuable…
Gemstone treatments and synthetics are becoming more sophisticated. Learn about the advanced gemology equipment that gem labs use to stay ahead…
A set of color filters can be helpful in the field and in the lab. Learn the limitations and uses of color filters for gemology.
Thinking about a tourmaline engagement ring? Learn everything you need to know to buy your perfect gem, from hardness and durability to color connoisseurship.…
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming popular options for engagement ring stones. Learn the truth about these gems in our FAQ and make your own informed…
Tourmalines are a large mineral group with a variety of chemical compositions. Learn how tourmalines form and why so many colors can appear in one…
Mined emeralds are expensive, so lab-made emeralds are an attractive option for consumers. Learn how these synthetic gems are made and how to identify…
Appraising emeralds is a key skill for all jewelers and gemologists. Learn how to evaluate the quality of these rare green gemstones.
A favorite color for nature-inspired designs, green gemstones never go out of style. Learn which of these 32 green gems hold up best for engagement…
If you like green, you’ll love an emerald engagement ring. However, judging emerald quality is complicated. Learn how to find the best gem for…
In a recent interview, Jeffery Bergman talks about his decades-long career as a sapphire expert and connoisseur and offers his advice for beginners.…
Some famous emeralds have amazing histories. These seven gems have gone through revolutions, shipwrecks, and thefts to become crown jewels and…
If you like red, ruby isn’t your only gemstone option. Here are 23 different red gemstones. Learn which ones are durable enough for ring use and…
A traditional favorite, a ruby engagement ring stone symbolizes love and passion. Learn how to find the gem that best fits your budget and style.…
Appraising blue sapphires is a critical skill for any jeweler or gemologist. Learn the basics you’ll need to evaluate one of the most popular…
Whether large, beautiful, or historically important, these famous sapphires have fascinating stories to tell. Learn what makes these eight…
Novice gemologists and jewelers may find appraising pearls difficult. Our guide will show you how to appraise and grade different types of cultured…
With dark bodies and colorful sheens, beautiful Tahitian pearls have mesmerized jewelry lovers for decades. Learn more about these and other…
Bright orange colors and flames that seem to dance across the surface make the melo pearl a fascinating gem choice. Learn how to find a quality specimen.…
Cursed, perfect, or just huge, these famous pearls are fascinating. Read their history-rich tales filled with people like Kublai Khan and Elizabeth…
Did you know that routine pearl treatments are the most common enhancements in the gem trade? Learn more about these procedures and how they impact…
As consumers compare price and quality, freshwater cultured pearls are rapidly becoming more popular than Akoyas. Learn more about these amazing…
Many consumers don’t understand the difference between natural pearls and cultured pearls. Learn what these terms mean and how to distinguish…
These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in this article.
With so many opal treatments on the market, it’s important to understand the different enhancement processes. Read on to learn how to detect…
Opal connoisseurs all have their favorite opal patterns. Learn how to identify the patterns of these beautiful gems with plenty of photo and video…
How can you be sure that a piece of opal for sale is genuine? Learn about the major types of opal simulants and how to distinguish them from the real…
Distinguishing synthetic opal from a mined gem is a vital skill for opal dealers. Learn about five different types of lab-made opal and what they…
Headed out to the opal fields? Read on to learn more about opal prospecting and mining, plus some expert tips for finding precious opal beneath your…
Vintage engagement rings come in many different styles, but designs from four eras are very popular today. Learn more and find that perfect vintage…
Three carats is a dream size for many diamond shoppers. Learn about current prices and how to find the best three-carat diamond within your budget.…
If you’re trying to create an ethical engagement ring, you have some research ahead. Our guide can help you shop for ethically sourced gemstones…
Opal is a complicated gemstone, and many factors affect its price. Learn how to distinguish these eight opal types and how they differ in value.…
Exceptionally sparkly, radiant-cut diamonds are great for engagement rings. But how can you find a top-quality gem? Read our tips for buying radiants…
Buying a diamond but unsure about the girdle? Learn everything you need to know about diamond girdles, including thickness ratings and girdle…
A two-carat diamond engagement ring is sure to turn heads. Learn how to choose a top-quality diamond in this size while staying in your budget.
Your budget, style, and expectations will impact the size diamond you choose for your jewelry. Read our guide to see what carat diamond works best…
A beautiful and versatile shape, marquise-cut diamonds are perfect for unique engagement rings. Learn how to pick the stone that’s best for…
Choosing a five-carat diamond isn’t as simple as finding a diamond in a smaller size. Read our insider tips to find the right rock for your engagement…
Choosing a setting is the most important decision when shopping for a ring. Read about your options in this comprehensive guide to engagement ring…
Debating moissanite vs diamond for your engagement ring? Learn how they compare in beauty, durability, and price and pick the gem that’s best…
Don’t be fooled by overgraded diamonds. Learn how diamond certification from different labs can impact the quality of the stone you purchase.…
With elegant curves, cushion-cut diamonds have a classic, timeless style. Learn the pros and cons of cushions and how to find the best one for your…
If you’re a first-time buyer, you may be worried about diamond polish and symmetry grades. But what do these grades mean, and do they impact price?…
Dreaming of a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring? Learn the pros and cons and read our expert advice to find the perfect pear for your style and…
A D color flawless diamond has the highest color and clarity grade — and the biggest price tag. Are these premium diamonds worth the extra money?…
Buying a one-carat diamond ring shouldn’t be confusing. Learn how to pick the ring that’s best for you in our six-step, money-saving guide.
Although cut for perfect symmetry and top performance, is a Hearts and Arrows diamond worth the high price? Learn more and decide what’s best…
Considering different diamond shapes for your engagement ring? Learn how shape affects size and cost and read their pros & cons to see what’s best…
Some advice you might find on diamond fluorescence is outdated. Learn how fluorescence really affects your diamond’s color grade and price…
Not sure what your gem is? Try these 13 at-home tests to spot a fake diamond — and learn what these tests really mean. Or, take it to a lab to be 100%…
The mesmerizing patterns of emerald & asscher-cut diamonds can give engagement rings a subtle style. Learn how to find a quality diamond within…
Searching for an ethical engagement ring? Learn about conflict-free diamonds, issues with artisanal mining, and how to find a ring that’s right…
Princess-cut diamonds are an excellent alternative to rounds. Learn the 4Cs for princess cuts and how to choose the best diamonds for your engagement…
Before spending money on a VVS diamond, read about the pros and cons of diamonds with this clarity grade. What you learn might surprise you!
Don’t let the bowtie effect keep you from buying an oval-cut diamond. With prices lower than rounds, ovals are also a stylish choice for engagement…
Searching for diamonds online shouldn’t be so complex. Use our recommended parameters to buy the best diamond for your engagement ring — and…
Gemstones are creatures of light. Learn how lighting impacts gem sales and get recommendations for high-quality artificial lighting for gems.…
If you’re considering adding toxic and radioactive gems to your collection, be on the safe side. Learn the basics of toxicity, how to minimize exposure,…
Gem faceters and jewelry enthusiasts alike should learn about gemstone toxicity. This table has toxicity ratings for 280+ gems, based on their…
Looking for a fun summertime gem? Watermelon tourmaline adds a pop of color that’s perfect for a playful summer look. Learn about the quality factors…
Padparadscha sapphires get their name from the Sinhalese word for “lotus colored.” This rare and elusive gem generates some debate among…
We’ve tallied your opinions from our gem treatment survey. Are treated gems natural? How much should they cost? With a wide variety of attitudes…
Symbolic of sea and sky, blue has always been a popular color for gems. Learn how to assess color in blue gemstones and see which ones hold up best in…
Gem experts compare the bright, neon-green hues of Ethiopian emeralds to paraíba tourmalines and extra-fine Colombian emeralds. Learn what…
Considering a conch pearl buying trip to the Caribbean? Quality factors for these gems differ from colored gemstones. Before you make a purchase,…
Whether you’re a gem cutting hobbyist or a professional, new to the business or an old-timer, it’s always good to brush up on safety. This article…
Looking to sell in the niche market of rare and collectible gemstones? A good strategy for marketing and selling rare gemstones will put you in touch…
With bright, apple-green hues, chrysoprase makes an attractive, eye-catching jewelry stone. If you’re looking for a top-quality gem, read…
From bright, sunny colors to deep golden hues, yellow gemstones are warm and inviting. Learn how to assess the quality of yellow gems, and find out…
With only a few produced each year, pink diamonds are among the rarest gems on the planet. Learn how quality impacts cost for these rarities in our…
With rich cornflower blue Yogo sapphires and fancy-colored gems in any color of the rainbow, Montana sapphires are a great choice for any jewelry…
From the seemingly common to the utterly obscure, you wouldn’t guess these ten gemstones are rarer than a diamond! If you’re looking for something…
With bright rainbow iridescence, ammolite is sure to draw attention. Read about this gem’s unique quality factors before your next ammolite…
Some gems have an appeal beyond their appearance. If you’re looking for a gem with a story to tell, try these unique gem materials for jewelry design.…
Silky golden rutile inclusions in quartz have become quite popular. Read our rutilated quartz buying guide to help you choose a stone for your next…
There’s no denying the raw stone jewelry trend. Read this article for tips on incorporating raw stones into your jewelry design and for cleaning…
Soft, violet-blue hues have made iolite a popular stone. Read about the quality factors for this trendy gem in our iolite buying guide.
Although many gem enthusiasts want to become collectors, they may not know where to begin. Read this article for tips on how to start a gem collection.…
Paraíba’s neon blue hues stunned the gem world in the 1980s. Read about the quality factors for this striking gem in our paraíba tourmaline…
Satisfying the human desire for symmetry, trapiche gems have a special allure. Learn what makes these rarities so unique in our introductory article.…
Wearing gems in cufflinks is a great way to add personality and style to an otherwise standard tuxedo. Read about ways to incorporate gems in cufflinks.…
Stunning green hues and a brilliance that outshines diamond combine to make demantoids truly captivating. Read more in our demantoid garnet buying…
Citrine’s affordable autumn hues make it a great option for trendy jewelry. Read about the quality factors for this stylish gem in our citrine…
Blue diamonds are among the rarest and most prized diamonds. Our blue diamond buying guide will help consumers understand the value factors for…
Rare and fragile, kunzite challenges lapidaries and delights jewelry aficionados. Our kunzite buying guide can help you add this gem to your collection.…
Although often overlooked, quartz is available in many styles at reasonable prices. Our crystalline quartz buying guide can help you pick your…
One of the earliest known gems, amber’s bright sunshine hues delight and enthrall. Learn more about this ancient gem’s qualities in our amber…
Fancy colored yellow diamonds are becoming increasingly popular. Our yellow diamond buying guide has the information you need before your next…
Deep-water coral displays bright, rich reds and delicate pinks. Our precious coral buying guide will help you choose a gem for your next jewelry…
With so many colors and varieties available, garnet buying can be daunting. Whether starting your collection or completing it, our guide can help.…
Known for stunning, saturated hues, tourmaline is a colorful and modern gemstone. Read about quality factors for this gem in our tourmaline buying…
With sheen reminiscent of moonlight, moonstone is treasured across civilizations. Our moonstone buying guide can help you pick a gem for your…
“The Stone of Heaven,” jade has an unmatched elegance. Learn more about the unique quality factors of both jadeite and nephrite in our jade…
With over 900 vendors and numerous geologic rarities, the 2017 Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase had plenty to see. Read about some highlights in…
New to the gem trade or just a hobbyist? Don’t be intimidated! Follow these tips for your first gem show to make the most out of the event.
Long valued for its brilliance, zircon is a natural and affordable beauty. Learn more about the quality factors for this gem in our zircon buying…
Decorative, patterned forms of agate are excellent natural gems. Learn more about agate’s mesmerizing patterns in our agate buying guide.
Vivid color change makes alexandrite one of the world’s most coveted stones. Our alexandrite buying guide can help you find the best gem for your…
Revered for millennia, sky blue turquoise still has a dedicated following. Our turquoise buying guide can help you pick a gem for your next jewelry…
Colorado has a lot to offer gemologists and rock hunters. Before you visit, learn about Colorado gemstones as well as notable gem shows, museums,…
No gem evokes the blue-green colors of the sea like aquamarine. Our aquamarine buying guide can help you choose the best gemstone for your jewelry…
Morganite has become a popular jewelry stone, especially for engagement rings. Our morganite buying guide can help you pick a great gem for any…
Long valued for its purple color and symbolic associations, amethyst is a versatile gem. Our amethyst buying guide can help you pick an excellent…
Our lapis lazuli buying guide can help you learn how to grade these gems, what to avoid, and how to identify a high quality stone or a bargain in the…
Our emerald buying guide can help you learn how these gems are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a high quality stone or a bargain in the rough.…
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