What Causes Diamond Color?

Only about 1 in 10,000 natural gem quality diamonds is fancy colored. Within that small percentage, some colors are more common than others, making certain of the colors extraordinarily rare. So, what causes us to see these various colors, and why are…

What a Gem: Chinese Jewelry Artist Dickson Yewn

In 2011, Chinese jewelry artist Dickson Yewn was relatively unknown beyond the confines of the most exclusive collecting circles. Then First Lady Michelle Obama was photographed wearing one of his rings during a state dinner honoring HM Queen…

108 carat Pink Diamond Discovered in Lesotho

A fancy intense pink rough diamond weighing 108.39 carats has been recovered in the Kingdom of Lesotho, at the Kao mine operated by Storm Mountain Diamonds. This rare Type IIa gemstone is one of the largest pink diamonds in history to have been recovered. Unlike…

Setting Recommendations for D-Z Crystal Diamond Colors

Color is one of the most important factors in a diamond’s overall beauty and value. When selecting a setting it’s important to remember that the type of metal used can have a significant impact on how a diamond’s color appears. White, yellow and…

Peridot for ‘Patty’s Day’

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world, particularly in Ireland and among those of Irish descent. It is a day of revelry, merriment, and green-themed festivities. And while it’s not possible to wear the blarney stone, one of the gemstone…

Meet bloodstone, the ‘other’ birthstone of March

Aquamarine may be more widely known, but March babies have the luxury of two birthstone choices. Both have a historic association with protection and healing, yet they look distinctly different. Meet bloodstone Bloodstone, also known as the mineral…

Three Fun Facts about Amethyst

Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is an appealing gemstone with a long and fascinating history. Throughout the centuries, amethyst has been valued for properties other than its purple aesthetic. Here are some fun facts about the beautiful birthstone…

Are there Affordable Natural Diamond Colors?

Fancy colored diamonds are very rare to find in nature. They represent less than 0.01% of diamonds mined in the world – or, about 1 in 10,000. Furthermore, nature produces some colors with far more frequency than others, so a diamond transmitting…

Canada’s Mountain Province becomes Chow Tai Fook supplier

Mountain Province Diamonds, joint-owner of Canada’s Gahcho Kué diamond mine, has announced a supply agreement with Chow Tai Fook, one of the world’s top jewelers. Under the terms of the agreement, Chow Tai Fook will purchase a selected range…

Diamond Clarity Chart with Eye-Clean Definition

In Diamond 4Cs analysis, clarity evaluates a gemstone’s relative freedom from inclusions and blemishes. There are 11 different clarity grades which descend gradually from flawless. However, nuanced gemological analysis notwithstanding, many buyers…

Ancient Ruby Teaches Secrets of Life

As a gemophile, it’s easy to become fascinated by collections of finished jewels, what great gems are on display in which museums, etc.  I get excited by knowing which amazing pieces are being auctioned – I’m looking at you “Gate of Paradise”…

Six Spectacular Sapphires for September

Happy Birthday, September sisters and brothers. To you fun, gracious, fair-minded, Libras – I know I needn’t twist your arm to convince you to celebrate. Have some scintillating fun this month. To you kind, loyal, analytical Virgos – try…