Those letters and numbers are the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) gem clarity grading codes. Jewelers and gemologists frequently use this system. To understand what the codes mean, […]
Humankind’s fascination with precious stones long predates the establishment of gemology. The Romans believed that diamonds were splinters of falling stars, while the ancient Greeks considered […]
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons / Smithsonian Institution Archives, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons by Stacy Conradt – Mentafloss.com On September 11, 1792, the Hope Diamond was […]
Sapphire Few gems have held our attention over millennia as well as sapphire. The pure blue colors and excellent durability of this gem-quality member of the […]
We may covet gemstones for their beauty, but their real value lies in what they tell scientists about the extreme forces at work deep underground. Around […]
Most gemstones will respond well to warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush at home. However, some gems do have sensitivities. Familiarize yourself with these, […]
New York—Christie’s sale of historic Indian jewelry and art was expected to be big, and it did not disappoint. The auction netted a whopping $109.3 million […]