The Gem and Jewelry World's foremost Resource
on The Internet. Open to the public, Free of Charge! We are here to build a strong pool of
information for the benefit of Web's jewelers and craftsmen - and those
interested in jewelry and gemstones.
My cats like to participate in most of my activities. Their "assistance" generally involves batting supplies off my desk. When they sit and stare at me, it's easy to see how one of my favorite gemstones, cat's-eye chrysoberyl, got its name.... (2001) Complete Story
Long associated with Spring and birth, gloriously green emeralds have an extensive history of healing and supernatural powers. Green is Nature's most soothing color, and early physicians instructed their patients to look through pieces of emerald to ease fatigue and treat eye diseases.... (2001) Complete Story
"My birthstone is emerald," a potential customer recently told me. "But I don't like green," she continued, "so I never buy gemstones." Do we, and our customers, have choices when it comes to selecting a birthstone? What can we do when we don't like or can't afford the gemstone assigned to our month of birth? What should we suggest to our customers when they ask for help in selecting the "right" birthstone?.... (1996) Complete Story
Many gemstone owners enjoy wearing their treasures. Few things can ruin that enjoyment faster than the discovery of damage such as scratches, chips, or discoloration. Unfortunately, some damage is permanent. The good news is that proper cleaning and care prevents most gemstone damage.... (2001) Complete Story
Tourmaline is one of the most unusual of all gemstones. Unlike other gems, which we often identify with a single color, tourmaline comes in every hue. Often more than one color occurs in the same crystal. Watermelon tourmaline, which is pale.... (2001) Complete Story