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Beryllium diffusion typically brightens the color of ruby or sapphire, making a stone more yellow, orange, or red, depending on the original color. Because the color change can go all the way through the stone, the treatment is more difficult to identify than traditional diffusion, which is an easily-detected surface treatment. When beryllium diffusion was first introduced to the market in 2001, uncertainty about disclosure created a controversy that led to a sharp drop in prices for the diffused stones. Today, beryllium-diffused corundum sells for a fraction of the price of its natural or heated counterparts....
(2006) Complete Story
For the residents of South Africa poorest neighborhoods, jewelry makes for a fresh start. Until 10 years ago, global economic sanctions against South Africa generally forced South African companies to keep their manufacturing in-house out of necessity. Post-apartheid, after sanctions were dropped, the rand remained relatively weak against most foreign currencies, again necessitating domestic manufacture. It comes as somewhat of a surprise, therefore, to hear that the consensus among South African jewelers is that there aren not enough of them in the first place.... (2005) Complete Story
The 2005 American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards competition concluded in October with 57 winners chosen from a field of 420 gemstone and jewelry entries. The Spectrum Awards competition encompasses two major awards: the Spectrum Awards for outstanding jewelry design and the Cutting Edge Awards for the lapidary arts. Within the Spectrum Awards, additional prizes are given for the Manufacturing Honors and the Platinum Honors..... (2005) Complete Story
