Gemstones
What Gemstones Can Be Lab Grown?
Summary Lab-grown gemstones include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, spinel, alexandrite, and many semi-precious stones such as amethyst, garnet, and quartz. These stones are created in laboratories using advanced techniques that replicate the natural conditions in which gems form, resulting in stones that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. Lab-created gemstones are […]
August 15, 2025
How to Read a GIA Diamond Grading Report
Summary A GIA Diamond Grading Report provides an expert, unbiased assessment of a diamond’s quality based on the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight — along with details about proportions, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, and a unique report number. Understanding how to read this report helps you verify a diamond’s authenticity and value before […]
June 3, 2024
Where Do Pearls Come From?
Summary Pearls come from oysters and mussels—marine or freshwater mollusks that form these gems naturally when an irritant, like a grain of sand, enters their shell. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, eventually creating a pearl. Today, most pearls are cultured, meaning they’re grown with human assistance in controlled environments, while natural […]
May 20, 2024
What Is the Significance of Birthstone Jewelry?
Summary Birthstone jewelry holds deep personal and symbolic meaning, representing each month of the year with a unique gemstone tied to history, personality traits, and good fortune. People wear birthstones for protection, luck, and self-expression, making them popular for gifts and personal keepsakes. Beyond their beauty, birthstones serve as timeless symbols of identity and emotional […]
April 26, 2024
What is a Herkimer Diamond?
Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals, boasting exceptional clarity and natural facets. These crystals were formed millions of years ago within the dolostone rocks of Herkimer County, New York, and the surrounding Mohawk River Valley. The crystals are stunning works of nature that have a diamond-like geometrical shape hence the name Herkimer “diamonds”. While not […]
March 25, 2024
Is a Cultured Pearl a Real Pearl?
Summary Yes, a cultured pearl is a real pearl—it’s formed in the same way as natural pearls, but with a little help from human intervention. Instead of forming by chance in the wild, a cultured pearl begins when a small bead or tissue is placed inside an oyster or mussel to encourage pearl growth. The […]
March 15, 2024
What is Tsavorite?
Summary Tsavorite is a rare and vibrant green gemstone from the garnet family, prized for its brilliant sparkle and rich emerald-like hue. Discovered in East Africa in the 1960s, tsavorite is 100% natural—no heat or chemical treatments—making it one of the most vivid and durable gemstones for fine jewelry. Its rarity, brilliance, and pure green […]
January 22, 2024
Can a Birthstone Be an Engagement Ring?
A growing trend in the engagement ring world is using your partner’s birthstone, which speaks to a growing desire for individuality and personal symbolism and moving beyond mass-produced designs towards something genuinely unique. While this can be a romantic and beautiful idea, not all birthstones are durable enough for daily wear. Keep reading to learn […]
December 11, 2023
Can Opal Jewelry Be Worn Everyday?
Opal is a beautiful gemstone known for its captivating play-of-color, displaying flashes of different colors when viewed from different angles, and is one of the most unique gemstones in the world. While opal is a rather fragile stone, and requires special attention and care, there are ways to set it and protect it for use […]
December 4, 2023
Are Emeralds Too Soft For Engagement Rings?
Emeralds are commonly referred to as a “soft” gem, which implies that they scratch easily and are difficult to maintain. The problem with this notion is that emeralds are actually extremely hard and quite scratch-resistant. While they aren’t as indestructible as diamonds, and may need a little extra care and attention, emeralds are actually a […]
November 20, 2023
Are Sapphire Engagement Rings Popular?
Traditionally, engagement rings have been designed with diamonds, but other gemstones have begun to gain popularity. Nowadays people may want to wear a little color, and are choosing gems like emeralds, rubies, or sapphires for their rings. Sapphires in particular have surged in popularity, with their stunning hues and durable nature, they’re a great alternative. […]
October 9, 2023
How to Spot Fake Pearls
While most precious gems are formed in the Earth, pearls are the only “gemstone” created inside of a living creature. Pearls are created mostly by oysters in freshwater or saltwater environments. Natural pearls formed without human intervention are extremely rare, almost all pearls on the market today are cultured. Fake or imitation pearls are man-made […]
September 26, 2023