What are Inclusions? Pick up any natural gemstone and hold it under a loupe. Chances are, you will find something inside it, a tiny crystal, a wispy fracture, a bubble…
Browsing CategoryBLOG Explore the IIG South blog for expert diamond grading tips, jewelry design trends, and career guides in the gemstone industry.
Explore the IIG South blog for expert diamond grading tips, jewelry design trends, and career guides in the gemstone industry.
Diamond Cuts Explained
Choosing the right diamond cut is one of the most important decisions in buying a diamond. The cut determines how light moves through a stone, affecting its brilliance, fire, and…
The Ultimate Guide to Gemstone Settings
You’ve found the perfect gemstone, but now comes an equally important decision: how will it be set? The gemstone settings isn’t just about aesthetics; it affects how secure your stone…
Natural, Synthetic & Simulated Gemstones: What’s the Difference?
Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, studying gemology, or building a jewellery business, understanding the difference between natural, synthetic, and simulated gemstones is essential. These three categories are…
Top 10 Skills Jewellery Designers Must Master in 2026
The jewellery industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Technology, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences are redefining how jewellery is designed, manufactured, and marketed. For jewellery designers entering the industry in…
Precious vs. Semi-Precious Gemstones: What’s the Real Difference?
Many people use the terms “precious” and “semi-precious” without fully understanding what they mean or whether the distinction even matters anymore. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a diamond from…
The Art of Gemstone Carving
Gemstone carving is one of humanity’s oldest art forms, with origins stretching back to prehistoric times. Known formally as glyptic art from the Greek glyphein, meaning “to carve”, it encompasses…
From Classroom to the Field — IIG South Students Explore Gemology in the Real World
The Gemology and Diamond students of IIG South recently had the opportunity to step beyond the four walls of the classroom and into the field, as part of an educational…
Jewellery Design Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Craftsmanship and Innovation
Jewellery design awards play a vital role in recognizing excellence in creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation within the gem and jewellery industry. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet driven by contemporary…
Romance in Jewelry: Love Stories That Shaped History and Design
Throughout history, jewelry has been more than mere adornment; it has been the silent witness to humanity’s greatest love stories. From emperors who built monuments to honor their beloved to…
