If you are studying gemology or working in the jewellery industry, the Mohs Hardness Scale is one of the first tools you will encounter. It is a simple yet powerful…
Posts TaggedGemstones
Crystals and Gemstones: The Science Behind Nature’s Most Beautiful Treasures
Walk into any jewellery store, and you will find rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and dozens of other stones that have been prized for centuries. Each one is beautiful on the surface,…
World’s Second-Largest Ruby Unearthed in Myanmar’s Mogok Valley
In mid-April 2026, miners working in the legendary Mogok Valley of Myanmar unearthed what is now being called one of the most significant ruby discoveries in modern gemological history. Weighing…
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…
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…
AGTA Unveils Two New Spectrum Awards Categories for 2026 | Innovative Design & Stuller Color of the Year
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is expanding its prestigious annual Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards for 2026, introducing two brand-new categories designed to broaden the competition’s reach and celebrate…
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…
LMHC Sets New Milestones in Standardising Gemstone Report Terminology
The global gemstone trade has long faced challenges due to inconsistent terminology in laboratory reports. To address this, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), a coalition of leading international gemological…
Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils ‘Fleurs d’Hawaï’ Collection: A Blooming Tribute to Nature and Craftsmanship
Luxury French jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled its latest high jewellery collection, Fleurs d’Hawaï, a dazzling tribute to tropical flowers, vibrant colours, and expert craftsmanship. This collection gracefully…
