The Lighter Side of Gemology
Gemstone history, legend, lore and other fun, non-technical articles.
Four Famous Spinels
Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...
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Sapphire Symbolism
Beautiful blue colors and the star stone effect have influenced sapphire symbolism through the ages. Learn more about the legends...
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Why We Love Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires
With rich cornflower blue Yogo sapphires and fancy-colored gems in any color of the rainbow, Montana sapphires are a great...
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The World’s Largest Emeralds
Emerald crystals can grow very large. Learn about some of the world’s largest emeralds, whether rough, faceted, or carved.
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Seven Famous Emeralds and Their Stories
Some famous emeralds have amazing histories. These seven gems have gone through revolutions, shipwrecks, and thefts to become crown jewels...
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What are Black Diamonds and Carbonados?
Most black diamonds used in jewelry are enhanced, but natural black-colored diamonds do exist. Learn more about these as well...
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Garnet Symbolism
Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. The January birthstone has inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light,...
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Ten Gemstones Rarer than Diamond
If you're looking for something unique for your next jewelry purchase, check out these ten gemstones rarer than diamond. How...
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Take the Birthstone Quiz
What do you know about birthstones? Take our short birthstone quiz and learn about the makeup, cutting, and value of...
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Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha Takes on Esperanza
The Esperanza is the most valuable diamond ever mined in the US. Learn the story behind the find and the...
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Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques
Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities....
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Jade Symbolism
Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes...
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Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)
Learn everything you need to know about Ethiopian emeralds, including quality, pricing, gemology, and how they compare to those from...
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Onyx Symbolism
Onyx symbolism and lore is filled with negative associations. Learn how people have counteracted these purported effects and enjoy this...
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Moonstone Symbolism
With a silverly light that seems to come from within, moonstone has many associations with the Moon. While you certainly...
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Carnelian Symbolism
Carnelian symbolism and lore touches on health, luck, and royalty. However, just wearing these gems isn't always effective. Would-be alchemists...
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Pearl Symbolism
Prized for millennia, pearls have strong links to the Moon, value, and weddings. Learn more about pearl symbolism and the...
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Gemstones with Health Benefits
Since ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with...
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Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite
Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut...
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La Belle De Jour: A Giant Emerald Matrix
La Belle De Jour is a unique emerald matrix. Learn how it formed, where it was found, and what makes...
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History of Birthstones
What is a Birthstone?
Birthstones have become very popular for gift-givers and gem-lovers for their dazzling array of colors and...
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Six Famous Aquamarines
Aquamarines have been cut into many large and beautiful gemstones. Let’s take a look at six of the world’s most...
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Amber Symbolism
Amber has a long history of ornamental use and popular associations with animals, energy, and the Sun. Learn more about...
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Malachite Symbolism
Behind every mystical gem is a merchant. Since ancient times, malachite has been “the salesman's stone.” Learn more about malachite...
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Lapis Lazuli Symbolism
How do you say “love me” with a stone? Learn about lapis lazuli symbolism and legends. This beautiful blue mineral...
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Turquoise Symbolism
Many people consider beautiful sky blue turquoise stones to be lucky. Learn about the turquoise symbolism and lore of Native...
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Topaz Symbolism
Topaz's most popular mystical association has been with wealth. However, topaz symbolism and lore also covers areas such as health,...
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Is the 500-Pound Beleza Emerald Really Worth $280 million?
A couple claims the Beleza Emerald was lost in the Camp Fire of 2018 and was worth $280 million. The...
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The Sacred Emerald Buddha
Carved in Thailand in 2006 from a 3,600-ct emerald, “The Sacred Emerald Buddha” has a message of peace. Read the...
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Emerald Symbolism
Emerald symbolism encompasses not only royalty but also wit, eloquence, and foresight. Learn more about the legends surrounding this prized...
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Ruby Symbolism
Many cultures have long considered ruby a king's gem. Not surprisingly, ruby symbolism and lore have many associations with power,...
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Eight Famous Rubies
Blood red ruby gems have captivated people's hearts and imaginations for centuries. Read about these eight famous rubies and what...
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Eight Famous Sapphires and the Stories Behind Them
Large, beautiful, and historically important, these eight famous sapphires have fascinating stories to tell. Learn what makes them so special....
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Seven Famous Pearls and Their Histories
Cursed, perfect, or just huge, these famous pearls are fascinating. Read their history-rich tales filled with people like Kublai Khan...
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16 Famous Opals and Their Amazing Stories
These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in...
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Alternative Birthstones
Not happy with your birthstone? Explore these alternative birthstones associated with astrological signs, angels, the hour or day of your...
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Opal Symbolism
Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as...
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Amethyst Symbolism
Amethyst has many popular folkloric associations, from love and spirituality to supernatural protection. Learn more about amethyst symbolism and legends....
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Love, Marriage, and Korite
Marriage and Korite (or ammolite) both need special care. With strong support systems, both can endure. This is the story...
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What is my Birthstone?
The idea of a single birthstone for each month is a modern idea with a long history, but today's consumers...
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Gemology For Kids: Games And Activities
Make gemology for kids educational and fun with these gemstone-themed games for all ages. Try these solo and party activities....
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Gemstone Crossword Puzzle Collection
Our gemstone crossword puzzle collection is a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge of gemology, whether you’re an...
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10 Most Famous Celebrity Gemstone Rings
Colored gemstone engagement rings are a trend that has been around for awhile, and the results are unforgettable and beautiful....
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Double Eagle Mining Company
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Oregon...
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Out Back Mining Company
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what he has to share about...
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Sharing the Fun and Folklore of Gemology
My goal is to share with each of you the fun and folklore or gemstones. Since this is my first...
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Old Mine Tales
Old Mine Tales that were submitted as letters to Faceter's Digest. They are a personal history of the author's experiences...
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Interviews
The transcription of the interview of International Gem Society IGS with C.D. Parsons of Santa Paula, Calif. and Gerald Wykoff...
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