Colored stones
Back on the block: JAR topaz earrings
One of the JAR jewels made famous at the 2006 sale of Ellen Barkin’s jewelry is up for grabs again – four years later and in the same showroom, Christie’s announced yesterday. Those who didn’t make the winning bid can try again in October, if they still have the funds. These earrings created a stir... »
Peridot: a reservation’s buried treasure
Charles Vargas is one of the few Apaches born and raised on San Carlos Reservation who left to get a college education and work in the outside world. That experience helped him recognize the treasure he and his tribe had been sitting on for more than a century: peridot. When I visited the reservation in... »
August birthstone: Peridot
First recorded peridot was found as early as 1300 B.C. on Saint John’s, an Egyptian Island in the Red Sea. It’s said that this green gem was impossible to spot by day but glowed in the dark, so was mined only after nightfall. Set in gold, peridot was said to achieve its full sun-driven power against... »
Buying pearls with design in mind
Good news: there has never been a better time to get creative with pearls. A few tips for what to look for and how to get the must luscious pearls for your money. »
Gina Pankowski: pearls in orbit
Gina Pankowski's Pearl Orbit series began when she was contemplating child-bearing - which may explain why she sees pearls as a beautiful, life-containing intrusion. Wearing one of her neckpieces will transform you into public art: "People stop to look." »
Beware: That ruby may be a glass composite
If you're in the market for rubies, read this. There's an interloper among those red beauties - and it's been spotted at mainstream retailers, priced well above its true value. »
Copal, amber and…copal amber?
Strolling past the booths of an outdoor craft festival recently, I stopped to admire a chunky beaded necklace labeled “Copal Amber,” the word “amber” in bold. ”I thought copal was different from amber,” I said to the man behind the display. “Younger, isn’t it?” The vendor grunted. “If you call thousands of years young,” he said,... »
How to spot fake gems in old jewelry
Learn what to look for in terms of color and cut, but don't expect to tell a synthetic from a real stone - and forget trying to identify something based on a digital photo. "If something looks too good to be true," Christie Romero warns, "it probably is." »
Rock stars: gem designer Michael Dyber
Michael Dyber scored the grand prize this year in two major gem-cutting competitions. Seems he's invented a new cutting technique that reflects optical illusions. Cool! »
November’s birthstone: Citrine
November birthstone citrine is not always easy to spot, ranging from pale buttery shades to deep honey. A few talented goldsmiths are doing amazing things with the whole spectrum. »