This article presents information about the CVD process, the history of its development, and properties that differentiate the resulting synthetic crystals from natural diamond.

The distinction of natural from cultured pearls traditionally has been based on X-radiography. X-ray computed microtomography (μ-CT) has recently been applied to gain more insight into pearl ...

Learn more about what causes a diamond to chip, and 8 tips on how you can avoid chipping your diamond.

While more people are becoming familiar with lab-grown diamonds, many still don’t know how they are actually made. Learn about the two diamond growth processes, HPHT and CVD.

ABSTRACT Aquamarine and heliodor are colored by Fe ions, an important coloring agent for beryl. Blue to yellow gem beryl was studied by quantitative spectroscopy and trace-element analytical ...

GIA researchers report on a new nickel-diffusion treatment used to modify color in spinel and present criteria for identification.

Carbon is one of the most important elements on our planet, which led the Geological Society of London to name 2019 the Year of Carbon. Diamonds are a main host for carbon in the deep earth and also ...

Reports on a visit to a shell nucleus manufacturer and two pearl farms in northern Vietnam, which is emerging as a notable producer.

Natural pearl identification is one of the critical problems in pearl research. The DNA study of pearly mollusks and oysters facilitates solving this problem. To fulfill this goal, GIA sent a group ...

Sri Lanka’s gemstone and jewelry industry blends traditional practices and experience with the needs of the modern global market. Photo by Andrew Lucas/GIA. To visit Sri Lanka is to experience one of ...

A behind-the-scenes exploration of the Smithsonian's Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.

Diamonds have a long history as a premier gemstone—a natural consequence of their beauty, rarity, and superlative physical properties such as extreme hardness. Diamonds that are mined for use as ...