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Gemstone Detective Blog

Want to learn from an expert? This gemstone blog is run by gemmologist, Kim Rix, to impart all the knowledge she has learnt since 2015. Her goal has been to spread lessons she learnt the hard way and simplify the world of gemstones for others. Additionally, as a photographer, author and solo traveller she has much to offer her audience in terms of wisdom. This blog is an aggregate of just that.

Discovering the Unexpected: My Field Gemmology Experience

Discovering the Unexpected: My Field Gemmology Experience

Discovering the Unexpected: My Field Gemmology Experience

Vincent’s unexpected test on the street taught me to continually refine my skills and remain vigilant.

Mar 10, 20243 min read

Essential Tips for Making Confident and Wise Buying Decisions

Essential Tips for Making Confident and Wise Buying Decisions

Essential Tips for Making Confident and Wise Buying Decisions

Ten essential tips for buying gemstones and jewellery.

Aug 11, 20212 min read

Watermelon tourmaline: A juicy gemstone for summertime

Watermelon tourmaline: A juicy gemstone for summertime

Watermelon tourmaline: A juicy gemstone for summertime

Expert knowledge about watermelon tourmaline.

Jul 1, 20212 min read

Great British family activities for mini rockhounds and gemstone enthusiasts

Great British family activities for mini rockhounds and gemstone enthusiasts

Great British family activities for mini rockhounds and gemstone enthusiasts

Here are my top recommendations for family days out in England, Scotland and Wales.

Jun 9, 20212 min read

Explore Great Britain: Discover What Makes It A Must-Visit Destination

Explore Great Britain: Discover What Makes It A Must-Visit Destination

Explore Great Britain: Discover What Makes It A Must-Visit Destination

We may not be one of the world’s bigger countries, but there are certainly plenty of reasons to visit Britain for your holiday.

May 20, 20212 min read

National Lookalike Day – 20 April 2021

National Lookalike Day – 20 April 2021

National Lookalike Day – 20 April 2021

What gemstones look like diamonds? Here's my pick of the gemstones that look most like diamonds,

Apr 20, 20213 min read

The perfect romantic gemstone for Valentine’s Day

The perfect romantic gemstone for Valentine’s Day

The perfect romantic gemstone for Valentine’s Day

When the shops fill up with pink, red and purple, you know that Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us. Instead of chocolates or flowers, why...

Feb 3, 20212 min read

The Beauty and Rarity of Argyle Pink Diamonds: What Sets Them Apart?

The Beauty and Rarity of Argyle Pink Diamonds: What Sets Them Apart?

The Beauty and Rarity of Argyle Pink Diamonds: What Sets Them Apart?

They’re probably some of the diamond world’s most famous and sought-after gemstones, but what’s so special about Argyle pink diamonds?...

Jan 26, 20212 min read

Natural or Lab-grown diamond – which speaks to your heart?

Natural or Lab-grown diamond – which speaks to your heart?

Natural or Lab-grown diamond – which speaks to your heart?

With Valentine’s Day only a few weeks away, loved-up couples everywhere are beginning their search for the perfect diamond engagement...

Jan 20, 20213 min read

Could living with these 5 gemstones for optimism help you feel more positive about this year?

Could living with these 5 gemstones for optimism help you feel more positive about this year?

Could living with these 5 gemstones for optimism help you feel more positive about this year?

Lockdown has eased and I think we could all use some gemstones for optimism! The year’s end is often a time to reflect on the past 12...

Dec 30, 20202 min read

Remembering the best, proudest and favourite moments of this year

Remembering the best, proudest and favourite moments of this year

Remembering the best, proudest and favourite moments of this year

Thinking about my 2020 Year in Review: It’s been a roller-coaster ride of mixed emotions. The first few months of lockdown felt like an...

Dec 16, 20203 min read

The Fascinating History and Cultural Significance of Whitby Jet

The Fascinating History and Cultural Significance of Whitby Jet

The Fascinating History and Cultural Significance of Whitby Jet

Since the death of Prince Albert on this day in 1861, jet has been associated with mourning jewellery worn by Queen Victoria.

Dec 14, 20202 min read

Are You An Experience Hunter, Memento Collector Or Happy Snapper?

Are You An Experience Hunter, Memento Collector Or Happy Snapper?

Are You An Experience Hunter, Memento Collector Or Happy Snapper?

Five types of traveller. Which one are you? Experience Hunter, Memento collector or someone who likes taking photos - the happy snapper?

Dec 9, 20203 min read

Warning! These fascinating Scottish Gemstones could have you dancing on the table!

Warning! These fascinating Scottish Gemstones could have you dancing on the table!

Warning! These fascinating Scottish Gemstones could have you dancing on the table!

I wonder how many UK gemstone enthusiasts, jewellers and collectors know just what treasures can be found in Scotland’s beautiful landscape!

Nov 29, 20203 min read

How My Adoption Story Helped Me Find My Voice and Embrace My Identity

How My Adoption Story Helped Me Find My Voice and Embrace My Identity

How My Adoption Story Helped Me Find My Voice and Embrace My Identity

Today is National Adoption Day 2023 UK, traditionally celebrated on the Saturday before the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. So, what makes...

Nov 23, 20202 min read

Why Quality Matters: The Importance of Investing in Genuine Gemstones

Why Quality Matters: The Importance of Investing in Genuine Gemstones

Why Quality Matters: The Importance of Investing in Genuine Gemstones

What do you check for when buying a quality gemstone? What is a good quality gemstone?

Nov 12, 20202 min read

Embrace a new and rich culture with us in 2021

Embrace a new and rich culture with us in 2021

Embrace a new and rich culture with us in 2021

There are countless reasons to visit Vietnam, so I can’t wait for April 2021, when I’ll be leading a gemstone tour in this fascinating...

Oct 29, 20202 min read

Get Rich Quick! You Too Can Find Gold Worldwide

Get Rich Quick! You Too Can Find Gold Worldwide

Get Rich Quick! You Too Can Find Gold Worldwide

Calling all gold diggers: Did you read about the two lucky gold hunters who last month unearthed a pair of enormous gold nuggets in...

Oct 22, 20204 min read

The Untold Stories of Turquoise: Discovering Its Secrets, Myths, and Legends

The Untold Stories of Turquoise: Discovering Its Secrets, Myths, and Legends

The Untold Stories of Turquoise: Discovering Its Secrets, Myths, and Legends

As today is Indigenous People’s Day in the US, it seems like the perfect time to take a closer look at Turquoise—a gemstone precious and...

Oct 12, 20202 min read

The Rarity and Rich History Behind Welsh Gold: A Closer Look

The Rarity and Rich History Behind Welsh Gold: A Closer Look

The Rarity and Rich History Behind Welsh Gold: A Closer Look

You may have heard that there’s gold in them thar (Welsh) hills, but did you know that Welsh gold has adorned the ring finger of every...

Oct 8, 20203 min read

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