Gemstone Detective Blog

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

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

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 not pick a romantic gemstone as a Valentine’s Day gift? 

They’re probably some of the diamond world’s most famous and sought-after gemstones, but what’s so special about Argyle pink diamonds? Argyle Pink Diamond. Copyright Kym Hughes @symmetryvaluations Argyle Pink Diamond. Copyright Kym Hughes @symmetryvaluations The Argyle Diamond Mine lies in the remote East Kimberly region of Western Australia, the part of the country in which most diamond mines are located. In its 37 years of operation, it has produced 385 million carats

Natural diamonds occur when carbon is exposed to extreme pressure and high temperatures in the earth’s mantle, and are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Though the mineral classed as diamond is pure carbon, most natural diamonds contain trace amounts of other elements, usually nitrogen or boron.

Like a ray of spring sunshine, it will shine a light on the dark corners of your life, allowing you to sweep away the cobwebs. Are you starting a new enterprise in January? Citrine is known as the ‘Merchant’s Stone’ and is often used to bring luck to business ventures and financial matters.

So, my favourite memory of 2020 would have to be the moments I spent with my guests in Mogok. Seeing their eyes light up when looking at the jewel-studded thrones, watching them feast on the amazing food that had been so generously prepared by our host – I wouldn’t have missed that for the world.

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

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

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

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

Vietnam’s scenery is absolutely jaw dropping.  From the other-worldly beauty of UNESCO listed Ha Long Bay (featured in many films) to the blazing red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne, you will be spoilt for natural wonders on your Vietnamese adventure.  

For those of you wondering where to try your luck, here are some of the world’s best places to go panning for gold.

The most valuable turquoise gemstones have no matrix (the non-precious stone surrounding the veins of turquoise), though the combination of turquoise and matrix can look very striking.

Enthusiasm and a fascination for gemstones often starts in childhood, when we’re entranced by our grandmother’s sapphire ring or we always make a beeline for the gemstone section of our local natural history museum.

As well as causing the floating star effect, the rutile gives the star sapphire its milky, opaque appearance.

Those who believe in the physical and spiritual healing properties of gemstones use them in several different ways.

The vast majority of blue topaz on the market has been treated to achieve its colour. Pure topaz is colourless but different colours are produced naturally, depending on the impurities present.

Travelling in a group can be an incredible and life-affirming experience as long as everyone understands group etiquette and expectations, and the same is true for a Gemstone Tour with The Gemstone Detective. If you’ve read about my travels with renowned field gemmologist, Vincent Pardieu , you’ll know that we had to spend a few lunches getting to know each other before he would invite me on one of his expeditions into the field. Vincent won’t travel with people he doesn’

If you read about my field gemmology trip with Vincent Pardieu in April 2017, you’ll know how I learned about the existence of composite gemstones and lead glass filled rubies. Lead glass filled rubies entered the market in 2004, but since many people (especially hobbyists and tourist collectors) are still unaware of their presence, I wrote about them in ‘Buying Gemstones and Jewellery in Thailand.’ After all, Thailand is a world hub for gemstone treatment and continues to