Posts Tagged ‘Sri Lanka’

Colorful Engagement Rings are Center Stage

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Celebrity brides are becoming known by their engagement ring choices, and the colored gemstone ring is very much in the limelight. Princess Kate, in the wedding of the decade, wore “The Ring“, her famous heirloom sapphire and diamond ring, Penelope Cruz is setting style with her sapphire and diamond ring, and Jessica Simpson is stunning […]

Sapphires Illustrate the Wonder of Gems and the Limits of Perception

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

These two sapphires are both from the island of Sri Lanka, both are heat enhanced, both are from the same vendor, both weigh about the same. Here's another photograph, same stones, same photographer (myself), same camera, same photo stage, similar macro lens, slightly different lighting. Can you guess which one costs more?

What is the True Padparadscha? Again!

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

We published this article February 2009 with good response.  Since Sapphire is the stone for September, we thought it appropriate to republish, with minor additions, editing, new pricing information and larger pictures. Early in my career as a gemologist, while working the gem identification counter at the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory in Santa Monica, I […]

What is the Best Color for Blue Sapphire? Part 3

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Blue sapphires are found in many countries worldwide. The geological conditions in which they form determine the quality of the sapphire crystals. Some locales are known to produce exceptionally fine crystals, yielding extra fine gems. Each locale produces a range of gem material that shares common characteristics that are directly related to its unique geology.  […]

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