Gem Journal
Stories and practical guides for people who like to look closer. Explore colour, light and the character of gemstones, from your first questions to everyday care.
Understanding your gemstone
Heated vs Unheated Sapphire: What Actually Changes?
A practical guide to heated and unheated sapphires, what treatment means, what it does not mean, and what to check before buying.
How to Read a Gem Laboratory Report
Learn what identity, weight, measurements, treatment, origin and report numbers mean on a gemstone laboratory report.
What Does Eye-Clean Mean in Gemstones?
Understand the informal eye-clean clarity term, viewing distance, lighting, inclusions, and why the meaning can vary between gemstone species.
How Is Gemstone Geographic Origin Determined?
How gem laboratories use inclusions, chemistry and reference data to form geographic-origin opinions, and why origin is not the same as quality.
Gemstone Treatments: A Practical Buying Guide
A buyer-focused overview of heating, oiling, filling, diffusion, irradiation and coatings, with an emphasis on disclosure and care.
Cut, size & light
Gemstone Windowing: What It Is and How to Spot It
Learn what gemstone windowing is, why it happens, how it affects appearance, and when a shallow or poorly proportioned cut matters.
Gemstone Carat Weight vs Millimeter Size
Why two gemstones with the same carat weight can look different in size, and why millimeter measurements matter for jewelry settings.
Precision Cut vs Commercial Cut Gemstones
Compare precision cutting and commercial cutting by proportions, symmetry, light return, weight retention and price.
Gemstone stories
Ruby vs Red Spinel: How They Differ
Compare ruby and red spinel by mineral family, colour, durability, treatment and buying considerations.
Sapphire Colour Guide: Hue, Tone and Saturation
Understand sapphire hue, tone, saturation, colour zoning, lighting and why labels such as cornflower blue are not universal grades.
Wearing & caring
Is Tanzanite Suitable for an Engagement Ring?
Understand tanzanite durability, care, setting choices and what to consider before using it in an engagement ring.
Birthstone Jewelry Guide: Choosing a Stone That Fits the Person
Use birthstones as a starting point, then choose by colour, durability, style and the person who will wear the jewelry.
Gemstone Care Guide: Cleaning, Storage and Everyday Wear
A practical gemstone care guide covering storage, cleaning, heat, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and why care depends on the specific stone and treatment.
Anniversary Gemstone Guide: Choosing a Meaningful Stone
Choose an anniversary gemstone by tradition, colour, durability, personal history and how the piece will actually be worn.
Best Gemstones for Rings: Durability Beyond Mohs Hardness
Choose ring gemstones by hardness, toughness, cleavage, treatment, setting protection and how the ring will actually be worn.