Monthly Archives: December 2014

A major factor in the color of gemstones is color centers.  Color centers do not depend on trace amounts of transition elements to produce the color, but by damage to the gemstone’s structure.  The creation of color centers is usually … Continue reading →

I have not seen a lot of finished Paraiba/paraiba type gemstones,  I have certainly cut a fair amount of different grades of rough.  I have also kept my ear to the ground and filled the air with questions. Since I … Continue reading →

Clarity treatment of tourmaline has become much more of an issue with the prices of tourmaline raising and the premium paid for flawless stones.  A bit on what I feel about flaws in a tourmaline gem is useful here. 1,  … Continue reading →

I hope everyone is having a pleasant holiday season.  I usually have a choice specimen to cut over Christmas since it a pretty quiet time for me.  But this year the rough stocking is empty.  Credible reports have come in … Continue reading →