Emeralds are one of the most popular of all gemstones. New sources—and new treatments—are of great interest to the trade. The first article in this issue discusses and evaluates the increasingly popular synthetic resin Opticon as it compares to traditional "oils" in the treatment of emeralds to enhance apparent clarity. This issue also provides a report on emeralds that have recently emerged in commercial quantities from the historic Ural Mountains deposits. The emeralds on this cover are reportedly from another historic producer, Colombia. The necklace features a 74.03 ct cabochon emerald, the ring a 12.10 ct cabochon emerald, and the earrings two cabochon emeralds of 16.61 and 16.93 ct; the diamonds in this suite exceed 55 ct total weight. Jewelry courtesy of Fred Joaillier, Beverly Hills, California. Photo © Harold & Erica Van Pelt—Photographers, Los Angeles, CA.