A selection of 74 non-bead cultured and 12 bead cultured pearls grown in cultured pearl sacs and harvested directly from operated mollusks were collected and their internal structures examined using real-time microradiography and X-ray computed microtomography analyses.

A rare transparent and near-colorless sodalite contains two-phase inclusions linking it to its ancient formation.

Phosphorescent-based screening initially results in a rare mixed-type natural diamond falsely testing as laboratory-grown.

A clarity-enhanced rhodonite stuns with its exceptional size, transparency, and vivid color.

A beautiful melo pearl is accidentally served up for lunch within its host gastropod.

The optical phenomenon of iridescence creates a beautiful pearly rainbow effect in an abalone shell.

A CVD laboratory-grown diamond with a fraudulent GIA inscription is submitted to the Antwerp lab.

Natural opal beads displaying vibrant play-of-color are strung together to create a remarkable necklace.

Provides a visual guide to GIA’s approach to classifying and describing pearls.

Inspired fashioning showcases mobile inclusions in a polished quartz specimen, reminiscent of an hourglass.

Analyzes a group of 23 freshwater “Edison” pearls (a trade name referring to near-round freshwater cultured pearls, usually shell bead cultured) using various gemological and advanced instrumental techniques.

Inclusions can be found in a variety of different gemstones; they create a window that allows the viewer to picture a stone’s formation history.

Documents Namak Mandi’s transformation from a salt market to one of Pakistan’s primary gem trading centers, with a look at the commercial activities taking place today.

Using customized, image-based measurement systems to quantify the effect of fluorescence on the color, brightness, and transparency of gem diamonds viewed in both face-up and table-down orientations.

Provides criteria for detecting the resin filling of turquoise, an advanced treatment that reduces porosity and can dramatically improve appearance and stability.

Two cabochons displaying white four-rayed “stars” are fashioned from one large natural diamond crystal.

A rare chatoyant effect is produced within play-of-color patches in a natural opal.

Presents a method for accurately predicting the color of a gem material when viewed in any direction as long as the polarized spectra and the viewing angle relative to the c-axis are known.