G&G In a Flash: Nature’s Diamond Sculptures
Explore nature’s diamond sculptures—264 rare rough diamonds examined by GIA scientists for their unique shapes and raw brilliance.
G&G in a Flash: Guide to Phenomenal Gems
Phenomenal gemstones dazzle with unique optical effects like iridescence and play-of-color. Discover how your favorite gem phenomena actually work.
My First Article
Mannardite in Quartz
Fibrous mannardite crystals are observed in three colorless quartz samples.
Fingerprint Pattern on a “Hammered” Pearl’s Surface
Spiral patterns of nacre platelets observed on the surface of a non-bead cultured pearl are reminiscent of fingerprints.
New Edition of Tillander’s Diamond Cuts in Historic Jewellery 1381–1910
An updated edition of Herbert Tillander’s book is now available.
Susan Jacques Receives Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement
GIA’s president and CEO Susan Jacques is honored with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Intriguing Sapphire from Montana, a New Source of Emerald in Central China, and Arkansas Turquoise
Blooming Bouquet: Thin Films in Russian Emerald
Colorful thin film inclusions are captured within a Russian emerald carving.
“Bamboo Forest” in Colombian Emerald
Dense tube inclusions in emerald create a scene reminiscent of a tranquil bamboo forest.
An Unconventional Bead Cultured Saltwater Pearl
A semi-baroque saltwater nacreous pearl presents identification challenges in the Mumbai laboratory.
A Rare Friedelite
The Carlsbad laboratory reports on a rare submission of orangy red translucent friedelite.
Fracture-Filled Diamonds Detected in Mounted Jewelry
The Mumbai laboratory reports on a jewelry submission containing fracture-filled diamonds.
100 ct Cuprite with Malachite Inclusions
A large faceted cuprite is examined at the Carlsbad laboratory.
Assembled Black Imitation Pearl
An undrilled black bead is identified as an assembled imitation pearl made from shell fragments.
2026 Sinkankas Symposium: Gems and Minerals of Burma (Myanmar)
The date and topic of the 2026 Sinkankas Symposium is announced.
Fuchsite-Bearing Dolomite Aggregate as a New Jadeite Imitation
A snuff bottle submitted to TULAB as jadeite jade is identified as a dolomite aggregate with fuchsite.
“Worms” in Opal
Near-colorless heulandite crystals in an Ethiopian opal resemble the segmented bodies of worms.
Whimsical Growth Tubes in Tourmaline
Microscopic examination reveals intriguing growth tubes in a copper-bearing tourmaline.
