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.
GIA Carlsbad Graduate Receives Buccellati Foundation Jewelry Design Award
GIA (Gemological Institute of America), together with the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, presented the ninth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design on February 6, 2026, to GIA Carlsbad graduate Catherine “Cathy” Aulick.
GIA Carlsbad Graduate Receives Buccellati Foundation Jewelry Design Award
GIA (Gemological Institute of America), together with the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, presented the ninth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design on February 6, 2026, to GIA Carlsbad graduate Catherine “Cathy” Aulick.
Former GIA Governor Dr. George Rossman Passes Away
Former GIA Governor Dr. George Rossman Passes Away
Former GIA Governor Dr. George Rossman Passes Away
George Rossman, a member of the GIA Board of Governors from 1995 to 2007 and professor of mineralogy, emeritus, at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), passed away on February 6 at age 81.
Tourmaline in Tourmaline
A perfectly shaped euhedral tourmaline crystal is identified in a faceted tourmaline.
New Edition of Tillander’s Diamond Cuts in Historic Jewellery 1381–1910
An updated edition of Herbert Tillander’s book is now available.
Whimsical Growth Tubes in Tourmaline
Microscopic examination reveals intriguing growth tubes in a copper-bearing tourmaline.
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.
Spindle-Shaped Lazurite Inclusion in Scapolite
Multiple vivid blue lazurite inclusions are observed in a near-colorless scapolite.
Filled Natural Hollow Heart-Shaped Pearls
Examination of four heart-shaped pearls reveals cavity filling and plugging to improve durability.
Al Gilbertson Receives Robert M. Shipley Award
GIA’s Al Gilbertson receives the American Gem Society’s highest honor.
An Unconventional Bead Cultured Saltwater Pearl
A semi-baroque saltwater nacreous pearl presents identification challenges in the Mumbai laboratory.
2026 Sinkankas Symposium: Gems and Minerals of Burma (Myanmar)
The date and topic of the 2026 Sinkankas Symposium is announced.
Dark Red Tantalite Crystal in Greenish Blue Sapphire
The blunt termination of a red manganotantalite inclusion displays a striking contrast against a greenish blue sapphire.
Mannardite in Quartz
Fibrous mannardite crystals are observed in three colorless quartz samples.
Reconstructed Specimens and the Rise of Deceptive Practices in Pakistan
A report on the increase of artificially assembled or altered specimens circulating in Pakistan’s local gem markets.
Cat’s-Eye Boulder Opal
A precious cat’s-eye boulder opal from Australia is examined in the Carlsbad laboratory.
