The Enigmatic Fire of Mexico: A Deep Dive into Mexican Opals Mexican opals, with their mesmerizing play of color and fiery brilliance, have captivated gem enthusiasts for centuries. Unlike their more famous Australian counterparts, Mexican opals boast a unique character, a story woven with history, geology, and the vibrant culture of Mexico. This article … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What makes Paraíba tourmaline different from other tourmalines?” answer-0=”Paraíba tourmaline is distinguished by its electrifying, “neon” hues, ranging from “Windex” blue to vibrant green. These unique colors are caused by trace elements of copper and manganese, which were not seen in tourmalines before the 1989 discovery in Brazil.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”2. Why … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”q:%20What%20makes%20Yogo%20Sapphires%20more%20valuable%20than%20other%20Montana%20sapphires?” answer-0=”While most Montana sapphires come in a variety of colors (green, pink, or teal) and typically require heat treatment to enhance their appearance, Yogo Sapphires are world-renowned for their natural “cornflower blue” hue and intense clarity. They are among the few sapphires in the world that require no heat treatment, making them … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What makes Welo Opal different from traditional Australian Opal?” answer-0=”The most significant difference is that Welo Opal is hydrophane, meaning it can absorb water like a sponge. While Australian opals are typically opaque with a white background, Welo opals are often translucent or “crystal-like,” giving the play-of-color a three-dimensional depth. Additionally, Welo … Read more
Jew·el·ry /ˈjo͞o(ə)lrē/ noun This may seem like a terribly stupid question, especially in a jewelry blog, but it turns out to be important. The issue has to do with insurance. Jewelry vs. Diamonds and Other Loose Gemstones Much modern jewelry, especially engagement rings, are usually made up of a single primary diamond with a ring … Read more
One of the key reasons to get an independent appraisal on a new item is quality control. Sure, you’ve got a GIA report with a bunch of the relevant data, and you’ve got a good idea of the price since you’ve been shopping for months to find exactly the right item, and the seller will … Read more
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What does “Like Kind and Quality” actually mean in a jewelry policy?” answer-0=”It means that if your jewelry is lost or stolen, the insurance company is committed to replacing the item with a piece of similar nature and value rather than simply giving you a cash payout. The insurer uses the specifications … Read more
Any statement of value must contain the elements of what something is worth, to whom, when and under what circumstances. An unexplained number is at best useless, and quite possibly misleading. That’s just fundamental to the concept of value and nearly every discussion of value ends up with someone talking about ‘fair market value’ as … Read more
What is an American Gem Society Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser?
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Why is my jewelry’s resale value so much lower than the value on my appraisal report?” answer-0=”Most appraisals (roughly 90%) are written for insurance replacement purposes. This value represents what it would cost to buy a brand-new equivalent at a local retail store, including the jeweler’s profit, labor, and “bundle of benefits” … Read more