Gemstone Guides
Ruby
The Complete Guide to Ruby Gemstones
Everything you need to know about natural rubies — origin, quality factors, and what makes a Pigeon Blood ruby command record prices.
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Sapphire
Ceylon vs Burma Sapphire: Origin Matters
How the origin of a sapphire dramatically affects its value, and what certification labs look for when determining provenance.
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Emerald
Muzo vs Zambian Emeralds: A Buyer's Guide
Colombian Muzo emeralds have held the top position in the market for centuries. Here's how they compare to other origins.
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Tanzanite
Tanzanite: The Rarest Blue in the World
Found only in a 5km stretch of Tanzania, tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than diamond. Here's what investors need to know.
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Spinel
Spinel: The Most Undervalued Gemstone
For centuries confused with ruby, spinel is finally getting the recognition it deserves from collectors and investors worldwide.
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Tourmaline
Paraiba Tourmaline: The Neon Blue Phenomenon
Discovered in 1987 in Brazil, Paraiba tourmalines glow with an electric blue-green color unlike any other gemstone on earth.
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Certification
How to Read a GIA Certificate
A step-by-step guide to understanding your GIA gemstone report — what each field means and what to look for.
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Certification
GRS vs SSEF vs Gübelin: Which Lab Matters Most?
Not all gemstone certificates are equal. We compare the world's leading laboratories and explain which carries the most weight.
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Investment
Colored Gemstones as Alternative Investments
With stocks volatile and real estate illiquid, more investors are turning to rare colored gemstones as a store of value.
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Investment
Unheated vs Heated Sapphire: The Price Premium
An unheated sapphire can command a 30-300% premium over a heated stone of identical appearance. Here's why.
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Buying Guide
How to Buy a Gemstone Online Safely
Tips for buying colored stones online — what questions to ask, which certificates to accept, and red flags to avoid.
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Buying Guide
The 4Cs of Colored Gemstones Explained
Unlike diamonds, colored gemstone grading is more nuanced. Color is king — but saturation, tone and hue all matter differently.
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