Hey everyone! As a licensed gemologist and as a jewelry appraiser, I get asked this question A LOT: Are lab-grown diamonds good or bad? As in my previous blogs, I discussed with you the merits of lab-grown or synthetic stones. They’re neither good nor bad. It all boils down to DISCLOSURE; customer awareness. It’s when … Read more
For today’s post, I’ll be talking about gold and its unit of measure, the karat. You’ve probably seen descriptions of jewelry that say made with 14k, 16k, and 18k gold, but what exactly does this mean? And if you’re a first-time jewelry buyer, you’ve also most probably come across the term “carat” and wondered whether … Read more
Hello everyone! For this post, I’m here to discuss Color, the 2nd of the 4Cs of diamonds. Prior to GIA coming up with a precise and scientific means of grading color, the jewelry industry used color terms based on locations where diamond mines were located. There were terms like “jagers,” which pertained to diamonds that … Read more
Understanding clarity is an essential part of the process for anyone looking to purchase a diamond. Clarity can confuse those unfamiliar with diamonds, but it’s critical when considering price and quality. Knowing what factors determine a diamond’s clarity gives purchasers the confidence they need to make an informed decision. This comprehensive guide on diamond clarity … Read more
When it comes to diamonds, there are a lot of terminologies that many don’t understand—especially when selecting a diamond for the first time. The four Cs (short for color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) are key components you must consider before purchasing your diamond to fully understand its quality. Knowing what each of these categories … Read more
Hello everyone! This will be a long post since I’ll be sharing with you a modus that I recently discovered whilst helping a client. I will deliberately not include names to protect the identity of the people involved; I will be using monickers instead. Also, I have referred the matter to NAJA and GIA International. … Read more
Hey everyone! Yes, as the title states, I just had my bout with Covid hence the long absence. I won’t bore you with the complete details of my sickness but suffice to say, my symptoms were bad enough to warrant a hospital stint of more than a week. I’m fully vaccinated so I shudder at … Read more
Whether you are an experienced jewelry enthusiast or simply looking to add a bit of sparkle to your wardrobe, ruby treatments, and enhancements are key components in fine jewelry. Rubies provide durability and timeless elegance, making them one of the most desired gemstones for luxurious pieces. There are various ways where rubies can be treated … Read more
Let’s explore rubies, one of my favorite gemstones. Ruby is part of the corundum family, a rock-forming mineral. Corundums are naturally transparent in their purest form but can also have colors with certain chemicals. Chromium will make it reddish, creating a vibrant ruby. Not all red-hued ones, however, fall under rubies. In gemology, the color … Read more
Did you know that some stones now used in jewelry aren’t created by nature but instead made synthetically? Synthetic stones look just like naturally mined ones and can offer a more affordable alternative compared to their genuine counterparts. In this blog post, we’ll explore what synthetic stones are and address frequently asked questions regarding the … Read more
