Green with Envy
from Color-N-Ice Blog
Some gemstones are like rock stars, which only need to be called by one name. But tourmaline is another story altogether. And we love that other story. Tourmaline comes in many colors, and an almost infinite range of shades in each color. More    

Big and Bold are the New Fashions in Jewelry
from The Democrat and Chronicle
Big and bold. That's the trend in jewelry. Oversized chunky necklaces and bracelets are what's hot this summer and heading into fall. Colorful, textured styles go great dressed up or even with the basic T-shirt. We found local artists who have their own take on the trend. More    

The Authentic Optix® Cut Revolutionizes the Appearance of Precious Gems. Employing advanced light refraction science, Optix stones are precisely cut with concave faceting to reflect significantly more light than stones with flat faceting. The result is a stone with unmatched brilliance. Find Out More

Economy Has More People Hiring Appraisers, Selling Heirlooms
from The Rock Hill Herald Online
Appraisers say business is booming, thanks to clients who want to know whether they can strike gold with their grandmother's china or the table they picked up at a yard sale years earlier. Nationally, appraisers, who can specialize in items such as jewelry, antiques or fine arts, are seeing a similar bump in business, according to the American Society of Appraisers, a trade association. Perhaps advertising the appraisal services your shop can provide would be a wise decision. More    

What to Expect During Fashion Week
from The New York Fashion Trends Examiner
Fashion Week is less than two weeks away, and for accessories, big and chunky is still the way to go. Big chunky necklace with metals contrasted by softer elements like lace, or silk will prevail. Watch for a mix of metal chains wrapped in lace and layered with pearls and stones in different lengths. More    

Hope Diamond to Undergo Makeover
from The Israeli Diamond Portal
The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous gemstones in the world, is about to get a makeover for the first time in one hundred years. The blue diamond is on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where some seven million throng to see it. The Hope Diamond is linked to a long history that involves kings, queens, thefts and a curse. More    

Myanmar to Hold Mid-year Gems Emporium This Fall
from Xinhua
Myanmar will hold a mid-year gems emporium here in October or November this year to encourage national gem traders to sell more quality gems, jade, pearl and jewelry, sources with the Central Committee for Holding Myanmar Gems Emporium said. Without specific date set, the 18th Mid-Year Gems Emporium will take place at the Myanmar Convention Center on the basis of competitive bidding, the sources said. More    

American Gemological Laboratories: Your Colored Gemstone and Origin Specialist America's first and most highly respected laboratory for identification, treatments and origin reporting. AGL's experienced specialists and advanced analytical techniques uncover the secrets of every stone. Our reports are accepted throughout the industry, including wholesalers, retailers, auction houses and most importantly consumers. More Info

New Exemptions for Children's Jewelry Added to Lead Testing Law
from IDEX
A recent vote by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has added children's jewelry to the list of items exempted from compulsory lead testing. Lobbying by the Manufacturers Jewelers & Suppliers of America pushed CPSC commissioners to approve exemptions for precious metal jewelry and gems intended for children. More