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GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

Fire opal gemstone
Red Gemstone Buying Guide – Part 2

As passions ignite this month, a jewelry gift featuring a red gemstone is a token of love that can be enjoyed every day. While seen mostly in fashion jewelry, red gemstones are showing up as an option for the primary stone in engagement rings. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson, who sports a 5-carat ruby engagement ring, have been influential in bringing gemstones to the forefront of bridal trends. In addition to rubies, garnets and red diamonds, which we discussed yesterday, the following gemstones are more options for those looking to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a gift of a spectacular red gem. (more…)

Red diamond gemstone
Red Gemstone Buying Guide – Part 1

Blame it on St. Valentine, but February is synonymous with the color red. Giving your special someone a red gemstone jewelry piece would be the ultimate token of affection to mark the upcoming holiday dedicated to romance. When considering purchasing a red gemstone such as ruby, garnet, or red diamond, there are a few key facts and considerations to keep in mind. (more…)

purple diamond
Amethyst – A Variety of Quartz

Did you know that amethyst — February’s dazzling birthstone — is actually the purple variety of the mineral quartz? (more…)

Andradite Garnet: A single green andradite garnet gemstone.
The Various Minerals of Garnet

For most people, when they think of January’s birthstone, they think of a deep red gemstone. But did you know that garnet can also be found in shades of yellow, orange, and even green? (more…)

Synthetic gemstones
What are Synthetic Gemstones?

Contrary to what many people may think, the word “synthetic” does not mean fake when it comes to gemstones. The term actually comes from the Greek word for “to put together.” People “build” or, more accurately, “grow” synthetic crystals. (more…)

Platinum ring featuring a nearly 13-carat cushion cut zultanite and diamonds.
Zultanite – A Relatively New, Extremely Rare Gemstone Popular in Jewelry Design

Zultanite is an extremely rare gemstone used in jewelry design, and was a popular choice at the 2011 Couture conference, which features the most unique, innovative and inventive jewelry design. Famous jewelry designers such as Stephen Webster, Erica Courtney and Rhonda Faber Green all incorporated zultanite into their collections. Zultanite changes color in light, ranging from a kiwi green with flashes of yellow in sunlight conditions to raspberry hues in candlelight. (more…)