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GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

Something Old, Something New: Wedding Jewelry Traditions

The Old English rhyme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” was intended to bring a bride luck in her marriage. Today, a bride likes to interpret this custom in her own unique way, often through distinctive choices in wedding jewelry. GIA offers some pointers, as well as points of inspiration, for the bride-to-be. (more…)

The Magic of Micro-Mosaic Jewelry

“How did they make that?” It’s a common question that is asked the first time one sees micro-mosaic jewelry.

The astonished reaction is understandable. A square inch of micro-mosaic jewelry can have as many as 1,400 pieces of tesserae (a small piece of glass, stone, or tile) in just one square inch, and can shimmer in a dazzling variety of hues. (more…)

Getting Geometric with Jewelry Design

Jewelry made of simple shapes has been cycling in and out of fashion for centuries, and it’s currently in vogue with designers and fashionistas. (more…)

Men’s Jewelry: Alternative Jewelry Metals

Allow us to introduce you to these alternative jewelry metals: ceramic, tungsten carbide, cobalt, titanium, and stainless steel. Collectively, these alternative metals have become a big hit in men’s jewelry, especially men’s wedding bands, as well as other types of jewelry. (more…)

Ten Tips for Traveling with Jewelry

Packing for your dream vacation and wondering if you should bring your favorite pieces of jewelry? Wonder no more as we provide you with tips for traveling with jewelry. (more…)

Dragon-Themed Jewelry for Dragon Boat Races

In honor of the Dragon Boat Festival, why not consider wearing dragon-themed jewelry? A striking choice to complement your outfit, it could add a splash of color to your attire as you stroll the river banks and enjoy your traditional sticky rice dumplings and wine. (more…)

Bejeweled Buildings

Glittering around the world are a handful of buildings decorated with gems.

Sparkling like stars in the night sky, these architectural marvels are ornamented with mother of pearl, abalone shell, amethyst, lapis lazuli, red agate, and more . Such stones are often reserved for jewelry, so to see hundreds of them in one place is an awe-inspiring experience.

Join us, as we take a tour around the world to learn about these bejeweled beauties. We promise they’ll be quite a sight to behold. (more…)

Tips on Getting a Jewelry Appraisal

Does GIA provide appraisals? It’s a frequently asked question we often get from consumers trying to determine the value of a gemstone or piece of jewelry. (more…)

Famous Diamonds: The Taylor-Burton Diamond

Like the famous Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, the Taylor-Burton Diamond was another of Richard Burton’s extravagant gifts to wife Elizabeth Taylor during their public and tumultuous marriages. The couple’s emotionally-charged private life often drew as much attention as their movie roles, and their luxurious tastes, Taylor’s love for diamonds especially, were legendary. (more…)

The Charming Positives of Negative Space

As you’re enjoying this exquisite necklace, see if you can figure out what makes it so beautiful. (more…)

The Fascinating Faceted Cultured Pearl

The pearl has been shrouded in myth and mystery since antiquity.

The ancient Romans imagined they were the tears of gods and angels. The ancient Chinese thought they offered protection from fire-breathing dragons. And Europeans believed they symbolized modesty, chastity, and purity. (more…)

Mother’s Day Gift Idea: Jeweled Flowers

Chances are you’re probably giving your mother flowers this Mother’s Day. In the U.S., nearly 70% of all gifts given on Mother’s Day are flowers. It’s a sweet tradition that’s centuries old. If you want to treat your mom with flowers that won’t wilt or fade, consider floral jewelry instead. (more…)