Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility.
Search
Search
Search

GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

The Timeless Intrigue of Colored Diamonds

As the creator of the 4Cs and International Diamond Grading System, GIA also established color grading standards and terminology specifically for colored diamonds, based on the color’s hue, tone, and saturation. Today, we identify some of the defining characteristics that help make fancy-color diamonds a true feast for the eyes. (more…)

Tourmaline: October’s Colorful Birthstone

Tourmaline has one of the widest color ranges of any gemstone. While October’s birthstone can be found in virtually every hue of the rainbow, the most popular varieties range from rich reds and pinks, to greens and yellows, to blues and violets. Some tourmalines are bi-colored and parti-colored, exhibiting two or more colors in a single gem – a feature known as color zoning. (more…)

Studying Synthetic Diamonds

Synthetic diamonds grown in a lab are virtually identical to natural diamonds, but that’s where the similarities end. In fact, there are two distinctive methods used to grow synthetic diamonds(more…)

Discover the Powers of Your Birthstone

Think of every passing year as an opportunity to celebrate with your birthstone. In fact, people have been wearing birthstone jewelry since the 15th century in Poland, when they were encouraged to own all 12. And while birthstone secrets and lore can be found right here on our blog, today we share what makes YOUR birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities. (more…)

Flaming Gorge Canyon & Brooch
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places

As artists, jewelry designers are inspired in different ways. Some create to echo iconic eras of the past, like Art Deco or Art Nouveau. Some provide their own perspective on famous works of art in galleries and museums. But some have a keen eye for taking a part of their ordinary, everyday life, and turning it into something exquisite. (more…)

Silver: A metal that shows its mettle

Affordable, prestigious, and trendy, it’s no wonder that silver is enjoying a renaissance. Considered one of the three Noble Metals – gold and platinum being the other two previously covered – silver sales have been on the rise, with an average increase of 19% from 2011 to 2012 (according to the National Jeweler/Nielsen silver survey). (more…)

Image courtesy of Dr. Geoffrey Smith
Tribal Revival: Tribal Jewelry Adorns Chieftains and Celebrities Alike

How many times have you moved in your life? The average American moves 11 times, according to US census data, and this on-the-move lifestyle has fueled one of the biggest trends in jewelry right now, tribal-inspired jewelry design. (more…)

GIA diamond 4Cs Spokes
Tips for Online Diamond Buying

Consumers have more options than ever when it comes to buying diamonds. In addition to jewelry retailers, you can shop conveniently from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Many of the same considerations apply whether you’re buying a diamond in person or online, but GIA has a few additional tips for shopping online that will help you click the “Buy Now” button with confidence. (more…)

Sapphire: September’s Regal Birthstone

September’s birthstone is perhaps most known for the extraordinary sapphire ring worn by Kate Middleton, originally belonging to Princess Diana. Taking a cue from the British royals, celebrities like Penelope Cruz have fueled the colored gemstone engagement ring trend, with sapphire leading the way. (more…)

Mandela Day Library
GIA Partnership Brings Mandela Day Libraries to South African Schools

Adding to its educational efforts in Africa, GIA recently entered into a collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory to provide Mandela Day Libraries to four South African elementary schools. (more…)

How Color Happens in Diamonds

Many people know that diamonds typically come in a range of colors from D to Z on the GIA color-grading scale.  However, most people don’t know how the naked eye sees color in a diamond. (more…)

4Cs Q&A with GIA: More on Diamonds

GIA’s 4Cs Q&A series wraps up with some bonus information on fluorescence, while passing along a few friendly words of advice. (more…)