African Rubies The Main Sources and How They Are Mined

Some of the world's finest and rarest Rubies are now mined in Africa. The traditional sources in Asia have been depleted and there's a new kid on the block. This article delves into the fascinating world of African Rubies, where and how they are mined.

Tanzanite Prices & Value - For 2024 and A Historical Perspective

Looking to find out what the prices are in the market in 2024? Or perhaps you'd like to understand price trajectory since the 1990's? This article will bring you up to date.

The Definitive Tsavorite Buying Guide

As with all gemstones, Tsavorite quality is defined by a number of factors. This article looks at these in detail and tells you all you need to know about grading Tsavorite quality, understanding Tsavorite prices, synthetics, investment potential and more

Tanzanite Mining – Large Scale or Small Scale and the “Ethical” Debate

There is a great deal of misinformation currently online regarding what "ethical" Tanzanite mining is. This article explores the different opinions.

The Definitive Tourmaline Buying Guide

The Definitive Guide to Understanding Quality in Tourmaline. Judging color, clarity, cut and more. All you need to know.

The Definitive Tanzanite Buying Guide

Everything you need to know about Tanzanite. Learn all about this beautiful, rare gemstone. Learn about its properties, how to judge quality, pricing, how it is mined, where it comes from and how to spot imitations.

Unheated Canary Yellow Sapphire from Kenya

Some spectacular Yellow Sapphire is being mined in the remote Garbatula region of Kenya. The crystals a re surprisingly high clarity and require no heating or any other treatment. Our Founder Basil Zagoritis was first to mine this wonderful stone.

Tanzanite Color - How it Affects Value

Judging Tanzanite Color can be a confusing undertaking, especially online. This article will demonstrate Tanzanite color qualities in straightforward terms without the jargon.

The Mohs Scale of Hardness

A commonly used scale in the trade, it is often misconstrued or misunderstood.This article explains all!

Tanzanite Synthetics and Imitations

Learn about Tanzanite imitations that you may encounter in the market. Whereas Tanzanite has never been synthesized, it has a number of imitations which can fool you. Learn what to look out for and how to spot the fakes.

Tanzanite Color Grading - So Many Systems, Which to Trust?

A guide to the different Tanzanite Color Grading systems in use in the market today.

Tanzanite Heating - The Facts

Tanzanite is heated to remove the brown axis, leaving the well known blue. This article looks into the process and why it happens.

Tanzanite as an Investment

Tanzanite has long been considered a viable Investment Gemstone. This article explores the reasons for this and the pertinent considerations if you are looking to invest.

Trichroism and Red Flash in Tanzanite

Tanzanites can look markedly different under varying light sources. This article looks at Trichroism in Tanzanite and how it causes the Red Flash Effect.

Tanzanite Clarity Grading - How to Judge Clarity in Tanzanite

Unlike Diamonds, colored stones do not have a universally accepted clarity grading system. We take a look at some of the most widely used systems.

Tanzanite Cut - Often Overlooked but Very Important

Cutting is one of the "4 "C's" of value but is often overlooked. Cut can play a central role in Tanzanite value and fine cuts command up to a 30% premium over cuts done with weight maximization techniques. This article attempts to explain what to look for

Gemstone Treatments - Coating and Chemical Treatments

Humans have been enhancing and treating gemstones for centuries. This article explores the two of the most common methods used – Coating and Chemical Treatments. This article series seeks to explore the various treatments used in the industry today in ord

Tanzanite Crystals and Crystallography

A brief look at Tanzanite crystallography and crystal habits with photography and videos being the focus. We look at various colors of Tanzanite (Zoisite) with some wonderful specimens and crystals

How to Care for Your Tanzanite

Tanzanite is often regarded as a relatively delicate gemstone. We take a look at the best way to clean and care for it.

Gemstones and Light - How Light Sources and Light Quality Affect Gemstone Color

As most people who own gemstones have discovered, gems can look very different in different lights and even times of day. This article explores how color, light and gemstones interact and explains this phenomenon.

Inclusions in Tsavorite - An Exploration of the Inner World of Tsavorite

An in depth article which delves into the inner world of Tsavorite gemstones. examining the different types of inclusions typically seen in this gem type and also some not so typical. Professional Micro-photography with GIA microscope and microscope camer

Gemstone Treatments - Heating and Irradiation

Humans have been enhancing and treating gemstones for centuries. This article explores the two of the most common methods used – Heating and Irradiation.

Cutting Gemstones - Faceting The Magical Process

Man has been fashioning gemstones for hundreds of years in an age old quest to enhance the inherent beauty and mystery of nature's bounty. We examine the art of gem cutting and take a look at what makes a well cut gem shine.

Ethiopian Emerald - A New Star is Born

We are bearing witness to the birth of a new star in the gem firmament. Ethiopian Emerald is set to become a world favorite. It deserves to be, it is beautiful. We look at the new find.

The Economics of Gemstones

Precious metals and precious stones have been a good store of value for centuries. The recent recession presents a good illustration of why investing in these tangible assets may be a sensible move.