Resource center
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Introducing lapidary art
What is lapidary art? Learn all about the craft of cutting, shaping, polishing or engraving stones and gemstones.
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What is lapis lazuli? Meaning, history & jewelry uses
 Looking to understand the allure of Lapis Lazuli? This deep blue gemstone has been prized for over 6,000 years for its rich color, symbolism, and use in fine jewelry, art, and spi…
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How to clean amethyst jewelry gently and safely
Learn how to clean and care for amethyst jewelry, crystals and rings to help maintain their natural beauty.
Read: 7 min
Labradorite: a complete gemstone guide
Learn about labradorite gemstones, including their fanciful flashes of colors, properties, meaning, history, and care tips.
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How to care for soft & porous gemstones
Learn how to care for soft and porous gemstones like pearls and opals to prevent damage, discoloration, and wear while preserving their beauty.
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Gemstones that change color: nature’s optical illusion
Explore rare gemstones that change color, learning what causes the effect and how to protect them.
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What is palladium?
Learn what palladium is, how it’s used in jewelry and why it’s a durable, tarnish-resistant metal you’ll love.
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How durable are sapphires?
How durable are sapphires? Learn about sapphire hardness and how it ranks on the Mohs hardness scale here!
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What is serpentine jewelry?
Learn about serpentine jewelry, serpentine gemstone meanings and discover where this green gem is found and how it's used.
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Precious vs. semi-precious gems: introducing the “fab four”
What are precious gems and how do they differ from semi-precious ones? Discover the difference here.
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Black gemstones: 14 types with colorful meanings
From rare diamonds to common onyx, explore 14 black gemstones, their meanings, how they form and how to care for them.
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Guide to gemstone certifications
Read this beginner's guide to gemstone certifications to see how getting one can help you buy, sell and get appraisals for your gems.
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What is alexandrite?
What is alexandrite? Discover the origin and symbolism behind the rare, color-changing gem.
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The amethyst color spectrum and symbolism
Explore the amethyst color spectrum from purple to green and see what makes this royal-colored crystal so intriguing!Â
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Smitten with sapphires: what to know about the gem before you buy
https://www.jewelersmutual.com/resources/individuals/gem-jewel/smitten-sapphires
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What is a zircon gemstone? A brilliant option for your jewelry!
If you’ve always wondered what a zircon gemstone is, here’s your chance to see why people love this popular gem!
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October's birthstones: opal & tourmaline
October's birthstones are fitting: Opal, valued for its “shifting play” of color, and tourmaline, which comes in a rainbow of colors and combinations.
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What is beryl? A colorful guide to the chameleon of gems!
What is beryl? Discover the gems made up of this chameleon-like mineral, such as morganite, emerald, aquamarine, and more!
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Your guide to understanding gem inclusions
How do gem inclusions form? Do inclusions impact a gem’s value? Find out these answers and more in this expert guide!
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Exploring the spectrum of sapphire colors
Sapphires have a vast color range beyond just blue. Use this color guide to learn about 12 different sapphire shades.
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Everything you need to know about opal colors
Learn about 11 different colors of opal and discover the reason some exhibit play-of-color and others do not.
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The world’s rarest diamonds
What’s the rarest diamond in the world? Discover the rarest diamond colors, how they are made and where they come from.
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August's birthstones: peridot and sardonyx
Discover August's birthstones, Peridot and Sardonyx. Explore their characteristics, cleaning and care, and uncover the meanings behind these stones.
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What is a green sapphire? A guide to the stunning gems
What is a green sapphire? Is a green sapphire engagement ring a good choice? Get answers to those questions and more!Â
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What is a ruby? Get to know the king of gems
Learn how rubies form, which types exist around the world and how to style ruby jewelry.
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What is diamond fluorescence?
According the Gemological Institute of America, approximately 25 percent to 35 percent of all diamonds glow and exhibit some degree of fluorescence.
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June's birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone
June birthdays have not just one, but three June birthstones to choose from: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone. Read on to learn about June's birthstones!
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What is morganite? A guide to the popular peach-pink gem
Find out why morganite is one of the trendiest gemstones on the market and get tips for how to care for and style it.
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What is a blue diamond? Find out what makes them so blue and rare
Discover what gives blue diamonds their color, if they’re real diamonds and why they’re so rare.
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February's birthstone: Royally rockin' amethyst
Amethyst, February's birthstone, is a purple member of the quartz family that has been used for everything from love charms to symbols of royalty.
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What are the rarest gemstones in the world?
What are the rarest gemstones in the world? Discover seven gemstones that are rarer than a diamond—and gorgeous additions to your jewelry collection.
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Non-diamond engagement rings: The options explained
Discover today's most popular non-diamond engagement rings here to understand the sparkling—and colorful—options available.
Read: 6 min
Your guide to buying colored gemstone jewelry
Learn which factors impact the value of a colored gemstone with this essential guide. Then you can start shopping with knowledge and confidence!
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Everything you need to know about colored gemstones
Colored gemstones are rising in popularity among jewelry wearers. Get an inside look at what makes them so special and find out which colored gemstone trends are here to stay.
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What’s the Difference Between Moissanite and Diamond?
Moissanite bears an uncanny resemblance to diamonds, so you may be wondering: What are the differences between moissanite and diamond jewelry?
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Birthstone for October: Vivid Look at the Past
Take a trip into the past and discover the timelessness of the opal, a birthstone for October, with these antiques we wish were in our jewelry box.