The traditional classification in the West, which goes back to the ancient Greeks, begins with a distinction between … See more

Gemstones have no universally accepted grading system. Diamonds are graded using a system developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the early 1950s. Historically, all gemstones were grade… See more

There are a number of laboratories which grade and provide reports on gemstones.
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the main provider of education services and diamond grading reports
• International Gemologic… See more

A few gemstones are used as gems in the crystal or other forms in which they are found. Most, however, are cut and polished for usage as jewelry. The two main classifications are as follows:
• Stones … See more

The color of any material is due to the nature of light itself. Daylight, often called white light, is all of the colors of the spectrum combined. When light strikes a material, most of the light is absorbed while a smaller a… See more

Gemstones are often treated to enhance the color or clarity of the stone. In some cases, the treatment applied to the gemstone can also increase its durability. Even though natural gemstones can be transforme… See more