Richard W. Hughes • Something of Myself
A short autobiography of Richard Hughes' life in gems and gemology. From the introduction to his 2017 book, Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist's Guide.
People & Places • New Directions in Gemology • Reconstructive Gemology
An essay on how gemology, in focusing solely on analysis, has lost sight of the most important part of a gem – its beauty.
Padparadscha Sapphire from Sri Lanka • A History • Ownership of Words
A discussion of the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early to modern times, along with the difficulty in standardizing such definitions.
Cobalt-Doped Glass-Filled Sapphire • Gem Treatment
The history of glass-infilling in blue sapphire, along with a description of the latest treatment generation developed in Chanthaburi, Thailand.
Tibet Andesine Mines • Part 2 • Faith
The mining of natural red andesine in Tibet has been a subject of controversy. This article describes RWH's second visit to the Tibetan deposit.
Chinese Jade • Guangzhou Jade Market Puzzle
An investigation into nephrite and imitation nephrite pebbles purchased in Guangzhou, China's Hualin Street jade market.
Mike Roberts • Roberts Yogo Sapphire Mine • In Memoriam
In a tragic underground cave in, Mike Roberts of the Roberts Yogo Sapphire Mine passed away in March 2012.
Laos Sapphire Mines • A History
The history of the Lao sapphire mines at Ban Huay Xai is detailed, along with modern mining by Hong Kong based Sino Resources Mining Corp. Ltd. from 2...
Marc Bielenberg • Mr Montana Sapphire
In Memory of Marc Bielenberg – "Mr. Montana Sapphire"
Tibet's Andesine Mines • Hunting Barack Osama in Tibet
The subject of andesine in Tibet has been one of controversy since 2008. This article examines the history of the issue, along with detailing an Octob...
Black Princes Ruby • Blood Red Souvenir of Conquest • Spinel
The history of the Black Prince's Ruby, one of the world's most famous precious stones.
Louis Kornitzer's "The Pearl Trader" • Japan
A rather humorous extract from Louis Kornitzer's 1937 book, "Pearl Trader," detailing some of his experiences in Japan and China.
Emerald Buddha • Symbol of the Kingdom of Thailand
An exploration of the history and lore of the Emerald Buddha, a green statue that resides in Bangkok, Thailand’s Wat Phra Kaeo and watches over Thaila...
History of Chanthaburi & Pailin • Moontown
The Thai city of Chanthaburi (จันทบุรี) may be small, but it has played an important role in both the history of Thailand and the gem trade. Taking it...
Buying Gems at the Source • Dick's Law
An essay on buying gems at the source in Asia, with a discussion of how con men play on the greed of those who believe gems will be cheaper at the min...
21st Century Gemology • Betwixt Two Worlds
Traditional gemology considers itself a science, but typically omits a key element of the scientific method. And is gemology simply a science, or some...
Last Thai Ruby Miner • Red Sky at Dusk
In search of Thailand's last ruby miner.
Tsavorite Garnet • Untamed Green Garnet Beauty
An introduction to the green grossular garnet known as tsavorite, it's history, occurrence in East Africa, and geology.
Gem & Crystal Optics with the Refractometer
The optical properties of crystals are intimately related to their crystal structures. This article examines the precise relationship between optic ch...
Tanzanite Mines of Merelani • Working the Blueseam
An over-and-underground look at the tanzanite mines of Merelani, Tanzania, where the First World meets the Third, and graphite-covered miners pull gli...