Dance of Light and Color: Painted Labradorite
Artist Valentina Fetisova transforms labradorite cabochons into remarkable works of art.
Remarkably Large Akoya Bead Cultured Pearls
Strands of unusually large round Japanese akoya pearls were spotted in early 2024 in Tucson.
Quartz with Sphalerite
A quartz crystal from the Taolin mine in China hosts a phantom of brownish orange sphalerite inclusions.
“Conch Shell” in Diamond
A transparent feather observed in a natural diamond resembles a conch shell.
Blister Pearl vs. Shell Blister from Pteria sterna
GIA’s Mumbai laboratory reports on the study of Pteria sterna shells with visible protuberances.
Seed Features in an Akoya Keshi Pearl
Examination of an akoya keshi pearl in the Mumbai laboratory reveals rare seed features and an acicular structure.
Graphite in Sapphire
A three-phase fluid inclusion containing graphite is observed in a Sri Lakan sapphire.
“Ruffles” on a Freshwater Pearl
A rainbow-colored wavy pattern is revealed under the surface of a non-bead cultured freshwater pearl.
Sapphire Displaying Tire Tracks in Snow
Particle clouds close to the surface of a blue sapphire create a scene reminiscent of tire tracks in snow.
Fascinating Snakeskin Pattern on a Pen Shell
A pen shell examined in GIA’s Mumbai laboratory exhibits a pattern resembling the skin of a snake.
Transparent Spinel Inclusion in Pink Sapphire
A pink sapphire from Mogok hosts a large surface-reaching spinel inclusion.
Star of David Pattern in Vietnamese Sapphire
A Star of David pattern is observed within partially healed fissures in a sapphire from southern Vietnam.
Bicolor Chrysoberyl with Chrysoberyl and Alexandrite Zones
The Tokyo laboratory reports on a submitted stone composed of both chrysoberyl and alexandrite.
Calcite Pearl with Red X-Ray Fluorescence
A nacreous-looking calcite pearl exhibiting red X-ray fluorescence is documented for the first time at GIA.
Large Treated-Color CVD Laboratory-Grown Diamond Rings
Testing of five CVD laboratory-grown diamonds submitted to the New York laboratory reveals post-growth treatment to achieve fancy colors.
Large Tridacna Shell with a Blister Pearl and a Shell Blister
A large shell submitted to the Mumbai laboratory exhibits both a blister pearl and a shell blister.
Spring 2024 Auction Highlights
Several lots sold during the spring auction season far exceeded their presale estimates.
A Visit to Clarity Diamond’s CVD Facility
An in-depth look at Clarity Diamond’s CVD facility in Austin, Texas.
A Large Multicolored Natural Blister Pearl
A large baroque-shaped blister pearl with a unique multicolored appearance is examined in the Mumbai laboratory.
Unique Moiré-Pattern Metallic Inclusion in Paraíba Tourmaline
An intriguing inclusion scene is analyzed in a Paraíba tourmaline from Brazil.
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