Award-winning jewelry designer Paula Crevoshay found that careful planning and quick adaptation allowed her business to thrive in 2020 and beyond.

Raman analysis identifies yellow agate treated by low temperature masquerading as a new type of “Shi Zi Hong” agate.

Geologic design and pure luck turn a sliced geode into a beloved Muppet and an international Internet phenomenon.

The Idar-Oberstein colored gem dealer and his staff have made increased use of technology and social media, and note that sales in high-end jewels are steadily increasing.

An intensely chatoyant gemstone is revealed to be a rare specimen.

Immersion reveals the heat treatment of a basalt-related blue sapphire.

A round brilliant specimen, submitted for update service, is found to be a CVD synthetic diamond with post-growth annealing.

Microscopic examination of a Mozambican pink sapphire reveals an inclusion with a surprising shape and composition.

A Mexican copal plays host to a well-preserved mushroom.

Raman spectroscopy reveals that a green bead, showing chatoyancy on one side, comprises jadeite and amphibole.

A report on the largest facet-grade afghanite seen in the GIA gem identification department.

Pyrite particles included in a “black grass” red agate are unique to material from Liangshan, China, and serve as indicators of origin.

Amphibole, a collectors’ stone in its own right, is identified as an inclusion in a ruby from Mozambique.

Methodical gemological testing in the New York laboratory unmasks a cleverly-dyed beryl imitating an emerald.

Thorough testing by Carlsbad gemologists reveals an artificial glass imitation posing as moldavite.

Agate appears as an interesting inclusion in a pair of faceted quartzes.

Meticulous testing of a bangle submitted to a Taiwan gemology lab proves it to be a composite of red calcareous coral and epoxy.

Eye-popping specimens are on display at the revitalized and newly-reopened Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.