From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
6 Things the GIA is Doing in Las Vegas
The Gemological Institute of America has a robust line-up of education and lab services happening at JCK Las Vegas.

Las Vegas--The Gemological Institute of America has a robust line-up of education and lab services happening at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show this year.
Here are some highlights of what the GIA has to offer show-goers.
Colored Gemstone Lab Services
GIA will offer on-site reports for colored gemstones: the GIA Colored Stone Identification Report for any colored gemstones, or the GIA Colored Stone Identification and Origin Report for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Paraíba tourmaline and red spinel.
Drop off your gemstones at room Palm G, Level 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino beginning today.
Identifying Synthetic Diamonds Seminar
An interactive discussion and hands-on lab will help industry professionals learn more about HPHT and CVD-grown diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamonds.
The course costs $225 and is happening Friday, June 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Tradewinds E/F, pool level at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Participants should have prior gemology experience.
Celebrate 100 Years of Richard T. Liddicoat
In honor of what would have been Richard T. Liddicoat’s 100th birthday, the GIA museum has designed a special exhibition outlining the contributions and achievements of the “father of modern gemology.”
Find it at GIA Booth L99.
Powerful Symbols: The Unique World of Colored Diamonds
There will be several talks on colored diamonds from GIA at the show, including two separate 20-minute “in-booth briefings” on pink and blue diamonds, but “Powerful Symbols” looks to be the most extensive conversation on the subject.
John King, the GIA’s chief quality officer, will present “Powerful Symbols: The Unique World of Colored Diamonds” on Friday, June 1 at 9:30am at the Showcase Stage, Bayside, Level 1. He’ll address the opportunities that exist with colored diamonds beyond the mega-stones, as well as market availability, among other topics.
GIA Research Update
On Sunday, June 3 at Tradewinds F, GIA Vice President of Research and Development Wuyi Wang will talk about the latest research in synthetic diamonds, gem testing services and screening services.
GIA research scientist Dr. Evan Smith will weigh in on what the association has discovered about the formation of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds.
The presentation will happen from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Ruby Origin Seminar
On Friday, June 1, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tradewinds E/F, pool level, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, participants in the “Ruby: Country of Origin Determination” lab and seminar will
The session costs $225 and is recommended for those with previous gemology experience.
To see the full slate of events the GIA has planned in Las Vegas, visit their website.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.























