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.
Gem-A is Expanding to the United States
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain will offer courses through accredited partners in America, beginning with Jewelry Television.

Knoxville, Tenn.—There’s a new player in gemstone education in America.
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, referred to as Gem-A, announced in Tucson that it will begin offering its courses in the United States.
It’s doing so by partnering with organizations that it’s referring to as “accredited teaching centers.”
The first of these is Knoxville, Tennessee-located Jewelry Television, which will offer Gem-A’s Gemmology Foundation, Gemmology Diploma and Diamond Diploma courses at its campus—the same as those taught at Gem-A’s London headquarters.
Gem-A said JTV was a natural choice for a partnership with its American branch, Gem-A USA, as JTV has long been a sponsor of its annual conference and is also familiar to the American consumer, having been viewed in more than 85 million American homes.
“With fantastic partnerships across Asia and Europe, we believe now is the perfect time for Gem-A to expand its reach with Gem-A USA,” Gem-A CEO Alan Hart said. “As our affiliate in the U.S. market, both institutions share the same commitment to gemmological education, quality courses and teaching excellence that has shaped Gem-A since its inception in London in 1908.
“We are also thrilled to welcome JTV as the first ATC for Gem-A USA. In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming more institutions, schools and colleges who share our passion for gemmology and nurturing the next generation of gemstone and jewellery professionals.”
Gem-A USA has been registered as a nonprofit entity in the United States with 501(c)(3) status.
For more information, contact info@gem-a.com. For application information about accredited teaching center inquiries, email education@gem-a.com.
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.

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.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

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 grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

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.






















