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.
GIA Launches New York Science Talk Series
The educational talks are free and open to the public, covering a range of gemology topics.

New York—GIA will share its research with the public later this month in the first of its “GIA New York Science Talk Series.”
The quarterly series will cover a range of topics, from how natural diamonds form to what diamonds can tell us about Earth’s deep mantle.
GIA Research Scientist Dr. Evan Smith will present the first talk on Oct. 30, sharing his research on large, high-clarity diamonds and what information they give about Earth’s geology.
The second talk, on Feb. 19, will be led by GIA Research Scientist Dr. Karen Smit and cover her research on what natural diamonds indicate about how the continents formed.
GIA Research Scientist Dr. Chunhui Zhou will hold a talk in May discussing what can be learned about paleoclimate, meaning the climate at a particular period in the past, via the oxygen isotopes in pearls.
In August, GIA Postdoctoral Research Associate Dr. Chloe Peaker’s talk will cover how transition metals, such as iron, titanium and chromium, cause gemstone and diamond color.
“With research being the foundation of GIA’s expertise and activities – including laboratory services, education and instrumentation – we are delighted to offer these informal and informative talks at our campus on 47th Street to give the public, students and members of the trade a chance to hear first-hand about GIA’s discoveries and the mission of our research,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
The hour-long evening sessions will begin at 5 p.m. and will be held at GIA’s education campus on the 8th floor of the International Gem Tower at 50 W 47th Street in New York. Refreshments will be served.
The talks are free and open to the public.
The dates and topics are subject to change, said GIA. For more information and to register for the first talk on Oct. 30, visit GIA’s 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.

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.





















