MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
OtherJan 20, 2016
GIA Digitizes 101 Rare Gem and Jewelry Books
The historically significant books about gems and jewelry now are available to the public online following their digitization by staff at the GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Library.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has made 101 of the rarest and most historically significant books about gems and jewelry available to the public through a digitization project by its Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center.
The works are available to download for free, and include major studies related to minerals, gems and jewelry spanning more than 500 years--from 1496 to the present.
The debut of the collection online includes the digitization of the oldest book in the GIA’s library, Pliny’s Natural History.
The digitization project is part of the GIA’s mission of ensuring public trust in gems and jewelry, providing global access to hundreds of years of prominent works. The organization said that it will continue to digitize its catalog of rare and unique books and estimates that it will be able to make 100 additional works available to the public each year.
The GIA’s library currently houses more than 57,000 books, 700 journals and magazine titles, 160,000 digital images and 1,900 videos, as well as the Cartier Rare Book Repository and Archives.
Highlights of the collection now available for download are as follows.
--Pliny’s Natural History, 1496: “Naturalis Historia” by Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23 to A.D. 79) is one of the earliest and most celebrated academic treatises of all time, the GIA said. Its content dates back to A.D. 77 and was considered the foundation of all science until the Renaissance.
--Marbode’s Book of Precious Stones, 1511: Marbode (1035 to 1123), Bishop of Rennes, originally wrote this manuscript in the form of a 742-line poem between 1061 and 1081. Only 100 copies are known to have been made, and this edition, called a lapidary, was the first Marbode work printed using Gutenberg’s process of movable metal type.
--Haüy’s Treatise of Mineralogy, (1801): René Just Haüy (1742 to 1822) was an ordained priest, botanist and mineralogist whose expertise lay in his ability to describe the laws that govern the structure of crystals. His mineral studies led to him creating a system to indicate the different faces of crystals.
--Sowerby’s British Mineralogy, 1804-1817: James Sowerby documented the minerals of Great Britain and drew hundreds of specimens. These images were printed using copper plates and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
then were hand-colored. Though Sowerby published his illustrations as periodicals available by subscription, they were later compiled and sold in sets, with fewer than 100 complete sets still in existence today.
--Proby’s British Mineralogy, 1840: Martha Proby (1783 to 1864) created this two-volume set of books based on Sowerby’s work, meticulously hand-copying selections and illustrating her books with original watercolor paintings.
--Frémy’s Synthesis of Ruby, 1891: This book documents and illustrates the work of Edmond Frémy (1814 to 1894), a French chemist and professor. His interest in synthetic crystal growth led to his groundbreaking work with Auguste Verneuil in growing synthetic rubies using the flux technique.
More on Other
The Latest
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
