AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
SourcingSep 20, 2019
Meet the New Member of the Beryl Family, Johnkoivulaite
The new mineral species has been named in honor of renowned microscopist and researcher John Koivula.
This new mineral, dubbed johnkoivulaite after microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula, shows strong pleochroism, going violet to near-colorless when examined with polarized light.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Researchers from the Gemological Institute of America, along with scientists from the California Institute of Technology, have confirmed a new mineral species and named it in honor of a well-known and respected gemologist.
A 1.16-carat crystal of the mineral now known as johnkoivulaite, named for renowned microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula, was found in Myanmar’s Mogok Valley by local gemologist Nay Myo.
Koivula has more than 40 years of industry experience in research and photomicrography.
In 1986, he co-authored “Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones” with Edward J. Gübelin, which followed with two more volumes.
Koivula also wrote “The Microworld of Diamonds” and co-authored “Geologica” with Robert Coenraads.
His contributions to gemology have earned him several industry awards and honors, including the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley Award, the Accredited Gemologists Association’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology and GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
He also won first place in Nikon’s Small World Photomicrographic competition in 1984.
“We are privileged to be able to name this mineral after John Koivula who has contributed so much to science and the gem and jewelry industry as a prominent gemologist and innovator in photomicrography,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at GIA.
“Discoveries such as this remind us of the importance of our mission-based research and of the numerous important contributions John has made in his more than four decades of scientific work.”
A 1.16-carat crystal of the mineral now known as johnkoivulaite, named for renowned microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula, was found in Myanmar’s Mogok Valley by local gemologist Nay Myo.
Koivula has more than 40 years of industry experience in research and photomicrography.
In 1986, he co-authored “Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones” with Edward J. Gübelin, which followed with two more volumes.
Koivula also wrote “The Microworld of Diamonds” and co-authored “Geologica” with Robert Coenraads.
His contributions to gemology have earned him several industry awards and honors, including the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley Award, the Accredited Gemologists Association’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology and GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
He also won first place in Nikon’s Small World Photomicrographic competition in 1984.
“We are privileged to be able to name this mineral after John Koivula who has contributed so much to science and the gem and jewelry industry as a prominent gemologist and innovator in photomicrography,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at GIA.
“Discoveries such as this remind us of the importance of our mission-based research and of the numerous important contributions John has made in his more than four decades of scientific work.”
John Koivula
Johnkoivulaite has been accepted by the International Mineralogical Association as a new mineral species.
According to GIA, it has a hexagonal crystal structure similar to beryl and other members of the beryl group.
Standard gemological testing gave the mineral an RI of 1.608, with a birefringence too small to accurately measure, and a hardness of 7.5.
It has a strong pleochroism from deep violet to nearly colorless when observed with polarized light, GIA added.
The institute has a specimen of johnkoivulaite in its museum collection at its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, and GIA Senior Research Scientist Aaron Palke will present the new mineral at the Geological Society of America conference later this month in Phoenix.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
