Articles by this author

"American Cut - The First 100 Years," by Al Gilbertson, G.G.

Tue, 10/30/2007 - 10:50 - John Pollard

Many of us know Al Gilbertson as an esteemed cutter, gemologist and innovator. Add "mythbuster" to his titles. Mr. Gilbertson has produced a gem of a book, sure to be a page-turner for enthusiasts of "ideal" diamond cutting origins.

“The French Blue,” by Richard W. Wise, G.G.

Sat, 11/21/2009 - 09:18 - John Pollard

Just imagine: A humble mapmaker’s son travels the ancient world, discovers fantastic treasures, rescues a damsel and rises to the highest levels of French aristocracy!

“The French Blue,” based on true events, recounts the remarkable voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a 17th Century trader of precious gems best known for discovering the phenomenal 115 carat blue diamond which later became the Hope Diamond. The book’s author, Richard Wise, takes factual events and blends them with plausible speculation to create a long and delightful tale; rich in history, action and romance.

Getting information: In-stock diamonds versus diamonds located with suppliers

Fri, 11/04/2005 - 13:00 - John Pollard

Getting Diamond Information

When shopping online there are two possibilities for diamonds you find listed in the Pricescope search or in diamond searches on different vendor websites.

The diamond you have found is owned and stocked by the vendor listing it. In this case that diamond will not be listed by any other vendors.
The diamond you have found is located with a diamond supplier/manufacturer. That single diamond may appear in the lists of many vendors, any of whom may act as a broker for it.

An Overview Of Common Alloys Used In Jewelry

Thu, 12/21/2006 - 13:10 - John Pollard

Fine jewelry settings are created from precious metals. This article addresses some important information about gold, white gold, rhodium plating and nickel allergies, as well as covering fine distinctions between common platinum alloys. Many alloys exist and new ones are constantly being developed. Here is an overview of some of the most common encountered in the crafting of jewelry

Laboratory Cut Grades: What the report doesn’t show

Fri, 05/22/2009 - 08:29 - John Pollard

What the report doesn’t show

To the naked eye a D Flawless diamond can appear identical to an F VS diamond if each has been cut the same way. Alternately, less than one degree of variation in two diamonds’ facet measurements can make a noticeable difference in appearance - yet both could be issued the same cut grade from a given lab.

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