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The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Buried Treasure

November 28, 2013

A treasure trove of jewels that lay hidden underground for nearly 300 years is now on display at the Museum of London. Nearly a century after its discovery, the entire collection is being exhibited together for the first time. Workers demolishing a tenement house in the Cheapside district of London in 1912 discovered the priceless Elizabethan and Jacobean jewelry, loose gems and objects buried in a cellar. The treasure became known as “The Cheapside Hoard,” but the identity of its owner remains an enigma. (more…)

Holiday Buying Guide – Part 4: Asking the Right Questions for a Diamond Purchase

November 27, 2013

For many, jewelry shopping can be an intimidating experience. Add crowded malls, a long list of gifts to purchase, and the desire to get ‘just the right thing,’ and it can be downright stressful. But knowing what to ask a jeweler can help make this a great shopping experience

In part 4 of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide, GIA put together the top five questions to ask a jeweler when you’re shopping for jewelry this holiday season.

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Diamond Inclusions Defined

November 25, 2013

Because diamonds form under tremendous heat and pressure, nearly every one possesses internal and external features called clarity characteristics. These characteristics help gemologists separate natural diamonds from synthetics and simulants, as well as identify individual gems. (more…)

2013 Engagement Ring Trends: Beyond the Diamond Solitaire

November 19, 2013

Believe it or not, 2013 is nearing its close and 2014 trend reports are already on the horizon. But with engagement season upon us (according to a survey conducted by prominent online wedding site The Knot in 2011, 32% of engagements take place in November and December), let’s review a few of the hottest 2013 engagement ring trends of 2013 for those who are considering popping the question this holiday season. (more…)

Holiday Buying Guide – Part 2: 4Cs Tips for Holiday Diamond Jewelry Shopping

November 14, 2013

Diamond jewelry is often at the top of a woman’s holiday wish list but getting her a gift that she’ll love doesn’t have to be complicated. In the second installment of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series, you will learn the basics of what to look for when shopping for diamond jewelry.

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Giving a Hoot for Owls

November 12, 2013

Owls seem to be everywhere…and not just in trees. They’re landing on pins. Nesting on rings. And perching on bracelets. Yes, the owl is a beautiful bird. But the symbolism associated with these lovely creatures is likely one reason jewelry connoisseurs are adding owls to their collections. (more…)

Holiday Buying Guide – Part 1: Diamond Jewelry Trends for the 2013 Holiday Season

November 7, 2013

The stores have their decorations up, which means that the 2013 holiday shopping season has officially begun. To assist with a fine jewelry purchase you may be considering, GIA has put together a Holiday Buying Guide, a 7-part series dedicated to making you a more informed jewelry shopper, as well as a more relaxed one. (more…)

More is More: The Artistry of Tony Duquette & Hutton Wilkinson

November 5, 2013

Tony Duquette and Hutton Wilkinson are two jewelry designers acclaimed for their original work.

More is More: Tony Duquette – Hutton Wilkinson Jewelry, the duo’s first-ever all-jewelry exhibit, debuted on Oct. 10 at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. The inventive body of work, which will be on display through March 2014, embraces a wide variety of styles, periods and palettes often showcasing unusual gemstones paired with rare materials in whimsical designs. (more…)

Faces of Eternity

November 1, 2013

Day of the Dead (the Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones) lingers long after its passing at GIA’s world headquarters with Faces of Eternity – a collection of 15 gem skulls by Peruvian artist and master carver Luis Alberto Quispe. (more…)

Transylvanian Chic Jewelry

October 29, 2013

More than a century after Bram Stoker’s Dracula was published, fascination with vampires continues, as seen in film, television, fiction, fashion, and jewelry.

Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series has not only dominated the New York Times Best Seller list and the box office, it’s also unleashed a torrent of vampire-themed shows and movies, including Vampire Diaries, True Blood, and coming in 2014, Vampire Academy. (more…)

Black Is the New Black

October 24, 2013

Black never goes out of fashion, and this season it’s taking a prominent place in fashion trends, especially in jewelry.

Black diamonds. Black pearls. Black spinel. The love of black-color gems and jewelry ranges from the most affordable to the most luxurious, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile. It’s the color of sophistication and elegance. It’s both edgy and timeless. (more…)

Opal: The gemstone with fire inside

October 15, 2013

The October birthstone, opal, is noted for its individuality, magic, and mystery. Its unique display of flashing rainbow colors is unlike any other gem, and has been compared to volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks. (more…)

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