Jewelry Judge of Indianapolis

I love the variety!

Tourmaline is one of the world's most colorful gemstones, occurring in nearly every color of the rainbow. Some even display two or more colors within the same crystal! Here are a few of its most popular varieties:

- Rubellite: This rich red to saturated pink variety is prized for retaining its color under different lighting conditions. Its name comes from its resemblance to ruby.
- Indicolite: Ranging from medium to dark violetish blue to greenish blue, indicolite is admired for its striking color.
- Paraíba Tourmaline: Famous for its electric neon blue-to-green color, Paraíba tourmaline owes its neon appearance to trace amounts of copper and is the most valuable variety of tourmaline.
- Chrome Tourmaline: Colored by chromium or vanadium, chrome tourmaline displays an intense green hue.
- Liddicoatite: Named in honor of former GIA president Richard T. Liddicoat, this rare tourmaline is known for its striking multicolored zoning, often showing saturated colors in triangular patterns.

Which tourmaline variety is your favorite?

Learn more about tourmaline on our website: https://bit.ly/3TwdLea

THIS is a great read.

Ruby is the birthstone for July!

With its rich red color and centuries of lore, ruby is one of the world's most coveted gemstones. If you're shopping for July's birthstone, here are four factors to consider:

Color: The finest rubies display a vivid red color, known as “pigeon’s blood”, but rubies can range from pure red to purplish red and slightly orangy red. Some exhibit strong red fluorescence, even glowing in daylight.
Clarity: Inclusions are expected in natural rubies. They generally do not affect value unless they impact transparency, durability or overall appearance. Most rubies are heat treated, while others may be fracture-filled to improve clarity. Because treatments can affect value, be sure your ruby comes with a gemological report that identifies any potential treatments.
Cutting Style: Fine rubies are typically faceted to maximize color and brilliance. More heavily included material is often fashioned into cabochons, some of which display a six-rayed star known as asterism.
Carat Weight: Large, high-quality rubies are exceptionally rare, causing value to increase dramatically as size increases.

Learn how to choose a ruby that's right for you on our website: https://bit.ly/4foBeGK

Great information. ❤️💎🔬

I love RED!!! Interesting read. Ruby is the July birthstone. Happy birthday July babies!

Red gemstones have long been associated with passion, power and vitality. Here are some of the red gemstones to know:

- Red diamond: Combining diamond’s unmatched hardness and brilliance with a vibrant red hue, red diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world.
- Ruby: Known in Sanskrit as ratnaraj, or “king of gems,” ruby is prized for its intense color, durability and rich history. The finest rubies display an intense red hue often described as “pigeon’s blood.”
- Red spinel: Once mistaken for ruby in royal collections, red spinel is celebrated for its vivid color, exceptional brilliance and often untreated beauty.
- Rubellite: This red to purplish red variety of tourmaline is admired for its saturated color and hardness for jewelry.
- Red garnet: From wine-red pyrope to purplish red rhodolite, garnets display a wide range of red hues and have been associated with courage and protection since antiquity.
- Red topaz: Natural red topaz is exceptionally rare. The finest stones display red to orangey-red hues and are the most coveted members of the topaz family.

Which is your favorite red gemstone? See the full list of must-know gems on our website: https://bit.ly/4gAMwsk

I LOVE the unique optical effects!

The other June birthstone! Great information.

Great information regarding Pearls!

Pearls are timeless classics and are prized for their luminous glow. Whether you’re drawn to large South Seas, dramatic Tahitians, bright akoyas or colorful freshwater pearls, here are key factors to consider when evaluating a pearl:

Size: South Sea pearls are typically the largest, reaching 15mm or more. Akoyas over 9mm are considered large.
Shape: While round pearls are the most valuable, off-round strands can look round from a distance and baroque strands can make for affordable statement pieces.
Color: Overtone, orient and popular bodycolors such as deep gold can increase the beauty and value of pearls.
Luster: This is one of the most important value factors for pearls. South Seas are known for their soft, satiny glow, while akoyas are known for their bright, mirror-like shine.
Surface: This refers to whether the pearl has any surface blemishes such as dimples and scratches. High surface quality pearls should be smooth and clean.
Nacre: Consider the continuity, thickness, and condition of a pearl’s nacre when evaluating pearl quality. Avoid pearls that appear dull or chalky, or where the nucleus is visible beneath the nacre.
Matching: In a well-matched strand, pearls should be consistent in key quality factors—especially luster, shape and surface. Designers may occasionally mix colors or use graduated sizes for artistic or unique effects.

Learn how to evaluate the best pearls for you: https://bit.ly/4vLf334

I LOVE opals!

I have a client that’s interested in selling this stunning bracelet. 10KT rhodium plated rose gold weighing 113 dwt and 11.45tcw diamonds let me know if there’s any interest Father’s Day is coming up soon!