The Journal · Topic

Gemstone Guides

Sapphires, emeralds, opals, pearls and the underrated stones — how to judge colour, treatment, durability and value in antique and fine gemstones.

Edwardian ring with an old European cut diamond centre haloed by emeralds in yellow gold
October 2026

Emerald Engagement Rings: Beauty, Durability and What to Know Before You Buy

Are emeralds good for engagement rings? An honest look at hardness vs toughness, oiling, protective settings, emerald as centre stone or accent,...

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A Victorian gold locket with a pearl star, an old-cut diamond spray brooch and an Art Deco onyx and diamond ring on green velvet.
October 2026

How to Tell If Pearls Are Real: The Tooth Test and Better Ones

How to tell if pearls are real or imitation: the tooth test done properly, what drill holes and lustre reveal, why glass,...

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A Victorian gold locket with a pearl star, an old-cut diamond spray brooch and an Art Deco onyx and diamond ring on green velvet.
October 2026

Opaque Gemstones Are Back: Onyx, Malachite, Lapis, Coral and Turquoise

Onyx, malachite, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise, chrysoprase, carnelian and mother-of-pearl are back in fashion. What each stone is, how designers use them,...

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Antique gemstone rings set with sapphire, emerald, ruby, opal and old cut diamonds
October 2026

Spinel: The Gem That Fooled the Crown Jewels — and Why Collectors Want It Now

Spinel was mistaken for ruby for centuries, and some of the most famous Crown Jewel rubies are spinels. What spinel is, red...

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Antique gemstone rings set with sapphire, emerald, ruby, opal and old-cut diamonds, shown together to compare colour and quality
September 2026

Paraíba Tourmaline: Why Neon Blue Can Outprice Diamonds

Paraíba tourmaline owes its neon glow to copper, and its name now describes chemistry rather than origin. What drives the price, Brazilian...

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Loose emerald, ruby, sapphire, citrine and amethyst gemstones on an antique tray with tweezers, a loupe and cut diagrams.
September 2026

Garnet, Amethyst and Citrine: The Underrated Antique Stones

Amethyst was once priced with emerald. Then Brazil happened. The stones that lost their value to supply are now the best way...

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A Victorian gold locket with a pearl star, an old-cut diamond spray brooch and an Art Deco onyx and diamond ring on green velvet.
September 2026

Natural vs Cultured Pearls in Antique Jewelry: Why the Difference Is Enormous

Before the 1920s every pearl in jewelry was natural, and natural pearls frequently cost more than the diamonds beside them. Most people...

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Antique old-cut diamond engagement rings and pear drop earrings in a velvet tray, with a jeweler's loupe and ring sketches.
September 2026

Cocktail Rings: The Statement Ring With a Prohibition Backstory

The cocktail ring was designed to be seen holding a glass you were not legally allowed to hold. Where the style came...

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Loose emerald, ruby, sapphire, citrine and amethyst gemstones on an antique tray with tweezers, a loupe and cut diagrams.
September 2026

Antique Opals: Why the Victorians Loved Them, and How to Wear One

Opal is water and silica, soft enough to scratch on a doorframe, and the Victorians put it in everything. Where the bad...

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