Summer 2023 - Volume 59, Issue 2
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Figure 1. Emerald and matrix suite, 112.25 carats total. Photo by Jessa Rizzo.
Unique Colombian Emerald and Matrix Suite

A look at a unique matching set of emerald and brown matrix cabochons from the Muzo mine in Colombia.

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Figure 1. The white and cream non-nacreous pearl weighing 0.29 ct and measuring 3.75 × 3.55 mm. Photo by Gaurav Bera.
Calcite Present in a Pearl from Pinctada maculata

Examination of a Pinctada maculata pearl reveals an interesting columnar calcite surface structure.

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Figure 1. The cream-colored pearl weighing 0.23 ct and measuring 3.20 × 3.12 mm, shown against the anterior of a <em>Pinctada radiata</em> mollusk. Photo by Nuttapol Kitdee.
An Unusual Metallic Core in a Natural Pinctada radiata Pearl from Kuwait

Examination of natural pearls from Kuwait reveals one with a suspected metal oxide at the core.

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Figure 1. A strand of baroque-shaped freshwater bead cultured pearls shown with two <em>Tridacna</em>-species mollusk shells from GIA’s shell reference collection. Each sample weighs approximately 20 ct, ranging from 16.73 × 12.58 × 12.49 mm to 18.98 × 13.53 × 13.43 mm. Photo by Nuttapol Kitdee.
Saltwater Clamshell Beads (Tridacna Species) Used in Freshwater Cultured Pearls

A report from GIA’s Bangkok laboratory on freshwater bead cultured pearls with saltwater bead nuclei.

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Figure 1. “Rabbit hair” quartz samples with different colors. Photos by Shuqian Rui.
Special Hair-Like Inclusions in Quartz

A close look at inclusions in a variety of “rabbit hair” quartz samples.

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Figure 1. Greenland’s rubies are characterized by abundant twinning planes. The twinning planes are not altered by the treatment at a larger scale, but features associated with the twinning can be significantly affected by heating. Photo by S. Wongchacree; field of view 14.40 mm.
Characteristics of Treated Rubies from Greenland

An overview of the treatment process of ruby and pink sapphire from Greenland and its effect on inclusion scenes and chemistry.

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Figure 1. An 11.68 ct treated phantom opal in which the phantom structure appeared during experiments with various solutions. The sample is shown under daylight through the dome (left) and under halogen lighting through the bottom (right). Photos by Le Ngoc Nang.
A New Treatment: Creating Phantom Structure in Opal

A newly developed treatment creates a phantom structure in opal visually similar to natural phantom opal.

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Figure 1. The Bulgari Laguna Blu, an 11.16 ct Fancy Vivid blue diamond, was featured for the first time at auction in Geneva. Courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Spring 2023 Auction Highlights

After a slow start, the spring 2023 auction season ends with multiple broken records.

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Susan Jacques accepts the Robert M. Shipley Award at the American Gem Society’s 2023 Conclave in Louisville, Kentucky. Courtesy of AGS.
Susan Jacques Receives Robert M. Shipley Award

GIA president and CEO Susan Jacques receives the American Gem Society’s highest honor.

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Deeta Thakural, Mélanie Matthes, Yolette and Briana Hodge, and Aldis Hodge are some of GIA’s featured graduates on the Alumni Collective website.
GIA Alumni Collective

The Alumni Collective puts GIA alums in the spotlight.

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