Drosos shared her top takeaways from a recent Botswana trip and her insights into the natural diamond market.
GSI Spots Synthetic Sapphire Melee Set in Jewelry
Lab President Debbie Azar called the discovery “atypical.”
New York—Gemological Science International recently found man-made sapphire melee set among natural diamonds in a piece of jewelry.
In a news release sent out in late May, GSI said it received multiple diamond fashion pendants for screening and in one of the pendants, graders found near-colorless lab-grown white sapphires ranging in size from .01-.10 points.
Lab co-founder and President Debbie Azar called the setting of these stones in a natural diamond pendant a “very atypical” use of melee-sized man-made white sapphire, noting that the lab has never seen them in this size set into a piece of jewelry. (Usually, when it detects a stone that is not diamond in a piece like this, it is a lab-grown diamond.)
GSI tests and screens loose stones, melee parcels and jewelry for lab-grown diamonds and simulants like cubic zirconia (CZ), and has found both in all three.
RELATED CONTENT: GSI Opens Office Dedicated to Lab-Grown ScreeningBut, Azar said, the undisclosed lab-grown diamonds are by far the bigger issue.
“We would say it is a very big problem that just won’t go away. What is more, lately we encounter new, much more sophisticatedly grown diamonds, which require more efforts and tools to identify.”
GSI is not the only lab to note the advancing capabilities of diamond growers.
In the spring issue of Gems & Gemology, researchers at the Gemological Institute of America wrote about finding a natural diamond topped with a layer of CVD-grown diamond, the second to come through the lab in two years.
“This could be a new type of product entering the market,” they wrote. “Earth-grown diamonds with synthetic diamond grown on the surface require extra scrutiny … Careful inspection still reveals the presence of synthetic indicators, which expose the true nature of the diamond.”
Azar said GSI is planning to release articles in the near future regarding some of the atypical cases it has seen.
“These new, as well as more typical undisclosed lab-grown diamonds, are found by our scientists in all our labs globally,” she said. “It’s not limited to one geographical location. It’s a global issue.”
The Latest
The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.
Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The deadline to apply is March 29.
CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.
Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.
Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.
The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.
It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.
It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.
He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.
Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.
“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.
A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.
Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.
He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.
At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.
Vibrant gemstones, layered diamond pieces and brooches with a story stole the show.
The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.
They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.
The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.
Sponsored by IGI
The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.