Large, clean citrine reportedly from the Kitwe deposit in Zambia is a welcome addition to the gem market.

Synthetic overgrowth caused by two different types of treatment are found on two samples in the Tokyo lab.

A Queen conch shell bead is submitted for pearl identification to the Mumbai laboratory.

Strong linear brown zoning is observed in a Fancy Dark yellow-brown diamond.

An iridescent partially healed fissure is observed in a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka.

Play-of-color patches in black opal display interesting written character patterns.

A GIA student from the London campus receives recognition for a necklace design featuring baroque pearls, diamonds, and light pink garnets.

In 2006, emeralds were discovered in the Fazenda Bonfim region of northeastern Brazil.

Suggested Reading on Sapphires and their Inclusions

Suggested Reading on Emeralds and their Inclusions

Suggested Reading on Diamond Inclusions

Examination of a faceted rock crystal backed by a slice of turquoise—an obvious but unusual combination of gem materials.

A summary of the article “A simple approach to separate natural from synthetic ametrine,” by Francine Payette.

A laboratory-grown diamond with multiple growth layers highlights the challenges of discerning the details of diamond synthesis.

Three natural sapphires exhibiting a surface layer of gahnite are studied at the GGTL laboratory.

The application of plating is detected on gold jewelry pieces in the Carlsbad laboratory.

A natural diamond contains two inclusions resembling a faceted diamond and a rough diamond.

Aragonite and calcite create a captivating iridescent effect in a Pinnidae shell.

A sample of yellow sphene displays a cloud of soap bubble–like inclusions with interference colors.

Well-formed crystals of green tourmaline from northwestern Zambia show a growth pattern reminiscent of trapiche emerald/ruby when sliced perpendicular to the c-axis.