#1.) Christie's Geneva: An Update

Magnificent Jewels

Emeralds & Natural Pearls, Sapphires & Diamonds

Top of Sale

Gary Roskin -

Roskin Gem News Report -

As we reported in our last newsletter, Christie’s Geneva: Magnificent Jewels, there were "too numerous wonderful pieces to explore in the Report."

However, one piece that we did report on, the Aga Khan Emerald, set a new world record for the most expensive emerald ever sold at auction!

Let's see if those other Lots we were watching did as well. We know the results from the auction will give you some great ideas about trends, what sold, and for how much, that you should watch!

Tap here to see those picks,

and link to the other fabulous Lots that sold at Christies!



#2.) Fall 2024 Gems & Gemology

Download your own PDF copy

GIA Press Release -

Gems & Gemology -

Once again, GIA’s Gems & Gemology (Fall issue 2024) gives us more information than we can absorb in one sitting.

And because we are in the throws of the holidays, let’s not ramble on – here is what we should be paying attention to (once we get the time):

1.) GIA’s latest glimpse into assessing fancy-shaped diamonds - mind numbing!

2.) Getting into the weeds of gem identification is the Classification of Gem Materials Using Machine Learning - getting some technical help is not a bad thing.

3.) Then there’s a look at a relatively new find (2017) of Amethyst from Newfoundland, Canada: Geology, Internal Features, and Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry.

Wait – what is Microthermometry?

Then there are:

Lab Notes, where we see some extremely rare examples of green haüyne

Micro-World, with some fabulous inclusion images

Diamond Reflections - a very interesting study on diamond origin

Gem News International, where we spend a lot of time looking at new global gem news

AND last but not least - TREASURE from a shipwreck! (Who doesn't like that?)

Tap here to read more about what's in this quarter's G&G as well as the link to downloading your own copy.

The AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards are the benchmark for design excellence in the world of colored gemstones and cultured pearls.

Each year, AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards winners set the high bar for beauty and innovation, launch trends, and earn world-wide recognition.

This year’s winners have once again set new heights for their craft.

Yes, we see some familiar names in the mix, including Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems, John Dyer of John Dyer Gems, Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Inc., and Jeffrey Bilgore of Jeffrey Bilgore LLC. But this year’s stars also include Craig Slavens of Luxe Fine Jewelry, Beatrix Laura Jessner of B & W Jewels LLC, Christina Penuel of Mark Loren Designs, Robin Callahan of Robin Callahan Designs, LLC, and Jutta Munsteiner of Atelier Munsteiner, as well as the teams of Joseph Dardashti & Sophia D. Karmel, Matthew Tuggle, Lauren Tuggle, Ryan Anderson & Kyle Forgey, as well as Philip Louer, Nicolai Medvedev, & Susan Helmich, just to name but a few.

And for the most complete visual listing of the award winning pieces, Tap Here!

The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is proud to announce Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, Director of the Swiss Gemological Institute SSEF, as the 2024 recipient of the esteemed Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.

Selected by AGA membership, this prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Krzemnicki’s exceptional contributions and steadfast dedication to gemology.

Tap Here to read more about Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki and the Bonanno Award!

UK Atomic Energy Authority –

Roskin Gem news Report –

We’ve just seen news reports coming out of the UK that a synthetic diamond battery has been created – and that these batteries, in the future, will basically last forever (roughly 5700 years… or longer).

“Goodbye Lithium batteries!”

What we’ve also come to find out is that this is NOT a new idea. It is at least 8 years old. Even Elon Musk has for the past couple of years been talking about developing his own to use in Tesla products.

Diamond Batteries

It’s a bit complicated, as most new technology is expected to be, but basically it comes down to this: radioactive waste is harvested for its radioactive carbon-14. That carbon-14 is then used to create a synthetic diamond. Then that radioactive synthetic diamond is encased in a non-radioactive synthetic diamond, which can now be used safely as a battery.

For further, and most accurate details, in quite simple terms and video, here is your lesson in radioactive diamond batteries, from the University of Bristol, Cabot Institute for the Environment, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

Tap here to learn more about this amazing synthetic diamond breakthrough!

Gary Roskin –

Roskin Gem News Report –

Glenn Lehrer, beloved gem artist, passed away in November at the age of 71.

A personal note – gr

Like many of us in the industry, we had the good fortune of meeting Glenn Lehrer in Tucson at the annual February gem and mineral shows. Glenn was a gem artist, always presenting new carving designs or gem materials that had captured his focus. His talent was unmistakable, and he was particularly famous for his fantasia carved agates and patented TorusRing designs.

Tap here to read our remembrance, the family's memoriam, and much more...

Paolo Minieri –

IGR – ITALIAN GEMOLOGICAL REVIEW –

Transparency issues in disclosing gemstone characteristics are not unique to Italy. The Italian Gemological Review (IGR) has revealed through interviews with renowned gemologists and dealers worldwide that fraud, inflated valuations, and misleading information are global threats to the industry’s credibility.

Fair disclosure, among other corporate social responsibility actions like environmental sustainability and traceability, is a critical challenge that demands urgent attention from the entire industry.

While the need to regulate the market and protect consumers is widely recognized, achieving this is complex. The Italian jewelry industry, admired globally, must urgently address this weakness by adopting appropriate gemological standards.

Tap Here to read Minieri's feature on honesty and transparency... from IGR issue #19.

Gary Roskin –

Roskin Gem News Report –

Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers sold Saturday at Heritage Auctions for a price somewhere over the rainbow, way up high: $32.5 million.

According to Heritage Auctions, this pair of ruby slippers is just one of four surviving pairs that were worn by Judy Garland in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz. “The slippers that sold Saturday are now the most famous pair, and, by far, the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction!”

This sale was part of the December 7 Hollywood/Entertainment Signature® Auction which raised $38,615,188.

“There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia,” says Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena.

Tap here to watch the live recorded auction , starting at $1.5 million and climaxing at $28 million!

The Accredited Gemologists Association's annual Tucson Conference will be held at the Tucson Marriott University Park on Wednesday February 5th, 2025.

The full-day conference features six timely gemological education sessions with ample networking opportunities, followed by the Bonanno Award presentation ceremony and silent auction during a fun-filled gala dinner dance. 

Speakers and their topics include:

Emmanuel Fritsch, PhD, GG, HFGA -

From UV Lamp to Spectroscopy: How to get the most out of your luminescence equipment

Brecken Branstrator, GIA GG -

The Role of the Gemologist-Journalist: Gathering and Fact-Checking Information

Hanco Zwaan, PhD, FGA -

News from the Netherlands Gem Laboratory

Sharrie Woodring, GIA GG, FGA -

Diamond Grading: Technological Advancements and Lab Insights

Jean-Pierre Jutras, B.Sc Honors Geology, P. Geology -

Nephrite Jade: Gifts from an evolving and enduring Earth

Michael S. Krzemnicki, PhD -

The Age of Gems: Radiometric dating and its application in gem testing

Tap here to learn more about the AGA Conference and Gala

Gary Roskin -

Roskin Gem News Report -

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson INSPIRED Seminar Series.

Seminar presentations by some of the leading experts in gems and jewelry, sponsored by the AGS, include notables such as Angela Hedges on Harry Winston, Vincent Pardieu on gem exploration, and a panel of award winning jewelry designers: Adam Neely, Adam Neely Designs, Jennifer Rabe Morin, George and Jennifer Rabe Jewelers, Victor Velyan, Victor Velyan Designs, Susan Helmich, Master Goldsmith and Designer, Susan Helmich Designs, and Zoltan David, Master Goldsmith, Designer & Innovative Metallurgist, Zoltan David Designs.

There will be demonstrations in cutting, featuring Nadine Marshall of ilovegreenrocks, and Larry Woods of Gem Arts International, as well as MJSA’s jewelers bench demonstrations with Rémy Rotenier on sketching the perfect design, and Melissa Muir on techniques in metal texturing and engraving.

For MORE about this amazing three-day seminar series, Tap Here!

To learn more about the FACETS SRI LANKA 2025 Trade Show, Tap Here!