Rough diamond crystal. Transmitted and reflected light. Image by Gary Roskin. Diamond provided by AMGAD. | | |
Top Newsletter Features from our last Report:
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#1.) Understanding Fei Cui:
The Trade Term Now Found on Jade Reports
A Definition of “Fei Cui”
by Emily “D.D.” Frontiere
for the Roskin Gem News Report
Beginning June 1st, 2025, jadeite jade authenticity reports issued by Mason-Kay, started to look a little different. Mason-Kay, U.S. jade experts located in Colorado, have added a new sentence at the bottom of the report – “Internationally known as ‘Fei Cui’, an umbrella term for pyroxene jades comprised primarily of jadeite, omphacite, kosmochlor, or any combination thereof.”
This adjustment follows the GIA’s 2023 decision to include the phrase “Known in the trade as ‘Fei Cui’” accompanied in the notes section with the explanation – “The term ‘Fei Cui’ refers to jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor” on their Jadeite Jade reports. As both statements imply, the term “Fei Cui” is not new, and has been part of the Asian jadeite jade nomenclature for over a decade.
But what is Fei Cui? And why should we care?
Tap here to read about Mason Kay's decision to include “Fei Cui”—It's clear, relevant, and no mineralogy degree required!
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#2.) "Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore?"
De Beers CEO Al Cook talks to the Wall Street Journal about the diamond market’s identity crisis!
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A review of the Wall Street Journal feature story...
"Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore? De Beers Reckons With Price Plunge"
— by Jenny Strasburg and Suzanne Kapner.
“The brand made mined diamonds synonymous with love and devotion. Now the CEO decries what he calls a ‘huge con’ in lab-grown stones masquerading as precious.” —Wall Street Journal
So you’ve probably already seen the Wall Street Journal article: “Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore?” It’s a headline that’s hard to ignore—and so are some of the claims inside. [You may need a subscription to read the article.]
The piece touches on falling diamond prices, the rise of synthetic/lab-grown diamonds, De Beers’ strategy shift, and changing consumer habits. But while it raises important questions, it skips over some details that matter to those of us in the trade.
We’ve broken down the massive article into key talking points, and have highlighted areas where the reporting could use a bit more detail.
Tap here for our review of the Wall Street Journal's "Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore?"
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#3) Spectacular Super Bowl Rings
for the LIX NFL Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles
Jason of Beverly Hills
Fly, Eagles, Fly—With 12 Carats of Bling!
Diamond & Colored Gemstone-set Jewelry Marks Milestones
When commemorating life's big moments, we often turn to jewelry as a lasting symbol to honor and forever remember the occasion.
And the Philadelphia Eagles are supersizing their moment with the King of all Super Bowl rings!
When the Philadelphia Eagles clinched their second Super Bowl title with a commanding win over the rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, February 9, earlier this year (2025), they knew their championship ring had to be as unforgettable as the season itself.
For that, the Eagles turned to Jason of Beverly Hills, the celebrity-favorite jeweler known for turning bold ideas into even bolder bling. The result is a masterclass in designing and manufacturing—a massive, 140 grams, iced-out, Hip-Hop-worthy masterpiece that's part jewelry, and part story telling.
Every detail of the ring is deliberate. Every element meaningful. Everywhere you look, the championship ring represents something memorable of the Eagles' momentous season, immortalized for the players and for the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
Tap here to read all about the Eagles' championship ring!
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THIS WEEK
in the Roskin Gem News Report
| | National Association of Jewelry Appraisers | | Accredited Gemologists Association | | Gemological Institute of America | |
Mogok Under Attack
Myanmar’s Legendary Ruby-Mining Town
Becomes the Latest Flashpoint in the Civil War
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Following numerous posts on social media, we see that Mogok—Myanmar’s legendary gem mining region—has been under attack for several weeks now.
According to the latest reports, anti-junta forces captured the region on July 23, 2025. The offensive, part of a broader campaign known as Operation 1027, was led by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), with support from the People’s Defense Force (PDF), a coalition of resistance groups opposing Myanmar’s military junta.
◈ Seen above: Poplar with international gem merchants, the Golden Butterfly Hotel in Mogok, was attacked on July 26. (Credit: CJ - Citizen Journalist)
Locals, long subjected to military extortion and violence, reportedly viewed the takeover as a liberation: “Residents welcomed the TNLA-led forces with flowers as they entered the town on Wednesday,” according to Myanmar Now. But the victory has brought a swift and punishing response.
Tap here to read more on the civil war taking place in the legendary mining district of Mogok.
| | The Politics of the Gem Business | | |
AGTA Continues the Fight in Washington
Gem Imports Still at Risk of Tariffs
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Here in the U.S, colored gemstones are at the center of a very real political battle.
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. government announced sweeping tariffs that threaten the viability of the American loose colored gemstone trade—raising costs, interfering with supply, and certainly jeopardizing businesses.
In response, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has launched an aggressive lobbying effort in the halls of Congress.
Recognizing that the unique nature of colored stones wasn’t being heard—since these are not critical minerals—AGTA leadership retained one of Washington’s top bipartisan firms, known for their expertise in trade policy, to help make their case.
The goal: Remove or reduce the tariffs before irreparable harm is done.
What followed has been a months-long push, including direct meetings on Capitol Hill, coalition-building with industry allies, and a targeted campaign aimed at senior members of the Trump administration.
In the following letter, published in this week's AGTA ePrism online magazine, AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John W. Ford, Sr. (seen above) share the latest developments in this high-stakes effort.
If you’re a gem dealer, retailer, appraiser, or anyone who depends on the smooth flow of colored stones into the U.S., their message is one you’ll want to read—and act on.
Tap here to read AGTA's important message!
| | American Society of Appraisers | | American Gem Trade Association | | "Summer School" - with a Personal Note |
Value at NAJA's ACE©IT Conference
August 9-10 - an Online Event
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Gary Roskin
Roskin Gem News Report
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers' 64th Annual ACE©It Mid-Year Virtual Education Conference takes place the weekend of August 9–10.
This year’s event features an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
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Duncan Parker, FGA, on Jewels Before the End of a Fixed Gold Price: The 1960s
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Al Gilbertson, GIA GG, on Jewelry Forensics
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Deborah Finleon, GIA GG, and Sherlene Bradbury, GIA GG, presenting Cash and Contracts, a session on the ins and outs of fees and contracts
…and many more
In case you missed the announcement last week, follow that link to discover the entire line-up of speakers.
On a Personal Note
I am also on that list, and it is truly an honor to join such a knowledgeable group, and to contribute to this valuable event. If you've been thinking about attending, go to the link below for registration details. This event is for all interested industry professionals, NAJA members and non-members alike.
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AGA Interviews a Celebrity Gemmologist
Canadian Gemmological Association President
Donna Hawrelko
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Mark your calendars!
On August 12, 2025, you’re invited to a free and very special conversation with one of gemology’s most respected educators and leaders.
Join Dr. Cigdem Lule as she interviews Donna Hawrelko, FGA, FCGmA—President of the Canadian Gemmological Association, long-time teacher, course developer, and in 2019 was the recipient of the AGA’s prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology for her lifetime of contributions to gemological education.
From her early career in social work to her decades shaping students in classrooms across Canada and California, Donna brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep passion for the gemological community.
This is sure to be an inspiring conversation with someone who has taught thousands and impacted even more.
Don’t miss it!
Tap here for details to watch the event!
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Photomicrography: Images from Within
Images by Sammantha Maclachlan
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Here is a garden of multi-phase inclusions in an Ethiopian emerald from the collection of Paul Mackie. This is a stack of 48 images and the magnification is 120x.
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Sammantha Maclachlan is an accomplished gemmologist and photomicrographer. Her attention to gemmological detail and beauty is evident within the incredible shots shown here and in the Roskin Gem News Report online magazine. We thank Sammantha for sharing her images, and welcome you to enjoy the page!
Tap here for more Gemmological Eye-Candy
from Sammantha Maclachlan!
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September HardRock Summit 2025
Gems, Minerals, Fossils,
and One Seriously Expanded Showcase!
So Much to Talk About!
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Gary Roskin
Roskin Gem News Report
With HardRock Summit 2025 just over a month away, the Denver-based show is gearing up for one of its most ambitious editions yet.
Taking place over eleven days, from September 2-12, the event promises an impressive lineup of international exhibitors, museum-caliber mineral displays, and one particularly exciting new venue addition: The Lake House, a dedicated hall for top-tier specimens.
In our report, we have for you the Dates, the Times, and the Floor Locations of the HardRock Summit. We have links to the floorplan, info on the Lake House, news about the DGMS, and we help you get prepared to make the most of the show.
So tap here for LOTS more information on the upcoming September show and a link to the official HardRock Summit website!
| Gem & Jewelry Competitions | AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards | |
Every year, the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards spotlight some of the most creative minds in the gem and jewelry world. Launched back in 1984, the competition has become a go-to showcase for both standout jewelry design and lapidary artistry. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind ring or a brilliantly cut stone, winning pieces get serious industry attention—and a spot in the AGTA GemFair Tucson showcase.
Tap here for contest rules, categories, and registration details!
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"Gems" on the Beach - aka... Sea Glass
It's a Treasure Hunt "for Shore" - Perfect for Summer!
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“One’s person’s trash is another person’s treasure” – Sea Glass. Treasure on the beach.
It’s one of nature’s most charming recycling projects: trash turned into treasure—litter-ally [oh yes, we went there].
Yes, “sea glass” begins life as just someone’s discarded glass trash; glass bottles, that used to contain beer, Seven-Up, Noxzema cleansing cream, etc… that has been churned up by wave action, roughly polished by sand over decades, and then tossed ashore. And before you ask, yes, there’s a difference between this and simply tumbling old beer bottles in your workshop tumbler. It’s all about the “Natural” process of taking what was once a man-made useful product, was no longer useful, thrown away as trash into oceans or ocean inlets, and then being recycled by nature to become something else.
The key is the natural journey: “authentic sea glass” has spent years being weathered in seawater and sand. You simply can’t replicate that in a workshop tumbler.
For expert guidance on how and where to look for Sea Glass, pick up a copy of Pure Sea Glass by Richard LaMotte. As we say above, it's perfect for summer!
AND Tap here for more, including two fabulous NPR audio reports, on how to collect Sea Glass at the beach!
| | Let Us Help You Get Noticed! | | |
Do you know why we buy more Lindt chocolates during the holidays than almost any other time of the year?
Because they advertise!
We make advertising easy (and very affordable) - just click the Ad package you like, and then send us your artwork. It just that simple - like eating chocolates!
Tap the box here to start advertising before your next showing!
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64th Annual ACE©It VIRTUAL Education Conference
– August 9 - 10, 2025
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August
The 22nd annual Australian Opal Exhibition
Trade Only
Southport, Queensland, Australia
– August 6-7, 2025
Time & Shine Jewellery Trade Show
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
– August 17 and 18, 2025
The International Jewellery & Watch Fairs
Sydney, Australia
– August 23-25, 2025
Japan Jewellery Fair – Informa Markets
Tokyo, Japan
– August 27-29, 2025
The Jewellery Show
Olympia, London, UK
– August 31-September 1, 2025
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The Rare Gem
Bear Essentials
The Arkenstone
HardRock Summit
ValentineGarnets.com
World Gem Foundation
GIA - Gemological Institute of America
The Canadian Gemmological Association
ASA - the American Society of Appraisers
AGTA - the American Gem Trade Association
AGA - the Accredited Gemologists Association
Gem-A - Gemmological Association of Great Britain
NAJA - the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
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What do we have for you this week?
The Civil War in Myanmar just moved up a notch as it is now in Mogok. We will try to keep up with the news, as we know it will affect the important Burmese gem trade.
We are also keeping close tabs on the AGTA and their efforts to divert Tariffs on gem materials... and that starts tomorrow, August 1st (if you can trust anything coming from Washington, D.C.)
More Images!! We LOVE having both Sammantha Maclachlan and Billie Hughes sharing their shots!
And more of course...
Want us to cover something? Let us know!
Our email address is Gary@RoskinGemNews.com
- or you can text us at +1-610-269-0121 (good for WhatsApp too!)
That's all for now from here!
Keep in touch. We’d love to hear where you’ve been and what gems you’ve discovered!
As always, we will continue to post features on the website, so feel free to log on to the Roskin Gem News Magazine any time: www.RoskinGemNewsReport.com
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Want to contribute?
If you would like to contribute, or you have read something somewhere that you feel would be perfect to share with the community, then please feel free to contact me directly at Gary@RoskinGemNews.com
I will see you again SOON!
Stay safe and stay healthy!
Gary Roskin
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| The creation of this newsletter is the work of Gary A. Roskin Ltd, dba Roskin Gemological Services. If you should have any comments or suggestions regarding the contents of this newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gary@RoskinGemNews.com | |
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