Rough diamond crystal. Transmitted and reflected light. Image by Gary Roskin. Diamond provided by AMGAD.


Issue 27, November 25, 2024

Top Newsletter Features from our last Report:



#1.) Rubellite’s Big Moment in High Jewellery


Drop Everything!


Rubellites are riding high (and dropping big) as large clean rubies (and spinels for that matter) have become impossible to acquire at a reasonable/affordable price.


The big houses are taking advantage of red tourmalines and making sure the holidays stay red - and green - this season.


And let's not forget the numerous other affordable gem materials. For the thoughtful designers, there are plenty of affordable gem materials that have the potential to be a part of High Jewelry - we simply need to be reminded that it's always about color and design, and not necessarily about rarity and monetary value. Mixing in chrysoprase and black onyx cabochons, Cartier, in its Nature Sauvage collection, is doing their best to ignore the [low] cost, and focus solely on beauty and form. Check out Bvlgari's Lotus necklace with their turquoise and amethyst cabochons!


Tap here to examine the creative use of rubellite in High Jewellery!


#2.) CIBJO Congress: Pearl Commission Recommends Bleaching be Disclosed


Reports from the 2024 CIBJO Congress, held in Shanghai from November 2 through 4


Bleaching

While CIBJO has long recommended describing treatments in transactions, the organisation has now added the provision that bleaching, a commonplace practice for example in Japanese akoya pearls, shall be described in trade along the whole supply chain. 


The CIBJO Commission also clarified that drilling of natural pearls shall be described in transactions, following questions received internally from CIBJO members, Pearl Commission President Kenneth Scarratt said.


Drilling and its effect on Weight

Often treatments pertaining to natural pearls, such as drilling, can reduce weight, which links to their value. In cultured pearls, value is linked to their size, not weight. Holes caused by drilling can widen over time, reducing the weight of a natural pearl.


“It is in the best interests and responsibility of the trade for consumers to be fully informed with regard to treatments applied to pearls,” the CIBJO Special Report on Pearls said. “Treatments may impact a pearl’s value as they are often not permanent or may require special care,” it added.


“The seller should therefore inform the purchaser about the treatments.”


Tap here to find out more of this recommendation!





#3.) FURA Colombian Emerald Auction

132,000 carats of Coscuez Mine Production


FURA Gems Press Release


FURA Gems is proud to announce its upcoming seventh auction of premium quality Colombian emeralds scheduled to take place from November 11 to 13 in Bogota and November 21 to 25 in Bangkok. This milestone event marks the first time in FURA history that over 132,000 carats of high quality Colombian emeralds will be offered to the international market.


Exceptional Quality and Unmatched Variety

The November auction will showcase an extensive range of emeralds distinguished by their remarkable clarity, vibrant color, and expert cuts that elevate Colombian emeralds to new standards of excellence. With this event, FURA Gems says it is setting a new benchmark in gemstone quality, positioning Coscuez emeralds as a symbol of rarity and enduring beauty.


Tap here to get the details of the upcoming Coscuez Colombian Emerald auctions.



THIS WEEK

in the Roskin Gem News Report

The Auction Houses

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!

Gemology - GIA's G&G

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.

TUCSON - Conferences

NAJA Announces Winter ACE©It Tucson

Two-Day Conference Focuses on Gem Knowledge

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers announces the 63rd ACE©IT Winter Conference



Saturday & Sunday, February 1-2, 2025

Tucson Convention Center


 

NAJA's Winter ACE©IT Conference has a major distinction from other NAJA conferences in that it focuses on gemological product knowledge.


“We are excited to present this conference in connection with AGTA's GemFair," announced NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine.


"Access to the AGTA’s GemFair provides an excellent opportunity for us to integrate what we learned in the classroom and taking it to the floor show.” 


The weekend features hands-on workshops, presentations, exhibits, networking and relationship building opportunities as well as plenty of Q&A—all designed to support conference attendees by providing new information and insights that will enhance their professional appraisal practices.


Tap here to find the list of speakers and presentations as well as registration links to the event.



Associations: Gemological Conferences

More CIBJO Congress Recommendations

re: Coral, Diamonds, Opals, Fei Cui (Jade), and more...

Reports from the 2024 CIBJO Congress, held in Shanghai from November 2 through 4


CORAL

"Consumers need to be informed about any treatments to precious coral, in order to protect confidence," said Kenneth Scarratt, Vice-President of the Coral Commission, and President of Sector A.


DIAMONDS

Raluca Anghel, Global Head of External Affairs and Industry Relations at the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), spoke of the importance of the correct use of diamond terminology and disclosure across the jewellery trade. “We don’t have a lot of consumers who see the differences between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds,” she said. “Consumers need to understand these differences.”


OPALS

Australian coloured gemstone, mining and jewellery groups reported that are working to develop a Opal Guide and are inviting traders in key localities around the world to make submissions to develop the document, the CIBJO Congress heard.

“I would like to invite people in opal centres such as Mexico, Honduras, Ethiopia and Brazil, to contribute to this important work,” Australia-based opal supplier Ruth Benjamin-Thomas, President of the Australian Opal Association, told the CIBJO Congress plenary, adding that much of the input so far had come from Australia.


FEI CUI

The Fei Cui Working Group, which is operating under the CIBJO umbrella with the active support of China’s National Gems & Gemstone Testing Company (NGTC) and the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK), outlined progress and challenges in developing an international standard to promote trade and business in jade and jadeite to the participants in the 2024 CIBJO Congress.


Details from each of these discussions can be read here!





One Prime Example

💎 Real Diamond Jewelry From $20—Exclusive Deals On Authentic Diamond Jewelry 💍

Lawn Sweeper $249 | 2ct Diamond Studs $597 | Heated Vest $27



Why CIBJO, NDC, the Indian Government ... they're all talking disclosure wording!



Gary Roskin -

Roskin Gem News Report -


We’ve been receiving these Ads from DealWiki.net all week long. Our InBox shows subject lines that promote a lawn sweeper to pick up fallen leaves, a pair of diamond stud earrings with white gold with screw backs, and a unisex polar fleece heated vest.


While the lawn sweeper and heated vest are interesting, we were drawn (of course) to the diamond earrings. They were being offered at $597 for the pair, set in 14 karat white gold with screw backs, SI2-I1, clarity/G-H color.


One of the many Subject lines of these emails read that these are “real” and “authentic” diamonds.


Technically, yes, they are diamond.


So is this advertising wrong?


Ethically, it should be made apparent to the consumer that they are in fact synthetic/created/lab grown/factory grown.


... and so THIS is why everyone continues to beat the drum about disclosure!


Tap here to see how marketing bates the hook,

and what CIBJO is saying about disclosure.


Giving Back

Pebbles to Pines Raffle Results

Columbia Gem House raises $10,000

Money Raised Goes to Benefit the National Forest Foundation’s Reforestation Program

Columbia Gem House (CGH), Vancouver, Washington, has concluded the Pebbles to Pines fundraising raffle, a key event in their annual fundraising series.


If you are looking for an example as to how to give back, read on.


Their Goal Met

This year's campaign raised enough for the planting of 10,000 trees!


CGH received support for the fundraiser from participants in three countries and over 25 U.S. states. By selling 300 raffle tickets, raising $7,750, along with an additional contribution from Columbia Gem House, they collectively raised a total of $10,000!


Those funds will directly benefit the National Forest Foundation’s Reforestation Program, where every dollar donated plants a tree in critical need areas. This includes forests in Oregon, Arizona, and Montana—states from which this year's featured gems were sourced.


"A heartfelt thank you to the nine talented designers who generously donated their time and creations, as well as to MJSA for their partnership on this meaningful project. We also extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who purchased a ticket or shared the raffle with friends and family. The contribution made to the National Forest Foundation was made possible by all of you!" - CGH


Tap here for more details of the Pebbles to Pines Raffle.





Russia and Diamonds - in the news

Back to Back news with regards to Alrosa:


1.) They're cutting production,

and

2.) the government is still buying rough in order to keep the mining company solvent.


What effect will this have on global diamond prices?

And what's to become of the multi-year stores of rough?


Russia to Continue Buying Diamonds

through state fund in 2025

Creamer Media's Mining Weekly / Reuters News Service


MOSCOW - Russia will continue to buy diamonds through a state fund in 2025 in order to support the diamond industry and market, Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev said on Thursday.


The Russian budget for 2025-2027 has set aside $1.55-billion for the purchase of precious metals and gems, Moiseev said in a statement.


Russia will continue to ensure "stable global rough diamond prices in the wake of oversupply in the current market," the same statement said.


State-owned precious metals and gems repository Gokhran resumed buying diamonds from Alrosa in March 2024. Alrosa, under US and EU sanctions, is the world's largest producer of rough diamonds by volume with 30% of the market.


Tap here to read the original post in Creamer's Mining Weekly.


Russia's diamond miner Alrosa to cut production and staff in 2025

Creamer Media's Mining Weekly / Reuters News Service


Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds by volume, may suspend some production in 2025 and cut staff as it grapples with low global prices, the sanctions-hit company's CEO, Pavel Marinychev, said on Thursday.


Marinychev said the global diamond industry was in a "deep crisis," with prices falling for a second consecutive year. For Alrosa, this crisis is exacerbated by a ban on Russian diamond sales to G7 and EU countries as part of Western sanctions.


Tap here to read Mining Weekly's focus on Alrosa and the diamond miner's future.



Museums

The Imperial Flame


Now at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science

Topaz: A Spectrum in Stone


Gary Roskin –

Roskin Gem News Report –


The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in Dallas Texas, is celebrating Topaz, the Texas State Gem. And there is no better way to do that than to have on display several rough crystals of Texas topaz, along with several cut and polished topaz exhibiting the Lone Star Cut (Texas being “the Lone Star State”).


The highlight of the exhibit, is the “Imperial Flame.” This is a magnificent Brazilian gem, displaying hues of red, orange and yellow.


The Imperial Flame weighs in at an impressive 332 carats, and is on loan to the Perot by Germany-based Kreis Jewelry. Gem artist Alexander Kreis describes the Imperial Flame as the “gem of the century.” Of exceptional quality, the Imperial Flame represents the largest carved Imperial Topaz in the world.


On Exhibit

Highlights of the exhibit include:

  • The largest known “Lone Star Cut” in Texas topaz
  • A 15-pound blue topaz from Brazil
  • Orange and blue bicolored topaz from Volyn, Ukraine
  • The Imperial Flame - The largest cut imperial topaz in the world at 332 carats


For more about this amazing gem and the exhibition, tap here!



Auctions

Cartier Art Deco Clocks in the Watch Auction: XIX – Phillips Hong Kong

Auctions always give us the opportunity to see what was, and might still be, in fashion. Mostly, the Roskin Gem News Report covers loose gems and gem-set jewelry. But on occasion, like now, we cover other gem-set items, including watches, clocks, and decorative arts. The Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction XIX allows us to venture into that area, with Cartier's Art Deco Clocks.


Cartier’s use of rock crystal, mother-of-pearl, and hard stones such as onyx, rose quartz, agate, obsidian, nephrite, lapis lazuli, and more, is never ordinary, and always artful.


Take for example, Cartier's Mystery Clocks. The use of rock crystal discs to hide the inner workings of the clock, along with its gemstone accents, are technologically amazing, and beautiful works of art. Lot 910, the Modèle A, rock crystal, mother-of-pearl, diamonds and onyx, is the pinnacle of the auction (in our humble opinion).


So let’s take a look at Cartier’s Art Deco Clocks in Phillip’s Hong Kong Watch Auction XIX.


Tap here to view Cartier Art Deco Clocks, and more, in this Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction.



Exhibition

Paris, Capitale de la Perle

[Paris, Capital of the Pearl]

En français et en anglais / In French and in English

Exposition "Paris, Capitale de la Perle"

Qui ne connaît la perle, recherchée depuis la haute Antiquité et source d’inspiration des plus grands joailliers modernes ? Mais qui sait qu’elle fut au coeur d’un intense commerce entre le golfe Arabo-Persique et la France entre la fin du XIXe siècle et le milieu du XXe siècle ? Qui surtout se souvient qu’elle fut pendant des décennies au coeur de l’industrie du luxe et de la culture parisienne ?


C’est l’histoire oubliée d’une incroyable aventure artistique, commerciale et humaine que conte l’exposition « Paris, Capitale de la Perle », organisée par L’École des Arts Joailliers du 21 novembre 2024 au 1 juin 2025.


Exhibition "Paris, Capital of the Pearl"

Who does not know the pearl, sought after since ancient times and a source of inspiration for the greatest modern jewelers? But who knows that it was at the heart of an intense trade between the Arabian-Persian Gulf and France between the end of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th century? Who especially remembers that for decades it was at the heart of the luxury industry and Parisian culture?


It is the forgotten story of an incredible artistic, commercial and human adventure that the exhibition "Paris, Capital of the Pearl" tells, organized by L'École des Arts Joailliers from November 21, 2024 to June 1, 2025.


Tap here to find out more about the exhibition and the book!


Gemological Education

Promoting Education Worldwide

Starting Gemology When They're Young

LinkedIn Post –

Andy Lucas, Guild Laboratory and Institute of Gemology


“Guild Gemology Education just completed one of our ‘Little Gemologists’ classes in Shenzhen. 28 children learned how fun gems and gemology can be. Looking at inclusions in the microscope, learning about cleavage by breaking calcite, and seeing gems go from mine-to-market in video captivated them during the class. Both parents and children had a great time. Gemology is an exciting career and gems are a magical industry. Let the excitement of these children remind us how lucky we are to be part of our industry.”


Andy Lucas, President of Guild Education of Gemology, and Senior Vice President of Guild Gem Laboratories, posted this short intro and image on LinkedIn just the other day and we were swept away with the image of these young gem enthusiasts!


Tap here to read more about Guild Institute of Gemology

Design Contest

"A Journey to the Enchanted Forest"

Expressions 2024-25

Global Design Competition

International Gemological Institute


IGI Press Release -


The International Gemological Institute (IGI) today announced the return of its annual global jewelry design competition, IGI Expressions 2024-25.


Now in its fourth year, the contest invites student, amateur and professional designers alike to showcase their creativity around the latest theme: "A Journey to the Enchanted Forest."


Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from classic fairy tales, merging fantasy with reality in their designs, and limited only by their imaginations. Categories for submission include:

·      Statement Piece: Necklaces, earrings, or necklace sets that make a bold statement.

·      Convertible Jewelry: Transformable pieces that can adapt to different styles.

·      Accessories: Jewelry such as hairpins, brooches, and hand chain bracelets.

Designers may submit their creations in a variety of formats.


For more details and how you can enter, Tap Here!

Upcoming Trade Shows & Events Calendar

If you know of an important trade show or event

and believe it should be listed here, contact us here!


Trade Shows

2024



Jewellery Arabia

Bahrain

– November 26–30, 2024




2025

IIJS India International Jewellery Show Signature 2025 – GJEPC

JWCC - Mumbai, India

January 4th-7th, 2025



FACETS SRI LANKA

Colombo, Sri Lanka

– January 6-8, 2025




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


The Original Miami Beach Antique Show

Miami Beach, Florida, USA

– January 9-13, 2025


IJT 2024 International Jewellery Tokyo – Reed Exhibitions

35th International, Tokyo, Japan

– January 15-18, 2025


VicenzaOro

Vicenza, Italy

– January 17-221 2025



TUCSON


JOGS Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 29 – February 9, 2025


Ethical Gem Fair Tucson

Tucson, Arizona, USA

TBD


AGTA GemFair

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 3-9, 2025


Gem & Jewelry Exchange GJX

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 3-8, 2025


The Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 30 – February 11, 2025


Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– January 31 – February 15, 2025


Westward Look Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– TBD


THE 69th TGMS Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

Tucson, Arizona, USA

– February 13-16, 2025






The Melbourne Jewellery Expo

Melbourne, Australia

– February 1-3, 2025


Inhorgenta Munich

Munich, Germany

– February 21–24, 2025 


Feninjer

Sao Paulo, Brazil

– February 10-13, 2025


Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand

69th Edition – Bangkok, Thailand

– TBD


Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair (TGJTA)

Impact Challenger, Bangkok Thailand.

– TBD


HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show

Hong Kong, China Asia World Expo

– March 2-6, 2025 AWE





EVENTS

AGA - Accredited Gemologists Association


Annual Conference and Gala Dinner

Bonanno Award Presentation

– February 5, 2025 University Marriott



NAJA - National Association of Jewelry Appraisers


– February 1-2, 2025 NAJA's Winter ACE©IT Conference



The Rare Gem

Bear Essentials

FACETS Sri Lanka

Flawless: Blue White & D Flawless

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

Visit our online Magazine




And we are BACK!


Still working on our reports from Yale, and Germany, but we're getting closer!!


Where have YOU been? Tell us all about it.


Stay informed and keep in touch. We'd like to know where you've been and what gems you've seen.


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 at www.RoskinGemNewsReport.com

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

The Roskin Gem News Report, Newsletter and online Magazine, is your one-stop destination for all current global gem news.


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