Royal Smit & Zoon’s Post

Natural pearls are mostly associated with the saltwater molluscs, commonly known as "pearl oysters", that produce the popular and valuable nacreous concretions. However there has been a significant historical contribution to the jewellery arts given by pearls produced in freshwater species. These pearl producing molluscs that live in lakes, rivers and ponds, notably Megalonaias nervosa, Quadrula quadrula and Margaritifera margaritifera (among many many others), are collectively known as mussels or freshwater mussels, with their pearls usually referred to as "river pearls". Please do not confuse these rare natural pearls with the ultra-abundant freshwater cultured pearls that are produced mainly in China since the second half of the 20th century, hence the importance of the word "natural" and "cultured" to clearly pass the correct product information along the supply chain. As as illustration, here is a ca. 1900 example attributed to Marcus & Co. (a New York jeweler founded by Herman and William Marcus in 1892) featuring a 1.85 ct diamond surrounded by natural freshwater pearls, reportedly from the Mississippi © FORTUNA® #pearls #jewelry #luxury #gemstones

Musgravite is an extremely rare gemstone that belongs to the taaffeite family. It was first discovered in 1967 in the #Musgrave Ranges of South #Australia, hence its name. Here are some key points about #musgravite: 👉🏻 Rarity and Value: Musgravite is one of the #rarest gemstones in the #world, with very few specimens ever found. Its rarity makes it highly valuable and sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts. 👉🏻 Color: Musgravite can range in color from greenish gray to purplish and bluish tones. The most prized specimens are typically those with a clear, vivid color and high transparency. 👉🏻 Chemical Composition: The chemical formula of musgravite is Be(Mg, Fe, Zn)2Al6O12, making it a beryllium aluminum oxide with magnesium, iron, and zinc as variable components. 👉🏻 Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, musgravite rates an 8 to 8.5, making it a durable gemstone suitable for various types of jewelry, though its rarity often keeps it in collections rather than in everyday wear. 👉🏻 Other Locations: Aside from Australia, musgravite has also been found in #Greenland, #Antarctica, #Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and #Tanzania, but occurrences remain very limited. 👉🏻 Distinguishing Features: Musgravite can be differentiated from other gemstones, such as taaffeite, through gemological testing that analyzes its crystal structure and optical properties. 👉🏻 Market: Given its rarity, musgravite is often sold through specialized gem dealers and at auctions. Prices can be extremely high, especially for larger, high-quality stones. Musgravite remains a gemstone of great interest to #gemologists and collectors due to its rarity and unique properties. Diamtrader

Amber is a unique and captivating gemstone that has fascinated humans for centuries. Unlike other gemstones, which are formed from minerals, amber is a fossilized resin that has been preserved over millions of years. Amber is found in many parts of the world, but the most significant deposits are in the Baltic region, particularly in Poland, Russia, and Kaliningrad. Other notable locations for amber include the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United States. Amber is a soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 2-3, and it is relatively lightweight. It is also highly variable in color, ranging from pale yellow to deep brown, and sometimes even green or red. The color of amber is determined by the organic matter and impurities that were present in the resin when it was formed. Today, amber is primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, where it is prized for its beauty and rarity. It is also used in the manufacture of various products, such as perfumes, varnishes, and plastics, due to its resinous nature. #AmberGemstone #Amber #GemstoneInsight #YellowGemstone

In a statement released earlier this month, GSI stated that a range of laboratory-created diamonds mounted in jewelry have been discovered during screening. In some instances, the laboratory-grown diamonds have similar properties to natural diamonds with fractures, "naturals", and pinpoint clouds are detected that may lead to the diamonds passing standard observation. Debbie Azar, President & Co-Founder, said the importance of using proper processes, equipment, and expertise when identifying diamonds was highlighted by these discoveries. "The challenge arises as most jewelry screening equipment in the market is designed to screen white near-colorless diamonds," she says. "Over the past several months, our team has seen a rise in laboratory-grown colored diamonds, primarily in brown, yellow, and pink, mixed in with natural-colored diamonds in jewelry." GSI was established in New York City in 2005 and offers gemstone identification and grading services on four continents. Read the Article: https://lnkd.in/eeFvx4Pm #GemologicalScienceInternational #GSICertified #GSI #GSICertification #Gemstone #Jewelry #Gemstones #DesignerJewelry #GemLab #GemstoneTesting #GemstoneGrading #Gemology #Gemologist #ColorGemstones #Diamonds #Sparkle #FashionJewelry #Bling #DiamondsAreForever #ColorCutClarityCaratWeight #GSILaboratory #GSILab #GradingReport #Integrity #LabServices #GemologicalNews #LaboratoryGrown

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰? Not all leather is created equal. 🧐 Full-grain leather is the strongest and most natural, showing off its unique imperfections. On the other hand, top-grain leather offers a smoother, more consistent look. Curious about the difference? Check out our short video to learn more about these leather grades and why they matter for your products. #LeatherFacts #FullGrainLeather #TopGrainLeather #LeatherCraft #HandmadeLeather #LeatherGoods #HandicraftVilla"

In a statement released earlier this month, GSI stated that a range of laboratory-created diamonds mounted in jewelry have been discovered during screening. In some instances, the laboratory-grown diamonds have similar properties to natural diamonds with fractures, "naturals", and pinpoint clouds are detected that may lead to the diamonds passing standard observation. Debbie Azar, President & Co-Founder, said the importance of using proper processes, equipment, and expertise when identifying diamonds was highlighted by these discoveries. "The challenge arises as most jewelry screening equipment in the market is designed to screen white near-colorless diamonds," she says. "Over the past several months, our team has seen a rise in laboratory-grown colored diamonds, primarily in brown, yellow, and pink, mixed in with natural-colored diamonds in jewelry." GSI was established in New York City in 2005 and offers gemstone identification and grading services on four continents. Read the Article: https://lnkd.in/gQVGUZyW #GemologicalScienceInternational #GSICertified #GSI #GSICertification #Gemstone #Jewelry #Gemstones #DesignerJewelry #GemLab #GemstoneTesting #GemstoneGrading #Gemology #Gemologist #ColorGemstones #Diamonds #Sparkle #FashionJewelry #Bling #DiamondsAreForever #ColorCutClarityCaratWeight #GSILaboratory #GSILab #GradingReport #Integrity #LabServices #GemologicalNews #LaboratoryGrown

Check out our Instagram post! 3 FACTS ABOUT DEMANTOID YOU SHOULD KNOW 1. Demantoid Garnet is the rarest and highly prized variety of garnet known for its vivid green color. It is one of the most valuable garnet types due to its unique coloration and brilliance. 2. One of the distinguishing features of demantoid garnets is the presence of unique “horsetail” inclusions, which are fine, thread-like inclusions resembling the tail of a horse. These inclusions are highly prized by collectors and gemologists as they enhance the gem’s desirability. 3. Demantoid garnets are renowned for their remarkable fire, which refers to the gemstone’s ability to split light into its spectral colors. This dispersion gives demantoids a dazzling sparkle, which is higher than Diamonds have. Have you already known it?🤔 #tsarinajewels #russiandemantoid #demantoidgarnet #demantoid #uraldemantoid #horsetailinclusion #demantoidhorsetailinclusion #demantoidfacts #raredemantoid

Ammolite is a #rare and valuable organic #gemstone primarily found along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is derived from the fossilized shells of ammonites, ancient marine mollusks that existed around 70 million years ago. The vibrant iridescent colors of #ammolite, which range from reds and greens to blues and purples, are due to the microscopic structure of the aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, in the shell. 💠 Key Points About Ammolite: 👉🏻 Origin: Ammolite is mostly mined in #Alberta, #Canada, particularly in the Bearpaw Formation. 👉🏻 Colors: The gemstone exhibits a play of colors similar to opal, often in vibrant hues. The colors are a result of the microstructure of the aragonite crystals, which diffract light. 👉🏻 Gemstone Use: Due to its beauty and rarity, ammolite is used in jewelry, often set in rings, pendants, and earrings. 👉🏻 Commercialization: Ammolite was recognized as an official gemstone by the World Jewelry Confederation (#CIBJO) in 1981. 👉🏻 Spiritual and Healing Properties: Some believe ammolite has metaphysical properties, including enhancing prosperity and luck, although these claims are not scientifically substantiated. 💠 Care and Handling: Ammolite is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, ranking around 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It should be protected from sharp blows, abrasive surfaces, and harsh chemicals to maintain its luster and structural integrity. 💠 Collectibility: Due to its unique origins and the dazzling array of colors it can display, ammolite is highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Its value is influenced by factors such as color vibrancy, rarity of color combinations, and overall condition. Diamtrader

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐨 https://lnkd.in/dCYqV_Vz 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 : The Gemstone Certification Market size was valued at USD 34.40 Bn. in 2023 and the total Global Paper Products revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 58.92 Bn. by 2030. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 : Sparkling and shimmering with a spectrum of vibrant hues, gemstones are crafted from minerals, rocks, and organic matter. Born deep within the Earth’s crust and brought to light by volcanic eruptions and geological shifts, gemstones range from timeless classics like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires to hidden gems like citrine, agate, and morganite. The research behind the Gemstone Certification Market relies on a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods. 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 + 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕: https://lnkd.in/dDve7uWp 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 : Increasing awareness regarding the authenticity and quality of jewelry is driving demand for certified gemstones worldwide. While diamonds remain a cornerstone of the market, lesser-known stones like tanzanite, opals, and alexandrite are gaining popularity. Rising disposable incomes and the cultural significance of gemstones in ceremonies further fuel growth. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 : Growing demand for colored gemstones in countries like China and the USA. Prices for colored gemstones have surged by nearly 100% in the past decade, but their perception as luxury symbols has only strengthened demand. The appeal of gemstones extends beyond aesthetics, with many consumers valuing their healing properties and cultural significance. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 : The U.S. dominates the North American market, supported by institutions like the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These organizations promote high standards for ethical gemstone certification, encouraging consumer trust. The rise of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Etsy also plays a pivotal role by making gemstone shopping more accessible. #Gemstones #CertificationMarket #LuxuryJewelry #ColoredGemstones #EcommerceGrowth #EthicalJewelry #MillennialTrends #DiamondMarket #SyntheticGemstones #GlobalEconomy

Mosaic work with AKEPOX® 5010 🌸 💡 The user-friendly working time of approx. 20-30 minutes and the gel-like consistency allow the product to be positioned and coloured to match the stone colour. 💡 With the transparent colour property, a suitable colour matching is always achieved. 💡 Also ideal for white and very light-coloured natural stones. 💡 The translucent property enables an optically almost jointless end result, which is excellently suited for inlays (no optical separation due to "shadow joints"). 💡 For inlays, it is also important that the bonding remains dimensionally stable and does not shrink. AKEPOX® 5010 is a low shrinkage system. #akemi #akemigermany #akemi_germany #akepox5010 #gellike #idealforcolouring #inlays #mosaikwork #naturalstone #whitenaturalstone #gelartig #idealzumeinfärben #intarsien #mosaikarbeiten #naturstein #weißernaturstein #akemiindia