Author Archive

» Classifications of Sapphires and Purchasing them on the Internet

Sapphire is commonly known as a blue gem and Sri Lanka holds a solid world market share. But the country’s actual strength lies in the so-called fancy sapphire. In fact in 2005, for the first time ever, fancy sapphires overtook the ruby in world sales and are now in position two behind the blue sapphire.  “Fancy” Read More… »

» Gemstone Phenomena – Asterism or Star Gems

Commonly stars are known in ruby and sapphire but they also appear in garnet, spinel and other less known varieties. There are differences between all stars, but we will here pretend that nature made all stars equal. Gemstone phenomena, especially asterism, are a tough call to judge on photo. However, no normal jeweler will be Read More… »

» How to Evaluate Colored Gemstones

Though most people think only diamonds are graded, there is also a set of criteria to evaluate colored gems. These are summarized in a grading report.  A gem’s value is primarily based on its color. Here are the basics you need in order to understand a colored stone grading report. To understand color, remember that there are three primary Read More… »

» Buying Gemstone Pairs on the Internet

Buying Gemstone Pairs on the Internet If you adore individual jewelry you may soon be searching for a matched pair of gemstones for earrings or as side stones for a ring or necklace. The internet is often the only venue to visit. Here is some advice on how to judge gemstone pairs on the web. Read More… »

» Sri Lanka and Its Gems

Sri Lanka has long been known for its richness in gems. In fact, it was the first information about Sri Lanka that came to Europe: “An island on which the rivers are filled with gems.” That, of course, is somewhat exaggerated, but the pioneers of those days needed good reasons to leave home for years on end, to convince Read More… »

» Glossary of the Gemtrade

At Wild Fish Gems, we want to help consumers and collectors understand the gemstone trade and educate themselves in order to make wiser purchases.  To that purpose, we have created a list of terms that every gemstone collector needs to know before hitting the web. Appraisal: 3rd party financial judgment about a stone or jewelry. Read More… »

» Types of Rubies and Purchasing on the Internet

When judging rubies from photographs, one can separate them into two main characters – the Mild and the Wild.  With this short-cut, we will be able to extract some basic rules for an otherwise unmanageable multitude of ruby varieties. Mild rubies exhibit a dense red glow with introverted, rich and earthy colors.  Such a ruby can Read More… »

» Healing with Gemstones

Besides their obvious magic and beauty, gems have a vast heritage of healing power. All cultures, religions and times valued gems to prevent illness, misfortune, and to positively influence the spirit of the wearer. From the shamans of American Indians to the astrologers of Hindu cultures, from the headmen of the Celts to the ghost Read More… »