4 Fun Facts about Peridot, Birthstone of August

Peridot, with its vibrant green hue, is a gem that has captivated human hearts for centuries. Celebrated in ancient times as the “gem of the sun,” peridot’s color ranges from deep green to yellow-green or greenish-yellow. Beyond its visual allure, peridot enjoys a fascinating history and an association with metaphysical and healing properties.

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The Unique Beauty of Inclusions

It all started in 2008/2009 when the global economy went into a downward spiral that launched a new jewelry trend. Many people were unemployed and those who were employed chose to wear jewelry that was more understated. Enter the highly included diamond.

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More is More photo

5 Must-See High Jewelry Collections From Paris Couture Week

Every year, while Americans are celebrating the Fourth of July over fireworks, sparklers of an entirely different variety descend on Paris around the same time. Known as Paris Couture Week, this important summertime event is when some of the most influential fine jewelry houses unveil their high jewelry collections to buyers, press and other VIPs.

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Ruby

Celebrating ‘Ratnaraj,’ the Birthstone of July

All hail ruby, the birthstone of July, and one of the most widely celebrated colored gemstones. Technically the mineral corundum, all rubies are red. In any other color corundum is not classified as ruby, it is called sapphire.

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Blue Sapphire

$1M ‘Royal Sapphire’ helps Christie’s to $12M total in Paris

A vintage sapphire weighing 7.58 carats, previously connected with a royal family, sold for more than three times its low valuation, helping Christie’s fetch a record-setting $12.03 million – well exceeding the sale’s $9.8 million upper presale estimate.

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18th Century King George III Medallion To Be Auctioned

A 234 year old diamond, ruby and emerald crowned medallion/locket, containing locks of both King George III and Queen Charlotte’s hair, will be offered at auction during Christie’s Classic Week in London, June 30th – July 14.

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Scenes from JCK

What a Gem: Chinese Jewelry Artist Dickson Yewn

In 2011, Chinese jewelry artist Dickson Yewn was relatively unknown beyond the most exclusive collecting circles. Then First Lady Michelle Obama was photographed wearing one of his rings during a state dinner. It was the celebrity moment that put him on the map.

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Christie’s $150M ‘Largest and most valuable collection’ to sell in May

Christie’s is preparing for what may be a record-breaking jewelry sale featuring The World of Heidi Horten, a two-part live auction boasting over 700 pieces of exquisite high jewelry from the estate of the late European collector.

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IGI Staff and Guests

Bonhams ‘Perfect’ Eight Million Dollar March

Bonhams’ recorded ‘perfect’ sales of all 119 items at their aptly named ‘Perfect Jewelry Box’ auction in New York earlier this month. Every lot offered found a buyer, resulting in a total of 8.1 million dollars.

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Coming Tuesday – Sotheby’s Paris Fine Jewels Auction

A selection of chic, wearable jewelry goes on the block at Sotheby’s Paris this coming Tuesday, March 21st, in a two part sale featuring 347 lots. Of particular note in this sale are pieces incorporating natural pearls.

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Peridot for ‘Patty’s Day’

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world, particularly in Ireland and among those of Irish descent. It is a day of revelry, merriment, and green-themed festivities. One gemstone that’s often associated with St. Patrick’s Day is peridot.

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Fabulous Jewelry Photos from GQ.com

GQ.com Style Editor Yang-Yi Goh recently published ‘The Wild New Era of High-End Men’s Jewelry’ covering modern masculine menswear from wallet chains to dental ‘grills.’ We found the photos masterful, employing vivid context to bring life and personality to the jewelry items described.

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Three Fun Facts about Amethyst

Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is an appealing gemstone with a long and fascinating history. Throughout the centuries, amethyst has been valued for properties other than its purple aesthetic. Here are some fun facts about amethyst.

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Tonight: Miss Universe will wear this $6M crown

The 71st Miss Universe competition occurs this evening in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event will showcase almost 90 women from around the world, vying for the job of Miss Universe. The champion of this year’s event will wear a crown created by Lebanese Jeweler Fred Mouawad, valued at nearly $6 million.

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IGI Expressions Competition

December 31 Deadline! Win $500, Recognition, More…

The IGI Expressions™ Jewelry Design Competition will accept submissions through this Saturday December 31, 2022. All entries must be uploaded by the end of this calendar year to be considered for one of nine grand prizes of $500, design fabrication, press coverage and more.

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New e-commerce platform offers ‘Future Forward’ jewelry

The Future Rocks (TFR) is a Hong Kong based platform offering ‘future-forward’ jewelry, espousing the shared values of sustainability, innovation and creativity. Since launching last year the online marketplace has more than tripled its roster of brands and products.

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Announcing the 2022 IGI Expressions Design Competition

IGI is again calling upon the world’s creatives to step forward and contribute. Starting next week submissions will be accepted for the 2022  IGI Expressions™ Jewelry Excellence Awards. Provided free of charge, this opportunity to share and celebrate talent is open to jewelers, designers, students, teachers, and fans alike.

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Graff Emeralds Smash Bonhams’ Auction Estimates

An emerald and diamond necklace created by Graff exceeded its presale estimate by more than five times at Bonhams’ 2022 London Jewels auction. A pair of emerald and diamond earrings also smashed expectations, quadrupling their estimated value.

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IGI Presents Seminars at HardRock Summit

Over 400 exhibitors gathered at the Colorado Convention Center, many for the second consecutive year, to take part in the only USA show to bring mineral & fossil dealers and jewelry & gemstone companies together under one roof.

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Bid now: Texas Heiress’ Jewelry to Benefit Nonprofits

During her 91 years of life Mary Anne Sammons Cree supported many Dallas causes, including the Opera, Art Museum, Symphony, United Way and Girl Scouts, among others. After passing in July, her generous spirit will continue to benefit others, and you can participate.

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Legend Of Diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels, Chapter 2

Van Cleef & Arpels combined an exceptional rough diamond with state of the art planning and inspiring jewelry design to create 25 stunning mystery set pieces, all with diamonds cut from the same rough stone. 

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New Cobalt Blue Spinel from Tanzania

Mahenge is a small village in the Morogoro region of Tanzania, East Africa. In 2007 deposits of high quality pink and red spinel, discovered there revived the spinel market. Last year a deposit of cobalt blue material was discovered in the same region.

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