Richard W. Hughes • Something of Myself
A short autobiography of Richard Hughes' life in gems and gemology. From the introduction to his 2017 book, Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist's Guide.
People & Places • New Directions in Gemology • Reconstructive Gemology
An essay on how gemology, in focusing solely on analysis, has lost sight of the most important part of a gem – its beauty.
Padparadscha Sapphire from Sri Lanka • A History • Ownership of Words
A discussion of the definition of padparadscha sapphire, from early to modern times, along with the difficulty in standardizing such definitions.
Cobalt-Doped Glass-Filled Sapphire • Gem Treatment
The history of glass-infilling in blue sapphire, along with a description of the latest treatment generation developed in Chanthaburi, Thailand.
Tibet Andesine Mines • Part 2 • Faith
The mining of natural red andesine in Tibet has been a subject of controversy. This article describes RWH's second visit to the Tibetan deposit.
Chinese Jade • Guangzhou Jade Market Puzzle
An investigation into nephrite and imitation nephrite pebbles purchased in Guangzhou, China's Hualin Street jade market.
Mike Roberts • Roberts Yogo Sapphire Mine • In Memoriam
In a tragic underground cave in, Mike Roberts of the Roberts Yogo Sapphire Mine passed away in March 2012.
Laos Sapphire Mines • A History
The history of the Lao sapphire mines at Ban Huay Xai is detailed, along with modern mining by Hong Kong based Sino Resources Mining Corp. Ltd. from 2...
Marc Bielenberg • Mr Montana Sapphire
In Memory of Marc Bielenberg – "Mr. Montana Sapphire"
Tibet's Andesine Mines • Hunting Barack Osama in Tibet
The subject of andesine in Tibet has been one of controversy since 2008. This article examines the history of the issue, along with detailing an Octob...