A gem dealer's journal — blog

In today's interview we will explore the complex and critical role gemological laboratory hold in our trade. We are honored to have as our guide for this tour, one of the legendary trio, E. Billie Hughes from Lotus Gemology! Buckle up and enjoy the ride Loungers!   AsiaLounges: Hi Billie, thank you for being with us today! We appreciate you taking time off of your schedule to explain us a bit who you are and what you do. Tell us about yourself, Lotus Gemology, and the team behind it. E.Billie Hughes: Lotus Gemology is a Bangkok-based gem testing lab that...

 Dear Loungers, As a token of thanks for your continued support, Asia Lounges celebrates its thousandth visit on the website by bringing you a series of 7 interviews. These Interviews will help you explore and understand the secret world of gemstone.  In today's edition we will follow Arjuna Irsutti, professional gemstone photographer at Arjuna Irsutti Photography, in order to help you, Loungers, understand this particular aspect of the trade! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did enjoy running through this topic.   AsiaLounges: Hi Arjuna, thank you for agreeing to answer our questions today. Let us start by learning...

In today's world, where information is everywhere and in any form, finding the right type of knowledge is key to succeed. When it comes to purchasing colored gemstones, knowing how to buy and what to look for can make a big difference. Today, I will explain you how to make a smart purchase. Very much like with diamonds, you judge a gemstone according to these four criterion: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight. Then come an extra two: treatment and origin. First came the cut: Cutting is what gives the stone its shape, therefore, it has a very high incidence...

Today we will talk about the one gem I had sworn to never touch and yet, is increasingly present in Asia Lounges' collections! I am talking about the rare gem variation of green beryl known as emerald.  The stone itself is legendary, birthstone for May and often used in astrology to honor Taurus, Gemini and sometimes even Cancer. This gem is often carved to honor the gods. As such, India's goddess Meenakshi is traditionally represented by an emerald idol as well as numerous Buddha idols all over Asia.  So, if this gemstone is so prized by gods and human alike, why...

The garnet family is hardly a newcomer in the gem trade. Used since ancient times, it is only recently that it has been on the rise from a trading standpoint. The immense variety of colors and trade names that the garnet family possesses has been a blessing for traders.   Garnets, in general, can be found virtually anywhere. Gem quality garnet on the other hand is a different animal altogether. Much rarer and in increasing demand, their prices are skyrocketing and big sizes extremely difficult to obtain. Most garnets fall under three categories or mix of these: Almandine, Pyrope, Spessartine....