Emily Frontiere
Emily Frontiere is a GIA Graduate Gemologist. She is particularly experienced working with estate/antique jewelry.
Articles by Emily Frontiere
An Update on Tourmaline Sold at The Las Vegas JCK Show in 2024
Tourmaline was found in many 2024 Las Vegas gem show booths, with some selling unset gems while others offering beautiful...
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Should We Separate the Markets for Natural Diamonds and Lab-Grown Diamonds?
The explosive growth in the market for lab grown diamonds has raised important questions about its relationship to the market...
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An Update on Spinel Sold at the Las Vegas JCK Show in 2024
Spinel has been on quite a dramatic ride! Confused with corundum for centuries, it was only identified as an independent...
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How Do Zircons Form?
As a December birthstone, blue zircon is very popular. But are blue zircons natural? Learn how zircons form and get...
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Natural Radiation and Gemstone Color
Natural radiation can create beautiful colors in many gemstones. Learn how natural radiation works and the gems most commonly affected...
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Zircon Engagement Ring Guide
Zircons are beautiful but delicate gems. Our zircon engagement ring guide will help you pick the right setting for your...
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Eleventh Anniversary Gift Guide: Turquoise
A lot happens in eleven years. Those celebrating an eleventh wedding anniversary have jointly experienced their fair share of life’s...
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Tenth Anniversary Gift Guide: Diamond
Wow, ten years of marriage. That’s a full decade! You and your spouse have now been married for a double-digit...
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Zircon Heat Treatment
Are zircons natural gemstones? Learn how zircon heat treatment works and the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia.
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Zircon Sources
Zircons occur in many locations all over the world. Learn which zircon sources produce the most notable gem-quality stones.
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Fun With Gems: US Buyers Are Reinterpreting What It Means to Be a “Precious” Gemstone
In the nineteenth century, the gemstone market was separated into two broad categories: precious and semi-precious. The four gems in...
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The State of the Diamond Market in 2024
When one discusses the diamond market, there are quite a few individual niches which each have their own trends. Firstly,...
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Dealers at 2024 Tucson Gem Show Report on Colored Gemstone and Pricing Trends
We truly live in a digital age where we can access news, follow our favorite sports teams, and shop for...
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The Power of Advertising: How the Marketing Juggernaut Behind the Barbie Movie Rocked the Gem World
©Canva. Used with permission.
On July 21, 2023, the world got its first look at the long-anticipated movie Barbie.
Fans...
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Ninth Anniversary Gift Guide: Morganite
Celebrating nine years of marriage is an accomplishment indeed! For your union to last this long, you and your partner...
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Eighth Anniversary Gift: Tourmaline
Just like birthstones, there are gemstones that represent each wedding anniversary year. Tourmaline is the gemstone to give for an...
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Seventh Anniversary Gift Guide: Yellow Sapphire
Congratulations on making it to lucky number seven! This is a big milestone anniversary due to the long-standing symbolism behind...
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Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Black is a color that can say a lot. Wearing black diamond jewelry communicates a sense of unique strength and...
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Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Professionals will tell you never to trust a trade name used to describe the appearance of a fancy colored diamond....
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Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Diamonds with a pure gray hue are a rare treasure indeed. More often, gray is mixed with blue or violet...
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Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Green diamonds are the oddballs of the fancy colored diamond varieties. Their rare color is usually the result of damage...
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Appraising Turquoise: Challenges for Gemologists
What do gemologists need to know when appraising turquoise? Learn what are the main value factors to consider and the...
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Turquoise Hill: a Profile of the Cerrillos Turquoise Mines
Turquoise Hill in New Mexico is the oldest turquoise mine in North America. Learn the history of this amazing site...
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Turquoise Treatments and Synthetics Guide
Almost all turquoises receive enhancements for jewelry use. Learn how to identify the most common turquoise treatments and synthetic options....
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Yellow Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
When someone mentions diamonds, the first image that most people think of is the colorless variety. It may surprise you...
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Brown Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
The most common of all fancy colors that can be expressed by diamonds is brown. Some claim that approximately 98%...
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Red Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
The discovery of any fancy-colored diamond is an exceedingly rare and exciting discovery. Diamonds that are predominately red, meaning that...
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Orange Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Quite a few diamonds on the market display orange as part of a multi-hued color. However, orange diamonds with an...
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Purple Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Purple is a powerful color that historically has been linked with wisdom and royalty. In some cultures, it was a...
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Blue Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Blue diamonds may be rare, but they have gained a big reputation over the years. From a presence in blockbuster...
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Traditional Turquoise Jewelry Styles
People have prized turquoise jewelry for millennia. Learn about these traditional turquoise designs that still influence modern artisans.
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Pink Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Pink diamond is one of nature’s rarest beauties. Often found in small quantities and typically under one carat, these incredible...
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Turquoise Color and the Color Turquoise
Is all turquoise turquoise color? Learn about this gem's most popular natural colors and how people have prized them for...
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Turquoise Care Guide
Beautiful turquoises tend to show wear over time. Our turquoise care guide will show you the best ways to clean...
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How Do Turquoises Form?
Turquoise gems can show many beautiful variations. Learn how turquoises form and how geology affects their color, shape, and durability....
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24 Gray Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
Nothing communicates quiet luxury like jewelry set with gray gemstones. Regardless of size, gray gemstone jewelry is incredibly versatile and...
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16 Black Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
Some black gemstones are so well-known their names have become synonymous with the color black. Others are less well-known by...
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13 Purple Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
Rarely found in nature, purple gemstones can make quite a fashion statement. Here are 13 examples for every budget and...
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21 Pink Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
Pink gemstones are becoming more popular, especially for engagement rings. Here are 21 examples for every budget and style.
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An Interview with Lapidarist Jim Buday
Expert lapidarist Jim Buday shares how he learned to cut gems and created his Reddit subgroup. Read about his new...
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Vintage Jewelry with Synthetic Color Change Sapphire
The concept of a “trend” is an important one in the jewelry world. Having a good understanding of historical trends...
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A History of Silver Mining in the United States
Over six thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians created beads made of silver and inscriptions indicate that it was worth...
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What are Balas Rubies and Ruby Spinels?
For centuries, balas rubies were prized by royalty. Learn what happened after gemologists identified these gems as red spinels instead....
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Spinel Sources
Learn about important spinel sources across the globe — from historical mines to recent discoveries — and the colors they...
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Four Famous Spinels
Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...
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How Do Spinels Form?
Available in many colors, spinels are becoming more popular with consumers. Learn how spinels form and how these gemstones get...
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Spinel Inclusions
The materials trapped inside gems hold a wealth of information. Learn what the most common types of spinel inclusions reveal...
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An Interview with Spinel Collector Seth Rosen
Spinel collector and gem trade expert Seth Rosen discusses the current market and potential future for this beautiful but little-known...
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What are Cobalt Spinels?
Learn how gemologists identify cobalt spinels and what qualities you should look for when buying these beautiful, vivid blue gemstones....
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Choosing a Spinel Engagement Ring Stone
Our spinel engagement ring stone guide can help you learn about this beautiful, colorful, durable, but little-known gemstone.
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Spinel Treatments and Enhancements
Spinels are rarely treated, but gemologists should know how to detect spinel treatments. Learn about filling, heating, and diffusion.
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Custom Pendants: Buying Guide for 2024
Of all the types of jewelry that you can wear, some argue that custom made pendants have the most potential...
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Geeky Engagement Rings: Buying Guide for 2024
When shopping for engagement rings in the past, you were limited to the same generic designs that everyone else was...
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Custom Earrings: Buying Guide for 2024
Designing a pair of custom earrings is a great way to make a statement. Learn how to create custom earrings...
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Custom Class Rings: Buying Guide for 2024
A hallmark of the American military culture is a profound sense of loyalty to one’s comrades and country. The students...
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Custom Signet Rings: Buying Guide for 2024
Signet rings are having a moment. The market for personalized jewelry continues to grow and customizable designs like signet rings...
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History of Signet Rings
Signet rings have a long history of symbolizing an alliance, union, romance, or family ties.
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Almost Three Years Later, Covid-19 Continues to Plague Gemstone Mining in Brazil and Madagascar
March 3, 2023
The pandemic changed a lot of things in the world. One effect was the interruption of supply...
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American Gemstones: Domestic Treasures Featured at the 2023 Tucson Gem Show
February 20, 2023
Many in the United States view gemstones as exotic luxury items from romantic, far-away locations. Perhaps you...
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Second Year Anniversary Gift Guide: Garnet Jewelry
The traditional gift for a second year wedding anniversary is garnet jewelry, representing passion, love, commitment, and friendship.
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Moss Agate Engagement Ring Guide
Looking for an alternative to diamonds? A moss agate engagement ring makes a beautiful, affordable, and unconventional choice.
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Jade Color Trade Names
Jade color trade names describe prized hues and patterns in jadeite and nephrite stones. Learn about the most popular and...
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An Interview with Jade Expert Jeff Mason of Mason-Kay
Jade expert Jeff Mason of Mason-Kay discusses the US and Chinese jade markets and what to look for in fine...
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June Birthstone: Pearl
What is the Birthstone for June?
The birthstone representing June is the pearl. Individuals born in June are truly lucky...
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May Birthstone: Emerald
What is the Birthstone for May?
The birthstone representing May is emerald, a rich green variety of the diverse beryl...
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April Birthstone: Diamond
What is April’s Birthstone?
The birthstone representing April is diamond. The vast majority of diamonds are transparent, colorless, and show...
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March Birthstone: Aquamarine
The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, a blue stone often connected to the ocean.
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July Birthstone: Ruby
What is the July Birthstone?
The July birthstone is ruby – the red variety of the gem species, corundum. Corundum...
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October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal
Those born in October are lucky to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from. Pink tourmaline is the modern birthstone...
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February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst, the February birthstone, comes in beautiful purple colors and makes a durable jewelry stone. Learn more about this wonderful...
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December Birthstones: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise
What is December’s Birthstone?
Those born in December are lucky to be able to choose from four gorgeous blue gemstones:...
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Best Rings for Men in 2024
Jewelry for men is an ancient concept. Traditionally, the owning and wearing of jewelry served as a demonstration of someone’s...
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Fine Jewelry Market Forecasts Growth in 2022 Driven By Online Sales, Luxury Goods
March 15, 2022
Many global jewelry retailers are reporting that the current state of the global jewelry market is robust...
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How COVID Has Impacted the Supply of Tourmaline and Zircon
March 3, 2022
Dealers showcased inventory that had been building over the last few years at the American Gem Trade...
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Dealers at Tucson Gem Show Confirm Increasing Demand for Montana Sapphires
February 16, 2022
TUCSON -- After a cancellation in 2021, the Tucson Gem Show returned to Arizona from February 10-13,...
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The 10 Best Places to Propose in the USA
You don’t have to travel too far to find an exciting proposal destination. Here are our choices for the top...
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Romantic Proposal Ideas for Everyone
Overwhelmed by romantic proposal ideas that seem too expensive or creative for you? Here are some options for every budget...
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Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her in 2024: Diamond Jewelry
This Valentine’s Day, make her feel special with diamonds. Learn how to shop for diamond jewelry Valentine’s Day gifts for...
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Vacation Proposal Guide
Proposing during a romantic getaway is a dream for many people. Learn how to prepare for a vacation proposal and...
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Six Simple Proposal Ideas
Simple doesn’t mean boring. Here are six simple proposal ideas to help you create a low-key but special and memorable...
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Outdoor Proposal Ideas: A Quick Guide
Proposing in the great outdoors can be a wonderful experience. If you're looking for some outdoor proposal ideas and inspiration,...
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Proposing at Home: Seven Great Ideas
Proposing at home has recently increased in popularity. Looking for some inspiration? These seven ideas can help you plan the...
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Diamond Tennis Necklaces: A Buying Guide
Diamond tennis necklaces are popular and very versatile. Learn more about these jewelry pieces and the best design options and...
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Round Cut Diamonds: A Buying Guide
Round diamonds are popular and classic. They are a timeless choice for an engagement ring and a style staple in...
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Top 5 Facts About Diamonds
Here are the top 5 facts about diamonds you need to know: (1) the supply of blood diamonds has decreased;...
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How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
Throw the old engagement ring budget rule in the trash. You should spend as much or as little as you...
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Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings in 2024
Just starting your engagement ring search? Our guide explores the most popular gemstone shapes to help you find the best...
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Padparadscha Sapphire Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Padparadscha sapphires show a blend of orange and pink colors, one of the rarest of all sapphire color combinations. Padparadschas...
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