gemology

  • About Lotus Gemology

    When you see a fine ruby, it does something to you. It’s not about the value.
    If it were simply the value, I’d go out and buy a kilo of gold. Richard Hughes to journalist Rod Nordland
    “On the treacherous trail to the rare ruby red”  |  1982  |  Asia

    Burmese star ruby. Photo: Wimon Manorotkul, Lotus Gemology.

    Lotus Gemology begins with a simple idea – beauty is the principal source of attraction for precious stones. Thus it should also be the major focus of gemology. In other words, the GEM is the most important part of gemology.

    It is our belief that gemology is not simply about counting atoms; to apply science absent a discussion of how it relates to aesthetics and desire does a disservice not just to clients, but to the jewels themselves. We do not believe that attraction can be reduced to a simple set of measurements, anymore than the beauty of a rainbow or sunset can be expressed by mathematical formula.

    Rest assured, we are not Luddites. We not only appreciate science, but use it daily. At the same time, we recognize that many parts of the human experience extend into realms far beyond science. Thus the gemology at Lotus includes not just science, but weaves into the mix history, culture, art and travel. We do this in the belief that these factors play equal roles in how humans perceive desirability and value. 

    Like a small French restaurant, we believe that crafting a fine meal takes time and individual care; thus our seating is limited. The translation of the intangibles of rarity and aesthetic beauty is our strength.

    Precious stones are among the most compelling examples of Mother Nature’s artistic genius.

    Lotus Gemology operates from a base of over 80 years of collective experience in the study, purchase, sale and appreciation of precious stones. Our lives have been enriched beyond measure by our involvement with these gifts of nature and we believe if we characterize them with the appropriate reverence and care, we can open this magical world to others. This is our goal.

     
     
  • Burmese Jade • The Inscrutable Gem

    Burmese Jade  |  The Inscrutable Gem

    Myanmar's jadeite mines occupy a privileged place, representing the planet's principal source of fine jadeite jade. This article covers the deposits themselves, along with the cutting, grading and trading of jadeite.

  • Cobalt-Doped Glass-Filled Sapphires • An Update • Lotus Gemology

    Cobalt-Doped Glass-Filled Sapphires  |  An Update  |  Lotus Gemology

    The history of glass-infilling in blue sapphire, along with a description of the latest treatment generation developed in Chanthaburi, Thailand.

  • Colored Stone Grading • A Heretic's Guide

    Colored Stone Grading • A Heretic's Guide

    Developing a comprehensive colored stone grading system has been the dream of gemologists since the late 1970's, but despite a number of valient attempts, we are no closer to the goal today than we were four decades ago. This article examines the various problems of colored stone grading, explaining why the challenges are at least an order of magnitude greater than the grading of diamonds.

  • Curved Banding in Flame-Fusion Synthetic Sapphires

    Curved banding in flame fusion synthetic sapphire.

    Short-wave fluorescent illumination provides a useful tool to spot curved banding in flame-fusion synthetic sapphire.

  • Describing Color in Gems • A Fool's Guide • Lotus Gemology

    A Fool's Guide to Color in Gems

    Color types such as "pigeon's blood," "Paraíba" and "cobalt blue" have become wildly popular in the gem trade. But there is a vast difference between coining such terms and applying them in a way that is both consistent and logical. Richard Hughes casts a critical eye at the subject.

  • Discover the Gemstones: Ruby & Sapphire Exhibition • Exhibition • Hong Kong

    Experience the hidden world of ruby & sapphire in this exhibition with Lotus Gemology and Van Cleef & Arpels' L'École School of Jewelry Arts

  • Fiber-Optic Light in Gemology • Living in the Dark Ages

    Fiber-Optic Light in Gemology • Living in the Dark Ages

    The role of fiber-optic lighting in gemological microscopy.

  • Fracture Healing of Ruby • Fluxed Up

    Fracture Healing of Ruby • Fluxed Up

    A discussion of the flux-healing treatment of rubies. This article was given the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award by the American Gem Society in 2005.

  • Gem Inclusion Pairs • Hyperion Siamese Twins

    Gem Inclusion Pairs • Hyperion Siamese Twins

    Why should Hugh Hefner be the only one to enjoy twins? This special Hyperion Inclusion Gallery features images from the Lotus Gemology Hyperion Inclusion Database, but are shown as pairs, all the better to compare one form of beauty with another.

  • Gem Inclusions & the Symmetry of Crystals • Inside Out • Lotus Gemology

    Gem Inclusions & the Symmetry of Crystals • Inside Out • Lotus Gemology

    A discussion of how inclusion patterns mimic crystallographic symmetry in ruby and sapphire.

  • Gem Testing with the Spectroscope • Lotus Gemology

    Focus on the Spectroscope


    Many gemologists have difficulty mastering the direct-vision spectroscope. This article eases the pain.

  • Gem Treatment Disclosure • Trust • Lotus Gemology

    Trust  •  The Ethics of Gem Treatment Disclosure

    The ethics of gem enhancement disclosure.

  • GemmoRaman-532 • Instrument Review • Lotus Gemology

    GemmoRaman-532 • Instrument Review • Lotus Gemology

    The difference between a synthetic, treated, or untreated natural gemstone could mean a difference of thousands, even millions of dollars. Thus, it is no wonder that laboratories are becoming more in demand than ever. With treatments become increasingly sophisticated, gemologists and traders search for new tools to help identify stones.

  • Gemology in the 21st Century • Betwixt Two Worlds • Lotus Gemology

    Betwixt Two Worlds: A Search for Gemology in the 21st Century

    Traditional gemology considers itself a science, but typically omits a key element of the scientific method. And is gemology simply a science, or something more? Read on to learn the answer…

  • Gems & Gemology Lectures • Lotus Gemology Bangkok

    Gems & Gemology Lectures

    Lotus Gemology's gemologists have lectured extensively about a wide variety of gemological topics including ruby, sapphire, jade, and more.

  • Heat Seeker • UV Fluorescence as a Gemological Tool • Lotus Gemology

    Heat Seeker  |  UV Fluorescence as a Gemological Tool

    One of the greatest gemological challenges is determining if a ruby or sapphire has been heat treated. UV fluorescence can assist in that identification, as well as detecting fillers in emerald.

  • Identifying Yellow Sapphire • Blue Filter • Proletarian Gemology

    Identifying Yellow Sapphire • Blue Filter • Proletarian Gemology

    Introducing the blue filter as a gemological tool to separate natural and Verneuil synthetic yellow sapphires.

  • In Search of the Lost Andesine Mines • Part I • Hunting Barack Osama in Tibet • Lotus Gemology

    In Search of the Lost Andesine Mines  |  Part I  •  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 October 2010 visit to the Tibetan andesine deposit.

  • In Search of the Lost Andesine Mines • Part II • Faith • Lotus Gemology

    In Search of the Lost Andesine Mines  •  Part II  •  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.

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