Third lesson: always buy a diamond with a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS) certificate. They are the most highly regarded gemological laboratories in the world. These certificates are graded accurately. All other certificates may have three letters in their title to confuse you. Some are graded in the United States, but many are graded in other countries and not accurate. Diamond prices of the other certificates may sound cheaper, but it is because they are not being graded equally to the GIA and AGS standards. These diamonds are actually lower in color and clarity determining the lesser price.

COLORED GEMSTONES are each unique and different. Their colors may vary per country location from which they were discovered. The primary and secondary colors are the strongest driving force for price differences. However, hue and tone also come into play. Each gemstone is formed in different crystal systems and has different phenomena such as asterism (star), cats eye, and much more. Learn that ruby and sapphire are both corundum and that it is trace elements in their chemical structure that change their color. Also learn that sapphire comes in every color of the rainbow.

PEARLS may be cultured in saltwater (ocean) and freshwater (lake or river). All varying in size, shape and color due to country location and type of species of oysters that it comes from. Learn the differences between natural and cultured pearls and how they are formed. Learn also how each pearl varies tremendously within each of the regions from which they come such as: the saltwater Japanese Akoya, Tahitian Black South Seas, Australia White South Seas, Philippine Golden South Seas, and Chinese versus the freshwater Chinese, Japanese, and American regions.

METALS differ between 14 karat, 18 karat, platinum, and silver. Plus, there are other varying characteristics such as color of gold: yellow, white, rose, green, etc. Compare the benefits and features between 14kt or 18kt white gold and platinum to help you make a sound choice.

INSTRUCTOR Jeanne Katsuro is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas in secondary education composite field of science with concentrations in Geology and Biology.

Jeanne Katsuro Bio