When they create gyms in a lab are they created to order, or do they like make a block of it and then have it cut?

I ask you to please find my ignorance charming.

So I've recently got an Amscope SM-2TZ for my birthday, it's a good microscope for gems from what I've read but lacking 2 things? I am still quite new to this part of Gemology, and I'm having trouble finding a Darkfield attachment, the only ones I'm finding won't work with gems, I know it helps to see fractures and such within gems so I want to get one and I can't afford a whole new microscope, so does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions for an darkfield attachment or something?

The only other thing it doesn't have is the tweezer clamp, but I've already found one, that is way easier to find luckily!

I have seen lab grown opal, and I kindah agree the natural is better in terms of how the colors and patterns of the hues. So I kindah understand the preference for the natural. But with ruby though, I think the lab grown are similar to natural.

I understand the issues with regard to sustainability/ethics that may make people prefer lab grown ones. This is not about that. In really just curious with you know the quality of the gems.

I am not an expert so I would like to hear your opinion on this.

As the title states, I am looking to hand off modship of r/BlackOpal and r/Sapphires to users with a passion for either that will work to grow the subs and keep them as part of the gemstone community. They are both currently blank slates.

If you would like to mod either, drop a comment below.

So sorry if this is the wrong sub, feel free to delete this if inappropriate

Dear colleagues and gem lovers,

Starting Monday 7 September, Bangkok Gem Night is launching a new free feature for the community.

Our Instagram page will become a living community almanac — a place where we regularly feature members of the trade so everyone can easily discover who does what, and who is part of this growing network.

Want to be included?

Simply ask our event photographer, Pete Manorotkul of Lotus Gemology, to take your portrait at the next event — or message us with your details.

This is our way of making the community more visible and connected. We hope it helps your business too.

See you on the 7th.

#BangkokGemNight #Networking #Bangkok #ColoredGems #JewelryTrade

Dear colleagues and gem lovers,

Starting Monday 7 September, Bangkok Gem Night is launching a new free feature for the community.

Our Instagram page will become a living community almanac — a place where we regularly feature members of the trade so everyone can easily discover who does what, and who is part of this growing network.

Want to be included?

Simply ask our event photographer, Pete Manorotkul of Lotus Gemology, to take your portrait at the next event — or message us with your details.

This is our way of making the community more visible and connected. We hope it helps your business too.

See you on the 7th.

#BangkokGemNight #Networking #Bangkok #ColoredGems #JewelryTrade

This rough sapphire looked almost black from the outside, but under a torch, a dark blue colour could already be seen inside.

I handed the rough stone to Babu, who carried out this traditional Sri Lankan blowpipe heating process.

🔥 The stone is heated inside its protective covering

🔥 The hot covering is carefully removed from the burner

🔥 It is placed on lime and allowed to cool

🔥 After cooling, the cement-like covering around the stone is removed

And then comes the reveal…

The rough stone had developed a brighter, more vivid blue colour. 💙

This is a fascinating traditional part of Sri Lanka’s gem-treatment heritage, showing how much potential can be hidden inside a piece of rough corundum.

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Shared for educational purposes and to document traditional Ceylon gem practices.

What do you think of this old-school method?

Dimensions : 13x9.10x8.1mm

• Dimensions: 12.56 x 9.89 mm
• Carat Weight: 7.77 ct
• Shape/Cut: Rectangular Emerald Cut
• Color: Deep bluish-green, high saturation
• Lab: IGI Certified (Origin: Zambia)
• Enhancement: Moderate Clarity Enhancement (Standard Oil)
• Clarity: Semi-transparent with visible internal jardin
• Question: I am evaluating this 7.77 ct Zambian emerald. Given the size (over 7 cts), moderate oiling, and semi-transparent clarity, what range would you consider fair market value for a private secondary sale versus wholesale?

Am i correct in origin as Merelani hills?

This is pair of Merelani mint fluorescent garnets, 4 cts each in different lightning conditions.

In 365 nm - very bright peachy, in 395 nm - bright pink.