Power of Gemmology By Prachur Singhal

What is the Kimberley Process? “ The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments.” - from the KP website In the late 1990s, numerous reports detailing the devastating effects of the diamond trade on unstable diamond-producing regions of Africa garnered international attention. The reports revealed that many violent militias, insurgent groups and warlords in Africa received their primary funding from dealing diamonds to reputable Western buyers, thereby prolonging bloody civil conflicts - and that it had been happening for decades. In 2003 after three years of negotiations between governments, diamond industry players, and civil society organizations, the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme was drafted and enacted with the support of the United Nations as a means of ...

Pearl Description Perhaps the best-loved gems of all time, pearls—both natural and modern cultured pearls—occur in a wide variety of colors. The most familiar colors are white and cream (a light yellowish brown). Black, gray, and silver are also fairly common, but the palette of pearl colors extends to every hue. The main color, or bodycolor, is often modified by additional colors called overtones, which are typically pink (sometimes called rosé), green, purple, or blue. Some pearls also show the iridescent phenomenon known as orient. This newly opened akoya pearl oyster reveals the cultured pearl that grew inside its gonad. This oyster’s scientific name is pinctada fucata (martensii). Cultured pearls are popular for bead necklaces and bracelets, or mounted in solitaires, pairs, or clusters for use in earrings, rings, and pendants. Larger pearls with unusual shapes are popular with creative jewelry designers. This multicolored necklace combines the beauty of Tahitian and S...

Jadau Jewelry       Jadau Jewelry forms one of the major examples of high skilled craftsmanship that was brought into India by Mughals. Historically speaking, the tradition of Jadau work has been in practice in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Mughal era. Jadau jewellery is also called engraved jewelry and is unique and a kind in itself. Considered to be a traditional jewelry of India, it is used in many traditional and auspicious occasions, like marriages and festival celebrations. Though the art was introduced by in India Mughals, Indian craftsmen made it popular by adding their indigenous skills. In Jadau jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, gems, crystals and beads are embedded in gold, which is first melted a bit. When the gold becomes pliable, the stones are set on it with great precision and artistry. After that, it is allowed to cool down and the stones and gems get fixed on it without any adhesive or carvings. Jadau work is team work, ...

History of Indian Jewellery History of Indian jewellery is as old as the history of the country itself. Around 5000 years ago, the desire to adorn themselves aroused in people, leading to the origin of jewellery. Since then, Indian women and jewellery have gone hand in hand. There cannot be a woman in India, who does not adore herself with minimum jewellery. In fact, jewellery is considered as security and prestige of women in the country. The attraction for jewellery has been great in India that it is no more a craft than an art. Indian jewellery is unique in its design and workmanship. In all kinds of traditional dance forms, jewellery has been a significant part. Be it Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi or Kathak, all have given importance to jewellery in presenting the artist. The sheer number of items forming the jewellery of an Indian woman is numerous, ranging from earrings and necklaces to pieces for adorning the hair, hip, feet, and feet. Jewellery made with emeralds, diamonds, pea...