Jewelry, gemstones and engagement rings.
Articles by Marc H. Merritt, GIA Diamond Program Graduate, on famous diamonds, birthstones, gemology and the custom design process.
Engagement Ring Trends for 2026
Yellow gold, bezels and thick bands, ovals and marquises, lab-grown centers, colored stones and vintage cuts, with pieces you can order or build into a custom ring.
Jewelry Trends for 2026
Turquoise and big beads, Western motifs, charms with a story, sculptural white metals, long pendants and brooches, from the Las Vegas shows and the runways.
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Trapiche Emeralds: Nature's Six-Spoked Wheel
The rare Colombian emerald that grows as a six-spoked wheel: where it comes from, how the pattern forms and how to judge one.
Why Diamond Cutters Are Leaving the Trade
Lab-grown prices are pushing skilled cutters out of the trade. What that means for anyone choosing a natural or lab-grown diamond.
The World's Most Famous Diamonds
The Hope, the Cullinan, the Koh-i-Noor and more: where the world's most famous diamonds came from, who owned them, what they're worth and where they are today.
The Guide to Birthstones: Origins and Locations
Each month's birthstone, what it's made of, and where the finest specimens are mined, with examples from our own work.
The Science of Gemology: How Gemstones Are Formed
From magma to metamorphism to hydrothermal veins: the geological journey that turns ordinary elements into gemstones.
Custom Jewelry Design Process: An Insider's View
How a custom piece goes from idea to CAD model, prototype, stone setting and delivery.
Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires: Oh My!
The most popular and desirable sources of the four precious gemstones, and what makes each location the best.
Trends in Diamonds and Engagement Rings
From lab-grown diamonds to vintage-inspired designs and custom creations: how the timeless allure of diamonds blends with contemporary style.