Links to important gemology sites

So many possibilities, so little time. The spread of information on the web has shattered traditional methods of information exchange.

Below we present a selection of our favorite gemological links.

Gemological Training Institutes, Laboratories and Related Sites

Accredited Gemologists Association – Private US-based gemological organization.
American Gem Society – Important diamond lab and jewelers' association.
American Gem Trade Association – Parent organization of the AGTA Gemological Testing Center. The AGTA is an association of US and Canadian colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry professionals dedicated to promoting the natural colored gemstone trade. The association pursues its aims through the combined use of educational programs, industry events, industry relations and publicity to the trade and consumer, while maintaining the highest ethical standards among its members and within the industry.
American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center – North America's foremost gem-testing laboratory devoted to colored gemstones and pearls. The AGTA Gemological Testing Center is a member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC).
Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences – Thailand's first gemology school and lab and alma mater of the AGTA GTC's Richard Hughes.
Canadian Gemmological Association – Canada's national gemology association.
CISGEM – Italy's well-known gemological lab; member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC).
D-Gem-G – Germany's oldest gemological institute and lab.
Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand – Bangkok-based government gem lab and school; member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC)
Gemlab.net – Liechtenstein-based gem lab.
Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain – One of the world's oldest gemological organizations and labs.
Gemmological Association of All Japan (GAAJ) – Well-known Japanese gemological lab; member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC).
Gemmological Association of Australia – National gemological association of Australia.
Gemmology World – Canadian Institute of Gemmology.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – Well-known US gemological lab and school; member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC).
Gübelin Gem Lab – Well-known Swiss gem lab; member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC).
HRD – Diamond High Council, Antwerp, Belgium.
IBGM – Instituto Brasileiro de Gemas e Metais Preciosos – Brazilian gem site.
International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) – Largest international colored gemstone dealers' association.
IGE – Instituto Gemológico Español – Spanish gemological institute.
International Gem Society – Gemological site.
Institut Gemmologique de France – Lyon, France-based gemological institute.
LabGem – Portuguese gem laboratory.
Laboratoire français de Gemmologie – Paris gem lab.
Mindat.org – Mineral data on the web.
Minerapole.com – Site for the Sainte-Marie aux Mines mineral show in France.
Pegmatite Interest Group – For the pegmatite lovers out there.
Russian Gemological Server – Business, research and educational projects in gemology.
Scottish Gemmology
Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) – Well-known gem laboratory and alma mater of the AGTA GTC’s Lore Kiefert; member lab of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC).
University of Texas Gemology Program – Nicely done pure gemology.

Press – Gem, Jewelry & Mineral Magazines

American Jewelry Manufacturer (AJM) – Magazine devoted to jewelry arts.
Australian Gemmologist – Journal of The Gemmological Association of Australia.
Colored Stone – Magazine devoted to the colored gemstone business.
Instore Magazine – Magazine for the American jewelry store owner.
Gems & Gemology – Fine gemological publication, from the GIA.
The Guide – From Gemworld International, publishers of The Guide, a wholesale price guide to gems.
IDEX Magazine – Magazine covering the diamond trade, with the occasional piece on colored gems.
Jewelers' Circular-Keystone – Famous American trade magazine.
Jewelry Lady – Regular column from Debbie Yonick.
Jewellery News Asia – Hong Kong-based jewelry trade magazine (registration required).
Journal of Gemmology – Publication of the Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain.
Lapidary Journal – Magazine devoted to jewelry and lapidary arts.
LapidaryNews.com – Nice collection of news links on all aspects of the gem industry.
Lapis – German magazine for the mineral collector.
Mineralogical Record – Magazine devoted to the mineral collector.
Modern Jeweler – Magazine for the American jeweler.
National Jeweler – NYC-based jewelry trade magazine.
Professional Jeweler – Jewelry trade magazine.
Rapaport.com – Diamond price sheet; also has news about colored stones.
Rocks and Minerals – America's oldest popular mineral magazine.

Gem & Jewelry Networks, Forums & Related Sites

DiamondSE.info – Nice site for diamond lovers.
FieldGemology.org – Personal site of Bangkok-based gemologist, Vincent Pardieu.
Ganoksin – Huge site for information on jewelry manufacturing and allied arts.
Geminterest.com – French gemology and mineralogy site.
Gemologyonline.com – Gemology forum and site.
Polygon – Gem trading and information network.
Pricescope – Online forum devoted to gems.
Rapaport – Gem trading and information network.

Find an Appraiser or Retail Jeweler

For a comprehensive online search engine of US and Canadian jewelry appraisers and retail jewelers, see these links:

Major Gem & Jewelry Auction Houses

Bonhams & Butterfields – Gem, jewelry and mineral auctions.
Christie's – Gem, jewelry and mineral auctions.
Sotheby's – Gem, jewelry and mineral auctions.

Museums with Important Gem, Jewelry & Mineral Collections

American Museum of Natural History – Located in New York City, this is one of the USA's finest exhibits.
Bowers Museum – Located in Orange County, California.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History – Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, Pittsburgh, PA.
Harvard Mineralogical Museum – Mineral museum at Harvard University.
Hermitage – Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia houses a magnificent collection of gold and jewels.
Houston Museum of Natural Science – Fine gem and mineral collection.
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History –Fine gem and mineral collection.
Louvre – One of the world's finest museums, with many gems on display, Paris, France.
San Diego Natural History Museum – Mineralogy Dept. of this fine museum.
A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum – Located in Houghton, MI.
Smithsonian Institution –America's finest public gem and mineral collection.
Sterling Hill Mining Museum – Located in the famous Franklin, New Jersey area.
Tower of London – Home of the famous British crown jewels, in London, UK.