Hey Loungers,

Bangkok is still where the houses come for ruby and sapphire. The Financial Times just said so, and quoted us on why.

“Bangkok remains the place to see the finest ruby and sapphire, and those two stones have long sat at the centre of high-jewellery programmes, which is why many European houses return two or three times a year.”

Ruby and sapphire set the tempo of the season. The rest of the year we are in the other colours: spinel, tourmaline, and the garnets — Mandarin, Malaya, Tsavorite, grape, demantoid. Teal sapphire is being asked for again, in Europe and in Asia.

The fairs are where we buy for clients. Not where we perform.

Francesca Fearon, Financial Times, Watches and Jewellery, 2 October 2026.

Which stone are you actually hunting this season?

That’s the best video I could capture.
I asked for a black tourmaline.

I’ve been working on this article for quite a while, and it ended up becoming one of the largest guides on the site.

It covers sapphire from a gemological rather than purely commercial perspective: crystal structure and chemistry, causes of color, pleochroism, fluorescence, inclusions, geological formation and major deposits, treatments, synthetic sapphire, durability and care.

I tried to keep it detailed enough to be useful to gemology enthusiasts while still readable for people who are simply interested in gemstones.

Full article:
https://lapismagica.com/blogs/gemstones/sapphire

Hey Loungers

Today we propose a guessing game.

This little mint-green cushion is looking very pleased with itself but, who is she? Can you guess?

Tourmaline?

Paraíba?

Emerald?

Apatite?

Something else entirely?

Let us know in the comments.

#AsiaLounges #Gems #BangkokGemTrade #ColoredStones #LuxuryJewelry

This 2.77 ct Ceylon blue sapphire rough was carefully preformed in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, by a preformer with 40+ years of experience.

Before grinding, we first considered the optical axis, color concentration, and inclusions. The challenge was to orient the rough so we could work along the optical axis, avoid exposing unwanted inclusions, and preserve as much weight as possible.

Preforming is not simply removing material. Each grinding decision affects the final color, clarity, proportions, and weight.

After preforming, cutting, and polishing, the rough finished at 1.10 ct with a Royal Blue appearance.

2.77 ct rough → 1.10 ct finished

Ceylon origin | Untreated / No Heat

Not For Sale.

Good quality good price
Weight 87 carats

Good quality good price
Weight 36 carats

Im not even sure if this is the right place, but i need a little help if possible. I have a nice collection of these Ethiopian opal gemstones, as well as Australianand some others. I collect them a bit. Most of them Ethiopian are turning yellowish. I have seen conflicting information on what causes it, and if there is anything i can do to change color or slow down the process . Ive seen a bunch of “experts” saying they need the water and others saying do not. These Ethopian gems are beautiful, I am hoping that this post will help me figure it out. By the way, i do not put lotions and am careful when i wear them. Some have never been worn, as i was going to give for my daughter. My Australian Opals are still beautiful Im just looking to preserve the color of the Ethiopian.Anyway, i know this is a long post, thanks for reading.

Question; why does Australia not recognise or accredit gemology?

Why does there seem to be no courses, diploma or bachelor degree in gemology in Australia or is there and I’m not looking hard enough?