The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has launched the latest issue of its academic publication, The Journal of Gemmology. The latest issue contains news and research from the international gemmological community, including a cover article dedicated to spinel from the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan. Further feature articles include a discussion of the “marketing myth” surrounding the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra and her links to emerald mining, which was apparently promulgated by a 19th century London-based jeweler.
In addition, the issue contains detailed articles on daylight-fluorescent hyalite opal from Erongo, Namibia, and blue gahnite from Nigeria.
Editor-in-chief, Brendan Laurs FGA, says: “This issue of The Journal provides the latest research on a variety of topics spanning gem characterization, cause of color, fluorescence phenomena, historical insights and more. For many decades, readers worldwide have relied on The Journal as a primary source of high-quality gemological information.”
In addition to feature articles, each issue of The Journal of Gemmology contains a Gem Notes section providing brief reports on items of gemological interest from around the world. In this issue, readers can explore blue sapphires reportedly from Azad Kashmir, the gota de aceite phenomenon in an emerald from Afghanistan (not Colombia), chromium-bearing translucent green common opal reportedly from Peru, the record-setting Serendipity star sapphire aggregate discovered in Sri Lanka, and much more.
The What’s New column highlights new publications and online resources useful for gemmologists, while the Learning Opportunities section contains detailed listings of upcoming conferences and educational events to further the professional development of its readers. Finally, the New Media section reviews new books and the Literature of Interest section lists recently published articles in various journals and magazines that gemologists can use to develop their knowledge further.
A leader in its field, The Journal publishes original research articles on all aspects of gemology, including natural stones and their treatments, synthetics, and simulated gemstones. It is published quarterly in collaboration with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF and with support from American Gemological Laboratories (AGL).
Issues published in the past two years are accessible to Gem-A members both nationally and internationally. Previous issues are freely available in the Journal’s online archive. A cumulative index covering all issues from 1947 to 2021, as well as bibliographies of Journal articles covering specific subjects, can also be downloaded from the Journal’s website.
Anyone can become an Associate Member of Gem-A and receive printed and online access to both Gem-A publications: The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery. Visit the Gem-A website to find out more.
