London: The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has released the latest issue of its academic publication, The Journal of Gemmology, in collaboration with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF and with the support of the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The current issue (Vol. 34, No. 3, 2014), released on 19 October 2014, is packed with a wide variety of new content, covering the latest news and research from the international gemmological community.
Feature articles include: A Comparative Study of Jadeite, Omphacite and Kosmochlor Jades from Myanmar, and Suggestions for a Practical Nomenclature (by Leander Franz, Tay Thye Sun, Henry A. Hänni, Christian de Capitani, Theerapongs Thanasuthipitak and Wilawan Atichat); The Discoverer of Tsavorite – Campbell Bridges – and His Scorpion Mine (by Jim Walker and Campbell’s son, Bruce Bridges); Emeralds Partially Coated with Amorphous Carbon (by Gagan Choudhary); and The ‘Sleeping Lion’ Baroque Pearl: An Update (by J. C. (Hanco) Zwaan, Dirk M. van der Marel and Herman A. Dommisse).
The Journal also delves into ‘What’s New’ in the industry by discussing John Harris’ spectra database, the Sarine DiaMension Axiom and recent publications from gem laboratories, trade bodies and councils around the world. Furthermore, the issue features detailed listings of upcoming meetings, exhibits and other educational events to further the professional development of its readers.
Other sections that are sure to interest practicing gemmologists include ‘Practical Gemmology’ which documents the use of stacking software in photomicrography, and ‘Gem Notes’ which describes green fluorite from Pakistan and Vietnam, bicoloured grossular from Kenya, rainbow moonstone from Malawi, an aging silver-treated cultured pearl and much more. The ‘Excursions’ section takes armchair travellers to visit the gem mines of Sri Lanka. ‘New Media’ reviews several new books and lists the titles of many more, and ‘Literature of Interest’ points the reader toward recently published gemmological articles, some of which are downloadable for free.
Discussing the latest issue of The Journal of Gemmology, Editor-in-Chief Brendan Laurs stated: “We are pleased to share such an abundance of currently relevant information and research results in this issue of The Journal. Readers will surely benefit from the variety of knowledge conveyed in this issue.”
