Opal can vary dramatically in colour, pattern, construction and stability. Lena Hoffmann explains how to evaluate play-of-colour, distinguish solid opal from doublets and triplets, understand hydrophane material and treatments, recognise crazing and know what to ask before buying.
Buying tanzanite requires more than choosing the deepest blue stone. Lena Hoffmann explains in this video how colour, pleochroism, cutting direction, heat treatment, clarity, durability and non-standard quality grades can influence what you are actually buying.
Buying an emerald is about much more than finding the cleanest green stone. Lena Hoffmann explains how to assess colour, understand natural inclusions and clarity enhancement, evaluate treatment disclosure, question origin claims and know when an independent laboratory report matters.
Few gemstones attract attention as quickly as a fine red ruby. That attraction can also make ruby one of the more complicated coloured gemstones for consumers to purchase confidently. Two stones that both carry the name “ruby” can differ enormously…
Buying a blue sapphire is about more than choosing the deepest blue stone. Lena Hoffmann explains how to evaluate appearance, ask the right questions about treatments and origin, and recognise the importance of reliable disclosure before purchasing.
