Gem Education

Betty Sue King works closely with designers, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers who create innovative and unique jewelry with pearls and gemstones. She travels to Asia three times a year to obtain the remarkable cultured pearls her clients have come to expect and for which she is so well known. ^recommended!

The company, Deltah began in 1893 when M.J. Karpeles established America's oldest firm specializing in fine simulated pearl jewelry. This business started producing and selling find quality simulated pearls and pearl jewelry to retailers. Imperial which was founded by Joseph Gladstone in 1917 at a time of increased growth for the pearl industry, began operating in Chicago. This particular business specialized in importing and selling Japanese Cultures Pearls. Imperial became among the first to bring the valued Akoya pearls to the United States from Japan. On June 1, 1995, Imperial Pearl Syndicate and Pearls by Deltah were merged to form Imperial-Deltah, Inc. The merger created a consolidated business that is now one of the world's leading pearl companies servicing what is perhaps the broadest customer base in the industry. ^recommended!

Many of the old lapidaries (writers who wrote about gemstones) attributed different spiritual and medical properties to different stones. The site has many texts even from before the 16th century. Great resource in addition to our library of old books 

NOVA's website accompanying their 2001 broadcast on Diamonds. Articles include those of well known authors and gemologists in the field.  

NOVA's companion web site for its documentary "The Perfect Pearl", broadcasted on March 27, 2007. This website offers information about the history of pearls, problems pearls face today, transcripts, teacher's guides, and other resources (e.g. article by known gem expert and author Fred Ward). 

ACS (American Chemical Society) cover story (article by Amanda Yarnell) on how heat treatment and chemical additives can make mundane stones look they are exclusive fancy/colored/rare diamonds/gems. A MUST READ before purchasing diamonds or gemstones! 

Article by Rachel Petkewich. What does a Gemologist need these days, since treatments of gemstones have become so sophisticated. As a consumer, what would you expect your jewelry expert (jeweler, gemologist) to know as a guarantee for what you are buying ? 

Article by Rachel Petkewich. As gemstone treatments become more complex, will the lab replace the loupe? This article provides more insight of what it takes to analyze a gem such as a sapphire these days. How does this reflect on the jewelry you buy and should you demand more from the person who sells it to you ?