Question 1

Gems!

Accepted Answer

Like most gemologists, I love learning about stones. If you do too, then you know that the world of gems and jewelry is always growing. New discoveries, crystal deposits, treatments, and a perpetually shifting market means staying up to date is important when it comes to information.

Maybe you’ve been asking yourself: I wonder what this gemstone is? Where is it from? How did it form? What makes it different from all the other gemstones? Is it special?

Ask me! If I can’t answer your question, maybe I know someone who can.

Question 2

Crystals & Minerals!

Accepted Answer

As a geologist, I love learning about stones. Crystals, specimens, pseudomorphs, and fossils are less common terms found among gems and jewelry, though there are major exceptions!

Have you and your friends and family started wondering more about the world around you? Are you curious about how the Earth, planets, and stars formed? Did you find a cool rock and want to learn more about it?

Ask me! If I can’t answer your question, maybe I know someone who can.

Question 3

Gemstone Artistry!

Accepted Answer

The best way to bring out the inner life of a stone is to make it sparkle! That’s why I love the process of faceting crystals into gemstones and polishing rocks into cabochons. These are the most common forms of stones you find in jewelry.

If you’d like to learn how the process works or are interested in starting yourself, let me know! I’m happy to provide some introductory guidance (or troubleshooting) and point you in the right direction so you can bring the stones around you to life!

Question 4

Painting Rocks!

Accepted Answer

Are you putting paint on your rock? Great! Is this a new pet rock, a canvas to enhance a creation, or are you adding touches here and there to compliment the natural colors?

From sealing the stone to choosing your paint medium, there are several questions to figure out before you get started. Reach out with what you’d like to do and I’ll help you bring your vision to life!

Question 5

What is a Graduate Gemologist?

Accepted Answer

A GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) is a professional who has completed the most comprehensive and respected gemology program offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on diamonds, colored stones, and jewelry education.

Question 6

Can you identify my gemstone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can examine your gemstone and perform tests to help identify it and determine if it's natural, treated, synthetic, or an imitation. In some cases, advanced lab testing might be needed for full confirmation, but I’ll always explain my findings and next steps clearly.

Question 7

Is my stone “real”?

Accepted Answer

This can be a difficult subject. It’s important to keep communication both clear and honest. I can help guide you to asking the right questions when buying from a vendor or examining your stones to learn what you have.

Many tests are sometimes inconclusive but, when paired with knowledge, can help to narrow down the most likely answer. That is why you should ask a jeweler or gemologist about your stones. Think of it like asking a doctor about your health or a mechanic about your car. Let’s see what we can figure out together.

Joshua Solberg

GIA Graduate Gemologist, AJP, Geologist B.A.

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