What are the differences in formation and properties between precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, and semi-precious stones such as amethysts, garnets, and peridots?
How can one accurately identify and evaluate the quality and authenticity of a gemstone, and what are the most common treatments or enhancements used on gemstones?
What roles do cultural beliefs and historical significance play in the popularity and value of certain gemstones, such as jade in East Asia or turquoise in Native American cultures?
How does the mining and sourcing of gemstones impact the environment and local communities, and what are some of the ethical considerations and practices in the gemstone industry?
What are synthetic and lab-created gemstones, how do they compare to their natural counterparts, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using them in jewelry?
