Jewelry and Gemstones

American Gem Trade Association - The natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl source of information and ideas.
agta.org

Antique Jewelry Online - Jewelry history features take readers through the popular styles during specific eras. Also includes gemstone lore and articles about materials used to make jewelry.
www.antiquejewelryonline.com/learn/learn.htm

Ask Mr. Jewelry - Photos and buying advice for diamonds and other gemstones. Includes traditional birthstone and anniversary lists and articles to help consumers make gemstone selections.
www.askmrjewelry.com

Better Business Bureau (BBB) - Provides a description of traditional jewelry metals, diamonds, and pearls, and includes advice to help consumers make decisions when buying and repairing jewelry.
www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=441

Buy a Diamond - Diamond buying advice. Includes facts about the origins of diamonds and how the stones progress from rough to cut.
www.buyadiamond.net/

CanadaDiamonds.com - Diamond basics, covering the 5 C's--carat weight, color, clarity, cut and cost.
www.canadadiamonds.com/diamond_tutorials.htm

Colored Gemstones - The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) provides consumer buying advice and educational details about colored gemstones.
www.gemstone.org/index_gemsite.html

Costellos Australian Jewelers - Jewelry store that offers educational articles to give consumers the facts about the products they sell. Library of articles about diamonds, pearls, and opals.
www.costellos.com.au

DiaInfo.com - Information to help make shoppers aware of simulated stones and of diamonds that might have received undisclosed treatments to improve their appearance.
www.diainfo.com/

Diamond Info.org - Buying tips and educational guidance for diamonds and diamond engagement rings. Includes a community forum.
www.diamondinfo.org

Diamond Information and Education - Learn and discuss about diamonds and diamond jewelry through education tutorials,articles, chat, forums and informative FAQ's
www.diamondchatforum.com

Diamond Review - Diamond buying guide includes a price database, diamonds tutorial, and diamond FAQ.
www.diamondreview.com/

Emporia State University - Everything about Diamonds - A tutorial about the history and characteristics of diamond. Includes facts about diamond mining.
www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go340/diamond.htm

Enchanted Learning - An illustrated glossary, including terms that describe fine and costume jewelry, gemstones, and jewelry making.
www.enchantedlearning.com/jewel/

Gem Gallery - The Image.com - Photos of gemstones, each accompanied by a description of the gem's properties and where it is commonly found. Includes instructions for close-up gem photography.
www.theimage.com/gemstone/gemstone.html

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - A nonprofit organization that offers gemstone identification and buying advice to consumers and training to those in the jewelry trade. The GIA provides lab services to the jewelry industry.
www.gia.edu

The House of Tibara - Facts about opal include chemical make-up, buying advice, cutting and polishing basics, and opal care. Includes photos of different types of opals.
www.opal-tibara.com/

How Stuff Works: Moissanite Jewels - Five-part, illustrated guide that discusses the origin of natural Moissanite and explains how it is being created in the lab today.
www.howstuffworks.com/moissanite.htm

Idazzle.com - Provides basic information to help familiarize buyers with the qualities they should look for when searching for a diamond.
www.idazzle.com/

JadeMart.com - An explanation of the different grades of jade used in jewelry, with tips to help buyers distinguish between them.
www.jademart.com

JewelInfo4U - Informational site with articles by volunteer editors from the jewelry industry. Includes articles on gemstones, buying guides, help for men, and common questions.
www.jewelinfo4u.com/

The Jewelry Box Newsletter - Features tips on buying diamonds and jewelry, gemstone facts and cleaning silver.
www.jewelrynewsletter.com

Jewelry Buying Advice - Provides information to help consumers evaluate and purchase gemstones, jewelry, watches and related accessories. From About.com.
jewelry.about.com

LoveAndDiamonds.com - Diamond engagement rings buying guide includes a diamonds tutorial as well as related articles and resources.
www.loveanddiamonds.com/

Name on Rice Jewelry Online Buying Guide - Read reviews, ratings, and comparisons of numerous online "Name on Rice" jewelry web sites in the online buyer's guide.
www.nameonricejewelry.com

PriceScope - Includes numerous diamond tutorials and buying tips, a discussion forum, and a cut advisor.
www.pricescope.com/tutor_cert.asp

Promise Rings - Learn their meanings, history, traditions, current practices and where to buy them.
www.promise-rings.info/

RingDesigner.com - Describes the 4Cs of diamonds (cut, clarity, carat and color) and some information about certification.
www.ringdesigner.com/Pages/Understanding_Diamonds.htm

Soyouwanna Buy an Engagement Ring - Multi-page article that offers engagement ring buying advice.
www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/ring/ring.html

YourGemologist.com - A reference library covering natural gemstones and minerals, synthetic and treated gems. Also offers resources for people who would like to pursue a career in gemology.
www.yourgemologist.com/