The appeal of colored gemstones is the focus of the latest Rapaport Diamond Podcast episode, which features Nathan Renfro of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
“There [are] so many different types of color stones that there’s really something out there for everyone,” said Renfro, the GIA’s senior manager of colored stones. “Diamonds are quite lovely in their own right for what they are, and [are] hard to match in a lot of ways, but if that’s not something that appeals to you, then you don’t have an alternative really. But with colored stones, there’s a number of alternatives.”
In conversation with Rapaport’s Joshua Freedman, Renfro spoke about the GIA’s identification reports for colored gemstones and how its field-gemology program helps the organization recognize the geographical origin of rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other specimens. They also discussed gemstone treatments and why the challenge of spotting them gets tougher over time.
Renfro, who posts pictures from under the microscope to more than 15,000 followers on Instagram, described some of his favorite gemstones and explained the lucky event that led to the Cookie Monster appearing in an agate found in Soledade, Brazil, in November 2020.
He also shared his love for the six large shelled reptiles he keeps as pets. “Fortunately, I have a few gems than I do tortoises, but the tortoises do take up a lot more space”
Listen to the podcast here:
This podcast is brought to you by GIA — the Gemological Institute of America — protecting consumers and supporting the global gem and jewelry trade since 1931 through research, education, and laboratory services.
Join Rapaport’s exclusive WhatsApp channel for real-time news, analysis, and insights.
