Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM
Dr. Gerald Wykoff is GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter.
Articles by Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM
Suiseki, Glyptography, and Other Rock Artistry Techniques
Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities....
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Jewelry Silver Content
For jewelry use, silver is often mixed with other metals. Learn how silver content varies between alloys and how to...
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Mechanical Gemstone Cleaning
Mechanical gemstone cleaning has benefits and risks. Learn all about ultrasonic, steam, and boiling systems and how gems might react...
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How to Clean Your Gemstone Jewelry
A little gemology goes a long way. Learn how to clean your gemstone jewelry safely and how to deal with...
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Alternative Birthstones
Not happy with your birthstone? Explore these alternative birthstones associated with astrological signs, angels, the hour or day of your...
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Gemstone Care Guide
Our gemstone care guide covers many popular gems. Learn how best to maintain your gemstone jewelry and what kinds of...
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The Foundation Stones of the New Testament
Commentaries on the foundation stones of the Book of Revelation influenced the development of the Western birthstone system. Learn more...
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How to Calculate the Jeweler’s Markup for Gold Jewelry
If you learn the meaning of the trade terms for gold weight and karat, you can calculate the gold content...
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Evaluating Gemstone Cutting: The Five Ps
In recent decades, something remarkable invaded the thinking process of the colored stone industry. From dealers to consumers, they all...
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Does Synthetic Spinel Exist? What is it?
The chemistry of man-made spinel can differ from natural spinel. Read more about what synthetic spinel is, how it was...
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What is Pewter?
The basics of pewter as a precious metal.
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Calculating the Karat Content of Gold and Interpreting Marks
This article will hep you understand how to calculate karat content of gold, what to watch out for, and what...
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Underkarating fraud in the jewelry trade
Underkarating is a fraudulent practice whereby a jeweler represents a piece of jewelry or gold as containing more precious metal...
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Relationship Between the Price of Gold and the Price of Your Jewelry
Understanding how the price of an underlying jewelry metal, such as gold, impacts the price of your finished jewelry.
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Skin Discoloration by Gold and Other Jewelry Metals
Why your skin gets discolored by certain jewelry metals, and what you can do about it.
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The History of Lapidary
A full and complete history of the lapidary arts, from 70,000 BC to present day. The origins of faceting, bruting,...
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gem Cutting
Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ's about gem cutting. Find the answers to the most frequent questions about gem cutting and...
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How to Carve, Sculpt Gems
Successful tips and information on techniques that are used in sculpting or carving a gem. Find helpful information here on...
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Gem Lore – A Resource For Gemcutting Information
A resource for Gem cutting Information, this is a comprehensive repository of information and assistance intended to advance and enhance...
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How to Facet Gems
A Detailed information and guide on How to Facet Gems. In faceting, HAI is much more than a casual idiom....
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