Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM
ContributorDr. 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
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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How to Calculate the Gold Markup for Jewelry
Learn the meaning of the trade terms for gold weight and karat, so you can calculate the gold content value...
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Gem Cutting FAQ
Our gem cutting FAQ covers some common questions from novice faceters. Topics include how to get started, how to clean...
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Fantasy Gem Designs: Cutting Techniques
Fantasy gem designs combine elements from faceted and cabbed stones as well as artistic embellishments. Learn the basics of this...
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How to Facet Gems
What does it take to facet gems? Patience and HAI, locking the gem at the right height, angle, and index...
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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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Testing Gold Karatage and Interpreting Marks
How can you determine the gold karatage of an item and learn if it’s gold-filled or plated? This simple technique...
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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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What is Pewter?
The basics of pewter as a precious metal.
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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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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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