28/04/2016
• Megan Austin
The ultrasonic cleaner is an essential piece of equipment in a bench jeweller’s workshop. MEGAN AUSTIN lists basic guidelines and discusses the suitability of various gemstones for the cleaner.
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05/04/2016
• Megan Austin
Many people have heard the terms ‘pigeon’s blood’ ruby and ‘cornflower blue’ sapphire but what do these descriptions mean? MEGAN AUSTIN explores some of the most famous gemstone colours in history and where they originate.
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25/02/2016
• Megan Austin
Australia currently ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of diamonds by weight and is estimated to supply 20-million carats this year, mostly from the underground operation at the Argyle mine. MEGAN AUSTIN reports.
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09/02/2016
• Megan Austin
Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth and Australia boasts the oldest deposits dating back more than 4.4 billion years. MEGAN AUSTIN reports.
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25/11/2015
• Megan Austin
The GAA’s Australian gemstone series continues with chrysoprase, a gemstone that is said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. MEGAN AUSTIN reports.
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02/11/2015
• Megan Austin
Pearl is traditionally known as ‘The Queen of Gems’. This royal moniker reflects the regal beauty that South Sea cultured pearls possess and the feeling of warmth and joy they bestow upon wearers. MEGAN AUSTIN reports.
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28/09/2015
• Megan Austin
It is said that opal is the luckiest gemstone of all because it contains the colour of every other gemstone. According to MEGAN AUSTIN, this really does make Australia the lucky country for it provides more than 95 per cent of the world’s opal.
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19/08/2015
• Megan Austin
Sapphire has played a unique role in Australia’s mining history that stretches back to the 1850s with the discovery of the first sapphire in NSW. In the first installment of a series looking at Aussie gemstones, MEGAN AUSTIN explores this home-grown treasure.
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23/07/2015
• Megan Austin
Faceted, red gemstones represent the colour of love, fire and passion, and are always in demand. What could they be? MEGAN AUSTIN reports.
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29/06/2015
• Megan Austin
Transparent, faceted green gemstones ranging from mint to moss to dark viridian have held our fascination for generations. What could they be? Megan Austin continues the Gem Detective series.
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27/05/2015
• Megan Austin
Do you know the difference between freshwater cultured pearls and Japanese akoya? What about natural Tahitians and dyed black freshwaters? Megan Austin takes a closer look.
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29/04/2015
• Megan Austin
Faceted, transparent gemstones ranging from cool violet to warm purple symbolise the colour of royalty and piety. What could they be? MEGAN AUSTIN investigates.
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25/03/2015
• Megan Austin
Brilliant transparent gemstones in warm tropical tones of pale lemon, rich gold, delicate apricot or vivid saffron can be challenging to identify. What could they be? Megan Austin reports.
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16/02/2015
• Megan Austin
Pink transparent gemstones appeal to a wide range of tastes and also come in a wide range of forms. From lavender to hot pink, what could they be? MEGAN AUSTIN sets out to investigate.
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21/01/2015
• Megan Austin
Sparkling, colourless gemstones may appear similar to the naked eye but they can vary significantly in identity, rarity and value. Making such distinctions requires the detective skills of a qualified gemmologist. Megan Austin reports.
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