Gemstone Detective

13/09/2026

12/09/2026

“It looks like a Ceylon sapphire.”

That isn’t enough.

Sapphires from Sri Lanka can have characteristics that suggest their origin, but stones from different deposits can overlap considerably in appearance and gemmological properties.

For an important purchase where Sri Lankan origin is part of what you’re paying for, I would want that claim supported by an appropriate independent laboratory report.

And even then, remember something important: “Ceylon” describes origin. It doesn’t automatically mean exceptional quality.

Every source produces gemstones across a range of qualities.

Love the stone first, then verify the claims before you commit or hand over any money.

Would you know what to check before buying a Ceylon sapphire?

11/09/2026

Choosing a gemstone for a bespoke ring is about more than colour or budget. Discover how to find the stone that reflects your personal life story and will still feel meaningful when you're sitting in your rocking chair.

Understanding those motivations can help you make a better decision when designing a bespoke ring. Not just one that looks beautiful today, but one that still feels meaningful decades from now.

10/09/2026

A quick, practical guide revealing what serious gemstone buyers actually look for in the first five minutes of evaluation. It breaks down the key questions they ask, the red flags to watch for and how to quickly tell if a source feels trustworthy or not.

https://www.gemstonedetective.com/post/serious-buyers-first-five-minutes-gemstone

In high-value gemstone buying, the first reaction is rarely technical. It is simply whether the stone creates enough interest to justify more time, because the stones that matter tend to ask for it.

09/09/2026

A look at Meetiyagoda moonstone mining beyond the usual tourist stops. I share what's really happening on the ground and what most visitors don't see when it comes to mining, quality and the local trade.

The first thing I saw there was the remains of what I was told was the earliest original shaft. That shaft had already been filled in, but the old coconut wood supports were left there as the only remaining evidence, covering the ground.

08/09/2026

When people think of Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry, they often think first of sapphire.

But the gemstone itself is only one part of the story.

Behind it is an entire world of miners, traders, cutters, polishers and craftspeople — each playing a part in the journey from the ground to the finished gem.

That human side of the trade is one of the things I find most fascinating about Sri Lanka.

And it’s why my private Gemstone Experiences aren’t simply about looking at beautiful stones. They’re about understanding the people, skills and processes behind them.

Which part of a gemstone’s journey would you most like to see first-hand?

08/09/2026

A gemstone treasure remained hidden beneath London for almost 300 years.

Now, the fullest display ever assembled is preparing to open, but that is only one of the stories in the first edition of The Gemstone Briefing.

This new email is for people who genuinely love gemstones: remarkable histories, discoveries, craftsmanship, places to visit and trusted resources worth knowing about, all clearly explained.

Read the first edition - subscribe using the link in my bio.

Image: AI-created editorial illustration; not an image of the Cheapside Hoard.

08/09/2026

How do you know if a gemstone dealer is trustworthy? I share practical signs to look for before making your purchase.

The reality is that most buyers do not lose money because they purchased a fake gemstone.

07/09/2026

A real-world look at why this particular Elehara garnet commanded $300 per carat, what factors influence gemstone pricing and how collectors can understand value beyond the number.

https://www.gemstonedetective.com/post/elahera-garnet-sri-lanka-price

Elahera Garnet in Sri Lanka

04/09/2026

A serious gemstone purchase is never just about the stone; it's about the meaning behind it. In this post, I explore what changes when buyers begin to approach gemstones with intention, clarity and confidence, and why the right stone should feel unmistakable, not uncertain.

Not every sapphire, ruby, or rare gemstone qualifies as truly exceptional. Some stones look similar but differ in colour depth, rarity, presence, and long-term value. By the time a stone reaches a client, all the complexity is managed. What remains for you is the clarity and confidence to make a dec...