Glossary of Terms & Facts

Genuflection

History and Practice of Genuflection Genuflection introduced by Alexander the Great in 328 BC Senators in the Byzantine Empire required to genuflect to the emperor Medieval Europeans showed respect by...

General Conference on Weights and Measures

General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) The CGPM is the supreme authority of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). It is made up of delegates of member...

Gemstone

Definition and Classification of Gemstones Gemstones are mineral crystals used for making jewelry and adornments. They can be precious or semi-precious stones. Some rocks and organic materials are also considered...

Gemology

History and Background of Gemology Rudimentary education in gemology began in the 19th century. The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) was established in 1908. The first US graduate of...

Gemological Institute of America

History and Achievements of GIA GIA was founded in 1931 by Robert M. Shipley. Shipley launched a preliminary course in gemology in 1930 to train and certify jewelers. The first...

Gemmological Association of Australia

Gemmological Association of Australia Established in Australia Promotes the study of gems Offers resources and information Provides courses and certifications Collaborates with gemmological societies worldwide The Daily News Published in...

Garnet

Physical Properties and Crystal Structure of Garnet Garnet species are found in every color, with reddish shades being the most common. Blue garnets are the rarest and were first reported...

Finger

Evolution and Anatomy of Fingers Land vertebrate fingers Fingers of tree frogs, red-eyed crocodile skinks, red squirrels, and bats Terrestrial vertebrates' forelimbs evolved from lobe-finned fish Variation in the basic...

Fineness

Millesimal Fineness and Karat System Millesimal fineness is a system used to denote the purity of platinum, gold, and silver alloys. It is expressed in units of parts per 1,000....

Finding (jewelcrafting)

Types of Jewelry Findings Clasps for completing necklaces and bracelets Earwires for linking earrings to the wearer's ear Ring blanks for making finger rings Bails, metal loops, and jump rings...

Filigree

Definition and Characteristics of Filigree Filigree is intricate metalwork used in jewelry and small forms of metalwork. It is usually made of gold and silver. Filigree is created with tiny...

File (tool)

History and Development of Files Early filing or rasping has prehistoric roots Lapping is also quite ancient Bronze Age and Iron Age had various kinds of files and rasps Files...