The Curator's Journal

Birthstones Part 4 – Beyond the Twelve Months: Birthstones for the Time of Day, Day of the Week, Day of the Month, and Season

By Yaĝé Enigmus When choosing to purchase a birthstone for oneself or as a gift, one may find that the birthstone associated with the relevant month isn’t suitable for their needs or doesn’t satisf...

Birthstones Part 3 – The Origins of Western Birthstone Lists: from Traditional to Modern and Beyond

By Yaĝé Enigmus In 1906, the National Association of Jewellers (today known as the Jewellers of America) was founded. This American organization met in 1912 and adopted their own official version o...

Skyjems Virtual World Tour: Ethiopia!

The lava lake boiling in Ethiopia's Erta Alé volcano.Photo by Marc Szeglat on Unsplash. INTRODUCING ETHIOPIA! If your travel plans have been cancelled this year like mine were, you might be feeling...

Birthstones Part 2: Origins of Western Birthstone Lists - From Biblical to Traditional

By Yaĝé Enigmus   Today in contemporary western markets, gem dealers and private jewellers often mention ‘birthstones’ when asked for help in choosing a stone to gift or have made into gemstone jew...

New Videos! Investing in Gemstones

Thinking about investing in gems?   In these helpful videos, Skyjems’ David Saad sheds some light on the benefits and risks, what to expect, and how to get started.   Continue reading this summary,...

Birthstones Part 1: What are Birthstones?

 By Yaĝé Enigmus When giving the gift of a gemstone or custom gemstone jewellery, it can sometimes take a bit of thought to pick the right stone, especially if the receiver doesn’t already have a f...

Skyjems Virtual World Tour: India and Myanmar (Burma)

Alexandrite and Star Ruby Await in India!Photo by Varshesh Joshi on Unsplash Gorgeous Sapphires, Rubies and Jadeite from Myanmar!Photo by Mg Cthu on Unsplash WELCOME TO INDIA AND MYANMAR (BURMA)! A...

Skyjems Virtual World Tour: Australia and Canada!

Australia: Land of Opals!Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash Ammolite Abounds in Canada!Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA AND CANADA!Just because our travel plans were cancelled, i...

Skyjems Virtual World Tour: Colombia!

Wander the colourful streets of Cartagena, Colombia!Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash Visit Colombia, Land of Emeralds! In this week's edition of the Skyjems virtual world tour, we're headi...

Skyjems Virtual World Tour: Afghanistan and Cambodia!

Lapis Lazuli Awaits in Afghanistan!Photo by Ali Mosavi on Unsplash   Blue Zircon Abounds in Cambodia!Photo by Paul Szewczyk on Unsplash WELCOME TO AFGHANISTAN AND CAMBODIA! If your travel plans we...