By Mark T. Cartwright
Looking back on the last five or six years could cause someone in our industry to react in a number of ways, perhaps several simultaneously! The sweeping changes and rate of technological development over the last half-decade or so can only be described as astounding. There have been major shifts in markets, marketing, and selling. Treatments that can significantly alter the appearance of coloured gemstones and diamonds have become more prevalent. Synthetic diamonds have made their way into the marketplace in quantities and qualities never seen before. And of course, along with these ‘new’ kinds of stones are more ways for crooks and con artists to make a quick dollar. For the independent gemmologist/appraiser, there are new opportunities to be of service and new dangers to guard against.
