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John Pollard
John Pollard is a professional educator with degrees in gemology, education, science and music from the Gemological Institute of America, Washington State University, Peninsula College and the Texas State Board of Education. He is the US Executive for Infinity Diamonds, BVBA, a fine-make manufacturer based in Antwerp, Belgium. Mr. Pollard serves as trainer and consultant for a range of traditional, internet and “bricks & clicks” businesses in the United States, Europe and Asia; specializing in education, marketing and strategic development. A two-time winner of the HEB Foundation’s Award of Excellence, he has been a guest speaker for the American Gem Society; Jewelers Circular Keystone, GIA Alumni Association, Polygon Conclave, Jewelry Shanghai and 16 university campuses in North America. Mr. Pollard is a regular contributor to the online Pricescope Journal and discussion forum.
Articles by this Author
» Getting information: In-stock diamonds versus diamonds located with suppliers
Published 4/11/2005 | Diamond Trade
When shopping online there are two possibilities for diamonds you find listed in the Pricescope search or in diamond searches on different vendor websites.

  1. The diamond you have found is owned and stocked by the vendor listing it.  In this case that diamond will not be listed by any other vendors.
  2. The diamond you have found is located with a diamond supplier/manufacturer. That single diamond may appear in the lists of many vendors, any of whom may act as a broker for it.

See also "Why are there several dealers offering the exact same stone"

» An Overview Of Common Alloys Used In Jewelry
Published 21/12/2006 | Jewelry
Fine jewelry settings are created from precious metals. This article addresses some important information about gold, white gold, rhodium plating and nickel allergies, as well as covering fine distinctions between common platinum alloys. Many alloys exist and new ones are constantly being developed. Here is an overview of some of the most common encountered in the crafting of jewelry.

 

» "American Cut - The First 100 Years," by Al Gilbertson, G.G.
Published 30/10/2007 | Diamond Grading

GIA Research Associate Al Gilbertson has written a thorough and informative book about diamond cutting in the United States between 1850 and 1960.  With a special focus on American production prior to Marcel Tolkowsky’s “Diamond Design,” readers will find plenty of illuminating information…and a few surprises.

» Laboratory Cut Grades: What the report doesn’t show
Published 22/05/2009 | Diamond Grading Diamond Trade References

To the naked eye a D Flawless diamond can appear identical to an F VS diamond if each has been cut the same way.  Alternately, less than one degree of variation in two diamonds’ facet measurements can make a noticeable difference in appearance - yet both could be issued the same cut grade from a given lab.

» “The French Blue,” by Richard W. Wise, G.G.
Published Today | Diamond News Diamond Trade References
Review by John Pollard

Just imagine: A humble mapmaker’s son travels the ancient world, discovers fantastic treasures, rescues a damsel and rises to the highest levels of French aristocracy!

“The French Blue,” based on true events, recounts the remarkable voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a 17th Century trader of precious gems best known for discovering the phenomenal 115 carat blue diamond which later became the Hope Diamond. The book’s author, Richard Wise, takes factual events and blends them with plausible speculation to create a long and delightful tale; rich in history, action and romance.

Popular Articles
  1. A review of the “foundation” of GIA’s new cut grade system
  2. USA Adventures June 2005
  3. An Overview Of Common Alloys Used In Jewelry
  4. GIA Excellent Cut Grade: Case Study
  5. The Diamond Industry in 2005
Popular Authors
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