Author Archives: mrahm

About mrahm

Michelle holds a Graduate Gemologist Diploma, Graduate Diamonds Diploma and Graduate Colored Stones Diploma through the Gemological Institute of America's distance education program. Michelle currently serves as President of the Mile High GIA Alumni Association. She also serves on the board of the Rocky Mountain Jeweler's Association and is a member of the American Gem Trade Association.

Chatham lab created emeralds vs natural

Posted on January 26, 2018 by mrahm

Recently a client contact me about buying an emerald. He wasn’t particular about whether it was a lab created emerald or a natural emerald. He had a budget of $10,000 in the event we found a really nice natural emerald. … Continue reading →

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Fine Pakistani Peridot

Posted on January 24, 2018 by mrahm

Fine quality peridot from Pakistan like these are still availble Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Morondava)

Posted on March 4, 2015 by mrahm

On Monday, June 9, 2014 we left Ifaty and took our clown bus back to Tulear where we boarded an Air Madagascar flight to Morondava. Morondava is further north on the west coast of Madagascar. It was a long busy … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Ambolimalika)

Posted on March 2, 2015 by mrahm

The next morning we drove to a small fishing village for the day. It was stunningly beautiful. We could swim, take a boat ride, snorkel, relax on the beach and read a book or take a walk among other things. … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Ifaty)

Posted on February 27, 2015 by mrahm

Our visit to the Ilakaka alluvial sapphire deposit marked the end of the work portion of our trip. Now it’s time for few days of rest and relaxation. Since we were parting with our drivers for a few days while … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Ilakaka Sapphire Deposit)

Posted on February 5, 2015 by mrahm

Ilakaka was probably the most exciting mining stop for me on the entire trip. As a Gemologist, I learned about this discovery, saw pictures and videos of it in my studies, but never imagined I would ever go there. This … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Isalo National Park Evening)

Posted on January 30, 2015 by mrahm

Our afternoon in Isalo National Park was just as beautiful as the morning. After a delicious lunch and entertainment by four friendly ring-tailed lemurs, we’re off again on one last adventure to a tropical waterfall. The scene was just too … Continue reading →

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