Some gems across cyberspace

Gemological Institute of America: GIA is a non-profit institute dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology.

American Gem Society: AGS is a trade association of retail jewelers, independent appraisers, suppliers, and selective industry members.

Diamondfacts.org: The World Diamond Council’s site on everything diamond.

Kimberley Process: The site describes a joint effort to stem the flow of conflict diamonds.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee: The jewelry industry’s watchdog group.

Famous Diamonds: By the far the best known of Richard Burton’s jewelry purchases for Elizabeth Taylor was the 69.42-carat pear-shape diamond, later to be called the Taylor-Burton Diamond.

Hope Diamond: Encyclopedia Smithsonian describes the history of this beautiful blue diamond.

Gold nuggets: The American Museum of Natural History’s online exhibit covers the history, allure and science of gold.