u/JunoKat

From rough to gem (est. 3ct)

I get more and more into cabochons for no obvious reason, maybe because they look so yummy 😝

My 6 year old said: Mum, don’t sell it, keep it for me, I want to be a gem collector when I grow up 😝

Mini sapphire with little fire inside, changes colour in natural, white, yellow and UV lighting conditions. Unfortunately no sun in the UK yet so I can capture its colour in the UV of the sun.

Not much at all but I am excited to start, my first 10x loupe arrived today.

After diving headfirst into the "Home Lab" life with a 10x loupe, a full kit, and grinding through the SSEF free online modules for Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, and Jade, I’ve hit the inevitable wall that theory alone can’t climb: practical color grading.

I’m currently building a reference collection of Luc Yen material—with 30 fresh stones arriving this Saturday—but I’m struggling to bridge the gap between digital theory and accurately identifying elite trade colors like "Pigeon Blood," "Royal Blue," or "Padparadscha" in the flesh.

I’m looking for expert advice on the most effective way to master color valuation; specifically, are there reliable physical color references or UK-based practical meetups you’d recommend for someone who has the tools and the theory but needs to train their "eye"? Additionally, I'd love any tips on photography setups to capture the truest hue and saturation without smartphone sensors "auto-correcting" the life out of the gem please. Many thanks 🙏