One of the central contributions in Issue 57 of InColor magazine (Spring/Summer 2026) is the article “Guild Gem Laboratories Field Expedition” by Andrew Lucas and Ruby Liu of the Guild Institute, together with Arshad Faroos of Blue Manik. It documents a complex scientific expedition to the Ilakaka-Sakaraha deposits in Madagascar. The report analyzes the current state of metamorphic sapphire production, noting that extraction volumes now stand at approximately 20–30% of past peak levels. The study highlights the predominance of small-sized material and the increasing difficulty of sourcing high-quality blue sapphires, while global demand continues to push prices upward.
The issue of distinguishing between natural and treated materials is addressed in “Building Trust as Materials Change: The Case of Baltic Amber”. In this article, Ewa Wagner Wysiecka and colleagues discuss the challenges posed by pressed amber and hydrobaric techniques, which make it possible to produce large pieces from small fragments, thus making clear and transparent classification essential to maintaining market trust.
The historical evolution of gemstones is explored by M.P.H. Curti in “Amethyst – A Gem of Authority and Legend Across the Ages”, an analysis spanning from prehistoric cults to refined 20th-century Cartier creations, illustrating how the symbolism of amethyst has remained tied to power and spirituality for millennia.
