In most cases you can't identify a gem just by looking at it, but you can make good guesses. Try to identify the gems in these designer pieces. The answers are below:

Tahitian pearl strand, tsavorites, tanzanite, black opal, and American (Mississippi) freshwater pearl drop.












three 5mm cultured freshwater pearls, green tourmaline, five 3mm cultured freshwater pearls, chalcedony, dyed-black Akoya pearl.

More and more designers are adding colored gems to their pearl jewelry. On the next few pages are some examples of how a variety of gems are being used to create innovative jewelry.

Test Your Gem IQ