Education
The 4Cs in Plain English: A Stirling Jeweller's Walkthrough
Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat — what each one really means, where to spend, where to save, and how to read a GIA certificate without getting bamboozled.
30 April 20264 min read
Tag
education
Articles tagged "education" from the Ian Gallacher Jewellers Journal — Stirling's independent jeweller since 1973.
Education
CVD vs HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds: What's the Difference?
Two methods grow lab diamonds — CVD and HPHT. A Stirling jeweller with GIA training explains what each method produces, which to prefer, and whether it matters for an engagement ring.
20 April 20263 min read
Education
Lab-Grown Coloured Gemstones: Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds Explained
Lab-grown sapphires, rubies and emeralds are chemically identical to mined stones but cost dramatically less. A Stirling jeweller explains what's available, what to look for, and the honest trade-offs.
14 April 20264 min read
Guides
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: An Honest Comparison
Identical chemistry, very different price curves. A Stirling jeweller's plain-English comparison of lab-grown vs mined diamonds for engagement rings in 2026.
22 March 20263 min read