Uncovering the World’s Hidden Gems with Don Kogen
Have a question? ask an expertEpisode 1. Paraiba Tourmaline - Takes the center stage on the world market.
Explore the stunning and rare Paraiba tourmaline, a gemstone cherished by royalty and collectors. Its value has soared from $200 a carat in the 1980s to over $50,000 today.
Join Don Kogen as he delves into the gem’s history, from its discovery in Brazil to finds in Nigeria and Mozambique. Hear thrilling tales of gem-hunting adventures and discover why Paraiba tourmaline is one of the most coveted gems.
Uncover the secrets behind its vibrant colors and learn about record-breaking Paraibas set by Kat Florence. Tune in for the dazzling journey of the Paraiba tourmaline!
EPISODE 11. CLEOPATRA, ELIZABETH TAYLOR OR KAT FLORENCE THEY ALL ADORE EMERALD.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, Don Kogen dives into the captivating world of Emeralds, one of the “Big Four” gemstones renowned for their vibrant green hue. Emerald’s allure dates back 2,000 years to Cleopatra, who popularized it, mistakenly thinking Peridot from Zabargad Island was Emerald. The true Emerald story begins in the Colombian Andes, where Spanish conquistadors discovered the dazzling green stones in the Muzo mines.
Don also explores the historical significance of Russian Emeralds from the Takovaya deposit, prized by the czars, and the rise of Zambian Emeralds, brought to prominence by Gemfields. He explains how the distinct characteristics of each source—Colombia’s Chromium-rich sparkle, Russia’s neon green clarity, and Zambia’s deep bluish-green hues—contribute to their unique appeal.
Episode 2. Diamond - the world’s most celebrated gemstone.
Join us in this captivating episode as Gem Hunter Don Kogen takes you on an extraordinary journey through the world of diamonds. Uncover the secrets of legendary gems, from the renowned Golconda diamonds to the breathtaking discoveries in Botswana and Australia. Learn about the allure of D Flawless and pink diamonds, and hear the fascinating stories behind some of history’s most famous stones. Don’t miss out on this exclusive exploration of the most coveted gems on the planet. Tune in and be dazzled!
Episode 3. Ruby - one of the most important market forces today.
Dive into the mesmerizing world of rubies with renowned gem hunter Don Kogen in this captivating episode of Journey to the Stone. Discover the allure of the legendary ruby, a gem adored by royalty and commanding record-breaking prices at auction. Kogen unveils the fascinating history of the world-renowned Sunrise Ruby, the first colored gemstone to surpass $1,000,000 per carat, and its origins in Burma’s mystical Mogok Stone Tract. Experience the thrill of his daring adventures as he sneaks into Burma, learns from local villagers, and unearths the secrets of the rare Pigeon Blood Red Rubies. Tune in and uncover the mystique and magic of the legendary ruby!
Episode 4. Sphene - a rare gemstone that has more dispersion than a diamond.
Join Don Kogen in this captivating episode of Journey to the Stone as he explores the extraordinary world of sphene, a gem that outshines even diamonds with its vibrant fire and luster. Discover why Don named his son after this phenomenal gem and hear thrilling tales of uncovering the rarest varieties from Russia’s Kola Peninsula to Madagascar.
Learn about the incredible dispersion that makes sphene a true collector’s dream and why Kat Florence’s expertly cut pieces are unmatched in brilliance. Tune in to uncover the secrets and adventures behind one of nature’s rarest treasures.
Episode 5. Tourmaline - The gem with Superheroes in the Family.
On this episode of Journey to the Stone, Don Kogen delves into the vibrant world of tourmaline, a gem celebrated for its diverse colors and unique properties. Among the most sought-after is indicolite, a rare blue tourmaline found in limited quantities worldwide. Even more exceptional are the super powered Paraíba and titanium-bearing tourmalines, renowned for their intense colors and light dispersion due to copper and titanium elements in their structure. Don shares his adventures in discovering these gems and passion for collecting the finest, rarest tourmalines is evident as he discusses the market demand and the gem’s enduring appeal. Tune in to hear more about these remarkable stones and Don’s gem-hunting tales.
Episode 6. Aquamarine - the brother of the world-famous Emerald.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, host Don Kogen explores the enchanting world of Aquamarine, the blue sibling of Emerald. Aquamarine, part of the Beryl mineral family, is found mainly in Brazil, with the rare and highly valued Santa Maria variety standing out for its vivid blue color. Don highlights the gemstone’s formation in volcanic environments and the challenges in sourcing top-quality stones. Other notable deposits include Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, and India, each offering unique hues. The episode delves into the complexities of heating Aquamarine to enhance its color, a process that can be risky. Tune in to discover more about this captivating gem and Don’s adventures in sourcing it.
Episode 7. Demantoid Garnet - from Fabergé to modern day, capturing the imaginations of collectors.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, explore the captivating world of Demantoid Garnet, a gem with more dispersion than diamond, known for its dazzling colors and rare “horsetail” inclusions. From its origins in Russia to rediscoveries in Namibia and Madagascar, Demantoid’s brilliance and rarity make it a collector’s dream. Hear the fascinating journey of this extraordinary gemstone and why it’s one of the most valuable garnets in the world. Don’t miss this episode to uncover the secrets behind Demantoid’s sparkle!
Episode 8. Spinel, often mistaken as Ruby, a rare beautiful jewel.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, we explore Spinel, the gemstone that has taken the world by storm. Once mistaken for ruby, Spinel has a rich history, including its presence in the British Crown Jewels.
Join Don Kogen as he uncovers Spinel’s journey from historic Balas mines to modern discoveries like the neon Jedi Spinel from Burma and the rare Cobalt Spinels from Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Learn why this gem, with its unmatched brilliance and vibrant colors, has captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Don’t miss this captivating episode on the remarkable rise of Spinel!
Episode 9. Sapphire - one of the world’s most loved gemstone.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, gem hunter Don Kogen shares his thrilling adventures and expertise on the legendary Sapphire. From the fabled Kashmir Sapphire, mined at 14,000 feet in India’s Paddar region, to the neon electric blues of Sri Lanka and the royal blue Mogok Sapphires of Burma, Don reveals the secrets of these coveted gems. He also recounts the discovery of the Didy deposit in Madagascar, which produced Sapphires rivaling the finest Kashmir variety. Don’s firsthand tales of hunting these rare and beautiful stones make this episode a must-listen for any gem enthusiast. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind one of the world’s most beloved gemstones!
Episode 10. Chatoyancy and Asterism – A natural celestial like phenomena seen in very rare stones.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, Don Kogen delves into the mesmerizing world of rare gems, highlighting the stunning six-ray Star Ruby and Star Sapphire from Burma and Sri Lanka. He discusses the rarity and beauty of clean, perfectly crystallized stones, and how these are coveted by collectors. Don also explores the magic of Chrysoberyl, particularly the Milk and Honey and Alexandrite Cat’s Eyes, which are highly sought after for their unique optical phenomena. He shares his adventures hunting for these gems, including his discovery of Demantoid Garnet in Madagascar. Finally, Don talks about the enchanting Ceylon Blue and Rainbow Moonstones, known for their clarity and sheen, and the painstaking effort required to find them. Tune in to hear Don’s fascinating tales and insights into these extraordinary stones that captivate gem enthusiasts worldwide.
EPISODE 12. PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE- ONE OF THE MOST COVETED PRECIOUS GEMS IN THE WORLD.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, Don Kogen explores the world of the rare and coveted Padparadscha Sapphire. Known for its unique pink-orange hue, this gem is a blend of iron and chromium, making natural, unheated specimens incredibly rare—only one in a hundred million Sapphires. Historically favored by the Maharajas of Sri Lanka, the Padparadscha is named after the lotus flower and can fetch five-digit prices per carat when crystal clear.
Don shares his adventures sourcing Padparadschas from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Burma, recounting the gemstone rushes and rare discoveries. With the market supply dwindling, owning a Padparadscha Sapphire is a true treasure.
Tune in for more captivating gemstone stories and insights.
EPISODE 13. OPAL IS MOTHER NATURE’S PAINTING ON A GEMSTONE.
In this episode of Journey to the Stone, Don Kogen dives into the fascinating world of Lightning Ridge Black Opal, one of the most colorful and rare gemstones on the market. Found in Australia, this gem showcases all the colors of the most important stones, like Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, within a single stone. Don shares his 30-year journey of hunting for these elusive gems, explaining the decline in mining activity. He highlights the unique patterns and deep colors of Lightning Ridge Black Opal, emphasizing its rarity and value.
Don also contrasts it with Ethiopian Black Opal and the lesser-known Indonesian Opal, discussing their differences in quality and formation. Enjoy this captivating insight into the world of one of nature’s most stunning creations.
