The Editor is glad to consider original articles shedding new light on subjects of gemmological interest for publication in The Journal. Articles are not normally accepted which have already been published elsewhere in English, and an article is accepted only on the understanding that:

• Full information as to any previous publication (whether in English or another language) has been given, including  
• It is not under consideration for publication elsewhere and
• It will not be published elsewhere without the consent of the Editor

Typescripts: Text may be submitted as a Word document either on a CD or by email to mary.burland@gem-a.com.  If hard copy is submitted, we require two copies of all papers on A4 paper (or USA equivalent) and typescripts should be double spaced with margins of at least 25 mm. Papers should be set out in the manner of recent issues of The journal and in conformity with the information set out below. Papers may be of any length, but long papers of more than 10 000 words (unless capable of division into parts or of exceptional importance) are unlikely to be acceptable, whereas a short paper of 1000 words may achieve early publication. The abstract, references, notes, captions and tables should be typed double spaced on separate sheets.

If English is not your first language, manuscripts should be checked by an expert translator before they are submitted for consideration for The Journal.

Title page: The title should be as brief as is consistent with clear indication of the content of the paper. It should be followed by the names (with initials) of the authors and by their postal and email addresses.

Abstract: A short abstract of 50-100 words is required.

Key Words: Up to six key words indicating the subject matter of the article should be supplied.

Headings: In all headings only the first letter and proper names are capitalized.

Illustrations: High resolution digital files, for both colour and black-and-white images, at 300 dpi TIFF or JPEG, and at an optimum size, can be submitted on CD or by email. Vector files (EPS) should, if possible, include fonts. Match proofs are essential when submitting digital files as they represent the colour balance approved by the author(s).Transparencies, photographs and high quality printouts can also be submitted. It is recommended that authors retain copies of all illustrations because of the risk of loss or damage either during the printing process or in transit. Diagrams must be of a professional quality and prepared in dense black ink on a good quality surface. Original illustrations will not be returned unless specifically requested. All illustrations (maps, diagrams and pictures) are numbered consecutively with Arabic numerals and labeled Figure 1, Figure 2, etc. All illustrations are referred to as 'Figures'.

Tables: Must be typed double spaced, using few horizontal rules and no vertical rules. They are numbered consecutively with Roman numerals (Table IV, etc.). Titles should be concise, but as independently informative as possible. The approximate position of the Table in the text should be marked in the margin of the typescript.

Notes and References: Authors may choose one of two systems:

(1) The Harvard system in which authors' names (no initials) and dates (and specific pages, only in the case of quotations) are given in the main body of the text, (e.g. Collins, 2001, 341). References are listed alphabetically at the end of the paper under the heading References.
(2) The system in which superscript numbers are inserted in the text (e.g. ... to which Collins refers.') and referred to in numerical order at the end of the paper under the heading Notes. Informational notes must be restricted to the minimum; usually the material can be incorporated in the text. If absolutely necessary both systems may be used.

References in both systems should be set out as follows, with double spacing for all lines:

Papers: Collins, A.T., 2001. The colour of diamond and how it may be changed. J.Gemm., 27(6), 341-59

Books: Balfour, L, 2000. Famous diamonds. 4th edn. Christie's, London. p. 200
Abbreviations for titles of periodicals are those sanctioned by the World List of scientific periodicals 4th edn. The place of publication should always be given when books are referred to.