Early in his career, John Koivula realized that making photographs through the microscope was an indispensible tool in his work as a gemologist. Having mastered the intricacies of microscopy and photomicrography, as well as inventing many new photographic techniques over the past thirty years, today John Koivula is the leading authority and foremost photomicrographer of inclusions in gemstones. His photomicrographs not only are visually eloquent and succinct records of what he observes in the microscope, but also are documentary proof for his interpretation of what he observes.

 

An intuitive artistic sensibility complements the focus on scientific inquiry in John's photomicrographs. He has a rare gift for eliciting the aesthetic potential in his subjects. And so, the stunning beauty of the internal world of gemstones that John captures on film engages the imagination and admiration of gemologists and non-professionals alike.

 

John Koivula has received numerous awards and honors for his images, including the "Nikon Small World Photomicrography" competition and competitions sponsored by Polaroid and Kodak. His photomicrographs have graced the covers of Gems & Gemology, Journal of Gemmology, Canadian Gemmologist and Australian Gemmologist, as well as numerous other trade publications.

 

microWorld of Gems is pleased to invite you to view the gallery of John Koivula's photomicrographs. The current collection represents a few of John's photographs made through the microscope. They are available for purchase as fine-quality giclée prints—handsome additions to any home or office.

 

Current Exhibition

"Art is born of the investigation of Nature."

–Cicero