Posts Tagged ‘Gemstones’
Sapphires, Rubies, And Emeralds: How Colored Gemstones Are Valued
The colors of the rainbow caught forever in glittering jewels that take your breath away. Colored gemstones can rival diamonds for their beauty but how are they valued?
Even though sapphires, rubies and emeralds differ in color and weight for example, there is a consistency in how they are valued. And that includes lesser known gemstones like tourmaline, alexandrite, peridots, and garnets as well. The four characteristics that determine value in a colored gemstones are color, clarity, cut, and carats, but the most important is color, color, and more color.
The intensity of the color and the closer it comes to the true spectral color means the stone has more value. Emeralds should be a pure green, rubies the reddest red, and sapphires a deep rich blue. As the color varies from the spectral ideal, the value declines. For example: Burmese rubies have the best color. Rubies that are a lighter red, reddish orange, or with a touch of brown or a bit of blue aren’t nearly as valuable.
Color is measured in intensity or saturation, in other words the vividness of the color. It also reflects the hue, or how close the color approximates the pure spectral color; tone which is how light or dark ie., how much black or white is in the color; and finally the distribution of the color or how even the color is across and within the stone.
The other factors of clarity, cut, and carats are not as important to the value of a stone that has the best color and inversely have a greater impact on the value of a stone that is not as pure a color.
Clarity is the absence of internal flaws that can be seen with a magnification of 10. Most colored gemstones naturally have inclusions or flaws. A prime example are emeralds which very rarely don’t have flaws. The lighter the color of the stone the more visible the flaws become, while the darker the color of the stone the less obvious. The type of flaw and where it occurs in the stone affects its value as well.
Cut is the way a stone is faceted to bring out the best characteristics of that particular stone for its type. The cut brings out the color, fire, and brilliance of the stone, not sacrificing one for the other. Unlike diamonds colored gemstones can also be presented as a smooth rounded surface known as cabochon cut. Cabochon cut sapphires and rubies often reflect a star and are known as star sapphires and star rubies.
Carat is the weight of the stone, not how big it is. Different types of gemstones have different weights when cut to the same size. The density of rubies is greater than the density of emeralds so a one carat ruby will be smaller than a one carat identically cut emerald. Stones can be cut to look bigger as well. Some gemstones are more readily available in larger weights such as amethysts or tourmalines, that say emeralds. For example: An 18 carat tourmaline will have a lesser value per carat than a 5 carat alexandrite because large tourmaline stones are more common than large alexandrite stones.
The best safety precaution when buying gemstones or gemstone jewelry is to buy from a reputable jeweler. You will get what you pay for.
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/sapphires-rubies-and-emeralds-how-colored-gemstones-are-valued-540535.html
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Origins of Blue Topaz Gemstones
Blue Topaz can be found in sky blue, greenish blue, or an “electric” blue. Not only is Blue Topaz a beautiful gemstone and comes in a variety of colors, it also has many interesting legends attached to it.
Like the majoritytopazes, which are quartz crystals, Blue Topaz begins as a virutally clear or a lightly tinted shade of crystal. The gem is then irradiated to bring out its blue color and heated to make the change permanent. The color depends on which type of radiation is used.
Exposing the topaz crystals to neutrons in a nuclear accelerator transforms the color into a deep bluish-green or bluish-gray color commonly referred to as London Blue Topaz. Sky Blue Topaz (the most common color of Blue Topaz) is produced by exposing the quartz crystals to electrons in a linear accelerator. If the quartz crystals are exposed to both neutorns and electrons, Swiss Blue or Electric Blue Topaz will result with highly saturated colors. After a one year cooling off period, the radiation levels are safe enough to allow the Topaz to be worn by consumers.
Due to its abundance, there is really no incentive to produce synthetic stones. Mystic Blue Topaz is created by vapor coating quartz crystals with titanium particals to produce a rainbow coloration of red, green, and teal hues. Since this effect is produced by a thin coating of titanium, Mystic Blue Topaz is extremely fragile and must be handeled with the greatest of care.
Despite its unusual production methods, Blue Topaz serves as a wonderful gemstone because it has a high refractive index and polishes up beautifully. Blue Topaz makes a great durable gemstone, since it has a Moh’s Scale of 8.
Blue Topaz has many mystical and New Age beliefs surrounding it as does all forms of topaz: it’s said to promoted glandular health, regulates heart rythm, and reduces inflammations such as arthritis. On the other hand, the color of Blue Topaz is said to aid in meditation, discernment, and forgiveness. The calming effect of its blue color is believed to help its wearers let go of their anger and fosters forgiveness and reconciliation that leads a calmer and more fulfilling life.
Whether classic or contemporary, large faceted colored gemstone jewelry by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana is designed to set the wearer apart from the crowd.
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/origins-of-blue-topaz-gemstones-1176151.html
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Sapphire, Emerald & Ruby – The Three Most Popular Colored Gemstones
We have been really blessed with some extremely beautiful gemstones that are nature’s priceless gift to us. Mother Earth has been very generous in giving us a fine array of gemstones in almost all possible colors and tones. However, the most popular and coveted amongst these are the three kings in the world of gemstones, Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby.
The most fascinating fact about sapphires, emeralds and rubies is their distinct color. Sapphires, although available in a wide range of colors, from pink, purple, white to orange are most valued in their vivid blue form. The beautiful blue sapphire has something totally intoxicating about it, no wonder why millions all over the world vie for the very best variety of these. It rightly deserves to be called ‘the gemstone of the heavens’, due to its divine blue hue. Another quality that makes sapphires coveted is their hardness. Sapphires are only next to diamonds in hardness which makes them perfect for any kind of jewelry especially for everyday wear.
Emeralds since centuries are loved for the lush green color they exude. A favored gemstone of kings and royals around the world, emeralds stand for longevity and youthfulness. So much so, that the sensuous seductress Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt is said to have been completely in love with the evergreen emeralds. Till date they continue to be one of the most popular and demanded gemstones.
Having rightly earned the nomenclature of ‘Ratnaraj’ or the king of gems, the beautiful red rubies have for centuries been a favorite with the rich rulers of the world. They continue their regal legacy till date though thankfully they are now available for all. The most beautiful aspect of rubies is the rich red color they exude that invokes the innermost feelings of love and passion.
No wonder why rubies are considered to make extremely romantic gifts. The best part about these three gemstones is their distinct color and look. They are each highly varied in their color and quality which is a perfect reason to own each of these wonderful gemstones in any form of jewelry.
I keep myself abreast with the new jewelry trends prevailing round the globe. I have a passion to write about jewelry and gemstones. I am working for an online gemstones and Jewelry selling website and this has given me an edge for writing better about the latest trends in gemstone and jewelry. Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/sapphire-emerald-ruby-the-three-most-popular-colored-gemstones-1056482.html
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Buying Aquamarine Gemstones
Everyone is familiar with emerald, one of the four traditional precious gems. But many people don’t realize that emerald is a member of a notable gemstone family called beryl. The other, less famous, beryls include aquamarine, morganite, golden beryl and bixbite.
It’s fair to say that the delicate blue-green aquamarine is the second most famous beryl, though not the rarest. Bixbite, the red beryl, is extremely rare and is found in only a few locations in Utah and New Mexico in the USA. Aquamarine is found in most locations where ordinary beryl is found, including Brazil, Australia, Burma, China, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Though aquamarine and emerald belong to the same family, they are surprisingly different. They are both beryllium aluminum silicates. Where emerald is colored by trace amounts of chromium and and/or vanadium, aquamarine is colored by iron. But while emerald has have essentially the same specific gravity and refractive index, emerald tends to be quite hazy and included, while aquamarine typically has excellent transparency and clarity.
Though the beryls are quite hard gems — rating 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale — emerald has always been regarded as a somewhat delicate gem due to its many inclusions. Emeralds are usually oiled to fill fractures and improve their color. Aquamarine, on the other hand, requires no special treatment and is suitable for all kinds of jewelry, including rings.
The intensity of color and the clarity of the stone are the most important criteria when evaluating aquamarine. Deep blue aquamarines are rare and command higher prices in the world’s gemstone markets, though deep blue aquamarine is still a pastel blue. Unlike other gems, aquamarine is not diminished by lesser intensity of color — many people actually prefer the more crystal clear lighter gemstones to the deeper colors. You will find aquamarine in a wide range of shapes and cuts.
Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin term for seawater, and has a long tradition as the sailor’s lucky stone. The Greeks and the Romans knew aquamarine as the sailor’s gem, ensuring the safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. Legend has it that aquamarines were the prized possessions of mermaids and thus would would protect sailors from danger, including warding off sea sickness.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, specializing in sapphire, spinel, tourmaline, topaz and zircon. Beryl Gemstones
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/buying-aquamarine-gemstones-969334.html
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History of Peridot Gemstones
Peridot is a gemstone with a fascinating history, both in nature and culture. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, with ancient written records documenting the mining of peridot as early as 1500 B.C. It is a gem especially connected with ancient Egypt, and some historians believe that the famous emeralds of Cleopatra were actually peridots.
In natural terms, peridot’s history is different from that of almost all other gems. Most gems are formed in the earth’s crust. The two exceptions are peridot and diamond, which are formed much deeper in the earth, in the earth’s mantle. Peridot forms in magma in the upper mantle, about 20 to 55 miles deep; it is brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity. Diamond is formed even deeper in the mantle, around 100 to 150 miles below the surface, at extreme pressure and temperature.
The main source of peridot in the ancient world was Topazos Island, now known as Zabargad or St. John’s Island, in the Egyptian Red Sea. The island was discussed in the natural history of Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) as having been explored in the fourth century B.C. Peridot was probably known originally as topaz; only much later did the name come to be applied to the gemstone we know today as topaz.
Peridot has been mined on Zabargad almost continuously for over 3,500 years. But it is an interesting fact that the exact location of the island was lost for several centuries and was only rediscovered in 1905. The tiny island, often shrouded in fog, is located about 35 miles off the Egyptian costal port of Berenica.
Mining ended on Zabargad around the time of World War II. Today there are five major sources of fine peridot. Very fine specimens come from Burma, and new material from Pakistan has generated considerable excitement in the gem world. Arizona and New Mexico in the USA are important producers of commercial grade peridot, and Vietnam and China especially are are increasingly important suppliers.
Peridot was first used a talisman in the ancient world and it has a long standing mystical reputation. The magical properties of peridot are said to include the power of warding off anxiety, making men more articulate and promoting success in relationships and marriage.
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, specializing in sapphire, spinel, tourmaline, peridot, topaz and zircon. Green Tsavorite Garnet
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/history-of-peridot-gemstones-972011.html
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Tanzanite – The most beautiful gemstones in the world
Whatever is rare is also fascinating. This is true especially if it is one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world, Tanzanite. This beautiful violet gemstone is sought after not only for its beauty but also its rarity. Found nowhere else in the world but Tanzania, these gorgeous gemstones have in recent times gained much admiration from jewelry lovers across the world.
Known as the gemstone of the 20th Century and discovered only recently, tanzanites have become a favorite with jewelry connoisseurs. As the name suggests is Tanzanites originate from Tanzania which also earns them their name. Being a recent discovery, there is not much history associated with tanzanites. However, the Maasai tribes of Africa have some interesting tales about this magnificent gemstone.
A popular belief mentions lightening having struck the grounds in Tanzania which led to the pebbles and stones turning into violet-blue due to the magical fire radiating from the skies. Another story, and a more practical one says a local Maasai tribesman found a violet crystal, a discovery he shared with Manuel D’Souza, a Goan tailor who also had a knowledge of gemstones. He in turn carried the crystal to Germany where, after a lot of testing and gem identification by experts from GIA, the British Museum and Harvard University, it was concluded that the origin of the gem was from the mineral zoisite. It was then added to the colorful family of gemstones. Tanzanites since then have come to be one of the most sought after gemstones.
The beauty and charm of tanzanites lie in their color, which is a lovely combination of violet and dark blue with a rich velvety touch. Clarity is another factor that gives tanzanites an edge over other stones, for tanzanites are mostly free of inclusions. Also, since tanzanites are available in larger sizes and carat weights it adds to the stone’s beauty and look. The color of tanzanites is acquired after the gemstone undergoes heat treatment. Being permanent in nature, heat treatment preserves the beauty of tanzanites for years.
True to its name tanzanites are exclusively mined in Tanzania. The deposits of these stones are found mainly in Merelani Hills near Arusha, in the northern part of Tanzania. Due to its presence in this region alone, these gemstones are considered rare. In fact it can even be said that tanzanites are rarer than diamonds.
Tanzanites look good in any form of jewelry, whether tanzanite rings, tanzanite earrings or tanzanite pendants. Due to the rare and exclusive color of the gemstone tanzanites flatter any look and wardrobe. While simple tanzanite jewelry adds elegance to day wear, more elaborate versions of tanzanite jewelry look great as evening accessories.
The stunning tanzanite is sought after like most other rare objects. This exclusive gemstone that has given a new element to the world of vibrant gemstones has also won the hearts of jewelry lovers the world over with its magnificence and grandeur.
Rajesh Prajapati is a writer for gemstones and jewelry working with Angara.com, an on-line jewelry firm that has a fine collection of diamond and gemstone jewelry.
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/tanzanite-the-most-beautiful-gemstones-in-the-world-1204107.html
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Identify, Evaluate, And Select Gemstones – Topaz Vs Aquamarine
When looking for vibrant blue gemstones, topaz and aquamarine are the two most popular and common options. Which you buy will depend on a variety of things, including your price range and the richness of color you’re seeking.
A high quality topaz gem is fully translucent, and usually has a tinge of yellow, brown or orange lending it an amber tone. True, natural blue or pink topaz are extremely rare, and when found in jewelry stores have typically undergone heat treatment to create the color. The actual stone will look like a crystal, with several facets.
Aquamarine, however, is naturally a translucent blue, although they can range from fully transparent to a rich blue-green and rarely light pink. The stone should have a hexagonal structure which resembles its cousin the emerald.
When examining a topaz, examine it under different light sources. A blue topaz should be inspected in natural light, whereas other colors should be viewed under bright bulbs. A transparent topaz should be extremely clear, with few imperfections visible under bright light. Because many topaz stones have been treated to produce color, beware of stones that are relatively inexpensive. Less scrupulous dealers will present a color treated quartz as a true topaz. Many jewelers also offer a “gold topaz”, which is the less expensive citrine stone, so it is important to verify the stone you’re purchasing is truly topaz.
A high quality aquamarine should be extremely clear in any light source, with no visible imperfections or cloudiness. The larger the stone, the clearer and more radiant it will appear. Avoid stones with any visible inclusions, as the most popular cuts make aquamarine more prone to cracking or breaking.
With both stones, the selection will depend upon what you can afford and why you’re purchasing it. Yellow topaz can be given as a gift for November birthdays and blue topaz is a modern stone for December birthdays. It is also a traditional fourth wedding anniversary gift. Topaz is also popular for mystical beliefs that it brings calmness, happiness and protection.
Aquamarine is much less expensive than topaz, so larger, more stunning stones can be purchased for similar prices. It should also be given preference if you’re looking for a naturally light blue stone. It is one of the birthstones for March, and is considered an appropriate gift for a nineteenth wedding anniversary. For women, aquamarine’s flattering delicate color and structure make it a worldwide favorite.
Unfortunately, most popular gem stones are subject to lab recreations or quartz substitutes. These stand-ins are very hard to identify by the naked eye. Unless the purchaser in an expert in identifying gems, both stones must be lab tested to conclusively prove their authenticity, and should be purchased from a reputable, honest jeweler.
Livapo.com is a discount fine pearl & gemstone jewelry shop with over 5000 collections. Visit us at Livapo.com for pearl rings and pearl necklaces at low prices.
Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/identify-evaluate-and-select-gemstones-topaz-vs-aquamarine-785439.html
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