Gemstone Jewelry Secrets Revealed
by Sam Serio
The mystery and magic of colored
gemstones has been an integral aspect or the "Lore" of most cultures
for many centuries. Here is what noted gemstone experts Antoinette
L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on the matter.
"The fascination with colored gemstones
dates back to the very beginning of civilization. For our ancestors,
the blue of sapphire produced visions of the heavens; the red of
ruby was a reminder of the very essence of life. By Roman times,
rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of power-and the
most powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger!
Since ancient times, colored stones
have been thought to possess innate magical powers and the ability
to endow the wearer with certain attributes. According to legend,
emeralds are good for the eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; red
stones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that
a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and
vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy,
haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and
high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness,
and vigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory
hope, and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition,
childish delight, and change.
Colored gems, because of the magical
powers associated with them, achieved extensive use as talismans
and amulets; as predictors of the future; as therapeutic aids; and
as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew,
and Christian."
Gemstones 101
Natural gemstones are found in nature.
Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in the
laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown,
{name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially
the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones.
Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored
stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones.
By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance
only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created
and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.
Gemstones may be measured by weight,
size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat,
which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats
are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat
gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are
measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for
example, 7x5 millimeters).
Gemstone treatments or enhancements
refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance
or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated
in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change
over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some
enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against
a comparable untreated stone.
Jewelers should tell you whether
the gemstone you’re considering has been treated when: the treatment
is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the
treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.
Some common treatments that you may
be told about and their effects include:
* Heating can lighten, darken or change
the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone’s clarity.
* Irradiation can add more color to
colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls.
* Impregnating some gems with colorless
oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible
and can improve the gemstones' clarity and appearance.
* Fracture filling hides cracks or
fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the
cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance and durability.
* Diffusion treatment adds color to
the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless.
* Dyeing adds color and improves color
uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
* Bleaching lightens and whitens dome
gems, Including jade and pearls.
In this day and age, gemstones are
generally worn for their natural beauty or as a fashion statement,
but there are many that "buy-in" to the mythical and mystical symbolisms
of gems as well. Whatever a persons reason, the world of gems today
offers an almost endless choice. Many new gems have been discovered
and are widely available in reds, blues, greens and many unusual
shades as well. Enjoy!
For more information or to browse our
selection of beautiful jewelry and gemstones besure to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com
The authors Sam & Tami Serio have operated
successful jewelry businesses for over fifteen years. The above
article is one of a series of special reports concerning the fascinating
world of jewelry and gemstones. To view these special reports or
to learn about profitable opportunities in the business of jewelry
or to view out exquisite selection of Gold, Sterling Silver and
Gemstone jewelry please visit www.morninglightjewelry.com
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