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Reading Room
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!
Related Articles:
Gemstone Infocenter
Get more in-depth information about all gemstones, treatments etc.
Buying Loose Gemstones
Gemstone Jewelry
Women love to wear jewels that satisfy them and assure them of their eternal
power and beauty that they possess. Apart from diamond, silver, gold and
platinum, gemstones jewelries are also getting popularity among women because of
their myriad color and radiance which equally bring out the best in its wearer.
Jewelry and
Gemstone Care & Cleaning Tips
Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from
careless handling and negligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and
jewelry looking fabulous for years to come.
See Also:
Find Jewelry Gifts
Loose Gems
Find Gifts with your selection of
gemstone
Find Vitamins and Natural Remedies
More Reading
Specialgifts.com Infocenter Home
Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of
jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, visit
www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And
Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This report
reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones,
but were afraid to ask.
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