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An Insight
Into Popular Gemstones Used in Jewelry
Author: Paul Shane
Mostly made of
gemstones or metals, jewellery is a favourite with women all over the
world. Used for ornamentation in the form of necklaces, rings,
bracelets, anklets, et al, it is something that adds on to the beauty
of a woman. And, when matched well with clothes, it can have a
splendid effect as an accessory.
To know more
about these ornaments, you should have a fair idea about the
gemstones that go into their making. Listed below are few of the most
popular stones that are commonly used in jewellery making:
Amethyst
A form of
quartz or coloured rock crystal, amethyst is found in three main
forms – silica, alumina and violone (a silicate of aluminium and
lithium). Since its quartz contains iron, the value of an amethyst
can be gauged by the deepness in its colour. Brazil, Siberia and
Persia are some of the most renowned makers of the gemstone.
Aquamarine
Transparent in
colour, this stone is named so due to its pale green or deep sea
green tinge. A pale water blue beryl, it combines with iron to give
the green colour. Quite inexpensive and easily available, it is
heated to produce the blue colour that is predominanytly used in
ornaments made of aquamarine. It is mostly mined in countries like
India, Siberia and Brazil.
Emerald
Green forms of
beryl, this gemstone is widely available in countries like Bolivia,
Colombia, Brazil, India and Pakistan. The Ural Mountains in Russia
have the greatest natural deposits of emeralds and are said to retain
the entire global market. For ages, this gemstone has been used in emerald
jewelry - especially the crowns – worn by royal families.
Crystal
Regarded as a
pure stone, crystal has often been used as a diving stone. A number
of ancient fortune tellers have used crystal balls and usually
associate it with mystical properties. Often linked to the moon, this
gemstone is considered as one of the seven sacred substances for
Buddhists. Japan is the most renowned manufacturer of this stone.
Diamond
The most
precious and desirable gemstone, diamond is made of pure carbon and
is the hardest of all stones. Widely used in jewellery, it is
popularly regarded as a woman's 'best friend'. The best of them are
colorless and transparent and often come with a light blue tint.
Kimberley and Australia are two of the biggest producers of diamond
in the world. |
