Know Everything Gemstone Jewelry Secrets Revealed
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! |
