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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!
About
the Author
For
more information on jewelry and gemstones,
we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com
to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy
Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped
Off." This concise, informative special
report reveals almost everything you ever
wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones,
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at www.morninglightjewelry.com.
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