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Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst

FJU Category: Gemstones | Tags: Amethyst, Folklore, Gem Spotlight, Gemology, Jewelry History

Amethyst is known for its beautiful purple color, and it is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Purple has … a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been in so much demand throughout history. Gemology Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is colored by the presence iron and aluminum. The violet color of amethyst can range from a …, but it can also be found in smaller deposits in other countries such as Russia, the United States, and Canada. Amethyst is known for its durability with a Mohs hardness rating of 7. For reference, amethyst is roughly as hard as tourmaline, …

Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald

FJU Category: Gemstones | Tags: Emerald, Folklore, Gem Spotlight, Gemology

… in the crystal structure. Emerald’s Mohs hardness rating is 7.5-8 making it softer than sapphire and harder than amethyst and other quartz varieties. The refractive index of emerald ranges from 1.57 to 1.58, making it a moderately refractive…Springtime exudes life, full of bright colors and renewed energy. Emerald, May’s gemstone, captures this enthusiasm for life in rich elegance. This precious gemstone has been revered for … considered flaws but rather add character and uniqueness to the stone. At this point in history, almost every emerald has had some level of treatment to make the fractures less visible. It is so common that if the stone doesn’t have a …

FJU Category: Gemstones | Tags: Birthstones, Folklore, Gemology

…lasting love, and prevents hearing difficulties. Learn more about Garnet and Tasvorite Garnet February’s Birthstone: Amethyst Amethyst, transparent purple quartz, is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Purple has long been … has been so much in demand over the years. Because amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages. It was, in particular, …

Gem in the Spotlight: Quartz

FJU Category: Gemstones | Tags: Amethyst, Citrine, Gem Spotlight, Gemology, Onyx, Prasiolite, Quartz

…Alaska Diamond” for rock crystal alongside “Herkimer Diamonds” (see below). In recent times, the term “Green Amethyst,” which was commonly used for Prasiolite, has come under fire. It even attracted the attention of the US Federal Trade …most widely known and recognizable quartz species. If you were born in February, you probably already know all about Amethyst since it’s your birthstone. Of course, the same also goes for November babies and Citrine. You may be less familiar …

The History of Diamond Cuts

FJU Category: Diamonds | Tags: Diamond Information, Gemology, Jewelry History, Old European Diamond

… true brilliance. Before Diamond Cutting The Romans loved diamonds but did not have the technology to change their shape. So, the Romans wore uncut diamonds. One of diamond’s remarkable attributes is that the natural diamond crystal is … Maximilian of Austria gave her a ring that was set with a point cut diamond and thin flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M” in 1477. The Earliest Diamond Cuts Once it was understood that only diamond can cut diamond the process of…

Diamond Buying Guide: The 4 C’s

FJU Category: Diamonds | Tags: Diamond Buying, Diamond Information, Gemology

… round, are especially good at returning light to the viewer which makes them sparkle more than other shapes. The emerald cut, for example, gives a classic look with big flashes of light but very little sparkle or fire. Ultimately, it’s up … they look in comparison to each other. Cut The Cut of a diamond has two main components. First, cut refers to the shape of the stone. Round, marquise, pear, oval, square, princess all describe the shape of the diamond. Checkout the …