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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “blue-topaz”
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Gem in the Spotlight: Topaz
Topaz is a gemstone with amazing variety. Topaz is naturally colorless and clear like a diamond, but it can also take on an entire range of colors. Yellow to reddish-orange is known as Precious Topaz or Imperial Topaz. Imperial Topaz is one of the expensive varieties of Topaz. Gem suppliers can even bombard Topaz in a nuclear reactor to produce various shades of Blue Topaz. Topaz is the birthstone for November, and they make great gifts for anyone born in November, or for anyone that just likes beautiful jewelry.
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Gem in the Spotlight: Blue Zircon
Zircon may be last in the alphabet of gemstones, but it is first in sparkle. The crystal structure of zircon creates one of the liveliest displays found in any colored gem. In fact, before any of the manmade diamond simulates were made, the colorless version of zircon was used in jewelry to mimic diamond. Why? Natural zircon is known for its scintillation, brilliance, and flashes of color or fire just like diamond. Zircon also is known for its variety of colors. Blue zircon is the most popular color. But, zircon
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tanzanite
Beauty and rarity are two wonderful traits in a gemstone. Tanzanite has them both. In fact, it is estimated that Tanzanite is 1,000 times rarer than diamond. But, what makes Tanzanite so popular is its color. Tanzanite’s gorgeous color is a captivating mix of blue and purple. The deep hues of violet, indigo, and blue come together in an unrivaled blend only found in tanzanite. Yet, even with its rarity and dynamic look, tanzanite is still less in price than more commonly known gems like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Gemology
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Gem in the Spotlight: Aquamarine
Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin which literally means “seawater,” a tribute to its beautiful blue color. As a member of the beryl family, Aquamarine has some illustrious cousins in addition to a rich history of its own. The Mythology of Aquamarine Long associated with tranquility and happiness, aquamarine was also thought to instill courage, cure laziness, and sharpen the intellect. The ancient Greeks used aquamarine often in jewelry believing it captured the true spirit of the sea. Best known for its beautiful blue color, aquamarine was used to
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The Birthstones
This is a short overview of each of the traditional birthstones for all twelve months of the year. Most of the gems have more in-depth articles that you can read as well, but this is a handy reference to quickly learn which gem is associated with which month. We also touch on a bit of the gemology and folklore for each month's gemstones.
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Gem in the Spotlight: Iolite
Iolite is maybe not the first gemstone people think of for their blue-violet jewelry, but it should be near the top of the list. Iolite’s color range of blue, blue-violet, and violet competes for public attention with sapphire, tanzanite, and amethyst. They may have name recognition, but iolite has a rich, unique color and great gem value on its side. It is more subtlety nuanced than amethyst and deeper than many tanzanites. Iolite’s name comes from its violet color. It is from the Greek word “ios” meaning violet. Unlike many
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a beautiful gem that comes in a huge variety of colors (sometimes even within the same stone). This article teaches you all about the history, folklore, and gemology of tourmaline including varieties like rubellite, indicolite, paraíba, and more. You'll also learn about California tourmaline and the unique piezoelectric property that has made tourmaline as useful as it is beautiful.
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Gem in the Spotlight: Sapphire
Few gems capture the imagination as does sapphire. Sapphire’s beauty inspired people to wonder. Ancient cultures had many lore and beliefs about the sapphire. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its color. Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Symbolizing truth, sincerity and tradition, it has been said that when Moses received the Ten Commandments they rested on tablets of sapphires. Marriage partners put great faith
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Gem in the Spotlight: Peridot
Peridot is a lovely yellow-green gem with a rich history. Legend has it that Peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. The ancients called it the “gem of the sun”. It was believed that peridot could chase away evil spirits and dissolve curses but only when set in gold. Peridot is the birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Peridot’s unique yellow-green color is very attractive. The name “Peridot” is simply a French word derived from the Arabic for green. Peridot’s
