Search Results
Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “blue stone with a star”
Showing only FJU Article results. Click here to show all results.
Fine Jewelry University (Show All FJU Articles)
-
Gem in the Spotlight: Opal
… the gem world, and the lore that surrounds it is almost as colorful as the gem itself. Opal is the traditional birthstone for those lucky enough to born in October, and it is found in a huge variety of colors (sometimes all within the … color, and a wide range of colors. Red carries more value and is by far the rarest color that opals can display. Stones with larger patches of color are valued higher than those that display only small pins (pinfire) or no play of color …
-
The History of Diamond Cuts
…recorded statements about diamonds is: “the substance that possesses the greatest value, not only among the precious stones, but of all human possessions.” said by Pliny, the Roman historian. The story of the diamond cut is the story of …. The Old Mine cut follows the angles and shape of the octahedral diamond crystal to save on weight from the rough stone and to make it easier to cut with the diamond cutting technology of the day. Old Mine cut diamonds range from almost …
-
Gem in the Spotlight: Spinel
…For years spinel has been confused with other gems and even today is often used as a substitute for similar looking stones. In recent years, spinel has started to move out of the shadows and be appreciated in its own right, and we can see … more popular gems. For only the 3rd time in the last one hundred years, the industry is modifying the official birthstone list. Spinel will be joining peridot as the August birthstone! This change was officially made in 2016, but only in …
-
Caring for and Cleaning Your Jewelry
…. This will take away the shine. Ammonia-based cleaners clean diamonds and gold well but they may hurt other gemstones. It is also not a good idea to soak jewelry for very long in ammonia-based cleaners. Some anti-bacteria cleaners can … especially). It is safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner with diamond jewelry. Ultrasonic’s can damage other gemstones, know for certain it is safe to use. Ethyl alcohol is good for rinsing diamonds because it evaporates so quickly. Do not …
-
Fake Diamonds: The Great Diamond Attack
… the ability to identify Moissanite. More on Moissanite Moissanite also has some gemological properties (it is a DR stone while diamond is a SR stone) that help identify it, but labs are working to change the nature of the stone. It has a …them apart. Gemologists must use all their experience and training to find the smallest of clues to determine if the stone is of natural or manufactured origin. It can be done well with careful observation. Keep in mind, however, that the …
-
Gem in the Spotlight: Morganite
Morganite is a beautiful, soft pink gemstone and a graceful expression of elegance. It is not a very well-known gem, but it definitely should be. It is pastel or…. It is the subtle, understated nature of Morganite’s color that sets it apart from many of the more popular gemstones. Morganite has an impressive family tree. It is a beryl gem which puts it in the same family as emerald and aquamarine. …pink variety of beryl “Morganite”. It has good hardness, durability, luster, and brilliance which make it a great gemstone for jewelry. For the gem nerds out there, here are a few of the gemological properties of Morganite. Its durability …
-
Gem in the Spotlight: Jade
Jade has one of the richest heritages of all gemstones. People have been using jade from as early as 6,000 BC, and it has been an incredibly important part of Asian, …gem. History and Lore of Jade Jade’s incredible toughness has made it a useful tool throughout history. During the Stone Age of many cultures, jade was used for agricultural tools and weapons such as axe heads and knives. Jade has also … far are dyed quartz, glass, and plastic. These imitations can be identified quickly by a trained gemologist. Other stones that have been confused with jade over the years are chrysoprase, serpentine, maw sit sit, and hydrogrossular garnet…
-
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
… making artificial carbon crystal was the problem of lab grown diamonds. For decades, manufacturers of synthetic gemstones tried growing diamonds like they grew rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. It failed. Then they had the idea to grow … charcoal to 3,500 degrees Celsius inside a carbon crucible. Many attempts were made to reproduce his techniques with some reported successes, but none could ever be scientifically verified. The quest continued. Diamonds are a crystalline…
-
Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl
… (e.g. plastic, shell, or some type of composite). History and Notable Pearls Pearl is the traditional birthstone of June and is a favorite gem for weddings. Natural pearls have been discovered and cherished for hundreds of years. Only … Formed? Pearls are formed when a foreign object enters the shell of a mollusk and irritates the soft mantle tissue within. In response to the irritant, the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre to coat the object and protect itself. …