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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “gem spotlight”
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Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl
… are both simple and infinitely complex. Let’s explore the science, history, and lore surrounding this most unique gem. How Are Pearls Formed? Pearls are formed when a foreign object enters the shell of a mollusk and irritates the soft …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 more recently have …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tsavorite Garnet
The discovery of Tsavorite in East Africa in the 1960s changed the jewelry world. Here was a gem with the color to rival the most exquisite emeralds and the clarity of the cleanest sapphires, all with the time …and lively with a high refractive index giving it excellent sparkle and scintillation. Tsavorite is also a very rare gemstone. It is uncommon to find Tsavorite in sizes larger than five carats, and most faceted stones are below two … grossularite doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. So, a proper name was definitely in order. The nomenclature of gemstones follows certain rules, and according to modern mineralogical methods, gemstones are given a name which ends in “-…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Topaz
… isn’t found there, but the island used to be a source for peridot which was confused with topaz before modern gemology. In ancient times, topaz was believed to protect its wearer. Topaz was also thought to initiate healing, increase or …and even allow the wearer to go unseen by enemies. In the Victorian era, blue topaz signified faithfulness and love. Gemology As we mentioned at the start of the article, topaz comes in a huge variety of colors. Some of these varieties …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Quartz
… at the title and knew). Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth. Many quartz varieties are cut into gemstones, but some varieties are very rare. Some are ordinary like rock quartz, others are exotic like Drusy Quartz. Some …, microcrystalline and cryptocrystalline. Within each of these broad categories, the different colors of the gemstone are given different names. Below is a quick list to help you get a better handle on the vast diversity of quartz. …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst
… been considered 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… as hard as tourmaline, softer than sapphire and topaz, and harder than opal and tanzanite. This makes it a durable gemstone that is resistant to scratching and chipping. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals which means that it can…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald
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 over 4,000 … other quartz varieties. The refractive index of emerald ranges from 1.57 to 1.58, making it a moderately refractive gemstone. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.65 to 2.75. One of the distinctive features of emeralds is that they often … that it has been treated with some level of fracture filling. If you do come across an emerald that has a reputable gem report that says it hasn’t been fracture filled, you have come across something extremely rare! Current estimates …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Garnet
Garnet’s rich history and varieties demonstrate garnets are more than the little red gem. Garnets allow for great personal diversity and style. The wide world of garnets invites all to become a garnet fan… midst of cold, white (valley fog) and at times stark surroundings are rewarded with one of the most varying birth gemstones…Garnet. Garnet’s pizzazz energizes the gloomiest day. Garnet varieties brighten the world in colors of yellow … of red. Garnets are given as symbols of consistency, perseverance and good health. Garnet is also regarded as the gem of faith, constancy and truth and possesses many curative powers. Garnets are given as symbols of consistency, …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Aquamarine
…, aquamarine was believed to guarantee a happy marriage and inspire mutual fidelity in newlyweds. Notable Aquamarine Gemstones The largest gem-quality aquamarine gemstone ever mined was 19 inches long. The largest cut aquamarine is named… family jewels have been passed down for generations but this tiara she special ordered from Garrard in 1957. The Gemology of Aquamarine Like emerald, aquamarine is a member of the beryl family (along with morganite, heliodor, and others…
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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 … 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 … her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure. Known as the celestial gemstone, the sapphire has been treasured for thousands of years. Known as the celestial gemstone, the sapphire has been…
