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Tagged: Folklore

Below you will find fine jewelry university articles "tagged" with the topic: Folklore.

Fine Jewelry University

  1. Group of loose spinel gemstones with finished jewelry

    Gem in the Spotlight: Spinel

    Spinel may be one of the most underappreciated gemstones in all of history. For centuries it has been confused with more popular gems like ruby and sapphire, and only recently have people begun to appreciate spinel for its own natural beauty. Commonly made in a lab spinel has been used a lower cost substitute for other gems, but natural spinel is actually a stunning gem in its own right. This in-depth article covers the gemology, history, and lore of this amazing and often overlooked gem... read more »

  2. A group of alexandrite jewelyr and loose gems shown in different light to demonstrate color change

    Gem in the Spotlight: Alexandrite

    Emerald by day, ruby by night, more expensive than diamond and more illustrious than sapphire, emerald, or even ruby, alexandrite has been known around the world as one of the most sought-after gems for the better part of 200 years. But, what makes this stone so special? Gemology of Alexandrite Alexandrite is the extremely rare, color-change variety of a gem species called Chrysoberyl. It appears bluish-green in daylight, fluorescent light, and some LED light. Under incandescent light, candle, and firelight, alexandrite appears purplish-red. This is because of how the trace... read more »

  3. A collection of jade jewelry and loose gems

    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, Central American, and North American history ever since. But, what is jade, and what has given it such a prominent place in human history? The term “jade” actually refers to two completely different gems: nephrite and jadeite. These are actually two unique mineral species, but since they have been confused for so many years, and are similar in many... read more »

  4. Tourmaline jewelry and loose gems

    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... read more »

  5. Beautiful iolite jewelry and loose gemstones

    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... read more »

  6. Blue Zircon loose gems and jewelry

    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... read more »

  7. Tsavorite garnet is a rare and beautiful green gem

    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 tested durability of garnet. Tsavorite is a unique form of garnet with a stunningly vivid green color. It is bright 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... read more »

  8. Peridot is a bright yellow-green gemstone

    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... read more »

  9. Loose fantasy cut aquamarine

    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... read more »

  10. 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... read more »

  11. Single white round pearl on white background

    Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl

    Pearls have been sought after and loved by people for hundreds of years of human history. In this in-depth article, we explore the science, history, and gemology of this incredible product of nature. Learn about famous pearls like La Peregrina, the seven value factors of pearls, the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls, and much more... read more »

  12. Group of loose topaz gems and topaz jewelry

    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... read more »

  13. Three loose garnets red organge and green

    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. Garnet is January’s birth stone. January babies born in the 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 to gold, bright orange to true orange, brown to cinnamon... read more »

  14. Group of loose amethyst gems emerald cut trillion and oval

    Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst

    Amethyst is known for its beautiful purple color, and it is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Purple has long 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 can range from a pale lavender to a deep, dark purple, and it is often found in shades of pale to medium purple. Amethyst is typically found... read more »

  15. Three loose rubies in a row triangle oval and pear shaped

    Gem in the Spotlight: Ruby

    Ruby has been the most prized gemstone for much of human history. It's rich red color is spellbinding and it remains a symbol of power and success even to this day. It is a hard and durable gem that, with proper care, can be treasured for generations. It is also a useful gem as its unique optical properties made a crucial component in the world's first functioning laser. Let's dive in to the gemology, history, and lore surrounding the incomparable ruby... read more »

  16. Gem in the Spotlight: Opal

    Opal has been described as containing the wonders of the skies, sparkling rainbows, fireworks, and lightning. Its dazzling play of color is totally unique in 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 same stone). Gemology of Opal Opal’s captivating dance of colors is a result of its unique internal structure. This gemstone is... read more »

  17. Group of loose emerald gemstones

    Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald

    Emerald is a stunningly beautiful green stones in Beryl family. In this article we take a deep dive into the mythology, history, and science surrounding this incredible gem. You will learn about Nero's emerald sunglasses, Cleopatra's emerald collection, and the science of fracture filling gemstones. In the end, we can say that no jewelry collection is complete without a beautiful emerald... read more »

  18. Collection of sapphire jewelry and loose sapphire gemstones in many colors

    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... read more »