RAY GEMSTONE

Gemstones are so fascinating! Their colors, properties, myths, and legends are diverse and fascinating. Folklore
about stones has been revered and honored for centuries in all cultures. you can be sure that the information is 100% unbiased. This Blog is here to empower people in the process of buying gemstones and gemstone jewelry.

Garnet

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Garnet is a mineral used and utilized since the early years of Bronze Age. This mineral was used as precious stone or as a tool in shaping and finishing a product or craft in this period. The word "garnet" has two possible word origins. It maybe from the word "gernet" of the Middle English which means "dark red", another possibility is from the word "granatus" from Latin which means "grain" that may refer to a plant called Punica granatum that has seeds colored red and somehow like the garnet crystals in terms of size and shape.

Garnet Information 
Types
Garnet has six ordinary types that are distinguished in reference to their chemical structure. The following are almandine, grossular, pyrope, andradite, spessartine and uvarovite. Garnets comprises of two series of solid composition: the grossular, uvarovite and andradite and almandine, spessarite, pyrope.
Colors
This mineral comes in many colors such as orange, red, green, purple, pink, black, brown, blue and even colorless. The least common among these is the one with blue color, discovered in Bekily, Madagascar just this 1990's. It can also be found in Russia, turkey and United States. This type changes its color in daylight to green from its original blue color and into purple when under incandescent lighting, because of its vanadium property that is present in high amount. There are still other types of garnets that changes color aside from the blue one. In daytime, color changes to beige, green, gray, blue and brown. But when under incandescent lighting, they changes to purplish, pink or reddish color.
Durability
Garnet is a pretty durable gem, with the hardness rate scale of 7 - 7.5. Its durability was proven when a garnet necklace was found in a grave of a man, dated 3000 BC. The name actually refers to the family of various stones with similar composition and ranges from different colors.
Newest Trends
There is a kind of garnet that is gaining popularity nowadays, Mozambique garnet. It is originated from nation of East Africa and it is where it gets its name. It is known for its beautifully red color and high quality. The Mozambique comprises of almandine and pyrope garnet and has darker red color.
Garnets are formed in igneous rocks and in extremely metamorphic rocks, under high pressure and temperature.
Care
Taking care of your garnets is quite easy. You can use warm water with soap or mild dishwashing soap and brush that is soft for taking away dirt. Just make sure to rinse the gem thoroughly after. Ultrasonic way of cleaning is also effective aside from the demantoid type. Cleaning your gem with steam is not recommended. Protecting it from high temperatures, blows, chemicals and pressure is a must. Always put your garnet jewelry after completing your makeup and other application like lotion, spray, and perfume so the chemical won't accumulate and damage it. And always take it off first before doing anything especially when you will do household chores.

Emerald

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Emerald is May's birthstone and is a beautiful green, well-loved stone. It is used in rings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets. Emerald jewelry is a wonderful birthday gift.
Discovery of Emerald
"Indeed there is no stone, the colour of which is more delightful to the eye; for whereas the sight fixes itself with avidity upon the green grass and the foliage of the trees, we have all the more pleasure in looking upon the smaragdus, there being no green in existence of a more intense colour than this. And then, besides, of all the precious stones, this is the only one that feeds the sight without satiating it. Even when the vision has been fatigued with intently viewing other objects, it is refreshed by being turned upon this stone; and lapidaries know of nothing that is more gratefully soothing to the eyes, its soft green tints being wonderfully adapted for assuaging lassitude, when felt in those organs" The Natural History, Book XXXVII. The Natural History of Precious Stones, Chapter 16. Pliny the Elder (23-79)
His real name was Gaius Plinius Secundus. He was an ancient Roman soldier, author, and a philosopher who had an insatiable curiosity about everything including the natural order of things. He was also known as a master researcher because of his extensive work in compiling information from earlier writers and philosophers. Besides his own treatises on history he also wrote a whole book on nature which included a number of chapters about gems and precious stones. .Smaragdus. is a term that refers to a whole range of green gems including emeralds. However, the reader can be pretty certain that he is describing an emerald when he talks about the incursions that are associated with emeralds, and also when he describes the deep green of the treasure.
Pliny was born into a prosperous family in Gaul, and educated in Rome where he had access to the libraries of his tutors. When he was 23 he embarked on his military career in the Roman Calvary serving in Germany. After returning to Rome it is suspected that he studied and practiced law. Then he lived in Spain during the reign of Nero, and returned to Rome when the emperor Vespasian took power. During these years he wrote prolifically, and produced a number of different volumes on various. The Natural History is the only complete text of Pliny that has survived. His last official assignment was at the Bay of Naples when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. His curiosity about the unusual cloud formation that was formed from the eruption caused him to go ashore to find out what caused it. On August 24, 79 he died from smoke inhalation while conducting his investigation.
Flaws & Colors
Pliny also discussed the flaws or defects that were found in the Smaragdus. Flaws or what is known technically as .inclusions. is one sign of an emerald and one of the traits that often makes the stone identifiable as a true gem. Inclusions or flaws in a stone can have an effect on its value, so the flaws do lower the market price. He gathered most of his information on inclusions from the works of earlier writers. The emerald comes from the beryl family of precious stones. Its beautiful green color comes from the traces of chromium and iron in the rock. Emeralds do come in various shades of green and bluish green.
What It Is
The dictionary definition of an emerald is: 1. a rare variety of the mineral beryl that is green because of its chromium content and is valued as a gem. 2. clear, deep green.
Where It Gets Its Color
The colour intensity of an emerald depends on the chromium quantities. Maytime Grass is considered to be the most beautiful. An emerald is one of the few stones that actually will shine in the dark when a small amount of light appears in the room. The colour occurs when the geochemical makeup of beryllium and chromium are found together. The combination is not easily found, and considered to be a rare phenomenon. Natural chemical processes are what really form the stones.
Can Flaws Be Good?
Emeralds are hard but are sensitive and prey to flaws or inclusions. They require a lot more care than most other gemstones. The flaws occur through the trials imposed by nature, and sometimes the engineering process developed by man. The identification of fissures, however, does serve a useful purpose. The flaws help to weed out artificial emeralds from the real ones. Inclusions actually prove an emeralds authenticity. Refraction and density of the stones vary from the location where they are found. Emeralds are found buried in their parent rock.
Where
Today, some of the finest emeralds can be found in South America. They can be found in other parts of the world with the most important sites being in Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Madagascar. The Mines of Cleopatra were the earliest emerald mines on earth. There was emerald mining as early as 2000 B.C. These early mines were abandoned in 1750, briefly revived, and then finally left to nature in the 1920's.
Natural or Lab Created
Authentic emeralds are very expensive, and not available to the casual collector. However, with today's technology scientists can make lab-created emeralds that can be sold at affordable prices on the open market. They are made by exposing thin slices of natural beryl to a chemical mixture that is akin to an authentic emerald. The mixture is one of pure filtered water and acids. Then it is put under intense heat in saline solution. Then the stone slices cool until crystal forms and it reaches a gem like thickness. When this process is complete it can be cut and processed like a gem.

Diamond

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Diamond is April's birthstone. Diamonds are a special gift due to their spectacular beauty. Diamond jewelry is a welcome gift for all occasions. They are mavelous symbols of lasting love around the world. They are especially popular in a diamond gem stone engagement ring.

Diamond Information 
Diamonds are usually colorless. However, brown, yellow, green, blue, pink, red, gray and black variations are also found depending on the impurities present. Diamond has a hardness rating of 10. We recommend Jewelry Mall's Diamond Buying Guide for information regarding the 4C's: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.
In general, diamonds are reasonably durable. Yet, diamonds are subject to chipping and fracture when handled roughly. Diamonds should be stored separately. Diamonds can scratch other jewelry as well as each other.
About De Beers and Argyle Diamond Mines
Discover where your diamond in your diamond gem stone engagement ring may have been mined.
written for GemInfo.com exclusively by: Margaret Burgon Klemp 
Everything changed in the "diamond world" when diamond stones started being discovered outside of India. First, there was Borneo and then somewhere along the line Brazil and China joined the fray. Then the glittering light of the diamond appeared in South Africa. It happened in the 19th century. The first known South African diamond was picked up on a beach on the African coast by a boy who was walking through the sand. This event precipitated a new "diamond rush" with its roots in that part of the world. Two Afrikaner brothers owned a farm where the Orange and Vaal rivers join. Johannes Nicholas de Beer and Diederik Arnoldus de Beer had diamonds discovered on their property. They were in no position to protect the property from diamond hunters and predators so they sold it for 6300 pounds to investors Cecil Rhodes and Charles Rudd. Two mines were actually found on the property located in the Kimberly region. One mine was named after the original owners of the property, and the other one was named after the area. The De Beers and Kimberly mines were consequently born. Rhodes and Rudd merged the two enterprises to form De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited. It couldn't have happened at a better time.
When De Beers was founded on March 13, 1888 Africa was starting to feel the impact of industrialization. The "Mineral Revolution", in Africa certainly fueled by the emergence of modern business concepts there. When diamonds were discovered there was a critical demand for laborers. Migrant labor was utilized as young men from everywhere flocked to work in the mines, but it was an unstable way to run a booming business.
De Beers started closing the compounds, and having the workers sign contracts for fixed amounts of time. They also started utilizing the black labor force because they could pay them in accommodations and meals instead of actual wages. During apartheid they received state permission to use prisoners to work in their mines, sometimes as many as 10,000 a day.
The company did a lot to further the retail side of the diamond industry. They dealt only with preferred customers and sold diamonds from their own mines in South Africa and Botswana. They also sold the stones on an "as is" basis. They also worked with agencies to promote diamond sales and lore in anyway that they could, such as striking a deal with the English Royal family to promote the gems. Their Public Relations firm, N.W. Ayer & Son coined the phrase "a diamond is forever". They also flooded the American market, and other countries where diamonds were considered a symbol of high status. Then when artificial diamonds that were produced in laboratories started to appear on the market they took measures to protect their investments. Today natural diamonds are imprinted with a special serial number to make the differentiation.
De Beers reigned as the supreme supplier of diamonds until other countries began successful operations. One country is Australia. Diamond entrepreneurs and geologists began searching for kimberlite pipes in the Kimberly region of Western Australia in 1969. The search went on for 10 years and on October 2, 1979 the Argyle pipe was discovered. Once it was decided that the enterprise would be economical they started to mine the area in 1983, and the Argyle Diamond Mine was given its commission in December 1985.
The Argyle Diamond Mine is owned by the Rio Tinto Group who also owns the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada. Argyle is presently the largest diamond producer in the world. It is the only place in the world where large volumes of pink diamonds are mined. It is an open pit mine, located 1200 miles from Perth that has been in operation since the company began business. There is a plan to begin underground operations in the near future.
Pink and red diamonds are in high demand on the market. Argyle specializes in colored diamonds. They use a firm in Perth to disseminate the polished gems all over the world. Argyle furnishes 90-95% of the pink and red diamonds that are circulated on the market. An Argyle diamond has been known to bring as much as one million dollar a carat. These would be intense pink diamonds. They come in a whole range of colors ranging from pastel rose to a purple-red. The price is determined by the intensity of the color. Their best stones are sold through Pink Diamond Tender, a special catalog. If a buyer wants to investigate possibilities on-line, they have to have a password to get into the system. The opportunity is not for the general public, but for serious investors and privileged clients.
Argyle also mines other types of colored diamonds which are used in a secondary market. They can profitably mine them because of the massive volume they can produce.

Coral

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Coral mined from the oceans. It grows underwater. Coral is used to create beautiful earrings, brooches, and pendants. Though coral rings are popular, be aware that coral scratches easily. Red coral jewelry is often dyed; white coral jewelry is usually bleached.
Organic Gems: Coral, Pearls, and Jet
Author: Margaret Burgon Klemp 
Pearls, Corals and Jet are known as organic gems because they normally grow in the water. While they can be found in other habitats these gems are more at home in the oceans and lakes of the world. Pearl diving has been around for thousands of years with divers bringing clams and other sea mollusks up from the depths of the oceans in order to search them for pearls.
The story behind coral gems and jet is quite different. Coral is sometimes described as a sea plant with flowers but no roots. In 1723 the French biologist, G.A. Peyssonal researched and brought the mystery of corals to light. He surmised that coral colonies were made up of exoskeletal polyps. These polyps come from minute, small animals that create dendritic forms from calcite that is dissolved in sea water. It is from these forms that coral begins to grow and flourish. The habitat has to be just right. The water needs to be warm and, as a rule, about 10 to 45 feet deep. Some coral can be found at deeper levels but it is rare. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees.
Colors of coral range from white to red and sometimes pink and white. The most valuable coral are red, black and pink, and is created by coelenterate species. Most coral is quite soft and, therefore, needs to be handled carefully. Corallium rubrum is a red coral that forms tree-shaped colonies. Its' color is caused by a red calcium carbonate skeleton almost 20 inches (50 centimeters) tall. Hard rods are embedded in the outer part of its body. They also have feeding tubes or tentacles that can be drawn into the tissue. Other non-feeding tubes serve as sex organs. Red coral can be found in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic Ocean coastal regions of Portugal and Northern Africa. Other types of coral can be found all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef of the east coast of Australia. Red coral is one of the coral species that is not on the endangered list of plant and animal life. Most coral, because of their associations with the reefs hold a prominent place on the endangered list.
The red hues of coral have always been prized gems of artisans and craftsman. Coral jewelry has a long history, and is still made and worn in many parts of the world. Ancient civilizations used coral to make an ornament and then, very often, used gold to accent the piece. Coral has a secure place among ancient gems. In fact coral jewelry has been utilized since prehistoric times. Coral jewelry has been found from the Iron Age. Coral along with other gemstones holds a significant status in religious history. Ancient Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Romans all used coral as method of currency and trade. Some societies believed that ships needed to have coral on board as a defense against lightning. The gem was also supposed to drive hatred out of a home.
The Greek poet, Orpheus, called coral the gift of the goddess Minerva. He also claimed that it had special powers against witchcraft, poisons and invasions by robbers.
Greeks are credited with giving coral its' name. The word "coral" comes from the Greek word for pebble-korallion. Coral can be found on artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. It was also used in China to decorate various articles of clothing, and it has been found in ancient Tibetan temples. Coral had religious significance for the lamas. Marco Polo wrote about the Chinese use of coral in his writings.
The organic gem Jet seemed to vanish from the market in the early 20th century, and is now making a comeback because of the popularity of black jewelry and jet is affordable. The color ranges of jet are from dark brown to black. Jet appears in irregular masses with a lenticular shape. It can be found embedded in black bituminous shale known as jet-rock. Originally, it was formed through the process of lithification of the driftwood that dwells in mud on ocean floors. Upon careful examination it was discovered that jet comes from a structure of coniferous wood. Scientists believe that wood from trees and other plants fell into rivers and were carried out to sea. Then the wood became water logged and sank down to the depths of the ocean and ended up in fine mud deposits where it eventually hardened and became embedded into shale. Jet dates from the lowermost group of the Jurassic strata known as the Upper "Lias" or layers. Under the pressure of the salt water and without any air the wood went through an unusual decomposition process which produced jet. While jet will burn, scratch, and damages easily there are harder forms of it that can be carved. It can be found over a large part of the world including: Germany, Spain, France, Poland, United States, England, Russia and India. Whilby, located on the North East Coast England is the major source of jet.



Citrine

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Citrine, is the most valuable gem of quartz family. It is also commonly dubbed as a gold topaz. Over the years, citrine has taken over topaz in both its name and use. As topaz is a superior gem as to citrine. Topaz is too expense for general purpose. Citrine banks on that difference and had become first preference over topaz. Except a similarity of color, there is no other similarity in the real topaz and citrine.
Citrine Information
Citrine name is derived from its color, it is commonly found in yellow color beads. In an old French word "Citrin" means yellow and the stone is found in lemon yellow color.
Citrine could last forever if proper care is taken in a right way. It should be protected from possible scratch situations. It is very important that the citrine is not left in the sun or any such situations, like sunbathing where it is exposed to prolonged sunlight. As it is a heat sensitive stone, it will change its color or fades into lighter color. The stone can be used in any commercial jewelry and can be cleaned by plain soap and warm water with soft brush. Make sure that it is rinsed properly and dry after through cleaning. The stone can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, but steam cleaning is not recommended for it.
As citrine is replaced by topaz, there are many names given to it like gold topaz, madiera topaz, citrine topaz and Brazilian Topaz. Citrine and topaz share the role of being a birthstone for November month. Of course citrine is secondary to topaz.
Citrine Folklore
Citrine is believed to be a stone for boosting self-esteem, self-confidence, treat anxiety feeling and depression. The powers are connected to the 3rd chakra. The chakra is located below the navel area and is responsible for personal well-being and personality formation.
These stones are believed to help people in handling negative attitude in a better way and also deal with pressure while dealing with finances, anxieties and fear.
The stone improves the functions of circulatory systems, digestive system, urinary problems, resulting in good health and preventing from ailments occurring due to body toxins. It also helps in improving emotional stability and body conditions etc., i.e. routine wear and tear. The stone gives people peace of mind and relaxation and helping then to cure restlessness, insomnia and emotional unrest.

Chrysoprase

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Chrysoprase or chrysophrase is a gemstone, variety of chalcedony that contains small quantities of nickel. It is a beautiful green stone which varies from a pale green to apple green and on to a darker, deeper green color. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos means 'gold' and prason, means 'leek'. It is one of the highly prized members of chalcedony mineral group.


Chrysoprase Information
Rather unusual, Chrysoprase gets its color from very small amounts of nickel. Other stones like emerald, gets their color from mixing chromium in it.
Other rock crystal such as amethysts is transparent, whereas this gem is normally semi-transparent. Chrysoprase has a hardness rating of 7, on the Moh's scale, and a gravity of 2.65 to 2.66. It is found in beads and cut form.
It contains Cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals which are so fine that they cannot be seen under normal magnification as distinct particles.
Like other gemstones, it is found with poor color quality, flaws, inclusions but what we see in gemstone jewelry is an apple green or deeper green with no flaws of any kind.
It is used as the birthstone for May month and for Gemini' or Libra. These stones have metaphysical properties like compassion, acceptance and grace. The stone is said to increase fertility, increase energy levels and is accepted as a soothing stone. It calms over excitement, takes the heat out of situations, and inspires tolerance. It is also used for Spiritual protection. Ancient historians believe that it helps in improving eyesight.
It is found in Queensland, Australia and some parts of Austria, Brazil and others. It is found embedded in serpentine rock.
It is marketed as "Australian Imperial Jade".
Folklore
Chrysoprase had its medical usability, as it contains high alkalinity.
Astrologers link this stone with planet Mercury and Venus. Greek Sailors used to wear amulets of it to prevent drowning. If someone was lost and could not be found, the stone was blamed for it.

Carnelian

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Carnelian is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. Sard too is similar to Carnelian but is harder and darker. Both these terms are used interchangeably. Carnelian and sard are varieties of the silica mineral chalcedony colored by impurities of iron oxide. The colors can vary from pale orange to intense black.
Carnelian Information
It belongs to chalcedony gem family, and could be opaque to translucent. The hardness on Moh's scale is seven plus which means it is a hard gem. The stone can be found in many shapes but the commonly found shape is oval shape. The stone is mined from USA, Madagascar, Russia, Brazil and Australia among many other countries.
The name has been derived from a Latin word meaning HORN, as it sometimes shows the appearance of flesh. Carnelian was widely used in the Roman era, where it was popularly used for making seal rings and signets for imprinting seals with wax for important documents and correspondences. It was used for this purpose because wax does not stick on carnelian seals.
Anyone wearing the carnelian stone needs to take due care of it. The stone changes color from brown to reddish when placed or contacts with direct sunlight. Hence, the stone should not be placed or exposed to prolong sunlight.
Carnelian Folklore
In the list of birthstones, it resembles the month of August. The stone is mentioned in the ancient astrology of Hebrew, Arabic and Italian. It was believed that the stone brings good luck, good fortune and is connected to religious resources.
The gem is popularly used in Indian and vintage jewelry, as it matches well with other gems and metals. It matches well with citrine and have a great healing impact. It is said that it helps in healing mental and physical tensions and is being used as alternative medicine.
The stone is having some holistic properties, like an ability to change an individual's outlook in life. It also assists in healing the wounds and cleansing of blood. It is also said that it holds power afterlife.
Carnelian is used for targeting your body's system: it motivates your circulatory system, kidneys, hunger, emotions, and sexuality. It grants confidence, assertiveness, and an unstoppable drive to succeed.

Bloodstone

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Bloodstone gemstone is unique and beautiful. It is often used in contemporary jewelry designs. Bloodstone is also known as green jasper and it comes with blood red spots and therefore it is named as Bloodstone. The red spots come from the iron oxide deposits in the stone. In ancient times it was used for carvings and was favorite of Christian martyrs. A German Emperors seal carved in bloodstone is on display at the Louvre museum in Paris.
Bloodstone Information
The stone is affordable and available to common man, hence widely used in jewelry articles like pendants, rings and earrings. It is used in men's ring and is combined with other gemstone to give an individual identity. The color green looks beautiful with gold, platinum and silver.
Bloodstone makes a very attractive gift, as there are many benefits of it. It is also a cheaper option for gifting. Proper care taken of the gemstone can help us to reap better benefits from it.
Bloodstone Properties
Citing to ancient and traditional astrology, bloodstone is considered to have healing powers like curing hemorrhages and blood circulation problems. The powder of bloodstone is used for medical purposes in India and all over the world. In Egypt and other civilizations bloodstone was considered a supernatural object which was used to defeat enemies. The stone is commonly renowned for increasing strength and power and healing for sports injuries and joint problems.
Ayurvedic healing concentrates on five elements of life- earth, water, fire, air and space. Bloodstone contains the power of fire and earth hence considered a very powerful stone in Ayurvedic astrology. Bloodstone gives an illusion of a red sun setting in the sea which looks beautiful. The stone also provide a claming effect to the nerves and can cure discomfort and uneasiness.
Bloodstone Folklore
Bloodstone is useful in blood pressure problems. Astrologers suggest wearing bloodstone embedded in silver with Rudraksha to heal blood pressure. It helps in strengthening blood purifying organs in the body.
It also relieves stomach pain and bowel pain.
Bloodstone is a magical stone; it also relives animal pains like improving falling eyesight, lung congestion, spleen disorder, bladder, kidney, neutralizing body toxins and many more.
Bloodstone is believed to have great magical and protective properties, possessing the ability to throw out evil, keep out unfavorable influences and scatter negativity. As its name suggests, Bloodstone is an excellent blood cleanser.

Aventurine

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Aventurine, often called "poor man's Emerald" is a nice affordable stone. When it has inclusions, they appear to be sparkles. Extremely high quality aventurine (free from inclusions), can seem like emerald. It is wonderful for everyday wear as it is quite durable as well as pretty.
Aventurine Information
Aventurine is a semi-precious stone that offers sparkle and beauty which is exquisite. Aventurine name is an Italian word means "a ventura" - "by chance". The word is insinuation of aventurine glass discovered in the 18th century. Its Moh's scale is of 6.5 hardness. It is derived from the semi-translucent to opaque grown glass with many small particles of chromic oxide and copper. Because of its several feldspars or quartz varieties it is streaked with particles of mica, hematite and other material, it is also known as Sunstone.
This precious stone gives a glistening effect because of many shiny minerals, and that is known as aventurescence. The stone is most commonly found in green colors, but the stone can be in orange, yellow, brown, blue or gray. The color depends on the kind of mineral is present in the stone. However, the stone can also be found in orange, blue, brown, yellow or gray.
Aventurine Folklore
It is noticed that the stones have many healing powers. The gem stone is believed to be used as a stone of inner peace. It is used to calm down a troubled mind. The color dark green itself symbolizes meditations for posterity. Astrologers suggest this stone to increase confidence and gratitude and also for promoting positive attitude and emotional tranquility.
The stone is also used for balancing the energies of males and females. The stone encourages initiative, strong ideals, stamina, and ability to assert. It develops leadership qualities and people follow you, where you lead. These are the positive moon qualities and Aventurine will support these and will assist in taking your care and concern for others. It also elevates your spiritual vibrations, the crystal works rapidly and it works well with your impatient moon as well.
For the people with sun shine as Aries, it is suggested to wear this semi precious stone to complete the unfinished work and encouraging leadership. It also assists in controlling anger and volatile situations, hence allowing you to make good decision.
Green Aventurine is used for physical healing. It is worn over the ailing part of the body. And blue aventurine is used to improve circulation of blood.
For business: people wear it in ring and some place it in cash register to enhance daily taking from the retail business.
Aventurine is the best semi precious stone for luck of all kinds; including gambling luck, it has various names, such as "gambler's stone" and "Indian Jade" and with its reputation as a lucky charmer, is very popular with gamblers.
To put it in nut shell, Aventurine promotes mind clarity and self confidence, reinforces decisiveness and intensifies leadership qualities. Aventurine helps to focus and find creative solutions when you are overwhelmed by problems.

Aquamarine

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Aquamarine is March's birthstone and is a beautiful, medium priced, light blue or blue-green stone. It sparkles and shines so wonderfully that is it often made into an aquamarine engagement ring. Though this gemstone is wonderful in any setting, we found that aquamarine rings, aquamarine pendants and aquamarine earrings are the most popular aquamarine jewelry.
Aquamarine Information
The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words "aqua marina" which means "sea water" reflecting the color of the crystals. A transparent, pale green variety of beryl is often used as a gemstone.
The beautiful Aquamarine is semi-precious, a light greenish blue to a vibrant blue variety of the species beryl, which makes it a relative of the Emerald. Aquamarine gemstones are available to you a choice of two qualities of faceted aquamarines. In both qualities the gemstones is eye clean with good cuts. AA quality consists of light to medium tone stones and our AAA quality has a medium to medium dark tone.
Aquamarine is sturdier, and larger carat weights can be found because when it is mined the crystals can be kept in relatively big pieces. Aquamarines can be found in several places on the globe, from Colorado in the United States to Brazil and several African countries. One well-formed crystal found in Brazil in 1920 weighed 243 pounds. It was 19 by 16 inches, greenish on the outside, blue on the inside, and so transparent that objects were clearly visible through its length.
The British Museum of Natural History has a flawless aquamarine of 879 carats, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History has a fine 638-carat stone.
Tips On Choosing Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine is very durable and well suited for jewelry. It is not as costly as these gems, and may be easier to find. In aquamarine jewelry, the darker the stone is the more valuable it is. Some women inentionally buy the lighter versions of aquamarine as it is an great substitute for diamonds in jewelry such as: engagement rings and solitaire stud earrings. The ease of cutting the rough stone makes it highly desirable for jewelry designers. Many prefer the 'white' metals white gold, platinum and sterling silver as being more complimentary with the stone's color.
Aquamarine Folklore
This is the stone to help you be in touch with your spiritual being. This stone is used in deep meditations. Aquamarine is said to have a soothing influence on married couples. Aquamarine also protects against the wiles of the devil. In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends. Aquamarine is associated with the thymus gland. It is very soothing worn as a necklace. It will help reduce fluid retention. It has been used to calm the nerves.

Amethyst

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Amethyst has a vibrant purple color that is unique from any other gem stone. It is sometimes called a violet gemstone. It is thought to protect the bearer from possible seduction. For so many years, amethyst served as the most popular representative of the quartz gem family. Moses described this gem as the "Spirit of God", which is why it is mostly seen in the robes of High Priests and Empresses. It is often thought of as a royal stone. Amethyst is one of the top picks of women because of its simpleness and beauty.
.Amethyst Information 
Amethyst is purple quartz. Citrine is yellow quartz; Rose quartz is pink quartz.
This is also known as a very hard stone with a score of 7. Index of refraction is 1.544 to 1.553. There are plenty of sources of these crystals, including India, Brazil, Canada, Russia, USA, and Sri Lanka.
Amethyst is generally known as the birthstone of February. It's known to bring a lot of luck for those who are Pisceans or born at the month of February, as this is their gemstone.
Amethyst Folklore
The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "remedy against drunkenness". Much of the folklore on Amethyst is a result of this meaning. It implies that when you wear amethyst, you are allowing positive vibrations into your life. It is thought that it may help you control your emotions.
The origin of amethyst comes from the Greeks. Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal he encountered. After, creating tigers to carry out his wish, unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana appeared. But Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from Dionysus' tigers. At the sight of the beautiful statue, Dionysus is said to have wept tears of wine, staining the quartz purple and creating the gem amethyst. The pinkish lavender shade is called "Rose de France". It must be purple to be an amethyst.
Fine examples of lovely amethyst stones are featured in the British Crown Jewels and they were also a favorite of Catherine the Great, as well as Egyptian royalty, it is believed that the tears of the gods had stained the Quartz purple and created the Gemstone we know today.
It is used as a dream stone and to help insomnia. Put an amethyst under your pillow to bring about pleasant dreams, or rub it across your forehead to offer relief from a headache.
The healing power of the stone is said to be good for addictions, helping with arthritis, headaches, blood sugar levels, brain imbalances and a remedy for stomach disorders.

Amber

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Amber is one of the organic gemstones, being the time-hardened fossilized resin of pine trees. It is formed during the process of polymerization of its original organic compounds. It varies from about 30 to 90 million years old.
Amber Information 
Amber is available in a wide array of colors, the most popular ranging from yellow to orange, mimicking the color of honey touched by the setting sun. Other less common colors include red, green, blue, violet and black. Ranging from transparent to opaque, the finest amber is clear with little or no cloudiness.
Largest amber deposits are found in the Baltic Sea region. The level of succinic acid contained in the amber determines its quality. Amber from the Baltic Sea region contains the highest level of succinic acid, and therefore is considered the highest quality amber.
For the Greeks, amber is known as electron, which is also the origin of the word electricity. To modern society, amber is believed to have come from the Arabic word for ambergris. Ambergris, in turn, is a waxy substance found in the intestines of sperm whales.
People have collected, traded, carved, and coveted amber for more than 10,000 years, Yet despite our fascination with it, much about the smoky yellow stone -- the history of amber -- remains a mystery.
Common Uses For Amber
Amber has varied uses and relevance to a number of areas such as:
Science: Geologists and paleontologists find use in amber because it presents proof of prehistoric life in the form of fossils, and amber has been proven to be in existence during prehistoric times. Since ancient insects get trapped in amber, botanists and entomologists find use for this special mineral.
Art: writers find amber a good source of inspiration for their varied works. Jewelers and gemologists find this mineral a valuable piece of stone for its unique characteristics and beauty. Amber has been used and incorporated into bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, brooches, cuff-links, rings, and even teething rings for the children.
Magic: some believe that amber has magical powers especially the green and red varieties. It can also be used an amulet or charm, which could repel evils. Some claim it can even provide protection against poisons.
Amber Folklore
Amber jewelry is said to help one be happier. The cheery yellow stone is believed to lighten the burdens of life. Healers say that amber activates our altruistic nature and helps us to realize the full power of our spiritual intellect.

Alexandrite

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Alexandrite is an exquisite color-changing gemstone. As most alexandrites are man made in a lab, it can be challenging to locate natural alexandrite. Alexandrite bracelets and rings are wonderful. When Alexandrite is used in these type of jewelry, the wearer can enjoy seeing the delightful color change in incadescent light.
Alexandrite Gemstone Information 
Alexandrite the traditional birthstone for June is a beautiful, but very rare stone. It is also associated with the astrological birth sign of Scorpio. The word Alexandrite is named after the Russian Czar Alexander II because it was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia on the Czar Alexander II birthday in 1831.
The most sensational feature about this stone, however, is its surprising ability to change its colour. Green or bluish-green in daylight, alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This characteristic makes it one of the most expensive gemstone, especially for a stone of a large size. Stones of one carat or larger can range in price from fifteen thousand dollars to one million dollars.
The chemical name of Alexandrite is BeAl2O4 .Its hardness measures 8.5 on the Mohs scale. The specific gravity of alexandrite measures from 3.68 to 3.75
Along with Russia it is found in Brazil, Australia, the United States, portions of Africa and India. The Brazilian alexandrite shows both a distinctive colour change and good clarity and colour.
The popular belief that a diamond is forever and it fetches up to 75% of the resale value and colored stones have no resale value is absolutely wrong. However, if one invests wisely, gemstones buying can be very profitable and remunerative too.
Alexandrite Buying Tips
There are various factors to be considered before buying Alexandrite:
One must always make sure that he/she is buying a natural alexandrite and not synthetic alexandrite. The certificate should mention the word "natural".
Always buy with a certificate, from a reputed gemological laboratory and not just from the dealer who is selling it, mentioning its authenticity.
Always go for quality rather than quantity. A good piece, though a small one, is any day better than a big gem with lower clarity and color.
As far as possible go in for a proper cut gemstone.
Alexandrite Folklore Russians believe Alexandrite was a good omen. Alexandrite is said to open the heart to romantic possibilities, provide inner peace and even ward off certain physical maladies.

Agate

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Agate is a type of Chalcedony. Many people don't think of agate for jewelry - but it is very pretty. If you want "something different", consider trying agate jewelry. Agate comes in many varieties. Common types are: fire agate, blue lace agate, tree agate, moss agate and petrified wood. Agate is usually used in cabochons or bead form. Why not try a beautiful agate necklace, peandant, earrings or bolo tie for a eye catching piece of jewelry.

Agate Information
Agate belongs to the chalcedony family of coloured quartz stones. They are found in colors like blue, green, yellow, brown, purple, and pink.
Agate is an Ayurvedic birthstone for the month of May; the name has been derived from the Greek name of a stone found in the river Achates in Sicily .Agateeq.. It ages back to Stone Age, where it was considered very valuable.
The hardness rating for this stone is 7, even though it can chip or crack easily, so it should be protected from sharp blows, scratches, and household chemicals like bleach.
Agate is an inexpensive stone, with an exception of few varieties with unusual banded or scenic markings.
Agate Folklore
Agate has been used in maintaining good health and prosperous life. Some of its believed benefits are:-
  • Due to cooling effect, it has proved in reducing fever and it is beneficial in stomach area.
  • It maintains the heart pulse rate.
  • Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to insure pleasant dreams.
  • Those who wear or carry Agate will be always guarded against bad affects, will be more cautious, get a more clarity on themselves and able to view the world with a broad angle.
  • Some feel Agate has mystical powers.
Botswana Agate (also known as Eye Agate) a variety of agate from Botswana, Africa. This is the gemstone for people who are sensitive and lonely or easily hurt. It will help you have more self-satisfaction and protect you from hurt. It can be used to one.s quest toward enlightenment. Many feel that Botswana Agate has an anti-depressant quality. Botswana Agate can help those who have repressed emotional issues that need to be addressed so that they can let go and heal. It can be helpful for those who are struggling to be genuine in their lifestyle, as it promotes an understanding of the need for deeper meaning. Works with us to release emotions no longer needed. It is great for energizing the aura.
Physically, Botswana agate helps rid the body of toxins and can be used to support treatment of disorders of the nervous system. It is said to counteract physical, emotional, and intellectual poisons.

Gems of the Rich and Famous

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Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II: This monarch has jewelry. In fact she has so much jewelry that she has a special room to keep it in about the size of an ice rink, and situated 40 feet beneath Buckingham Palace. That does not even include the British Crown Jewels which are kept in the Tower of London. The Queen's personal jewelry is conservatively valued at $57 million and most of it was received as gifts. One of the highlights of the collection is the so-called Timur Ruby, which is actually a magnificent spinel weighing 352.50 carats. It is inscribed with the names of several of the previous owners, who were Mughal emperors. Other fabulous gems in her collection include the Cambridge and Delhi Dunbar Parure, a fantastic suite of emerald jewelry which includes an emerald diadem; the Prince Albert Brooch, a huge sapphire which was given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert the day before their wedding; Queen Mary's large ruby earrings, and a v-shaped ruby and diamond bandeau collar which the Queen models on the front cover of the publication "The Jewels of Queen Elizabeth", by Leslie Field, a whole book about her personal jewelry collection. The British Queen also owns several of the large diamonds cut from the Cullinan, the rough that produced the Stars of Africa, the Cullinan I and II (530 carats and 317 carats), which are part of the Crown Jewels. She reportedly refers to the Cullinan III and Cullinan IV, 94 and 63 carats respectively, as "Granny's Chips."


Elizabeth Taylor has a well known jewelry collection, including the 33.19 carat Krupp diamond and the 69.42-carat pear shaped Taylor-Burton Diamond which now hangs from a diamond necklace after Liz decided it was just a little too large for a ring. Richard Burton also gave her a heart-shaped yellow diamond which was originally a gift from Shah Jahan in 1621 to his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who also inspired the Taj Mahal. Although Liz is usually associated with huge diamonds, she also has a fabulous collection of other gemstones. As an engagement present, Richard Burton gave her the emerald and diamond brooch, which she wears with an emerald necklace he gave her as a wedding present. Earrings, a bracelet, and a ring followed. Some of the emeralds in the set were from the Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia. One of Taylor's husbands, Michael Wilding, gave her a cabochon sapphire engagement ring. Mike Todd gave her a spectacular ruby necklace and earring set. Another gift from Burton was La Peregrina, one of the largest and most historic pearls in existence, a pear shaped drop weighing 203.84 grains once owned by the Spanish royal family.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had as exquisite a taste in jewelry as in everything else. She favored large, colorful necklaces and bracelets from Van Cleef & Arpel. Her jewelry collection grew considerably when she married Aristotle Onassis: he gave his bride $5 million in jewelry and often slipped bracelets from Harry Winston in the biweekly bouquets of flowers he sent her. It is a well known fact that her engagement ring from Onassis sold for $2.6 million at the auction of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at Sotheby's on April 24, 1996. You may not have heard about some of the other jewelry that sold at the auction: a beautiful 47-carat kunzite ring that President Kennedy purchased as a gift for his wife but never had the chance to give her. This sold for more than $410,000; a beautiful amethyst necklace with graduated drops which sold for $55,000; lovely red tourmaline briolette earrings that dangled from amethysts, which sold for $35,000; a striking cabochon garnet flower brooch from the 19th century which sold for $145,000; a spectacular 17.68-carat ruby ring which sold for $290,000; some cabochon ruby dangling earrings which sold for $360,000; and a cabochon ruby necklace that was a bargain at $247,500. One surprise was an interesting little scarecrow pin in gold and gems that sold for $100,000!

Marlene Dietrich in many of her movies, wore her own suite of dramatic jewelry which was set with huge cabochon emeralds. (All those emeraldswere particularly perfect for her role as the jewel thief in "Desire" in 1938.) In "Stage Fright", Dietrich tries to use her jewelry to blackmail Jane Wyman. She also wears her own ruby bracelet in that film: that bracelet recently sold at Sotheby's for $990,000. Once when baking a cake at Katherine Cornell's house, Marlene thought she had lost her 37.41-carat cabochon emerald ring which she had removed in the kitchen. The house was turned upside down but the ring couldn't be found. It was only during dessert that the ring was discovered by one of the dinner guests inside a piece of the cake!

Training courses for gems & jewellery sector

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LAHORE (PR) - Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) has organized two training courses in Jewellery Pattern Making in Wax and Gemstone Identification and Grading at its Gems & Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre (GJTMC) in Lahore.
Both the courses started today would end on 20th March 2010. Twelve participants from the various fields of gems and jewellery sector of Pakistan have been enrolled for Jewellery Pattern Making in Wax training course while fifteen participants from the Gems & Jewellery industry of Pakistan will be trained in Gemstone Identification and Grading training course. 
Jewellery Pattern Making in Wax is one of the most useful techniques of jewellery manufacturing. In this course the participants will be explained about making of jewellery in wax through various methods and techniques. Jewellery Pattern Making in Wax allows creation of jewellery prototypes which are either difficult or impossible to be manufactured directly from metal. 
Gemstone Identification and Grading course help gemstone dealers in evaluating precious/semi-precious gemstones. The availability of Gemstone Identification Lab will help the participants to gain firsthand knowledge regarding the latest equipment. The participants will also be exposed to latest technology including modern equipments installed at the GJTMC in order to provide hands on experience to the participants.
Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Development Company (PGJDC) is the culmination of efforts put in by the Ministry of Industries, Production and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan and the stake holders of Gems and Jewelry sector in Pakistan. PGJDC is a public-private partnership to develop the value chain of gems and jewelry sector from mine to market. The company aims to enhance exports through facilitation, technology up-gradation, skills development and marketing/branding.

Minerals and Gems from Earth

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More than 4,000 naturally occurring minerals—inorganic solids that have a characteristic chemical composition and specific crystalstructure—have been found on Earth. They are formed of simplemolecules


Minerals are typically formed when molten rock, or magma, cools, or by separating out of mineral-rich water, such as that in underground caverns. In general, mineral particles are small, having formed within confined areas such as lava flows or between grains of sediments. Large crystals found in geodes and other rocks are relatively rare.

Rocks themselves are made of clusters or mixtures of minerals, and minerals and rocks affect landform development and form natural resources such as gold, tin, iron, marble, and granite.

Silicates—including quartz, mica, olivine, and precious minerals such as emeralds—are the most common class of minerals, as well as the major components of most rocks. Oxides, sulfides, sulfates, carbonates, and halides are other major mineral classes.

Gemstones
Many minerals form beautiful crystals, but the most prized of all are gemstones. Uncut gems are often fairly ordinary looking. It's only when they are cut and polished that they obtain the brilliance and luster that makes them so valued.

Historically gems have been divided into precious and semiprecious classes. There are a number of semiprecious gems, many quite beautiful, but diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds continue to qualify as "precious." (At one time, amethyst was also considered aprecious gem, but large reserves were later found in Brazil, reducing its value.)

Be Informed Before Buying Gemstones & Gemstone Jewelry

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  • Find out how to determine whether you’re getting a good deal
  • Learn how to judge quality of gemstone jewelry by comparing pictures of different gemstones
  • Discover which gemstone is best for you by reading about gemstone meanings and symbology
  • Get unbiased information about the best places to purchase gemstones and gemstone jewelry.
You can read about gemstone meanings, gemstone symbology, learn how to determine quality of gemstones,  how to ensure you get value for your money and everything you’d need to know to be an informed buyer of gemstones.
This Blog do not sell gemstones or gemstone jewelry, nor are we affiliated with any seller, so you can be sure that the information is 100% unbiased. This Blog is here to empower people in the process of buying gemstones and gemstone jewelry.

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