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Gemstone Jewelry and Information: Specific Gemstone Jewelry, Gemstone Buying Tips, Jewelry Care
Gems have fascinated people through the ages. They sparkle, shine and ornament. But what really are gemstones? Where do they come from? How do they grow?
This site is devoted to the history and info on gem stones.
For specific gemstone information, click on navigation bar to your right.
There are links below for gemstone buying tips, jewelry care, birthstones, history of gem stones, gemstone news and jewelry books.
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Gemstone Buying Tips
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Gemstone jewelry is beautiful and if well cared for can last centuries.
Here are some ways to get the best gemstone jewelry for your money.
Gemstone Jewelry Pricing
Gemstone price is determined by: size, cut, quality (color/clarity/treatments), and type. Here are some questions to ask about gemstone quality:
- Questions on Gemstone Size
- How big is the actual gemstone?
- Will the gemstone be too big or too small for the intended setting?
- Questions on a Gems Cut
- What type of gemstone cut? A well dimensioned "Brilliant" cut sparkles the most.
- How regular is the gemstones cut?
- What are the dimensions of a cut? The deeper (total depth) the gems cut, the more it will sparkle.
- Questions on Gems Overall Quality
- Are the gems damaged? Are there noticable chips, inclusions, or marks?
- Has the gemstone been treated? (See treatments listed below)
- Is the gem natural or synthetic?
- Questions on Gemstone Color
- Is the gemstones color even?
- How good is the gems color? (Is it vibrant?)
- If you are buying the gemstones for earrings or cufflinks, are the gem stones well matched?
Gemstone Treatments
Jewelry dealers may treat gemstones in hopes of gettng a higer price. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some gemstone treatments to look for:
- Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it. Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed.
- Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear gemstones, dye may
be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes
dye appears as a residue that rubs off or white patches. Lapis and Rose
Quartz are commonly dyed. Amethyst and Citrine are often dyed. Black Onyx
is permanently dyed in normal processing.
- Fake Gem Stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake gems instead of natural ones. There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what gemstone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a gemstone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. I avoid laboratory made products also known as synthetics (unless getting a really good discount).
- Gemstone Swap: When a deal seems too good to be true, the dealer may be substitutiong one gemstone for another. For example, dyed Howlite is often substituted for Lavendar Jade.
- Heat Treatment: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Tanzanite and Topaz are often heated at high temperatures to enhance color.
- Irradiation: It is common to irradiate Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz,
Emerald, and Diamond as well as other gem stones. This treatment brings out
color and removes imperfections. Many dealers know if the gemstones they are
selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware
of the treatment.
Tips on buying gemstone beads
- Look for the best quality gemstone (if buying real gemstones)
- Verify that the cracks in a gemstone bead are not darker than the bead itself (if so, the bead is dyed)
- If the beads are being sold in a 16" strand -- I make sure it is 16" -- not 14" or 15" if possible.
- Make sure beads are not cracked or chipped by the holes as this tears the thread
- Evenly shaped beads (as appropriate)
- Good color (so can create harmonious necklaces and matching earrings)
- Good sized holes (so can use a stronger thread)
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Gemstone Books
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Gemstone Jewelry World News:
March Birthstone – 15% Off on Aquamarine Gemstones and 10% Off on Aquamarine Jewelry (PR.com)
Angara.com is offering birthstone special deals and discounts on Aquamarine for the month of March. Angara today announced that it will offer a huge 15% discount on aquamarine gemstones and 10% Off on Aquamarine jewelry throughout the month of March. [PR.com - May 08, 2008] Is memo such a good idea? (National Jeweler)
New York—Mention the word "memo" to anyone in the jewelry industry and it's sure to evoke a strong reaction, but you never quite know what it will be. Dubai, China link to promote jewelry trade (National Jeweler)
Mumbai, India—The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the government of Panyu, China, have entered into an agreement to strengthen trade links between their respective jewelry sectors. Angara Offers a Free Amethyst Solitaire Pendant (PR.com)
Angara.com, the leading on-line jewelry retailer, today announced that it will offer a sterling silver solitaire amethyst pendant with sterling silver ring chain, free of charge as part of a beginning of celebrations. [PR.com - November 09, 2007] Mademoiselle Jewelry Signs Brooklyn Designer, Nicole Anderson (PRWeb)
Mademoiselle Jewelry today signed Brooklyn-based designer, Nicole Anderson. Anderson's new and unique designs will be featured on the Mademoiselle Jewelry website, under its "Exclusive Designers" section. (PRWeb May 6, 2008) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/05/prweb906454.htm
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For more information on gemstones and jewelry:
Jewelry - Gemstone and jewelry stores, birthstones, diamond guide, gemstone information, wedding links, forums, gift malls, jewelry care, crafting supplies and gem lore at Jewelry Mall.
Alternately, see our
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All rights reserved.
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