Gemstones Information

How To Collect Loose Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is a term referring to the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a hobby. They become interested in collecting and evaluating loose gemstones or loose diamonds. Some people even begin to visit various locations close by or possibly even in other countries to hunt for raw or rough gemstones. Some even tumble or learn to cut their own gemstones. If you have an interest in this hobby follow along as we show you the different aspects of this hobby.

Right at the beginning, what you need is to get yourself some books on gemstones. You want to know everything there is to know about your new hobby. The more you understand about the hobby of gemstones the wiser will be your purchases. You will know exactly what to look for.

Color is a subjective idea but a very important part in giving value to a gemstone. The closer a color is to its purer spectral value the more valuable it is. Traditionally, these specter colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Colors that are paler or darker are considered a lower value.

The cut of the gemstone is one of the most important traits when you consider a gemstone's value. The gemstone must be cut with precision to reflect the light properly. A gemstone with an improper cut will not reflect light in a consistent way. The hue, tone and color saturation will be inconsistent.

A third consideration is the clarity of the stone under consideration. This means the gemstones purity or the lack of internal inclusions, internal particles or spots inside the crystal. Without a doubt, zero flaws will make a gemstone very valuable.

Next on the agenda is the duo of weight and size. Because gemstones can vary in density or specific gravity. Weight and size are not necessarily equal across the board. If a diamond of a certain size weighs 1.00 carats then an equal sized Sapphire would weigh more than 1.20 carats. An Emerald of equal size would be approximately 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite gem stone would came in at 1.23 carats.

Taking up the collecting of loose gemstones can be a great hobby. And there are so many different types in gemstones you can collect. You could try collecting Alexandrite and other varieties of chrysoberyl, Quartz and its varieties or Turquoise and then try others. The choice and beauty and variety is almost endless. And if you like to save money but love vacations you can go gemstone hunting and find the raw materials instead of buying them. Take the example of the United States. In New Hampshire you can rock hunt for Beryl, Rock Crystal and Garnet.

Buy loose Spinel gemstones or loose diamonds and also natural color diamonds today in our store!

Gemstones For Sale

More Info On loose gemstones

Opals are usualy cut en cabochon because their "play of color" is more important
than clarity and sparkle. They are also soft and faceting makes them more
vulnerable. Star sapphires are cut into cabochons to maximize the natural star
made by rare inclusions. If this stone were faceted, it would lose the star.
You will find buying loose diamonds online in our store is easy!

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.
Buy loose Garnet gemstones today!

Some loose gemstones Stories

On the ladder: Brighton man back in family jewelry business - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:04:11 GMT

On the ladder: Brighton man back in family jewelry business Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, NY - Dec 14, 2008 Diamonds and gemstones always intrigued me as a young boy. Diamonds and jewelry were all we ever talked about in my household. As early as 5, I was helping ...

Baby Nugget Necklace/gg (n-mbn0-gg)

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:36:49 -0800
Brushed vermeil baby nugget necklace, measuring approximately 1/2''. 16'' 14kt gold-fill chain and toggle clasp. Matching earrings available.


loose dimonds