Why I Like Gemstones

Latest Article On Gemstones

Collecting Prescious And Semi-Prescious Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is a term referring to the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones from natural diamonds to loose gemstones. Many people take up gemology as a passionate hobby. They become interested in making a collection of loose diamonds or loose gemstones. Some people even begin to visit various locations close by to look for rough gemstones. Some even tumble or learn to cut their own gemstones. If you have an interest in this hobby then follow along as we show you the in and outs of gemstone collecting.

The first step in beginning this hobby the wise way is by getting adequate knowledge about them. By taking a look in your local bookstore you can find books on the subject that will make you an informed buyer.

First on the list to evaluate is gemstone color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they've even become associated with particular ones. Everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green Gemstones will have a higher value the closer they are to the colors in the spectrum of orange, green, yellow, violet and blue. They are valued much less the farther they are from the pure natural color.

The cut of the stone is extremely important and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones in general as well. A precision cut will highlight the pure color of the stone, diminish any inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One way to determine the precision in the cut of the stone is to consider how well it reflects light on a consistent basis throughout its surface. But if a gem is cut too shallow, most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting inside the stone. Gem color appears washed out.

Our next consideration is the issue of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the internal flaws ( known as inclusions) or the outside blemishes of a stone. Any large flaws can easily be seen with the unaided eye with the others needing a 10X magnification.

Next comes weight and size. All gemstones [except for pearls and corals] are priced by the unit, carat. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams. However you should know weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can very. Take a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and you will see that a similar sized sapphire or ruby weighs out at 1.20 carats.

Taking up the hobby of gemstones can be very enjoyable and rewarding in the long run. It doesn't have to be very expensive and yet you can buy some very beautiful items. Many people loved to spend weekends to go looking for gemstones. Take the example of the US. In California you can find Agate, Benitoite, Californite, Diamond, Citrine, Tourmaline, Abalone Pearl, Kunzite, Chrysopras Or ou can take a longer vacation and find opal in Coober Pedy, Andamooka or Mintabie in South Australia, topaz in Beechworth, Victoria or check out the Moonstone regions in Moonstone Hill, Queensland, Australia.

Buy Tourmaline Emerald loose gemstones along with round brilliant loose diamonds and also natural diamonds today in our store!

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There are many other common types of treatment to enhance the beauty of colored gemstones. Emeralds are often oiled and waxed to protect them and to hide fine lines that naturally occur in the stone. Some sapphires have their blue color enhanced using diffusion, a chemical process. Certain stones are treated with radiation, again mimicking the processes of nature. All these practices are standard in the jewelry industry; in fact, enhancement is so common that good quality unenhanced stones often come with a certificate stating that fact.
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