The mystery
and magic of colored gemstones has been an integral aspect or the "Lore"
of most cultures for many centuries. Here is what noted gemstone experts
Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on the matter.
"The
fascination with colored gemstones dates back to the very beginning of
civilization. For our ancestors, the blue of sapphire produced visions of
the heavens; the red of ruby was a reminder of the very essence of life.
By Roman times, rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of
power-and the most powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger!"
Since
ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess innate magical
powers and the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes.
According to legend, emeralds are good for the eyes; yellow stones cure
jaundice; red stones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed
that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and
vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy,
haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and
magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and
vigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory hope,
and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish
delight, and change.
Colored
gems, because of the magical powers associated with them, achieved
extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future; as
therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious
practices-pagan, Hebrew, and Christian."
Gemstones
101
Natural
gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name
implies, are made in the laboratory. These stones, which also are referred
to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic,
have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as
natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of
naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined
stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in
appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones.
Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as
such.
Gemstones
may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing
gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram.
Carats are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat
gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured
by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5
millimeters).
Gemstone
treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to
improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many
gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may
lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special
care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured
against a comparable untreated stone.
Jewelers
should tell you whether the gemstone you’re considering has been treated
when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special
care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.
Some common
treatments that you may be told about and their effects include:
-
Heating
can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a
gemstone’s clarity.
-
Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other
gemstones and pearls.
-
Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a
variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones'
clarity and appearance.
-
Fracture
filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic
or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance and
durability.
-
Diffusion
treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the
stone remains colorless.
-
Dyeing
adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
-
Bleaching
lightens and whitens dome gems, Including jade and pearls.
In this day
and age, gemstones are generally worn for their natural beauty or as a
fashion statement, but there are many that "buy-in" to the mythical and
mystical symbolisms of gems as well. Whatever a persons reason, the world
of gems today offers an almost endless choice. Many new gems have been
discovered and are widely available in reds, blues, greens and many
unusual shades as well. Enjoy!
For more
information or to browse our selection of beautiful jewelry and gemstones
be sure to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com
The authors
Sam & Tami Serio have operated successful jewelry businesses for over
fifteen years. The above article is one of a series of special reports
concerning the fascinating world of jewelry and gemstones. To view these
special reports or to learn about profitable opportunities in the business
of jewelry or to view out exquisite selection of Gold, Sterling Silver and
Gemstone jewelry please visit www.morninglightjewelry.com.
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
