|
|
Precious Stones Explained
By Sam and Tami Serio
Morning Light
Jewelry
The mineral to which the term " precious stone" is applied, must be
adaptable for jewelry or ornamental purposes and must possess beauty,
hardness, and rarity.
The beauty of a precious stone or gem consists of its color or
colorlessness, brilliancy or softness of luster, and transparency. To take
a high and lasting polish, a mineral must be hard, -and many stones that
would otherwise be highly valued are low in the estimate of worth because
they do not possess of sufficient hardness to make them endure the wear
and friction to which a precious stone is subjected when used in the form
of jewelry. The rareness of precious stones has a decided effect in
determining their values. For instance, the crocidolite, commercially
known as tiger-eye, was sold by the carat some years ago, and was largely
used in the making of fine jewelry. Today, this material is so plentiful
that it is no longer classed among the higher gems, but serves for cameos
and intaglios like chalcedony and onyx.
The changes of fashion have much to do with determining the market value
of precious stones. Amethyst, topazes, cat's-eye, aquamarine, alexandrite,
and even emerald and opalshave been eagerly sought for at times and then
again neglected for other gems, causing a sensible difference in the value
of these stones.
It has been a mooted question as to the proper dividing line between
stones that deserve the title "precious," and those, which should be
placed in a so-called semi-precious or lower category. To draw such a line
is hardly possible, as neither hardness, rareness, nor value would be a
positive test--some of the hard stones, like zircon and almandine being
less valuable than softer opal, while the diamond, one of the most
plentiful of precious stones, is at the same time, one of the most
valuable.
Neither can price be taken as a complete test, because fashion makes a
turquoise, an opal, or an emerald much more valuable at one time than at
another, All precious minerals used for ornamental purposes, from the
diamond to quartz, or chalcedony, may properly be termed precious stones.
The Final Word On Precious Stones
The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Although strictly
speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.
The Authors
of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved
with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially
invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of
information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together
they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their
profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.
|
