Gemstone Jewelry Secrets Revealed

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."
 
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!

Sapphire : A Gemstone of Wisdom and Purity

 
 

All corundum (aluminium oxides) that is not red is called sapphire. The word sapphire comes from the Greek ‘sappheiros’ meaning blue. However, sapphire does not occur only in blue color. Sapphires can be yellow, green, brown, purple or pink, depending on the presence of various types of minerals. For example, the presence of chromium produces pink sapphire and the presence of iron produces yellow and green sapphires.
Sapphires are mainly found in Sri Lanka, India and Burma. Indian sapphires come from Kashmir. They are cornflower blue in color and are regarded as the finest blue sapphires. Sri Lankan sapphires are the most common and are typically light to medium blue in color. The majority of fancy-colored sapphires available in the jewelry industry are from Sri Lanka. The most common of these fancy sapphires are yellow, or golden, and pink in color. The pinkish orange ones are the rarest and most expensive.
Sapphires are also found in Thailand and Australia, and they are dark blue in color. The gems obtained from these two countries generally belong to the category of the inexpensive to average priced range of sapphire gems in the jewelry market. Montana is the only important source of sapphires in the United States. The sapphire produced is of an attractive metallic blue in color. China, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria have recently also become sources of sapphires.
Most of the sapphire gems being sold today have had their color enhanced, most commonly by heating. The purpose of heat treatment is to enrich the color and improve the stone’s clarity. With this method of treatment, colorless or paled-colored stones can be turned into brilliant blue or yellow ones. Depending on the original material and the type of heating process, heat treatments of gemstones can produce a variety of results. For example, sapphires that have rutile (titanium dioxide) crystals can be treated by heating and then being cooled rapidly. This would result in the rutile crystals dissolving into the corundum and the gemstone becomes clearer. Colorless or pale-colored stones after undergoing heating without the presence of oxygen would turn to rich blue color. However, if these stones are being heated in the presence of oxygen, they would turn into intense yellow color. Most yellow sapphires have been treated in this manner.
Sapphires have been of great significance to past societies. For example, the Mystical Jews considered the blue gemstones as a secret message from the beyond. The Persians believed that the world is resting on a giant sapphire and the sky is a reflection of the color of the stone. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, sapphires were believed to be an antidote against poisons. Although sapphires occur in a wide variety of colors, traditionally blue has been the most popular and valuable. The blue sapphire gem was widely used in jewelry of royalty and was considered the most appropriate stone for ecclesiastical rings. It is known to be the bestower of truth and good health.
 

Gemstones are considered beautiful, rare and durable. The beauty of a gemstone is undiminished with time. A gemstone could sparkle as brightly many years from now. It has lasting value and is well liked by many. Hence, beautiful pieces of gemstone jewelry are created and widely used for personal adornment as well as gifts for friends and loved ones. Presenting these beautiful items as gifts is always well loved and cherished.
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. As such, a piece of jewelry with this gemstone makes a perfect elegant birthday present for those who were born in that month. Sapphire is also the anniversary stone for the 5th and 45th year. A piece of jewelry with this gemstone can also be a great anniversary present in these years. You will be amazed how this beautiful gemstone can be made into different jewelry items such as rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, brooches and pendants. With such a wide variety of items, you will never experience any shortage of gift ideas.

Some people buy gems for the purpose of collecting them. They find these gems fascinating and enjoy having a collection of the pieces that they like.

Multi Gemstone Rings, Why Wear Rings With Many Gemstones

   Look around and you will find that gold rings or silver rings with many colored gemstones are very popular. The eariliest jewelry designs for rings with multiple gemstones were mainly an effort to combine sparkling diamonds with larger sized gemstones. The diamonds were included to add accent and glitter to the gemstone.

However the current trend is to combine various colored gemstones into one ring. There are a few reasons why jewelry lovers choose to wear such multi colored gemstone rings:

(1) The first and foremost reason is the beauty and attractiveness of rings with multiple gemstones. The color combinations are unlimited and you can let your fancy run wild. Your imagination and the size of your budget are the only known limitations.

(2) Rings with many gem stones also match well with garments of different colors. Put simply, a ring with a deep red garnet and a citrine gemstone would go well with a dress that is red or off white, or yellow etc. This is a major consideration especially in these days of limp and staggering world economies. This is like getting extra mileage for the dollars you spend.

(3) Another concept that is getting to be popular in recent times is about 'family birthstone' rings. In this multi gemstone ring designs, the birthstones of the family members is combined into a ring. So the father, mother and the daughter would all wear rings that consisted of birthstones for three of them. For example, the emerald birthstone for the mother and the ruby birthstone for the father would be combined with the garnet birthstone of the son. It is not necessary for all the family members to wear the same multi gemstone ring design. The theme is to include all birthstones in each of the rings they wear and the ring designs could be different.

(4) For many centuries man has believed in the healing powers of gemstones. Different gemstones are believed to have different powers and a combination of the gemstones is supposed to yield the best results. The Asian Navratan ring or the 9 Gemstone ring from Thailand are classic examples. This is also one reason for wearing multigemstone rings.

(5) Adding significance to wedding and engagement rings. Marriage signifies a life long bond between two people, it is a tying up of destinies and personalities. Each year, numerous couples seek to make special multiple gemstone rings with the birthstones of each other set in the rings. It is expected that this trend will grow in the next few years. It is an attempt to highlight the importance and sanctity of marriage as a commitment rather than, a casual attempt to live together without thought for the future.

Peridot : A Gemstone of Vitality

Peridot is a lovely green gem which is sometimes confused with emerald. It tends to be clearer than emerald. Peridot is made up of the mineral forsterite (magnesium silicate), a member of the olivine mineral family. It comes in shades of yellowish green to darker, purer green colors. In fact, pure forsterite is colorless, however, the presence of iron produces shades of green. The more the iron content, the darker is the color of the stone. If there is too much iron, the stone becomes dark colored with brown tones, which makes it less attractive. Good quality peridot is deep, pure green in color. It is very attractive but very rare.
Peridot gemstone has a distinctly oily appearance and greasy luster. It has a high birefringence, hence, doubling of the back facets can easily be seen when viewed from the front. Birefringence refers to the property of light as it travels through certain directions in the crystal, it would split into two paths and produces two separate images. Peridot is a relatively soft gemstone and thus, it can chip and scratch easily. Special care should be taken in wearing it so as to protect it from scratches. Peridot is widely available in small sizes. The larger stones are becoming scarce, hence, the prices for good quality ones with high carat weights are fairly high.
The Red Sea island, which is known today as Zabargad, is an important source of peridot. Burma, Arizona (United States), Norway, Brazil, Australia, Pakistan, China, and South Africa are also sources of peridot. China produces large amounts of small sizes of less than two carats stones and they are pale green in color. Due to the low prices of these Chinese peridots, these gems become one of the most affordable gems in Asia. Traditionally, some of the largest, finest specimens of peridot have come from Myanmar, however, Pakistan is now mining similarly large and beautiful pieces.
 

Peridot was a favorite of the ancients and is known to be a powerful gem. From early times, peridot has been associated with the sun and was believed to have medicinal powers. According to history, peridot was commonly used to adorn religious objects in Europe. Peridot was believed to be able to free the mind of envious thoughts and was considered to be an aid to friendship. Due to its yellowish green color, it was also believed to cure or prevent diseases of the liver and dropsy.
Gemstones are considered beautiful, rare and durable. The beauty of a gemstone is undiminished with time. A gemstone could sparkle as brightly many years from now. It has lasting value and is well liked by many. Hence, beautiful pieces of gemstone jewelry are created and widely used for personal adornment as well as gifts for friends and loved ones. Presenting these beautiful items as gifts is always well loved and cherished.
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August. As such, a piece of jewelry with this gemstone makes a perfect elegant birthday present for those who were born in that month. You will be amazed how this beautiful gemstone can be made into different jewelry items such as rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, brooches and pendants. With such a wide variety of items, you will never experience any shortage of gift ideas.
 

Some people buy gems for the purpose of collecting them. They find these gems fascinating and enjoy having a collection of the pieces that they like.

Turquoise - December's Gemstone Of Blissful Blues

Turquoise is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in blue and turquoise hues, and is widely recognized as the December birthstone as well as the 11th anniversary gemstone. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, turquoise holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your turquoise jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today! 

Turquoise can range from grey to green to blue and yellows, often veined by the brown matrix with varying textures, and is only found in dry, barren regions. As a far back as 6000 years ago, this stone is one of the oldest to be used by man, for both jewelry and ornamental purposes. Around 5500 BC, the ancient Egyptians found turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula. Around 1900, Queen Zer’s tomb was unearthed and she was found wearing a turquoise and gold bracelet around her wrist. 

Turquoise is said to bring luck and fortune to the wearer, and a feeling of calmness with its cool color tones, in addition to wisdom, and is often popular in Southwest, Native American, and Egyptian jewelry designs. 

Turquoise gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with black onyx, pearls or sterling silver. More casual combinations include softer contrasts with black pearls, carnelian and ruby. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring turquoise, visit www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone.Turquoise is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, citrine works well to enhance the luster of hazel eyes. 

Chinese Turquoise comes in both green and blue colors, with many subtle color variations throughout the stone, and has spider web (matrix) veining. There are four to five regions in China where they are mined. The Ma'ashan turquoise mine is located near Shanghai, in addition to the Hubei Province, just to name a few. 

As far back as approximately 1700 BC, Turquoise was used in China mainly for ornamental carvings and other artistic purposes. In Beijing, at the Academy of Social Sciences, there is a bronze and turquoise plaque on display which is thought to be from that era. 

Chinese turquoise is almost always stabilized, and will not be as likely to be affected by lotions or perfumes when it is worn, protecting the color of the turquoise from outside elements. 

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise comes from the Sleeping Beauty Mountain in Globe, Arizona, which is one of the largest mines as to date. Sleeping beauty comes in many hues of light to dark blue. Turquoise is mainly found in the US, Australia, Chile, Mexico, and historically, Iran.

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Turquoise gets a score of 5-6, meaning that it is fairly scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of everyday jewelry. Turquoise gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic clenares, solvents and harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage 
semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls. 

Aquamarine – March's Gemstone Of Ocean Dreams

Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of clear ocean blue, and is widely recognized as the March Birthstone and the gemstone for the 18th anniversary. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, aquamarine holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your aquamarine jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today! 

The beautiful Aquamarine is semi-precious, a light greenish blue to a vibrant blue variety of the species beryl, which makes it a relative of the Emerald. The name Aquamarine is derived from Latin, meaning seawater. "Aqua" translates to water and "marina" translates to sea. This seems especially appropriate for aquamarine's barely-there icy blue tones to intense greenish-blue tones, reminiscent of the sea. Also believed to embody the spirit of the sea, it has been regarded as a symbol of purification, ever-lasting youth, and happiness. 

The sparkling tones and light blue hues are said to evoke feelings of trust, harmony and sympathy. The unique blues that the Aquamarine displays are said to represent eternity and life-giving properties, since it is, after all, the color of both the sea and the skies. 

Aquamarine gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, black pearls or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored combinations with quartz, raw diamonds or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring aquamarine, visit www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone. Aquamarine is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes. 

According to legend, Aquamarine originated in a treasure chest for mermaids. Throughout history, Roman fisherman have used aquamarine as protection from the water, as the gemstone is believed to lend strength and confidence. Aquamarine's powers are said to develop best if the stone is immersed in sun-drenched water. Carrying aquamarine is also believed to guarantee a happy marriage, making the owner not only happy, but wealthy as well. 

Mostly mined in Brazil, China, and Pakistan, Aquamarine is the designated birthstone for the month of March. It is also the zodiac sign Pisces assigned gem, and for the18th anniversary. This gem is often cut into faceted shapes, smooth cabochons, beads and carvings. 

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Aquamarine gets a score of 7.5-8, meaning that it is quite scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Aquamarine gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water or an ultra-sonic cleaner. Avoid solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls. 

Diamond – April's Gemstone Of Sparkling Glamour

Diamond is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is a clear stone revered for its ability to reflect light, and is widely recognized as the April Birthstone and the center stone used in most American engagement rings. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, diamonds hold a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that add nostalgic value to their already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your diamond jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today! 

Diamonds are prized for their beauty and durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond is the world’s hardest known natural material. In fact, the word "Diamond" comes from the ancient Greek adamas, which means invincible. Because of their durability, Diamonds have been used in tools for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as religions icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. Since then, they've become highly coveted gemstones. 

Diamonds are often described and valued by their gemological characteristics: The Four C's (carat, color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used in many types of fine jewelry, they are traditionally associated with engagement and wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, yellow and brown Diamonds are the most common. Any Diamond with a hue other than brown or yellow is considered a colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds are pure or nearly pure. The color scale for colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). 

Diamonds look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, dark amethyst or cool blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored blends with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. Diamond is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes. 

Almost half of all Diamonds come from mines in central and southern Africa. The other half comes from mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Today, the jewelry industry is buzzing about high-quality or lab-created diamonds. These synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular structure as natural diamonds. With public concerns about the mining industry, these man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative to the real thing. 

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds are often proved real by the fact that they can scratch glass. Because they are such scratch resistant stones, diamonds are extremelty suitable as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls. 

Nine Points To Ponder Before Buying Gemstone Jewelry

1. Many types of gemstones are treated. In the marketplace,

there are two types of gemstones, those that are completely natural and those that have been treated or enhanced. Any gem may be treated, 95% of all rubies, sapphires and emeralds are enhanced. Prices for untreated gems of similar quality are usually higher. A competent jeweler should be able to tell you which of the stones on offer have been treated and put it in writing. If it is a substantial purchase and want an untreated gem insist on an independent laboratory grading report.

2. If you are seeking a quality colored gemstone it is usually best to buy the stone loose then choose a setting. Manufactured jewelry requires uniformity in quality, size and weight. Most jewelry is produced in multiples. Stones must also be uniform to fit pre-made settings. Fine gemstones are rare and do not come in standardized sizes and shapes.

3. Colorless diamonds under ten carats are not rare. Diamonds under five carats are normally available in more or less standard sizes and shapes.

4. 18k is the aristocrat of gold. Most jewelry in the U. S. is 14k.

Jewelers will sometimes claim that’s because 18k is too soft. This is simply not true. 18k may be a hard and durable as 14k depending upon the alloy. Goldsmiths favor 18k because it develops a lovely buttery patina with age.

5. Cut is the first C in diamond grading. If you are shopping for a diamond you will hear about the 4 C’s’ Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight. Not all are of equal importance. Cut is the first C. Diamonds are all about brilliance, proper proportions are what deliver that sparkle. When buying a round diamond insist on a ideal Cut with a certificate from either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA-GTL) or The American Gem Society (AGS).

6. If you are considering platinum, keep in mind: Platinum is 40% denser than pure gold, meaning that an equal amount of platinum will weigh twice as much as the gold ring you see on the jeweler’s shelf. Today, platinum costs about twice the price of gold and requires much more time to finish. Expect to pay as much as twice the price of a comparable gold piece.

7. Platinum is the best choice for your solitaire diamond. Diamond color is all about the elimination of yellow. Diamond is graded on a scale from D to Z. D color is totally colorless, Z is noticeably yellow. Yellow settings add back the yellow that you paid to get rid of. Platinum is more durable than gold and your best choice for those tiny little prongs that hold your engagement gem.

8. Burmese rubies, Ceylon Sapphires and Columbian emeralds just to name a few examples, are often touted as the best of the best. This can be a snare and a delusion. Gems from these areas have developed reputations based on the quality of the finest from the geographic area. Does that mean that all Ceylon sapphires are better than Madagascar gems? Here lies the snare. A given sapphire from Madagascar might be exceptionally fine whereas a given stone from Ceylon might be better off used as aquarium gravel. Gems are all about beauty. Either the gem on offer is beautiful or it not. Geographic origin should be a secondary consideration.

9. Handmade is often better made. If you are contemplating an important purchase you should consider a handmade setting. Handmade means that the setting is fabricated around the gem directly from gold. Like a custom suit, in the hands of a skilled goldsmith, a handmade setting can bring out the best in the gemstone.

Jewelry and Gemstone Care & Cleaning Tips

Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants; no doubt about it everybody loves beautiful gem stone jewelry. Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling and negligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous for years to come.

1. Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise. Even the hardest gem of them all, diamond, can shatter in two with a single well-placed blow. Never remove rings by pulling on the stone: that habit may result in a loose, then lost, gem.

2. Most importantly, store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don’t scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.

3. Rings in particular tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, particularly if you wear them all the time. You need to clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine. To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle dish soap. Use a bowl of water rather than the sink to eliminate the risk of anything going down the drain. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth (you want to make sure threads won’t catch on the prongs) For diamond, ruby or sapphire, a touch of ammonia in the rinse water won’t hurt a bit and can add extra sparkle (for platinum and gold only, not silver!). Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds and rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems many not be, in particular emerald, opal, pearls, peridot: when in doubt, leave it out.

4. Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light.

5. Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, require special care because they are rocks, not crystals of a single mineral like transparent gems. There gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it. Never use and ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution.

A little care and common sense can add life, luster and longevity to your precious jewelry and gems. Protect your investment by following the above guidelines.

Strategies for Success in the Exciting and Lucrative Home-Based Business of Jewelry & Gemstones

The business of jewelry is one of the most fun, exciting and profitable businesses that exist. The demand for jewelry by consumers is unrelenting and consistently growing. Like any other business worth pursuing by a new- comer; the jewelry business requires research, ongoing education, focus and persistence. Fear not,the rewards for this effort can be well-worth the investment of time and energy making jewelry one of the best home-based business opportunities available.

Finding your Niche

The world of jewelry is vast and can be overwhelming. It is imperative that the prospective jewelry entrepreneur narrow down to a specific area in which to concentrate there marketing efforts. In other words, you must avoid the temptation to spread-out in several directions. Rather, you should become an expert, a specialist. The ideal is to find a niche within a niche. Stake your claim and mine that pocket deep and hard. For example, sterling silver cat jewelry ,14 KT. gold Celtic jewelry, wire -wrapped birthstone jewelry etc.

Selecting your Approach

After the budding jewelry entrepeneur has settled on their niche, they must decide which business model makes the most sense to them. The following represent five basic strategies that one might follow:

1. Buy wholesale-sell retail- Remember, you make your profit by buying well. Any Search Engine will reveal countless wholesale sources, move steadily forward. Do your research. Not all wholesalers are equal. In fact, many so-called wholesalers are not really wholesalers at all and prey on the unsophisticated. Applied knowledge is key here.

2. Import directly from manufacturer and sell wholesale. This strategy is not the best for beginners, but if you have ties and are comfortable with a country like India, Thailand, Mexico and others. This can be a lucrative approach. Start small and learn the ropes before you grow.

3. Become an affiliate for an existing web-based jewelry company. This strategy is excellent for beginners, as it requires no inventory and you use the company's web-site. Also, they handle the product fulfillment and shipping. This is a great, low-risk way to get started.

4. Join a jewelry MLM- There are some advantages here and some individuals enjoy this type of marketing, again, do your due-diligence before you jump-in.

5. Make and sell your own jewelry- If you have the talent and the time, this path can be very rewarding. One tip, unless you want to be a starving artist; find out what type of handcrafted jewelry consumers will actually buy and produce jewelry for that market.

Marketing and Selling Jewelry

Once you have identified your niche and selected your approach, you need to explore marketing and selling for profit. Here are some suggestions for how and where to sell jewelry.

1. Special Events- Craft shows, wine festivals, Celtic festivals, street fairs etc. In the beginning, concentrate on low-cost booth fees i.e. under $100 until you gain experience.

2. Home parties- Low overhead. These can be a goldmine if you work them well. Referrals are the key to success.

3. Ebay- an easy, low-cost way to sell jewelry on the internet.

4. Your own website.

A. Ebay or yahoo store- both are excellent because of there built-in shopping audience and credibility.

B. Buy and fix-up a previously owned website-Many websites are For Sale by Owner on ebay.

The jewelry business can be a wonderful full or part-time home-based business. Use this article as a basis for your education. Learn everything you can about your chosen niche, study marketing and develop your selling skills. Keep a positive attitude and success will certainly follow.

Gemstone Jewelry

Women love to wear jewels that satisfy them and assure them of their eternal power and beauty that they possess. Apart from diamond, silver, gold and platinum, gemstones jewelries are also getting popularity among women because of their myriad color and radiance which equally bring out the best in its wearer.

It is also a strong believe that gemstones jewelries greatly affect us if worn according to the astrological believes and thoughts. Some people are also of the opinion that gemstones available in different colors and patterns can lay their positive effect on us that may results into the change in the thinking pattern and behavior of its wearer. So, the positive effect of these stones also attracts people to wear them according to their birth number or month or their zodiac sign. You can actually see a whole lot of ornaments available in gemstones in the market today.

There are a whole lot of variations available in gemstone jewelries. Choose as per the size of your pocket and preference. For example, amethyst, a purplish color gem that is the birthstone for all February babies come in different shades and sizes. You can stud your gem in a glittering diamond or in a shining platinum base. Further, you can also use any other metal that suits you the best and bring out the hidden meaning to enhance your look. Thus, it’s not that purple means a strict purple, you can choose which shade of purple is the one for you.

But, these gemstones jewels have a limitation too. It is really not suitable for funky, trendy and stylist people who like to do alteration in their dressing and outlook. Like,

Pearl is recommended for people born in June that makes it unsuitable for people born in other months of the year. It is also said that unsuitable gems may carry a negative effect on its wearer thus if a June baby wants to decorate herself with rubies, she may have to fear its negative impacts too. Due to this, these gemstones are not gained that height of success that they deserve.

As a solution for this problem, manufacturer has come out with a concept of mix jewelry that combines more than one stone of similar effect to retain its astrological sense giving it a really trendy and mesmerizing look. So, if you are a lover of these stones and quite experimenting on your looks, go for mixed colored stones for their best results.

Stunning Gemstone Jewelry Is The Icing On The Cake

 Shopping for gemstone jewelry can become confusing sometimes because of all the jargon that comes attached. You can get natural gems, genuine loose gems, synthetic gems, simulated and treated gems! Although it may seem daunting, the reality is quite different. I will run you through the terminology of these stones and soon expel any confusion you started off with. 


A natural gem is quite straight forward and it does what it says on the label. Yes, that's right, it occurs naturally from   
the earth itself. It is gathered together, cut and polished and  
then put for sale. However, you should know that the stone 
has not been altered or enhanced in any other way.

A genuine gem is a natural gem. Do you see the clever play on words, subtle huh? They are both the same and are both real stones, even if they have been altered in some way. But not all natural stones are necessarily expensive. 


The synthetic gemstone looks very similar to a natural stone with regards to its physical, chemical and optical qualities. But the difference is that it is created in a laboratory. Synthetic stones have been around for some time and in the past they were easy to spot, but nowadays a synthetic gem is harder to identify. So make sure you buy your stones from a reputable seller. 


The advantage of a synthetic stone is that it can be just as beautiful as the real thing but not create as big a dent in your wallet as a natural stone.

Here are a few of the most popular stones available to     
purchase online: 

Amethyst - This stone is the most highly valued and renowned gem of quartz family. Its pricing is reasonable, which is why it is a popular choice. 

Diamond - The hardest known gem on earth and probably one of the most popular because of its status. the clear or white  

diamond is the most famous yet it is available in other colors. 

Emerald - A well known stone which has allot of history. This 

beautiful gem is a striking tropical green sea color, which  

dazzles when you lay eyes on it. 

Ruby - Some consider this gem to be foremost amongst all the stones. The brilliant red color of this gem is stunning and set against gold in an exquisite piece of jewelry, this stone can be jaw droppingly beautiful. 

Topaz - This stunning stone can be very expensive and rare and comes in a wide variety of colors. 

How to Buy Gemstones on the Internet

6 Rules for Avoiding Ripoffs and Finding a Great Stone at a Good Price 

Are there great bargains in gemstones on the internet, as many people claim? Or it as risky as the tourist who buys gems on the street in Bangkok, hoping to sell them at a profit back home, only to find out he's bought worthless glass? 

The simple answer is that some buyers of gemstones on the internet do get ripped off, or at the very least, get less than they paid for. But at the same time, experienced buyers routinely find excellent buys – perhaps not the fantastic bargains that some claim, but choice and value that far exceed what they can find in retail outlets where             
they live. 

So what do you need to know to buy gemstone online? Do you need to be a gemologist in order to tell the fake stones from the real? What about all the gem treatments that people talk about -- heating and "cooking" of gems? How can you tell whether a gem has been treated? Or does it really matter? 

Here are 6 rules that will help you become a successful buyer. Follow them faithfully and your chances of finding excellent values in gemstones online will be as good as the experienced buyers who had to learn the hard way. 

1. Know why you’re buying 

There are 3 main reasons why people buy gemstones – because they are collectors, or because they are investors, or because they want a lovely stone to set in a piece of jewelry. 

If you’re an investor, you want a gemstone that will appreciate in value so you can sell it for a profit later. Our advice: don’t even think about buying an investment-grade gemstone on the internet. The stones that appreciate most are rare stones, and rare stones are expensive (we're talking tens of thousands of dollars). Find reputable dealers near your home and establish a business relationship. Insist on lab certifications to protect your investment. And good luck. As much as we love gemstones, we think we'll stick with mutual funds for our retirement. 

If you’re a collector, you might want to buy stones on the internet. There are many reasons to collect gems, just like collecting cars or stamps. A collector might aim for breadth in his collection, and try to collect samples of all the different varieties of gemstones. Or he might focus on one gem and collect sapphires from all the different regions where they're mined (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Madagascar, Tanzania, etc.). The possibilities are endless. 

The collector usually has a shopping list, so the internet is a very good way for him to locate items for his collection from many different dealers. Of course if he is looking for very rare items, he becomes more like the gem investor – as soon there are very large amounts of money on the line, the rules change. Then he's better off dealing in person with dealers near his home. 

Finally, we have the most typical buyer – someone who is looking for a very nice stone to have set in a custom piece of jewelry. This includes craftspeople who are making jewelry, either for their friends or as a small business. If you're willing to spend a little time, you can find a tremendous choice of gems and many excellents values online. But you need have some idea of what you want. If you don't make a list of requirements you'll be overwhelmed by the variety of gemstones, colors and shapes. You need to focus on specific gems and educate yourself about the specific kind of stone you want to buy. 

2. Know what you want 

So what do you want this gemstone for? A ring? A pendant? Earrings? It's an important question because some gemstones are suitable for some "applications" but not for others. Every gemstone has a hardness rating (on a scale of 1 to 10). Some stones are very hard (like diamond, ruby and sapphire) and some are quite soft (like opal, sphene and fluorite). Softer stones are not suitable for rings, because rings typically take a lot of knocks and scrapes. But softer stones are fine for pendants or pins or earrings, where they are less likely to be damaged. 

Next, think about your preference for gem type, color, shape and size. If you have your heart set on a sapphire, that makes your search easier. But if you know only that you want a brilliant red-orange stone for a pendant, you want to narrow your search to a group of gems, such as citrine, fire opal and garnet. 

Finally, decide how much you’re willing to spend. Attractive natural gems come in all price ranges, from $5 to thousands. You're not going to find a nice sapphire or ruby for $5, but you can find many beautiful stones in the garnet and quartz families, for example, for very affordable prices (under $25). 

The key to a successful buy is getting the best possible stone for the best price. It's all about value. 

But it's not just about buying the best possible sapphire, for example, that you can buy for $300. The fact is, the sapphire that meets that description might not be the right thing for you at all. The best sapphire for $300, based on gemological critieria, might be only 1/4 of a carat! But you may be looking for a stone of at least 1 carat for a ring. So it's a question of what you can find that meets all your criteria. The gemological critieria are actually only one factor in this buying decision. You need to buy the best stone for you. 

3. Know who you're buying from 

Five years ago it was hard to find online gemstone dealers. Now there are thousands of them. Who can you trust? Who has the best prices? Who ships reliably? Who has a fair return policy? 

These days there are many online gemstone companies who are honest and reliable and sell quality product. If they're not, they don't stay in business very long. Negative information travels fast in the global internet village and good companies guard their reputation as much as they do their bottom line. So selecting a reputable company is extremely important. Check the search engines for negative comments on companies you're considering – if their customers have been unhappy, you'll find plenty of references. 

Here's a short list of what to look for: 

* Does the dealer provide his company name, physical address, phone, fax and email? Don't deal with someone who tries to hide his identity. 

* Has the dealer has been in business for at least a few years? Bad companies rarely survive that long. 

* Is the dealer committed to customer satisfaction? Some dealers just want to make a sale, but real businesses want you as a long term customer. It's usually easy to tell the difference. 

* Does the dealer provides photos and descriptions for each individual stone? Some dealers have stock photos and descriptions and can't be bothered to photograph every stone. Don't buy a stone without detailed information of that specific stone. 

* Is the dealer forthcoming with information about gem treatments? An honest dealer will disclose all treatments. Does he provide lots of reference information so you can educate yourself about the gems he has for sale? 

4. Use a safe payment method 

Pay for online purchases with a payment method that offers you some consumer protection, such as a credit card or PayPal. Do not ever pay by money order or wire transfer or any method that leaves you no recourse if you are unhappy with your purchase. 

5. If you can't return it, don't buy it 

Your best protection in any purchase is your ability to return the item for a full refund. Buying a gemstone on the basis of a photograph and a description is not foolproof, and if you're not completely delighted with what you've bought, return it. If the dealer doesn't have a "no questions asked" return policy, buy from someone else. If the dealer stands behind his product, he's unlikely to be trying to pull any fast ones on you. His money-back guarantee mean he's very confident that you'll be happy with your purchase. Beware of unreasonable restocking fees -- anything over 5% is not really a money-back guarantee. 

6. Understand the economics of the gems business 

Use your economic common sense. The gemstone business is just like any other business – people buy material, they add value to it, and then they find a way to reach the market. If the seller buys a lot of material, he gets it at a lower price. If the goods have to pass through many hands before they reach the consumer, then those goods are going to be more expensive. If the dealer has a lot of expenses – high labor costs, a big marketing budget -- you're the one paying for it. Companies become successful when they are committed to their business and have many happy customers. 

So what does all this wisdom mean for you? I can sum it up for you in this way: 

* Buy close to the source. If you're buying on the internet, your supplier is never further away than 3 days or so by air courier. So cut out the middlemen whenever possible. 

* Buy from suppliers who have a significant stock – it means they are volume buyers and have lower costs. 

* Buy from a vendor who is committed to the online business. Check to see if new content is added regularily to his website, and if the gem stock is current. Don't buy a gem unless the vendor can guarantee that the specific stone is in his stock. 

OK, so you’re still a little worried, right? What about all those ripoffs? What about the fake stones and the heat treatments and all the technical stuff that gemologists go on about? 

A large part of your problem is solved by choosing a reputable dealer. Reputable dealers don't sell fake stones. As a business strategy, it's simply stupid and risky. No one wants to put his whole business at risk for the sake of a little extra profit. Do be aware that there is a market for synthetic (i.e, lab-created) stones. In the case of a sapphire, for example, this is a not a fake stone – it's real corundum, the same stuff as a genuine sapphire – but it's not a "natural" stone. A dealer selling such a stone will always label it as "synthetic". 

As far as gem treatments are concerned, assume that the gems you are buying are treated, with heat or irradiation or chemicals or a combination. For the most part, these treatments are permanent and do not affect the physical integrity of the stone. It's a fact of the gem business today that most gems are routinely treated to improve color. It's the reason why there are affordable gemstones at all in the market. If you’re buying a $10,000 ruby that the seller claims is untreated, then you need to get a lab certification on that gem before you pay that kind of money. We don't recommend buying $10,000 rubies online. But when you’re buying a very nice sapphire for $300, you can be fairly sure that it's a treated stone. What matters is that you find it beautiful, and that you're delighted with the the final result.