gemstones

A gemstone is a naturally occurring crystalline form of a mineral, valued for its rarity and beauty and durable enough to be passed down from generation to generation. Often referred to as precious or semi-precious stones is cut and polished to make jewelry or other embellishments. Some rocks, lapis-lazuli for instance and some organic materials, amber for example are also considered gemstones. Rarity and lustre are often used to determine the value of the gemstone.

Gemologists, who study gemstones, identify them by chemical composition. Diamonds are made of carbon (C) and rubies are made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3). They are also identified by crystal system or shape: cubic, trigonal or monoclinic. Habit or the nature in which they are found is gemstone identification characteristic. Other classification and identification characteristics include: group, species and varieties, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture and lustre as well as refractive index.

Since gemstones are considered very valuable and are sought after by many people, they are often written about extensively in blogs such as the Diamond Blog.

Diamonds remain one of the most coveted of the gemstones. Precious gemstones would include tanzanite, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, and are often found in many types of rings including engagement and wedding rings. An inclusion or flaw is inherit in some stones; emeralds for instance.

by Todd Mumford Are you a writer, passionate about this or any other topic? Join Blogcritics!

Latest blogosphere posts tagged “gemstones”

 

• Men Buying Jewelry For Women – Some Practical Tips For Jewelry Shopping

  
  — Authority:
  You will often admit it. It is not easy to buy women jewelry if you are actually a man. Despite this fact of life, the society is made this way… men buying jewelry for women is as suitable as men giving flowers when he wishes to make a woman happy. Therefore, buying jewelry for the opposite sex is something that ...
  4 days ago

• How to Establish the Value of an Emerald Ring

  
  — Authority:
  Estimating the value of an emerald ring comes down to two main steps: Valuing the gemstones in the ring and estimating how much the metal in it is worth. Let’s see how such an estimate can be done: Estimating the Value of an Emerald The value of an emerald is based on four main characteristics: [...]
  5 days ago

• How to Sell Your Gold-and-Diamond Jewelry

  
  — Authority:
  So, you have a gold piece of jewelry with diamonds, and you want to sell it? If you are wondering what options you have and how you can get the best price for your gold and diamonds, read on. When selling your gold jewelry, you have two main options: (1) Selling your gold and gemstones [...]
  5 days ago

• Spotlight On: Suzanne Kalan

  
  — Authority:
  As brightly colored as Easter Eggs on Sunday morning, Suzanne Kazan’s collection of luxury jewelry is bursting with bright tones from precious and semi precious stones. Featuring asymmetrical cuts, distinctive detailed designs and trend setting, bold style, the earrings, rings, necklaces and pendants in the two ...
  2 weeks ago

• How to Choose High-Quality Topaz Gemstones

  
  — Authority:
  Topaz is a very popular gemstone due to the variety of colors it is available in, its relative durability, and its affordability compared with stones such as ruby, emerald, or sapphire. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when buying a topaz gemstone to add to your jewelry collection. Topaz Basics Topaz is ...
  2 weeks ago

• How to Buy Amethyst Jewelry

  
  — Authority:
  Amethyst is a gemstone that is a common choice for jewelry lovers looking to add some violet tones to their outfits. Here’s some information about what you should be looking for when buying amethyst jewelry. The Structure of an Amethyst Gemstone Amethyst is a variety of quartz and is made up of silicon dioxide. The ...
  2 weeks ago

• Free Cabochon Beading Projects

  
  — Authority:
  I love a good challenge, dont you? How about the challengeof using a cabochon, without a hole, in a piece of beaded jewelry? When I waslearning how to bead, I was thrilled to find out that I didnt need to knowmetal smithing techniques to include my favorite gemstone cabochons in mybeaded jewelry projects. ...
  2 weeks ago

• What is Sunstone?

  
  — Authority:
  What happens when minute flakes of copper in a common orientation are scattered through a piece of transparent feldspar?
  2 weeks ago

• Engagement Ring Trends for 2013

  
  — Authority:
  Popular 4-prong diamond solitaire.    more… Women who get engaged in 2013 have more than one reason to be joyful. This year has some of the loveliest engagement ring styles available for brides-to-be. Some of those styles include vintage inspired, halo, double halo, fancy cut diamonds, and rings with intricate ...
  2 weeks ago

• How to Choose a Fake Diamond Ring

  
  — Authority:
  People often choose fake diamond rings when they want to enjoy the look of a stone that looks like a real diamond, but at a more affordable price. Let’s see what kinds of diamond imitations are available and what you should consider when shopping for a ring with a fake diamond. Fake Diamonds: What They [...]
  2 weeks ago

• A Golden Treasure Found Online – PrimeStyle.com

  
  — Authority:
  Like many girls, I had all sorts of ideas and plans about my wedding long before I even met my Mr. Perfect.  Since I wasn’t much of a ring girl, I couldn’t imagine myself wearing an engagement ring – my thought was to get another piercing in my ear when the time came, and get an engagement ear ring instead. ...
  2 weeks ago

• Trillion-Cut Gemstones: Three Ways to Wear this Three-Sided Stone

  
  — Authority:
  The trillion cut may not be as popular as a round or princess cut, but it’s no less of a star! This modern shape gives gemstone jewelry of many kinds a chic, contemporary look with its simple, striking shape. Trillion-cut (also called trilliant-cut) gemstones have, as their name suggests, three sides. It was ...
  2 weeks ago

• Healing Properties of Rhodonite

  
  — Authority:
  Here are the  healing and metaphysical properties of Rhodonite . Read below to find out more about the symbolism and  meaning of Rhodonite . Rhodonite is a stone that promotes the energy of Love and self-worth. It encourages generosity, altruism, love, and compassion in all its forms giving one greater ...
  2 weeks ago

• How to Tell a Diamond Simulant from a Real Diamond

  
  — Authority:
  Simulated diamonds are a popular alternative to real diamonds, but many people are not sure exactly how they differ and how to tell them apart. Let’s see what a diamond simulant really is and how you can distinguish it from a real diamond. What Is a Diamond Simulant? Diamond simulants, or simulated diamonds, are ...
  2 weeks ago

• Mirror Mirror Monday: David Webb Pearl Earrings

  
  — Authority:
  A gorgeous pair of designer pearl earrings should be on every lady’s wishlist. A classic pair of pearls is a necessity, but if you’re a big pearl fan, upgrading to an edgier, designer take on the style staple is a great idea. David Webb’s pearl and 18kt yellow gold earrings are a fun twist – [...] The post ...
  2 weeks ago

• What Types of Fake Diamonds Are There?

  
  — Authority:
  Fake diamonds are stones that have different chemical composition from real diamonds. These imitations can be either synthetic or natural. (Synthetic diamonds, on the other hand, have the same chemical composition as real diamonds and are not considered fake.) Fake diamonds are also known as diamond simulants, ...
  2 weeks ago

• More Maps!

  
  — Authority:
  In case you were wondering where all the turquoise is.   I also just posted my latest batch of postcard maps to my collection .  
  2 weeks ago

• Natural vs. Synthetic Diamonds: What Is the Difference?

  
  — Authority:
  Synthetic diamonds are a great alternative to natural ones, but many people tend to be suspicious of diamonds that are created artificially. Let’s see what synthetic diamonds really are and how they compare to naturally occurring diamonds. How Natural Diamonds Are Created Diamond is a substance that is made of ...
  2 weeks ago

• Happy birthday Emerald people

  
  — Authority:
  The birthstone for May is Emerald!! Possessing a big, perfect emerald can hold almost as much value as possessing a small diamond.  Emeralds have 6 sides, and typically come from Colombia. According to the American Gem society, Emerald symbolized rebirth and is believe to grant good ...
  2 weeks ago

• On Gemstones

  
  — Authority:
  A few disclaimers first:- I do not suggest gemstones as a remedial measure. I do not wear any gemstones. The following is my personal opinion and it is not my intention to question the astrologers who prescribe gemstones. There are astrologers who vouch for the efficacy of gemstones. There are also some ...
  2 weeks ago

Comments about gemstones