As the name implies synthetic diamonds look like real diamonds but do not have the same properties as real diamonds. The ability to determine the differences between chemical compusosition, hardness, weight, and some of the light handling characteristics of real diamonds and synthetic diamonds with the naked eye is extremely difficult. Man-made diamonds are not considered synthetic diamonds because they do have the same properties as real or mined diamonds.
An Emerald Cut diamond is a diamond that has been cut to a rectangular or square step cut with diagonally cut corners. It usually has 2 to 4 rows of parallel facets to the center of the stone. A very popular style of cut used for Emeralds hence the name. What makes this cut unique is the large flat face (table) when viewed from the top.
This flat face highlights the clarity of the diamond so only high quality diamonds are cut to this shape. The lack of impurities and inclusion in the stone will increase the price so emerald cut diamonds are usually more expensive than other cuts with the same caret weight.
Amethysts generally come in the color purple, and are used as an ornament. In fact, the Amethyst was one of the first gemstones that man used for jewelry. Ancient people believed that Amethysts have the power to prevent intoxication, protect travelers, assure victory and give business success to the wearer. The word “Amethyst” comes from the Greek “a” meaning “not” and ” methuskein” meaning “to intoxicate”. According to Greek myth, the goddess Diana turned a nymph into amethysts because Bacchus, the god of wine loved her which caused Diana to be jealous.
The state of Nevada has many old mines, which once produced beautiful turquoise gems. Unfortunately, few of them are being worked today, in spite of the new resurgence of the popularity of turquoise. For many years, the US had a historical tradition of small-scale mining, and individuals or small groups of miners would spend part of the year working the higher-grade sections of old mines and ship the high-grade ore to be processed at smelters or other facilities. Those individual prospectors that made a valuable find could make a decent living off their claims - or at least a nice supplement their other income. In the 1940s and 1950s, that tradition began to die out and only a few hardy souls remain that work their claims on a small scale and make a living off them.
If gold and silver jewelry is too expensive, then organic jewelry can provide the same decoration for a much cheaper price. Organic jewelry started from the Native Americans by using connecting simple seashells together. Today, organic jewelry has evolved into a major role in the fashion industry. The most popular type of organic jewelry today would be in the form of pearls.
Where do pearls come from? Pearls come from an irritation in an oyster’s shell. The irritation is then covered with calcium carbonate which after many years turns into a pearl. Pearls were first used for jewelry by the Native Americans that first settled the land. Thousands of years later, they are now considered a must-have fashion accessory.
The first wave of gem-quality manufactured diamonds hit the market late in 2003. Man-made diamonds is nothing new and the technology has been available since the mid 19th century. Small diamond crystals were created for industrial purposes such as grinding wheels, drill bits and saw blades. What is new is that a Florida based company can now produce rough 3-carat gem-quality diamonds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at a cost of less than $100 dollars.
Some folks really enjoy owning unique and special jewelry pieces. Something that makes a piece special is if the jewelry contains a rare and unusual gemstone. One of the most underrated and little known gemstones on the market is chrysoberyl. Although it is rare, this stone is very hard and durable and well suited to any jewelry use, including rings. It has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale which goes from 1 to 10. The most common colors of chrysoberyl range from honey yellow to yellow green, and the colors are quite intense.
Having grown up immersed in south Asian culture, I came to be familiar with jewelry as a standard accessory and essential part of a woman’s expressive identity. In my culture, women adorn themselves with precious jewels as readily as one would put on their wristwatch here in the west. Upon moving to the United States as a young woman, I discovered that jewelry is looked upon as a luxury, usually bestowed upon a woman by her significant other, and only on special or rare occasions.
The emerald is one of the most beautiful, popular and highly prized gemstones in the world. These fascinating radiant green stones are used in top of the line jewelries. Some of the finest emeralds can even cost more than diamonds.
For many mystics and energy healers, emerald stones are believed to help heal relationships and good for the heart and one’s health. The beautiful green color is said to bring about harmony, love and joy of life. It is also the birthstone for the month of May.
Amethysts generally come in the color purple, and are used as an ornament. In fact, the Amethyst was one of the first gemstones that man used for jewelry. Ancient people believed that Amethysts have the power to prevent intoxication, protect travelers, assure victory and give business success to the wearer. The word “Amethyst” comes from the Greek “a” meaning “not” and ” methuskein” meaning “to intoxicate”. According to Greek myth, the goddess Diana turned a nymph into amethysts because Bacchus, the god of wine loved her which caused Diana to be jealous.