The Basics of "Gemstones"


Ruby

Rubies have been revered for thousands of years. They have been prized as a symbol of love and immortality. Legend has it that ruby bestows freedom upon its wearers, as well as charity, dignity and divine power. In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. In India, Hindus believed that the ruby possessed an inner fire that was never extinguished, causing it to shine even through the wearer's clothing.

Rubies are always fashionable and compliment virtually every wearer. Ruby is the birthstone for July and the traditional gift for 40th wedding anniversaries. It is also given to celebrate the birth of a daughter.

The ruby is one of the hardest and most durable gems, ideal for all types of jewelry. It consists of crystallized corundum with a small percentage of chromium oxide that creates varying shades from pale pink to deep crimson. As a member of the corundum mineral family, the ruby is a close cousin to the sapphire. Depending on the depth of pink in the stone, it may be classified as either a sapphire or a ruby: The deeper pink gems are considered rubies while paler pinks are considered sapphires.

Rubies are treasured first and foremost for their color. Secondary to the stone's value is its brilliance and liveliness. Truly fine rubies of any size above two carats are very scarce and are seldom seen outside the Far East. Inclusions are common, yet rather than indicating poorer quality, they distinguish the genuine stone from the synthetic one.

The name ruby comes from the Latin word "rubeus," meaning red. The most famous source of fine quality rubies is Burma, which is now called Myanmar. In the past, this region's mines yielded rubies that were often described as "pigeon's blood" - a spectacular shade of pure red with a hint of blue, with superb transparency. Today, the term Burmese Ruby is commonly used to describe all rubies of this deep rich color. The rubies currently mined in Myanmar are medium to light red, and are known for their life and brilliance.


Sapphires

In folklore, sapphires were thought to protect a wearer from harm, and were believed to cure all sickness and evil. They are also said to symbolize long-lasting love. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a great sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its blue color. Sapphires were also thought to have strong medicinal powers, particularly the ability to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eyes. Sapphire is the symbol of truth, sincerity and faithfulness. It is September's birthstone and the traditional gift for 45th wedding anniversaries.

As a fellow member of the corundum gem family, sapphire is a cousin to ruby. Sapphire is most popular as a blue gem, with the most valued specimens a vivid cornflower or electric blue. Sapphires are also naturally found as pink, yellow and green gems, making them very versatile. Blue sapphires get their color from iron and titanium. A small amount of iron creates yellow and green tones, while chromium produces pink. When corundum appears in colors other than red (ruby) or blue, it is called a fancy sapphire. The most expensive of the fancy sapphires are Padparadscha sapphires, which are pinkish orange, and Alexandrite-like change-of-color sapphires.

Because they are the second-hardest substance (next to diamonds), sapphires are well suited for all kinds of jewelry and resist scratching. They are available in an extremely wide variety of price ranges. Like rubies, the primary factor in determining a sapphire's value is its rarity of color; secondary is its brilliance. Next most important are consistency of color and depth of color.

For years, the most desirable blue sapphires were said to be a velvety, violet-tinged cornflower blue known as Kashmir Sapphires. These high-quality stones are associated with legendary mines in Kashmir, India, but are also found in Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Burma (Oriental) Sapphires are characterized by a fine, rich or royal blue that is almost electric in color. Compared with Kashmir sapphires, they look "inky" under artificial light and lose some of their color.

Thai or Siamese Sapphires tend to be a very dark blue to bluish-black color, but gemstones approaching the quality of Kashmir sapphires are often found in Thailand as well.

Sapphires of varying color and quality can also be found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Montana, Africa and Australia. Virtually all sapphires are heated to bring out their best color and enhance their appearance.


Emeralds

Mention of the emerald dates back to 2,000 BC - to Cleopatra's emerald mines in Egypt. A wellspring of mystery and superstition, the emerald is a symbol of immortality, kindness and faith. Legends say that wearing an emerald allows the owner to foretell the future (but research your stock buys anyway.) Emeralds were also thought to strengthen the memory and enhance eloquence. The ancients held the emerald in great esteem, believing it sharpened the wearer's eyesight and mind. They also thought its clear depths held the key to happiness in love, and for women, safety in childbirth. Travelers relied on emeralds as protection against the hazards and perils of long journeys.

History tells us that when Cortez first invaded the Land of the Incas in Peru, he found their artifacts covered with emeralds. Under torture, the natives told their conquerors that the emeralds came from the bellies of green boa constrictors and the gallstones of dragons - but they never revealed their true source.

Emerald is the birthstone for May and the traditional gift for the 20th and 55th wedding anniversaries. The birth of a son may also be celebrated by giving the mother an emerald.

The gem of royalty - in fact, known as the "queen of gems" - emerald is one of the most coveted and valuable of all gems. It belongs to the beryl family, and is synonymous with brilliant gemstones of medium to deep green color. The exotic green color is caused by a trace of chromium in the crystal.

Emeralds are found in large, hexagonal crystal formations weighing up to 2,000 carats - or in very tiny ones weighing 1/4 carat. These crystals grow with clean, parallel lines known as "soignee." This visible network of criss-crossing veins within the emerald is called "jardin" in French, or garden.

Emeralds are subject to more of nature's growth variations than most colored stones. While very few emeralds are perfect to the eye, inclusions can prove that a stone is genuine. The two kinds of birthmarks found in emeralds are skeins (heavier streaks formed during the crystallization process) and silks (air bubbles that resemble needle points.) Keep in mind that these inclusions also make emeralds more fragile than other gemstones. When wearing an emerald, make sure to protect it from sharp blows and limit exposure to sudden temperature changes.

As expensive as fine diamonds are, a large emerald without inclusions is so rare that carat-for-carat, it is likely to be worth considerably more than a fine flawless diamond. The most prized emeralds come from Columbia, India, parts of Africa and Afghanistan.

Virtually all emeralds are oiled to brighten their colors and mask their natural cracks. Occasionally, some are dyed to deepen the color of paler stones. Consistent with its high standards, Shane Co. does not knowingly purchase or offer any emeralds that are dyed.


Garnets

Garnet stands for constancy, true friendship and fidelity. These gems were thought to enhance sincerity, and quell anger and discord. Perhaps because of their blood-like color, they were believed to stop hemorrhaging or other loss of blood, and cure inflammatory disease. Travelers trusted that carrying a garnet would protect them from perils. Garnet was said to promote a long-lasting love, prevent depression and aid in hearing difficulties. It is January's birthstone.

Best known in a deep red variety, garnets are hard but brittle, durable and often very brilliant. The name comes from the Latin "granatus" which means grain or seed-like, in reference to their rounded crystals. Garnets are found in many colors (except blue). Their color and availability make them an attractive and affordable alternative to rubies when a red stone is desired.

Pyrope garnet refers to red stones with a brown tint, mined primarily in the Czech Republic, South Africa and Australia. A popular type, Rhodolite garnet, is characterized by a lovely rose-red or pale violet color. Almandine garnet is another red garnet with a violet tint. Other garnets are found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, Zambia, India, Afghanistan, Austria. The most valuable garnet is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Known as Demantoid, it is a green garnet with a diamond-like luster.


Topaz

The name topaz has been said to come from the Sanskrit word meaning "fire" or "yellow." It is said to signify fidelity, and was also reputed to cure insanity, asthma and insomnia. The ancients believed topaz could drive away sadness, prevent bad dreams, strengthen the intellect and bestow courage. In gem lore, topaz supposedly cools tempers and wards off sudden death. Topaz is the symbol of love and affection. Topaz is the birthstone for November; blue topaz is one of the gemstones associated with December birthdays.

Topaz is a brilliant stone with a fine color range, but it is much rarer and more expensive than the quartz stones commonly sold as topaz. While most topaz is golden yellow or orange brown, some of the most beautiful specimens of this transparent mineral family appear in a vivid blue color. Blue topaz is now a favorite in jewelry, due to its complimentary color and affordable price.

Topaz deposits are most prominent in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma) and Russia. Smaller deposits are found throughout the world, including Australia, Japan, Mexico, Africa and the United States. Light blue topaz is naturally found in Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.


Amethyst

The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethustos," meaning "not drunken." It was believed to bring peace of mind to the wearer and to prevent him or her from getting drunk. No wonder the Greeks were known to drink wine from beautiful amethyst cups! The amethyst was worn as an amulet and credited with many supernatural powers. It was thought to bring luck, ensure constancy and protect the wearer against magic and homesickness. Roman women believed amethyst could ensure their husbands' love. Amethysts were also believed to sharpen intelligence and control evil thoughts. Amethyst is February's birthstone.

Regal yet affordable, amethysts are treasured for their transparent, softly brilliant color, which ranges from pale violet to deep purple. They are among the most popular and interesting gemstones. Uncommonly rich in color, amethysts are crystals of quartz (silicon dioxide), the most common mineral in the earth's crust. Related quartz gemstones include tiger's eye and citrine. Because amethysts are relatively durable, affordable and always in style, they are popular for jewelry of all types.

Amethyst is found primarily in alluvial deposits, with the most important sources in Brazil, Uruguay and the Malagasy Republic.
 

© 2001 by HubertGem.com   -   info@hubertgem.com   -   Toll Free: 1-866-HUBERTS