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Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone Necklace, 17" Features
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Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone Flower Bangle Bracelet and Pendant Set, 18" Features
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14k Yellow Gold Created Emerald and Diamond Claddagh Pendant Features
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10k Yellow Gold Diamond and Garnet Heart-Shaped Pendant, 18" Features
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Everyone knows that the Hope diamond is the biggest diamond ever found, or is it? No, it is the most expensive. Well, it's not that either. The mystery, beauty, value and stories that follow certain famous gems add a legendary quality to their existence. Here are a few commonly understood "facts" that are actually myths, or are they?
- As probably the best-known gemstone in the world, the Hope Diamond is followed by a number of myths and legends. After passing through many hands, it was donated to the Smithsonian Institute in 1962. It has been known as the largest diamond in the world, the most valuable diamond in the world and as a flawless stone. None of this is true. It is listed as a fancy blue gray diamond in color and a VS1 in clarity. A number of diamonds are larger, worth more and more flawless.
- Some say that color is far more important than clarity, especially in the fancy colored diamonds. Color, cut, clarity and carat are all important no matter what the color is.
- The Cullinan diamond is the world's largest cut diamond. The Golden Jubilee diamond at 545.67 carats is larger than the Cullinan's 530.2 carats.
- Diamonds are the most valuable stones in the world. This is definitely a highly debated point. Some say Emeralds are the most expensive and others say it is Alexandrite. The .95-carat Hancock Red diamond holds the record at 6,000.
- Pearls come only from pearl oysters. The Smithsonian has the Christopher Walling pearl, which weighs 187.5 carats. It is an abalone pearl. Mussels also make pearls.
- Diamonds are the most rare stones in the world. Many stones, such as Alexandrite, are more rare. De Beers controls the release of diamonds to keep them expensive.
- Birthstones are just something members of the jewelry industry concocted to create a market for their wares. Actually several systems of stones have been developed over many centuries. The American National Association of jewelers created the current most commonly used list in 1912. It lists faceted stones exclusively, and is said to have been created to make Mother's Rings look better. The Mystical list of stones was created in Tibet in the first millennium and the Traditional birthstone list was created in the sixteenth century.
- Pearls dissolve in vinegar. Legend has it that Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in vinegar to impress Marc Anthony with consuming the most expensive meal. This appears to be a matter of debate. The US Department of Energy Newton website for science teachers says that it is theoretically possible for this to happen because of the composition of pearls and the acidic properties of vinegar, but the size of the stone and acidity of the vinegar would affect the time it would take.
- Diamonds are indestructible. Diamonds are the 10 on the Mohs scale. Only a diamond can scratch a diamond, but they can be brittle and chip if mistreated.
Gemstone Jewelry
Jewelry and Gemstone Myths and Mysteries
Kingfisher Designs http://www.wireweavers.com
Louise Coulson along with her husband Don designs and creates jewelry from sterling silver and gold filled wire. Their jewelry shows the wire used almost as if it were a fiber. The fiber arts approach comes from Louise's long background as a weaver and the meticulous craftsmanship is due to Don's background in engineering. The pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited edition.
Alexandrite is considered to be a rare variety of the color change mineral known as chrysoberyl. The combination of rarity, spectacular color and hardness properties makes this stone highly prized and often quite costly to buy, especially for stones of a large size. Stones of one carat or larger can range in price from fifteen thousand dollars to one million dollars. Alexandrite stones are known to make dramatic color changes when for example, going from sunlight to incandescent light sources. The stones that make a change from red to blue without other colors muddling the change are considered more valuable. In some instances, alexandrite may cost more than a comparable diamond and cost may be determined by the cut, clarity and certainly the size and overall quality of the stone. Another highly prized variety of chrysoberyl is commonly known as cats eye which also changes color relative to the light source it is exposed to.
History
Gemstone Jewelry
This stone has a relatively short history compared to other gemstones having only been discovered in 1830. First mined in the Ural Mountains of Russia, the stone was dubbed Alexandrite in honor of Czar Alexander II. Since its discovery, this stone has been found in Brazil, Australia, the United States, portions of Africa and India. Depending on the region where it is mined, the stone displays very different and equally beautiful varieties in color depth. Brazil supplies most of the stones available today, though the Brazilian stones are said to not be as brilliant as the original finds in Russia.
Birthstone Information
Alexandrite is recognized as the birthstone for the month of June and associated with the astrological birth sign of Scorpio. Pearl is also recognized as a birthstone for June.
New Age Beliefs and Powers Through The Ages
The short history of this stone has not prevented it from becoming an important source of myth and popular folk lore. The Russians believe that the stone, along with being the birthstone of Czar Alexander II, was a good omen. Russian royalty was often thought to have spiritual powers and the alexandrite is said to provide a strong connection between the physical and metaphysical worlds. The dramatic color changes are thought to represent the changes that are possible in life and that first impressions can often be deceiving. Like many other gemstones and crystals, alexandrite is said to open the heart to romantic possibilities, provide inner peace and even ward off certain physical maladies.
Artificial Forms of Enhancement
There are no known methods of artificially enhancing the color or other properties of this stone though alexandrite has been manufactured synthetically and care must be taken not to buy solely on the basis of a bargain price. Always have gemstones appraised by a qualified gemologist if there is any doubt as to stones authenticity.
General Scientific Information
The chemical name BeAl2O4 and is also referred to as Chrysoberyl.
Hardness measures 8.5 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.
Birefringence is weak and ranges between 0.008 and 0.011.
Cleavage ranges from perfect, distinct to poor.
The index of refraction ranges between 1.745 - 1.759 and generally indicates the purity of the stone.
The specific gravity of alexandrite measures from 3.68 to 3.75
The crystalline system is orthorhombic.
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular jewelry site: JewelrySalesandService.com. Provides information on jewelry, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches. His website, http://www.JewelrySalesandService.com also has information on diamonds, birthstones, gemstones, pearls, gold, sterling silver,and platinum.
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Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Pendant, 18" Features
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Caribbean Gem Jewelry Cleaning Polishing Kit 8 oz - Dvd, Blue Ray Disc & CD Cleaner! Features
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Sterling Silver Seven Chakra Gemstone Pendant Necklace Jewelry Features
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Sterling Silver Marcasite and Garnet Colored Glass Heart Pendant, 18" Features
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Gemstones have mesmerized and enticed people for centuries. Legends have developed throughout the world and followed these gemstones until today. These legends and stories have only served to intensify the interest with which these gemstones have been followed. Think about the image that is brought to mind when the Hope Diamond is mentioned. Many more stones have stories and legends to equal that of the Hope.
Diamond Legends
Gemstone Jewelry
Perhaps the Hope Diamond is the most legendary gemstone of all. It has the reputation of bringing disaster to its owner. It shows red under a uvlight and is a fancy gray blue under natural light. The stone is said to be recut from a larger stone to its current shape. The Smithsonian Institute owns it. The Hope Diamond is not the Heart of the Ocean mentioned in the movie Titanic as some have said. The Hope Diamond was not on the Titanic.
Many of us have of the Taylor-Burton Diamond at 69 carats was Richard Burton's 40th birthday gift to Elizabeth Taylor. She sold the stone in 1978 to pay for a hospital in Botswana. She still wears another gift, the Krupp Diamond, which is 33.19 carats.Pearl Legends
Probably the most famous story about pearls was about Cleopatra. She is said to have bet Mark Anthony that she could host the most expensive party. To do so, she dissolved a large pearl earring in vinegar and drank it.
Early Romans thought that pearls were created as a drop of rain penetrated between the layers of the oysters. The Persians had a legend that the pearl was created at the point of meeting between the rainbow and the earth.Opal Legends
The Aborigines (native people of Australia) believe that ancestors to mark their presence left behind the opal. Some groups feel that Opals brought them fire. One local legend suggests that Muda, in the form of a pelican created Cooper's creek. He died where the opals are found and the fish in his pouch turned into opals.Emerald Legends
Emeralds were considered to be healing in the distant past. Legend has it that in the 3rd century, emeralds were used to rest the eyes and to make snakes go blind. In Arabia, it was thought that emeralds would melt the dissolve a snake's eyes. Other uses of emeralds were to cure dysentery, stomach troubles and even diabetes.It was thought that the Holy Grail was carved from an emerald that fell from Satan's crown. The Incas and Aztecs thought the emerald was a holy stone. It has even been suggested that emeralds would provide royal ancestry to commoners.
Emeralds are a form of corundum and legends abound about their powers and history, but Rubies are also corundum, and few if any legends follow Rubies.
Sapphire Legends
Early people thought that the earth was set into a sapphire. Early Persians believed that the earth rested on a Sapphire and the sky is blue because it is reflected from the Sapphire. One old legend even suggests that a snake put in a vessel with a Sapphire would die. It was believed that the Ten Commandments were written on Sapphire tablets.Gemstone and Jewelry Legends and Lore
Kingfisher Designs
http://www.wireweavers.com
Louise Coulson along with her husband Don designs and creates jewelry from sterling silver and gold filled wire. Their jewelry shows the wire used almost as if it were a fiber. The fiber arts approach comes from Louise's long background as a weaver and the meticulous craftsmanship is due to Don's background in engineering. The pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited edition.
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Carolyn Pollack Sterling Silver Magnetic Collection Pastel Gemstones 17" Necklace Features
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Topaz has a wealth of ancient history and folklore attached to it and can be found on the market in a variety of colors. The stone can be found in such diverse locations as Russia, Brazil, Central Asia, the American West and the island of Sri Lanka. Though this stone is relatively hard it should be protected when worn as a gemstone since its near-perfect cleavage makes it susceptible to breakage. The color of natural topaz stone is most often colorless to yellow but can be treated to achieve many different colors though this stone can often be mistaken for yellow corundum otherwise referred to as sapphire or for citrine. Topaz can be cut into a variety of beautiful and unique shapes, forms and facets rivaling those of diamonds and other hard precious stones.
History
Gemstone Jewelry
Stones mined in Russia were often pink in color and were once considered the sole property of the Czars in the nineteenth century and were referred to as imperial topaz. The known history of this stone dates back some three thousand years to ancient Greece and was sometimes referred to as topazos which means seeking or to seek. Topaz was very often confused with peridot stones and all stones that were yellow in color were once referred to as topaz. This stone has often been associated with sun in ancient cultures including the Romans who dedicated it to the sun god Saturn.
Birthstone Information
Yellow topaz is the birthstone of November and is associated with the astrological birth sign of Sagittarius. Blue stones are the birthstones of the month of December though blue stones do not occur naturally and are the result of a color enhancement process using irradiation.
New Age Beliefs and Powers Through The Ages
In a strange paradox of ancient beliefs, the Romans believe that this stone could, among other things, improve ones eyesight. In contrast the ancient Greeks believed that topaz could render the wearer invisible. The ancient Greeks also ascribed an increase in strength to the wearing of this stone. Like many other stones, topaz is thought to ward off physical illness and improve mental health. Some even thought that this stone could prevent the sudden onset of death. In the New Age community, blue stones aid the wearer in interpersonal communication and can aid in preventing a variety of diseases and illness.
Artificial Forms of Enhancement
Heat is sometimes used as an artificial form of enhancement which can cause a pale blue stone to fade and become colorless. If a brown stone contains chromium the color can be changed to pink or violet when heated. Stones that have been exposed to a process of irradiation turn blue.
General Scientific Information
The chemical name Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 also referred to as aluminum fluorosilicate.
Topaz is generally colorless but can be found in colors ranging from a pale blue to yellow, pink and sometimes brown.
Hardness measures 8 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.
The cleavage is perfect.
The Birefringence is weak and ranges from 0.008 to 0.011.
The index of Refraction is ranges from 1.606 to 1.638 and generally indicates the purity of the stone.
The Specific Gravity is ranges from 3.4 to 3.6.
The Crystalline System is orthorhombic.
Topaz As A Jewelry Gemstone
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular jewelry site: JewelrySalesandService.com. Provides information on jewelry, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches. His website, http://www.JewelrySalesandService.com also has information on diamonds, birthstones, gemstones, pearls, gold, sterling silver, and platinum.
The emerald is the traditional birthstone for the month of May. Appropriately so as green is the color of springtime and nature. This beautiful gemstone is also considered the cultural gift for the 20th, 35th, and 55th wedding anniversary, and is the North Carolina state stone.
Emeralds have been the romantic subject of stories and lore for generations. The Wizard of Oz ruled the Emerald City. Ancient Indian Maharajas and Maharanis collected them to adorn their bodies and palaces. Cleopatra had her own personal emerald mines. And Ireland is known as The Emerald Isle. History is full of legends and anecdotes that have been told.
Gemstone Jewelry
Emeralds are mined in many parts of the world but some of the finest and most prized come from Columbia. Colombian emeralds have a deep green color without any blue tint. Typically the deepest green gems are the most coveted. And on occasion a rare Trapiche stone, with six rays radiating from the center, is found. The rays are actually inclusions that have formed a hexagonal shape.
Emeralds are famous for having inclusions and flawless stones are very rare. Many people actually prefer the natural beauty of flawed emeralds for their unique appearance and authenticity. Emeralds are a form of the mineral beryl which is durable and rare making it a favorite to use in jewelry. Like a diamond, an emerald is also graded using four C's. In this case the last C refers to crystal instead of carat.
Color is the most important of the criteria, and crystal runs a close second. Pure green gemstones with high transparency is important. The most common cut used is an "Emerald Cut", which is a long rectangular shape with large flat surfaces. They are also cut into cabochons and used as beads. Typically the flaws in an emerald are visible with the naked eye, and if a jewelers loupe is needed, the stone is considered clear.
There are many synthetic stones that are sold incorrectly as natural emeralds so make sure to deal with a reputable and knowledgeable seller when purchasing.
Emerald Jewelry - Beloved May Birthstone and Radiant Green Gemstone
For more emerald information visit Emerald Birthstones, where I've showcased some of my favorite emerald jewelry; and my vintage charm bracelet blog Charm Chatter to read more about new and vintage jewelry
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7 Piece Gemstone and Crystal Bracelet Set, Warm and Cool, 7.5" Features
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