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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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