Gemstoned
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| Diamonds * Emeralds * Rubies * Sapphires |
Diamonds were originally found in India but now they can be found in South Africa, Brazil and many other places. Speaking of other places, I can't wait to find my way to the Crater of Diamonds in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Approximately 300 miles away, taking less than 6 hours to get there, doesn't seem too far for a road trip. I'm going to do my research and be prepared.
Guide for recognizing a diamond in the rough. (*Sniff*) That's what us experts call a gemstone when found in their natural state in the ground. You know, before they are all polished up and stuff, they are in the "rough."
I can hear a diamond calling my name. Hold on my precious, I'm coming!
Diamonds possess qualities that other stones don't and can be found in a lot of different colors. Other than the traditional "white" they can be found in black, brown, yellow, blue, green and many other shades too. Diamonds are found in deposits of gravel, sand or clay and even in river beds.
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| Look at those eyes. Precious! |
Emeralds are the rarest of the precious stones and are considered to be more valuable than even the diamond. Skillful marketing early on probably played a part in the diamonds social status today. Unlike diamonds, emeralds are found in the rock in which it was formed, it never occurs in deposits of gravel or sand. The best stones are known to come from Columbia, South America. But the United States have unearthed some beauties themselves. A rich and dark color is mostly seen and even given the title "emerald green." It's often used to describe the green color of other items. But an intense fresh (lighter) green shade is more highly valued in the market.
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Image courtesy: Gemstone Universe and shared on Quora |
Rubies can be dated back in early history before all of the other precious stones. Burma is known to produce the best of the best. The rubies from Burma are a shade of red slightly inclined to the purple and often referred to as "Pigeon Blood Ruby." Rubies can also be found in Ceylon, Siam and Australia among other locations but they do not compare to the deep, rich color produced by Burma.
Corundum is the mineral where genuine rubies containing irregularly shaped bubbles can be obtained. Imitation rubies contain perfectly round bubbles. All genuine stones contain flaws. The fewer the flaws, the rarer the gem. A manufacturer, being more careful than nature, can produce an imitation stone with imperfections that are much less noticeable. A trained gemologist will be able to tell the difference.
I just had to share the awesome picture above of an untreated ruby from Burma. Isn't it gorgeous! Do you see the rose that appears naturally in the center. It's no wonder these are the most desired rubies.
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Sapphire reminds me of the color cobalt.
Am I the only one? |
Sapphires can be found in the same local as the ruby and many parts of the world. The largest number and best quality are known to come from Siam. Close to the diamond in hardness and like the ruby, its value is measured by its color and quality. The most desired and valuable are a deep blue but other colors have been discovered including red, green, yellow and pink.
Popular semi-precious stones used in jewelry
Alexandrite - grass green/combined red color
Amethyst - pale purple
Aquamarine - sea green
Chrysoberyl - yellow - pale green
Lapis Lazuli - deep blue
Moonstone - pearly - opaline lustre
Opal - opalescent - fire redness
Peridot - deep yellow/green
Topaz - transparent - pale yellow
Tourmaline - transparent - pink or green
Tuquoise - blue
Zircon - blue/green
Coral - red
Carnelian - deep red, flesh red or reddish white
Garnet - red
Jade - green - white, yellow, black, pink, gray
Malachite - green
Agate - reddish - yellow red
Azurite - blue
Bloodstone - green with red
Chrysoprase - translucent green
I decided not to be so hard on myself. Making candy, sharing and eating candy is fun. I will do that and that's it. Okay, probably should send out cards, don't want to hurt any one's feelings. And there are a few little ones on my nice list that probably are expecting a gesture of love via a present. Wouldn't want to disappoint. Bah hum bug!
There seems to be hope for me yet. What keeps drawing me in more and more, year after year is the vintage costume jewelry with a Christmas theme. There seems to be more tree brooches than anything else. But you could probably find a fine example of anything Christmas, for example: wreaths, bells, reindeer, Santa, sleigh, fireplaces, poinsettias, candles, toys, stockings, tree lights, snowflakes, snowmen, presents, bows, candy canes, ice skates, pine cones, etc. And they all are done with the dazzle and fine craftsmanship we have come to expect from the vintage designers. Some are signed and some are not. The usual rules still apply.
I think I remember receiving this type of jewelry during gift exchanges either at church or school when I was much younger and not liking them very much. "If I only knew then..." I loved looking at all the different jewelry pieces. Entertained me for hours. These pics are just a sampling of what's available on the Internet.
