Latest Gemological Article
The Hobby Of Loose Gemstone Collecting
By Lee MacRae
Many people today say collecting loose gemstones or loose diamonds is their favorite hobby. They simply love the beauty and the colors of the wide array of gemstones found worldwide today. This article will discuss a number of things you need to know in starting in this interesting hobby.
The first step in beginning this hobby the smart way is by acquiring knowledge about them. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you can locate all you need to know about the subject that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.
To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural materials you can find. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they have even lent their names to specific colors. Everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green Gemstones become higher in value the closer they come to the natural spectral colors of violet, blue, green,, orange and red. They are valued much less the more they deviate from the spectral color.
The cut of the stone is extremely important and factors highly into the appraisal of not only diamonds but gemstones as well. A precision cut gemstone showcases the natural color of the gemstone, lessen any inclusions and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One excellent method to determine the precision of the cut is to look at how well it reflects light on a consistent basis over the stones complete surface. If the gemstone is cut to shallow much of the light will refract out of the gem rather than reflecting internally. That will make the gem seem washed out and windowed.
Next to look at is the aspect of clarity. Clarity is the term that refers to internal flaws (inclusions) or the external blemishes of a stone being considered. Any large flaws can easily be seen with the naked eye while others need a 10X magnification.
Next comes size and weight. All gemstones [except for pearls and corals] are priced by the unit, carat. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams. You should know however that weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can very. Take a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and you will see that a similar sized ruby or sapphire is 1.20 carats.
Collecting gemstones as a hobby can become an enjoyable pastime and also rewarding in the long run. You don't need to spend a lot of money and yet you can end up with some very beautiful stones. Many people loved to spend weekends to go hunting for raw gemstones. Just in the United States in New Mexico you'll find Turquoise, Garnet, Peridot, Rock Crystal and Obsidian And if you like to travel farther you can find opal in Coober Pedy, Andamooka or Mintabie in South Australia, topaz in Beechworth, Victoria or hunt the quartz regions in Beechworth and Mooralla in Victoria Australia.
Buy pear Tourmaline loose gemstones along with a loose diamond lot as well as natural diamonds today in our store!
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Tips On loose accent diamonds
Authentic emeralds are very expensive, and not available to the casual collector
. However, with today.s technology scientists can make lab-created emeralds that
can be sold at affordable prices on the open market. They are made by exposing
thin slices of natural beryl to a chemical mixture that is akin to an authentic
emerald. The mixture is one of pure filtered water and acids. Then it is put
under intense heat in saline solution. Then the stone slices cool until crystal
forms and it reaches a gem like thickness. When this process is complete it can
be cut and processed like a gem.
Buy loose Agate gemstones today!
Peridot is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of "pitdah". Peridot gems along with other gems were probably used in the fabled Breastplates of the Jewish High Priests, artifacts that have never been found. Legend has it that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. Crusaders brought peridot to Central Europe where it is found in many medieval churches such as the Cologne Cathedral. In the Baroque era the deep green gemstone experienced another short flourishing, before it became forgotten again.
Napoleon used peridot to assure the empress Josephine of his undying love and admiration, which, of course, happened before he had their marriage annulled.
Throughout time, peridot has been confused with many other gemstones, even emerald. Many "emeralds" of royal treasures have turned out to be peridots.
The largest cut peridot was found on the island Zabargad, weights 319ct and belongs to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
Buy loose square Princess Emerald gemstones today!
Topaz is a beautiful light blue or yellow stone. Yellow Topaz is November's
birthstone while blue topaz is December's birthstone. It is much less expensive
than aquamarine. It looks beautiful in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants
.
Buy loose pearl gemstones today!
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