Warning: You appear to be using an obsolete browser, and soon you may not be able to access our website. We strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser as soon as possible.

Search Results

Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “Purple-stones”

Showing only FJU Article results. Click here to show all results.

Fine Jewelry University (Show All FJU Articles)

  1. Group of loose amethyst gems emerald cut trillion and oval

    Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst

    Amethyst is known for its beautiful purple color, and it is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Purple has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been in so much demand throughout history. Gemology Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is colored by the presence iron and aluminum. The violet color of amethyst can range from a pale lavender to a deep, dark purple, and it is often found in shades of pale to medium purple. Amethyst is typically found

  2. A group of tanzanite loose gems and rings

    Gem in the Spotlight: Tanzanite

    Beauty and rarity are two wonderful traits in a gemstone. Tanzanite has them both. In fact, it is estimated that Tanzanite is 1,000 times rarer than diamond. But, what makes Tanzanite so popular is its color. Tanzanite’s gorgeous color is a captivating mix of blue and purple. The deep hues of violet, indigo, and blue come together in an unrivaled blend only found in tanzanite. Yet, even with its rarity and dynamic look, tanzanite is still less in price than more commonly known gems like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Gemology

  3. Three loose rubies in a row triangle oval and pear shaped

    Gem in the Spotlight: Ruby

    Ruby has been the most prized gemstone for much of human history. It's rich red color is spellbinding and it remains a symbol of power and success even to this day. It is a hard and durable gem that, with proper care, can be treasured for generations. It is also a useful gem as its unique optical properties made a crucial component in the world's first functioning laser. Let's dive in to the gemology, history, and lore surrounding the incomparable ruby.

  4. A collection of jade jewelry and loose gems

    Gem in the Spotlight: Jade

    Jade has one of the richest heritages of all gemstones. People have been using jade from as early as 6,000 BC, and it has been an incredibly important part of Asian, Central American, and North American history ever since. But, what is jade, and what has given it such a prominent place in human history? The term “jade” actually refers to two completely different gems: nephrite and jadeite. These are actually two unique mineral species, but since they have been confused for so many years, and are similar in many

  5. Opal Rings With Loose Opal Gemstones

    Gem in the Spotlight: Opal

    Opal has been described as containing the wonders of the skies, sparkling rainbows, fireworks, and lightning. Its dazzling play of color is totally unique in the gem world, and the lore that surrounds it is almost as colorful as the gem itself. Opal is the traditional birthstone for those lucky enough to born in October, and it is found in a huge variety of colors (sometimes all within the same stone). Gemology of Opal Opal’s captivating dance of colors is a result of its unique internal structure. This gemstone is

  6. The different parts of an engagement ring

    Anatomy of a Ring

    Knowing the different parts of a ring can help you make a better decision when choosing a new ring and it can help you know when your ring may need maintenance. It’s also a fun way to impress your friends with your vast knowledge of jewelry terms. Shank Every ring has a shank. This is the technical term for the band of metal that encircles the finger. There would be no ring without the shank. If the ring has a distinct design feature on the top part, the ring shank

  7. Polarized light diagram

    The Magic of Polarized Light

    In this article we do a deep-dive on polarized light and how it is used in gemology. You'll learn what polarized light is and how it's used in our daily lives. You'll also see lots of great, visual examples of polarized light in action as it is used to help identify gemstones in our lab.

  8. Lasers are now used for jewelry repair

    Laser Jewelry Repair

    When you hear laser you probably think of blowing things up (all you sci-fi people) or high tech scientific experiments or even crazy villains trying to take over the world with a “laser”. One of the last things you think a laser can do is to work on your intricate jewelry. Well, laser technology is making it possible to work on jewelry that once was impossible to fix or too costly to fix. Now Arden Jewelers has a powerful laser to repair our customer’s jewelry. Lasers can repair an antique

  9. Collection of loose and mounted quartz gems of various types

    Gem in the Spotlight: Quartz

    Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on earth, and yet it can also be one of the most valuable. Many quartz gems are common and affordable, while some varieties are very rare. Some are Plain Jane like rock quartz, others are exotic like Drusy Quartz. Some quartz material is a dollar per pound others are $1,000 per carat. Quartz is a gemstone with surprising variety.