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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “Sterling silver sapphire”
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Fine Jewelry University (Show All FJU Articles)
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The Magic of Polarized Light
…gemstones, due to their unique chemical structure, actually polarize light themselves. These gems are doubly refractive (DR) and they will split incoming light in multiple directions. Some common examples of doubly refractive gems are sapphire, tourmaline, and moissanite. These are contrasted with singly refractive (SR) gems like diamond that only bend light in one direction. Gemologists use the term birefringence to refer to how doubly refractive a particular gem is. By …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst
… found in smaller deposits in other countries such as Russia, the United States, and Canada. Amethyst is known for its durability with a Mohs hardness rating of 7. For reference, amethyst is roughly as hard as tourmaline, softer than sapphire and topaz, and harder than opal and tanzanite. This makes it a durable gemstone that is resistant to scratching and chipping. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals which means that it can withstand daily wear and tear. Amethyst …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald
… and aquamarine) and are valued for their rich green color. The intensity of an emerald’s hue depends on the presence of chromium and vanadium in the crystal structure. Emerald’s Mohs hardness rating is 7.5-8 making it softer than sapphire and harder than amethyst and other quartz varieties. The refractive index of emerald ranges from 1.57 to 1.58, making it a moderately refractive gemstone. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.65 to 2.75. One of the distinctive features of …
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How to Value Inherited Jewelry
… minus any cost for re-cutting or re-polishing the gem if it is worn or cut in an obsolete style. Intrinsic diamond and gem prices are not readily available like precious metal prices are to the general public. The gold, platinum, and silver prices are well publicized. The diamond and gem wholesale trade keeps their prices confidential, so there can be a large difference in these prices depending on the dealer you talk to. Using this standard can lead to a value that is …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Opal
…a refractive index of 1.37 – 1.47 and a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6. This makes it one of the softest gemstones commonly used in jewelry. For reference, here are the Mohs hardness values for some other gemstones you may know: Diamond 10, Sapphire 9, Amethyst 7, and Peridot 6. Turquoise is about as hard as opal, but you would need to consider Pearl or Amber (both 2.5) to find a commonly used gem that is softer than opal. Common Opal Treatments There are several different …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Quartz
… Bloodstone Green jasper dotted with bright red spots Carnelian Reddish orange chalcedony Gemology of Quartz Quartz is known for its durability with a Mohs hardness rating of 7 (harder than opal and peridot but softer than topaz or sapphire). This makes it a fairly hard gemstone that is resistant to scratching and chipping. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals, which means that it can withstand daily wear and tear very well. All quartz has the same refractive index at…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl
…rainbow colors that shimmer on or just below a pearl’s surface). Pearls come in a range of colors, from white to black, with many shades in between. The most valuable pearls are those with a pure, even color, such as white, pink, or silver. Luster: Luster is the intensity of light reflected from a pearl’s surface. Pearls with excellent luster have sharp bright reflections on the surface. Pearls with high luster are more valuable than those with a dull or cloudy surface. …
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Types of Necklace Chains
… jewelry and a form of currency. Traditionally made in high karat gold (22-24k), the baht chain has been used as both an investment and a means of trade. The Baht is the official currency in Thailand, and it is named after a weight of silver (or gold) of the same name. One baht is approximately fifteen grams. Chains of this style have historically used S style claps for easy removal when trading. PROS Traditional Style – The baht chain is instantly recognizable, and it …
