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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “gem spotlight”
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Gem in the Spotlight: Iolite
Iolite is maybe not the first gemstone people think of for their blue-violet jewelry, but it should be near the top of the list. Iolite’s color range … sapphire, tanzanite, and amethyst. They may have name recognition, but iolite has a rich, unique color and great gem value on its side. It is more subtlety nuanced than amethyst and deeper than many tanzanites. Iolite’s name comes from …its color. The color you see is the natural color of the stone when it was first discovered. This adds value to many gem buyers who don’t want a treated gemstone. Color Me Impressed Iolite is strongly pleochroic and will exhibit a …
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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… 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… emerald green that is almost transparent, and it is called “Imperial Jade.” Jade is one of the top selling gems in Asia, but its beauty and cultural importance have landed it a spot as one of the most important items in the global gem …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Topaz
… isn’t found there, but the island used to be a source for peridot which was confused with topaz before modern gemology. In ancient times, topaz was believed to protect its wearer. Topaz was also thought to initiate healing, increase or …and even allow the wearer to go unseen by enemies. In the Victorian era, blue topaz signified faithfulness and love. Gemology As we mentioned at the start of the article, topaz comes in a huge variety of colors. Some of these varieties …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Aquamarine
…, aquamarine was believed to guarantee a happy marriage and inspire mutual fidelity in newlyweds. Notable Aquamarine Gemstones The largest gem-quality aquamarine gemstone ever mined was 19 inches long. The largest cut aquamarine is named… family jewels have been passed down for generations but this tiara she special ordered from Garrard in 1957. The Gemology of Aquamarine Like emerald, aquamarine is a member of the beryl family (along with morganite, heliodor, and others…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Alexandrite
… than sapphire, emerald, or even ruby, alexandrite has been known around the world as one of the most sought-after gems for the better part of 200 years. But, what makes this stone so special? Gemology of Alexandrite Alexandrite is the …. Alexandrite isn’t the only stone to display color-change phenomena. There are color-change varieties of many gems including sapphire, tourmaline, spinel, garnet, etc. Alexandrite is, however, the most famous for it. It is so famous, in…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl
… are both simple and infinitely complex. Let’s explore the science, history, and lore surrounding this most unique gem. How Are Pearls Formed? Pearls are formed when a foreign object enters the shell of a mollusk and irritates the soft …or some type of composite). History and Notable Pearls Pearl is the traditional birthstone of June and is a favorite gem for weddings. Natural pearls have been discovered and cherished for hundreds of years. Only more recently have …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Peridot
Peridot is a lovely yellow-green gem with a rich history. Legend has it that Peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. The ancients called it the “…dissolve curses but only when set in gold. Peridot is the birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Peridot’s unique yellow-green color is very attractive. The name “Peridot” is … by its soft appearance. Color is the most important characteristic when determining the value of a Peridot gem. The deeper green the peridot is, the higher its value. There is a lot of confusion over the pronunciation of peridot. It is …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Morganite
Morganite is a beautiful, soft pink gemstone and a graceful expression of elegance. It is not a very well-known gem, but it definitely should be. It is …salmon. It is the subtle, understated nature of Morganite’s color that sets it apart from many of the more popular gemstones. Morganite has an impressive family tree. It is a beryl gem which puts it in the same family as emerald and …, contributes to the pink color of Morganite. Morganite was known as Pink Beryl until George F. Kunz, the chief gemologist at Tiffany & Co., suggested to rename the gem Morganite in honor of the legendary financier and gem collector …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Spinel
… of an action movie, but it could also be the title of this article. For years spinel has been confused with other gems and even today is often used as a substitute for similar looking stones. In recent years, spinel has started to move …own right, and we can see why. Its colors rival even the best rubies, sapphires, tourmalines, and other more popular gems. For only the 3rd time in the last one hundred years, the industry is modifying the official birthstone list. …
