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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “pearl spotlight”
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Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl
Pearls have captured the imagination and adoration of people from diverse backgrounds throughout history. They are both … 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 mantle tissue … and protect itself. Over time, layer upon layer of nacre is deposited around the irritant, eventually forming a pearl. This process can occur naturally or via human intervention. Natural pearls grow in the wild without human intervention…
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How to Clean Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are considered by many to be symbols of purity and chastity. But even symbols of purity get dirty from time to time…As you know pearls are produced when a mollusk secretes nacre to form a covering around a foreign body in its shell. Pearls are not as durable as gemstones produced by the heaving pressure beneath the earth’s surface. Therefore special … on and the first thing that you take off. Common personal products like cosmetics and perfume can severely damage pearls. They should be cleaned in warm soapy water periodically, gently scrubbing individually with a soft brush. A soft …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Opal
… 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 treatments that can be applied to opals to alter their appearance. By far the most common is “sugar” or “smoke…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Alexandrite
… is simply one of the most magnificent gemstones that exists. Its almost magical ability to change color has captivated our hearts and minds for generations. Alexandrite is one of June’s birthstones (along with moonstone and pearl) making it a great gift for that special someone with a birthday in June. Alexandrite is perfect for someone who wants the best of the best with a rare twist. One final note: while alexandrite in its natural form is expensive, its lab-created …
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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.
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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
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Gem in the Spotlight: Garnet
Garnet’s rich history and varieties demonstrate garnets are more than the little red gem. Garnets allow for great personal diversity and style. The wide world of garnets invites all to become a garnet fan. Garnet is January’s birth stone. January babies born in the midst of cold, white (valley fog) and at times stark surroundings are rewarded with one of the most varying birth gemstones…Garnet. Garnet’s pizzazz energizes the gloomiest day. Garnet varieties brighten the world in colors of yellow to gold, bright orange to true orange, brown to cinnamon,
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Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald
Emerald is a stunningly beautiful green stones in Beryl family. In this article we take a deep dive into the mythology, history, and science surrounding this incredible gem. You will learn about Nero's emerald sunglasses, Cleopatra's emerald collection, and the science of fracture filling gemstones. In the end, we can say that no jewelry collection is complete without a beautiful emerald.
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Gem in the Spotlight: Sapphire
Few gems capture the imagination as does sapphire. Sapphire’s beauty inspired people to wonder. Ancient cultures had many lore and beliefs about the sapphire. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its color. Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Symbolizing truth, sincerity and tradition, it has been said that when Moses received the Ten Commandments they rested on tablets of sapphires. Marriage partners put great faith
