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 In a wide
meaning gemstones or gems, also known as precious or semi-precious stones, are
pieces of minerals, are classified as naturally explored and handmade stones.
Natural rocks are mined in the Earth interior while artificial gems are created
by people. Gems produced in the laboratory enjoy practically the same chemical,
physical and visual properties as natural rocks and minerals. Such precious
stones are comparatively less expensive than natural gem stones. Sometimes
semiprecious and artificial gems are much more beautiful and are finer
polished. Nevertheless experienced gemologists and scientists suppose that only
natural minerals from the depths bring positive and healing effect to the
wearer.
For
centuries people loved wearing gemstones, and they were favorable not only
among women. Amethyst, rock crystal, amber, garnet, jade, jasper, coral, lapis
lazuli, pearl, serpentine, emerald and turquoise were rocks and minerals first
used in making jewelry. They symbolized wealth and represented social status.
In the
longstanding, healing characteristics of the precious stones were widely
practiced. Also they were worn not only for the purpose of beautifying but as
talismans to escape from the evil spirits.
Nowadays
ladies wear gemstone jewelry for its aesthetic value and beauty. Today's
jewelry is very diverse, created as a sculpture would be formed. Jewelry has
become an art form. Gem stone jewelry and beaded jewelry is extremely popular. However,
more superstitious ones wear jewels with stones for their mystical properties.
The weight
of the precious stone is referred to as «carat». In the early 1900's carat
weight was adjusted to the metric system and one carat is equivalent to 1/5th
of a gram. Precious stones smaller than one carat are described in points; one
point equals .01 of a carat. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh fifty
points as .50 or a half a carat. The size of precious stones is expressed in
millimeters.
Ruby Gemstones
If you were born in July, ruby is your special birthstone, but ruby jewelry is
a universal favorite. We associate its color with the universal feelings of
love and passion so ruby jewelry has always been in need and demand.
It is so
surprising but ruby is the mineral form of alumina which crystallizes in the
hexagonal system. It is the second hardest minerals of two. It has a hardness
of 9.0 on the Mohs scale. The word ruby brings to mind powerful emotions of
passion, romance and power. The red color is caused by the presence of element
chromium. The name origins from rubber, Latin for red. Fine ruby is one of four
most expensive minerals, close to diamond. Yet, transparent, flawless rubies
exceed all other gems in value.
Ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum. Sapphire, the other gem variety
of corundum, includes all colors of corundum aside from red. Essentially, ruby
is a red sapphire, since ruby and sapphire are similar in all properties but
color. The color of ruby ranges from bright red to dark reddish-brown. Rubies
have long been thought to have healing properties in treating both the blood
and matters of the heart. Due to its protective features warriors were
recommended that they wear them for wars.
As a
precious stone for jewelry the ruby has a very interesting history. The Crown
of Charles IV of Luxembourg of 14th century had a ruby of 250 carat. A 137 carat
cabochon star ruby is at the Smithsonia. The most
expensive ruby under auction sale was 15.97 carat, and was actually sold for
$3.63 million in 1988.
Gemstone
tips
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Find more
tips on how to keep your jewelry from precious stones in good condition.
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Be careful
when cleaning the gemstone. Dust with soft tissue only
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Cleaning
non-porous gemstones use a weak solution of ammonia and use it with a soft
cloth
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Avoid
heating your gemstone or do not cause heating
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Avoid
exposing gemstone jewelry to chemicals. Chemicals and detergents can harm the
stones and destroy the stone's finish
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Store your
gemstones in a special jewel box avoiding contact with other jewels
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Avoid wearing
your jewelry when doing household working
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Chemicals
and cosmetic means may cause your jewelry damaged
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Wear all
those cosmetics, perfumes and colognes prior to putting on jewels from precious
stones. Once you spoil your jewels with some of the above wipe clean with a
soft tissue
Guide to
buy gemstone jewelry
Once you decided for a ruby gem stone jewelry they are available in various
colors. Just shop for the one that suits your image or is your birthstone or
whatever. Also you may want to think of another mineral, for example, opal.
Opal is a
mineraloid gel that may occur in the fissures of any kind of rock. Opal ranges
from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, pink, olive, and black in
color. Red opals against black are the most rare and expensive.
While shopping make sure that the color of the gemstone you liked is even
through the jewel. While choosing earrings, bracelets, rings or necklaces, just
make sure that all gems are placed properly and fit the jewels. To achieve more precious looking appearance or
fineness you may want to have some gemstones treated or enhanced or even change
their color.
Birthstones
and Gemstones
There are gemstones associated with birthdates, called birthstones. Enjoy the
following.
January - deep red color of the Garnet reminds of Victorian era jewelry
February - rich
purple color of the Amethyst reminds of royalty
March - pure
clear blue Aquamarine reminds of the sea
April - Diamond
is a category unto itself
May - deep
brilliant green Emerald is the most highly prized and most valuable gemstone by
weight
June -
pearl was one of the most highly prized and sought after gems
July - long
considered the king of gems, the ruby is said to symbolize love and passion
August - bright
green Peridot is said to have been the favored gemstone of Cleopatra
September -
a gigantic blue Sapphire in which the Earth is embedded
October - brilliant
and multicolored Opal. These fragile Australian gems are beautiful and
attainable.
November - colors
of this golden gemstone make Citrine the perfect November stone
December - wonderful
winter colors of this gemstone make the Blue Topaz the perfect December stone
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