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Diamond
Sapphire
Ruby
Emerald
Pearl
Garnet
Amethyst
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Aquamarine
Peridot
Tourmaline
Topaz
Opal
Citrine
Turquoise |
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Treatments
and Enhancements
Find your Birthstone
Find
Your Wedding Anniversary Gemstone |
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Diamond
A diamond is a mineral consisting of 100% Carbon. This crystallized carbon is created deep within the core
of the earth more than 3 billion years ago and brought to the surface by volcanic eruption. Most of the
diamonds sparkling on fingers today are more than 100 million years old! Although diamonds are associated
with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright color – green, red, pink, blue,
canary yellow and amber. These "fancy" colored diamonds are highly prized. Occasionally, to improve appearance,
diamonds are laser-drilled, and sometimes a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures.
Diamonds may also be irradiated or heated to induce fancy colors. For more information on diamonds including
shape, color, and clarity please see <<How to Buy a Diamond.>> |
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Sapphire
A variety of corundum, sapphire comes in all colors except
red (known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue.
Fancy colored sapphires – including pink, green, orange
and golden yellow. As part of the customary fashioning process
sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their
color. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect
it from scratches and sharp blows. Sapphire is found in Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya,
Tanzania, China and the United States. |
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Ruby
Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because
of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "rubber,"
it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of
corundum and only exists as a true red in color. The finest
color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red. Many believed
rubies possessed an inner flame that burned eternally. As
part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all rubies
are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it
from scratches and sharp blows. The finest rubies emanate
from Burma, having been mined there since ancient times. Other
sources include Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania,
Cambodia, Afghanistan and India. |
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Emerald
Emerald is one of the most highly prized of all the gems.
The most prized is a pure grassy green. Emeralds are often
characterized by a garden of inclusions trapped within, known
as the "jardin," because under magnification you
will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in
a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually
found in only small sizes. Small to medium sized stones are
often faceted in the "step" or emerald cut. The
gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon or dome shape.
Sometimes emeralds are even carved. As part of the normal
fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed in colorless
oil or resin so small voids are not as noticeable. Care should
be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household
chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home
ultrasonic machine for emerald. Emeralds are found mainly
in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe. |
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Pearl
A pearl is the product of an oyster's defense mechanism.
When a foreign irritant is introduced either by man (cultured)
or naturally, the oyster surrounds it with layers of a substance
called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone known as a pearl.
Natural pearls are extremely rare. Almost all pearls on the
market today are cultured by man. Cultured pearls come in
a wide range of colors. They should be relatively free of
skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better.
The higher the luster, or "orient," the more valuable
the specimen. The larger the cultured pearl, the greater the
value. Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish
mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), freshwater (elongated
in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured
pearls 10mm and up from the waters of Australia and Indonesia),
to name a few. Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of
modesty, chastity and purity. They have come to symbolize
a happy marriage. Avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair
sprays and perfumes. Don't use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with
mild soap and water and store in a protective chamois pouch
or tissue paper |
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Garnet
When most people think of garnet, they picture the dark red Bohemian garnet that was popular in Victorian times.
You may be surprised to learn that garnets are found in every color except blue, including brilliant green tsavorite garnet,
raspberry pink rhodolite garnet, and orange malaya garnet. Bright red "anthill" garnets are found in Arizona.
The czars of Russia favored rare green demantoid garnets. Garnets offer
enough variety in appearance to suit every taste, as well
as an outstanding price range to suit every pocketbook. Garnets
are durable and brilliant and will give years of pleasure.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect garnet
from scratches, sharp blows, and extreme temperature changes.
Garnets are found in the United States, Africa, Sri Lanka,
Brazil and India. |
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Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of quartz and comes in pale lilac to
rich, deep purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple
with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty and
fire. Because of its abundance, it is readily available in
all sizes and shapes. It is durable and can be worn every
day. Amethyst has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility.
Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts
abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and
in the British crown jewels. As with all gemstones, care should
be taken to protect amethyst from scratches and sharp blows.
It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia. |
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Aquamarine
The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue.
Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally
the most valuable. If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone,
aquamarine is readily available in larger sizes and is truly
dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member
of the beryl family, which also includes emerald. As part
of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are heated
to remove traces of green and yellow. To maintain the brilliance
of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed in jewelry
cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small
bristle brush. Do not use an ultrasonic machine to clean aquamarine.
As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it
from scratches and sharp blows. Aquamarine is found mainly
in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia and Madagascar. |
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Peridot
Peridot should be a lively lime green, without a brownish
or olive cast. Peridot is the child of volcanic action. Tiny
peridot crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands
of Hawaii. Care should be taken to protect peridot from scratches,
sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning peridot.
The peridot is abundant and is available in larger sizes.
It is found in Burma and the United States. The most important
source of peridot in the world is the San Carlos Apache Indian
Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where it is mined by Native
Americans. Large sizes are mined in Myanmar, and peridot is
also found in China |
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Opal
White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of
many colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green
or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red,
pink and bright green. Opal has symbolized hope, innocence
and purity through the ages. Care should be taken to protect
opal from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and
extreme temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of
opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Keep from
long exposure to dry heat or sunlight. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine or jewelry cleaner. Opal sources are Australia, Mexico
and the United States. |
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Tourmaline.
Tourmaline has many color combinations in one stone, which accounts for its popularity.
It is not as fragile as opal and is sometimes selected by those who prefer faceted stones.
Vivid reds, hot pinks, verdant greens and blues abound in this marvelous gem variety.
Earth tones as varied as a prairie sunset are readily available. Not only does Tourmaline occur
in a spectacular range of colors, but it also combines those colors in a single gemstone called
"bi-color" or "parti-color" Tourmaline. One color combination with a pink center and a green
outer rim called "watermelon" Tourmaline is cut in thin slices similar to its namesake.
Tourmalines are available in faceted or cabochon cuts and a range of sizes and shapes.
They are mined in many parts of the world including Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa and the United States.
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Topaz
Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone.
However, this gemstone can occur colorless as well as orange-yellow,
red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink. The name
topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning "to shine" and also implies "fire."
Orange-red imperial topaz and pink colors are rare and most
valuable. The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many
thousands of years. As part of the normal fashioning process,
most brownish to sherry brown topaz is heated to produce a
permanent pink color. Certain types of topaz are irradiated
and heated to produce shades of blue. Topaz is found mainly
in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China. |
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Citrine
Citrine is often used an alternative to topaz because it appears in many of the same colors as topaz.
Unlike topaz, citrine is readily available and inexpensive even in large sizes. Citrine is in the Quartz
family and is often found along side Amethyst. There is a separate classification called Ametrine,
where you will see a half purple and half golden yellow stone .
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Turquoise.
Colors of turquoise range from sky blue (the most desirable
color) to blue green and apple green. The name means "Turkish
stone," because the trade route that brought it to Europe
used to come via Turkey. The best qualities are found in northeast
Iran (Persian turquoise). However, the southwestern United
States is now the world leader in production. The deposits
in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 B.C. At that time
the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation
of cosmetics. During the 16th century, turquoise was used
as currency by the Southwest Indians. Although large quantities
of beautiful turquoise that have not been color enhanced are
available, today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic
to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties of turquoise
are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color.
This color change may not be permanent. Care should be taken
to protect turquoise from scratches, sharp blows, hot water
and household chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine
for turquoise. |
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TREATMENTS
AND ENHANCEMENTS
Today, most gemstones are enhanced or treated. Although many
of the treatments are stable, be mindful that some are not.
Diamonds
Common diamond treatments today are clarity enhancement and
laser drilling. Clarity enhancement is the process in which
imperfections are filled with a glass-like substance to improve
the appearance of the diamond. Extreme heat, such as that
from a jeweler's torch, or specifically formulated chemicals
can remove the filler. In laser drilling a laser is used to
reach dark inclusions within the diamond. Often a bleaching
agent is added to make the inclusion less visible. Laser drilling
is stable.
Rubies and Sapphires
Rubies and sapphires are usually heated to improve their color
and clarity. Sometimes, a glass-like substance is used to
fill the cavities, and improve the appearance of the gemstone.
Emeralds
Emeralds are a naturally included gemstone, and have been
oiled for hundreds of years. Today, more sophisticated resins
and hardeners are used to enhance the clarity of emeralds.
These treatments are not permanent, so this gemstone should
be treated with extreme care.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite brings to the minds of most jewelry lovers a bright
blue or violet color. However, just about all tanzanite comes
out of the mines an orange-brown color. It is then heated
to produce the spectacular violet-blue we are familiar with.
This is a permanent process.
Amethyst and
Citrine
Amethyst and Citrine are members of the quartz family. If
amethyst is heated to a certain temperature, it turns into
the bright yellow or orange color of citrine. This is a permanent
and stable enhancement.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is rarely produced in the beautiful shades we are
familiar with. After the topaz is mined, it is irradiated
to brown and then heated to blue. This is a permanent process. |
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| Birthstone
by Month |
| January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
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Garnet
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Diamond
Emerald
Pearl
Ruby
Peridot
Sapphire
Opal (sometimes Tourmaline)
Topaz
Turquoise |
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| Wedding Anniversary
Gemstones |
| Garnet:
Pearl:
Amethyst:
Diamond:
Turquoise:
Opal:
Ruby:
Peridot:
Aquamarine:
Emerald:
Topaz:
Sapphire:
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2nd year
of marriage
3rd and 30th years of marriage
6th year of marriage
10th and 60th years of marriage
11th year of marriage
14th year of marriage
15th and 40th year of marriage
16th year of marriage
19th year of marriage
20th and 35th years of marriage
23rd year of marriage
45th years of marriage
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Information provided by:
Jewelers of America: JA, Gemological Institute of America:
GIA, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee: JVC |
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