The colors of the rainbow caught forever in glittering jewels that take your breath away. Colored gemstones can rival diamonds for their beauty but how are they valued?
Even though sapphires, rubies and emeralds differ in color and weight for example, there is a consistency in how they are valued. And that includes lesser known gemstones like tourmaline, alexandrite, peridots, and garnets as well. The four characteristics that determine value in a colored gemstones are color, clarity, cut, and carats, but the most important is color, color, and more color.
The intensity of the color and the closer it comes to the true spectral color means the stone has more value. Emeralds should be a pure green, rubies the reddest red, and sapphires a deep rich blue. As the color varies from the spectral ideal, the value declines. For example: Burmese rubies have the best color. Rubies that are a lighter red, reddish orange, or with a touch of brown or a bit of blue aren't nearly as valuable.
Color is measured in intensity or saturation, in other words the vividness of the color. It also reflects the hue, or how close the color approximates the pure spectral color; tone which is how light or dark ie., how much black or white is in the color; and finally the distribution of the color or how even the color is across and within the stone.
The other factors of clarity, cut, and carats are not as important to the value of a stone that has the best color and inversely have a greater impact on the value of a stone that is not as pure a color.
Clarity is the absence of internal flaws that can be seen with a magnification of 10. Most colored gemstones naturally have inclusions or flaws. A prime example are emeralds which very rarely don't have flaws. The lighter the color of the stone the more visible the flaws become, while the darker the color of the stone the less obvious. The type of flaw and where it occurs in the stone affects its value as well.
Cut is the way a stone is faceted to bring out the best characteristics of that particular stone for its type. The cut brings out the color, fire, and brilliance of the stone, not sacrificing one for the other. Unlike diamonds colored gemstones can also be presented as a smooth rounded surface known as cabochon cut. Cabochon cut sapphires and rubies often reflect a star and are known as star sapphires and star rubies.
Carat is the weight of the stone, not how big it is. Different types of gemstones have different weights when cut to the same size. The density of rubies is greater than the density of emeralds so a one carat ruby will be smaller than a one carat identically cut emerald. Stones can be cut to look bigger as well. Some gemstones are more readily available in larger weights such as amethysts or tourmalines, that say emeralds. For example: An 18 carat tourmaline will have a lesser value per carat than a 5 carat alexandrite because large tourmaline stones are more common than large alexandrite stones.
The best safety precaution when buying gemstones or gemstone jewelry is to buy from a reputable jeweler. You will get what you pay for. Peace sign jewelry from heavenly Treasures does just that
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Pearls before Swine
Pearls, beautiful, lustrous, glowing pearls. And to think it all started with a grain of sand.
The mollusk, that' s oyster to you and me, opens its shell to pass fresh water over itself and snag tiny bits of food. Sometimes what it snags is a grain of sand or piece of shell. If the mollusk can't get rid of the bit of grit it begins to coat it with a substance it produces called nacre. Coating the grain of sand makes it less irritating. As time passes the grain is coated with many layers of nacre. Eventually you end up with a lustrous pearl.
Not all pearls are gem quality. The pearl can be lopsided, have an irregular surface, or the coloring of the pearl is grayish instead of glistening. If the irregularity is only on one side and the pearl looks good otherwise it can be set in jewelery with the flaw at the back of the piece where it won't be noticed.
Pearls can be from fresh water or salt water mollusks. Salt water is more expensive.
Colors range from white, yellow, pink, to gray. South Sea Pearls, sometimes called Tahitian pearls, are some of the most expensive pearls. They are larger, because the mollusk is larger, and the colors are iridescent black, purple, and dark gray. The pearl looks like a rainbow is playing against the dark surface.
Natural pearls are very expensive and difficult to find in jewelry since the Japanese began culturing pearls. Cultured pearls are simply oysters in an oyster bed that has been seeded with a nucleus.
Good cultered pearls have been left in the oyster over several years to build up layers of the pearl. Cheap cultured pearls start with a much bigger seed core and then left in the oyster only long enough to gather a few layers. Those layers can wear off.
The value of a pearl is based on 5 factors: cleanliness, shape, luster and orient, and color.
The mollusk, that' s oyster to you and me, opens its shell to pass fresh water over itself and snag tiny bits of food. Sometimes what it snags is a grain of sand or piece of shell. If the mollusk can't get rid of the bit of grit it begins to coat it with a substance it produces called nacre. Coating the grain of sand makes it less irritating. As time passes the grain is coated with many layers of nacre. Eventually you end up with a lustrous pearl.
Not all pearls are gem quality. The pearl can be lopsided, have an irregular surface, or the coloring of the pearl is grayish instead of glistening. If the irregularity is only on one side and the pearl looks good otherwise it can be set in jewelery with the flaw at the back of the piece where it won't be noticed.
Pearls can be from fresh water or salt water mollusks. Salt water is more expensive.
Colors range from white, yellow, pink, to gray. South Sea Pearls, sometimes called Tahitian pearls, are some of the most expensive pearls. They are larger, because the mollusk is larger, and the colors are iridescent black, purple, and dark gray. The pearl looks like a rainbow is playing against the dark surface.
Natural pearls are very expensive and difficult to find in jewelry since the Japanese began culturing pearls. Cultured pearls are simply oysters in an oyster bed that has been seeded with a nucleus.
Good cultered pearls have been left in the oyster over several years to build up layers of the pearl. Cheap cultured pearls start with a much bigger seed core and then left in the oyster only long enough to gather a few layers. Those layers can wear off.
The value of a pearl is based on 5 factors: cleanliness, shape, luster and orient, and color.
Friday, May 29, 2009
No matter how you cut a diamond
Cutting a diamond can only be done with another diamond. The practice is painstaking, one wrong move and the diamond can cleave into pieces destroying its value. A diamond can be cut so that its face is broader and the depth shallower. That makes the diamond "spread" or look bigger than it actually is. Diamonds are cut to increase their brilliance or sparkle and their fire or that rainbow quality. Some cuts favor one characteristic over the other, but in well cut diamond both should be enhanced.
The cut of the diamond refers to the precision and expertise of the finished shaped stone. A good cut can enhance a mediocre quality diamond and a bad cut can literally destroy the value of a good stone. Diamonds are cut in facets, or flat planes. Each should be precisely in alignment. Modern diamonds are always faceted to play up their inherent qualities. Other gems can be rounded like a star sapphire, that particular shape is known as cabochon.
The facets reflect light back through the diamond and causes the glitter and rainbow effect so characteristic of diamonds. Beautifully cut diamonds display the most vivid fire with the least loss of brilliance.
The classic round cut has 58 facets. It allows the most light to be reflected back up through the diamond. The face of the diamond is the flat surface you see when looking directly down at a diamond. It is surrounded by 33 facets. The girdle is the rim around the crown of the diamond. The pavilion is the bottom portion of the diamond and has 24 facets plus the tiny facet at the point of the pavilion called a cutlet.
The crown portion of the diamond should measure 1/3 of the depth of the pavilion. Diamonds are always faceted to play up their inherent qualities. Choosing the right cut can enhance a diamond's color (yes diamonds do come in colors) and hide flaws. A poorly cut diamond can be more prone to shearing or shattering.
Diamonds can be cut to look larger by decreasing the pavilion and increasing the crown. In other words the diamond is broad but shallow.
Small diamonds can be cut with only 17 facets and are known as single cuts. Swiss cut can be used for small diamonds as well and have only 33 facets.
There are other cuts for diamonds. The quadrillion is a square cut known as the princess cut. A round diamond can be cut with 144 facets. And a marquise shaped diamond, (think of a football with pointed ends) can have a dream cut.
The cut of a diamond is one of the four factors that determines the value of the stone.
The cut of the diamond refers to the precision and expertise of the finished shaped stone. A good cut can enhance a mediocre quality diamond and a bad cut can literally destroy the value of a good stone. Diamonds are cut in facets, or flat planes. Each should be precisely in alignment. Modern diamonds are always faceted to play up their inherent qualities. Other gems can be rounded like a star sapphire, that particular shape is known as cabochon.
The facets reflect light back through the diamond and causes the glitter and rainbow effect so characteristic of diamonds. Beautifully cut diamonds display the most vivid fire with the least loss of brilliance.
The classic round cut has 58 facets. It allows the most light to be reflected back up through the diamond. The face of the diamond is the flat surface you see when looking directly down at a diamond. It is surrounded by 33 facets. The girdle is the rim around the crown of the diamond. The pavilion is the bottom portion of the diamond and has 24 facets plus the tiny facet at the point of the pavilion called a cutlet.
The crown portion of the diamond should measure 1/3 of the depth of the pavilion. Diamonds are always faceted to play up their inherent qualities. Choosing the right cut can enhance a diamond's color (yes diamonds do come in colors) and hide flaws. A poorly cut diamond can be more prone to shearing or shattering.
Diamonds can be cut to look larger by decreasing the pavilion and increasing the crown. In other words the diamond is broad but shallow.
Small diamonds can be cut with only 17 facets and are known as single cuts. Swiss cut can be used for small diamonds as well and have only 33 facets.
There are other cuts for diamonds. The quadrillion is a square cut known as the princess cut. A round diamond can be cut with 144 facets. And a marquise shaped diamond, (think of a football with pointed ends) can have a dream cut.
The cut of a diamond is one of the four factors that determines the value of the stone.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
More on how diamonds are valued
Color: Diamonds come in colors including black. Most of the darker colors are used for industrial purposes and not for gems. The white-blue color of pure water is the most valued color for white diamonds and these are rated D-F. (There is no A-C on the scale.) As the diamond color progresses toward yellow (K-M) it becomes less valuable. Diamonds that have a noticeable yellow (N-R) to champagne color (S-Z), are the least valuable. Because the color can be influenced by the color of the gem's setting, the color is judged when the stone is unset.
To complicate matters and value, diamonds that come in colors, called fancies, are very rare and very valuable. Deep blue, red, and green diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gems on earth.
Carat: Diamonds and other precious gems are valued on weight, or carats. A carat is 1/5 of a gram. Sometimes diamonds under a carat are valued in points. One carat is 100 points, so a quarter carat diamond can be referred to as 25 points. Diamonds are not valued on their apparent size, since the size can be either enhanced or diminished by the cut. And different gemstones have different densities. An emerald is lighter than a diamond and a ruby is heavier. A one carat diamond, one carat emerald, and one carat ruby would be three different sizes.
The more the diamond weighs the more valuable it is. The price of a diamond is based on carats, but the more the diamond weighs, the higher price it has per carat, all other things being equal, meaning the diamonds are the same in color, cut and clarity. In other words, a one carat diamond may be priced at $10,000 per carat, while a two carat diamond will be priced at $20,000 per carat. The one carat diamond costs $10,000 and the two carat diamond costs four times as much or $40,000. The discrepancy increases the higher the carat weight.
Diamonds of one carat or more can be graded by an independent lab as to the quality of the cut, weight, color and clarity. The certificate is often available at the diamond seller's.
When you're buying a diamond you can choose which factors are more important to you. If you want more carats, you can trade off clarity. If it's important the color is as close to pure white as possible, you can get a stone weighing less carats, or perhaps one that has a minor, but not visible to the naked eye imperfection.
To complicate matters and value, diamonds that come in colors, called fancies, are very rare and very valuable. Deep blue, red, and green diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gems on earth.
Carat: Diamonds and other precious gems are valued on weight, or carats. A carat is 1/5 of a gram. Sometimes diamonds under a carat are valued in points. One carat is 100 points, so a quarter carat diamond can be referred to as 25 points. Diamonds are not valued on their apparent size, since the size can be either enhanced or diminished by the cut. And different gemstones have different densities. An emerald is lighter than a diamond and a ruby is heavier. A one carat diamond, one carat emerald, and one carat ruby would be three different sizes.
The more the diamond weighs the more valuable it is. The price of a diamond is based on carats, but the more the diamond weighs, the higher price it has per carat, all other things being equal, meaning the diamonds are the same in color, cut and clarity. In other words, a one carat diamond may be priced at $10,000 per carat, while a two carat diamond will be priced at $20,000 per carat. The one carat diamond costs $10,000 and the two carat diamond costs four times as much or $40,000. The discrepancy increases the higher the carat weight.
Diamonds of one carat or more can be graded by an independent lab as to the quality of the cut, weight, color and clarity. The certificate is often available at the diamond seller's.
When you're buying a diamond you can choose which factors are more important to you. If you want more carats, you can trade off clarity. If it's important the color is as close to pure white as possible, you can get a stone weighing less carats, or perhaps one that has a minor, but not visible to the naked eye imperfection.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Diamonds: How are They Valued?
Cut: A diamonds' cut influences the brilliance, or light reflecting qualities of the gem, at the same time it enhances the fire of the diamond, or that rainbow quality. A good cut enhances both qualities, fire and brilliance, without sacrificing one for the other. A well cut diamond balances the depth of the diamond to the breadth of the diamond. A poorly cut diamond of the same size can look flat and be more vulnerable to cleavage and breakage.
Clarity: Diamonds are crystalline carbon. The clarity of the diamond refers to the purity of the stone and imperfections within the crystalline structure and on its surface. There is no such thing as a flawless diamond in nature. Sometimes this clarity factor is referred to as the cleanliness of the stone. If a stone is viewed under 10x magnification and no imperfections can be seen, either internally (inclusions) or externally (blemishes), the stone is referred to in the trade as flawless. A microscopic speck of carbon, undetectable by the human eye, can bring down the value of the diamond substantially. There are five commonly used methods for grading clarity. Just keep in mind the cleaner the stone, the more valuable it is, the more it costs.
Clarity: Diamonds are crystalline carbon. The clarity of the diamond refers to the purity of the stone and imperfections within the crystalline structure and on its surface. There is no such thing as a flawless diamond in nature. Sometimes this clarity factor is referred to as the cleanliness of the stone. If a stone is viewed under 10x magnification and no imperfections can be seen, either internally (inclusions) or externally (blemishes), the stone is referred to in the trade as flawless. A microscopic speck of carbon, undetectable by the human eye, can bring down the value of the diamond substantially. There are five commonly used methods for grading clarity. Just keep in mind the cleaner the stone, the more valuable it is, the more it costs.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Find the Perfect Jewelry Armoire for You
You find it difficult to organize your considerably large jewelry collection – your pieces are stowed in numerous jewelry boxes of all shapes and sizes. You are getting worried that one of these days, you’ll misplace your many jewelry boxes and lose it forever.
Your jewelry organization problem can easily be solved by purchasing a jewelry armoire. The only problem you might run into is choosing from the numerous styles and kinds of jewelry and gems armoire available.
What is a jewelry armoire?
A jewelry armoire is much bigger and taller than traditional jewelry boxes. They are usually made up of several drawers for more space and better organization. Some even have hooks that you can use to hang your long necklaces, and mirrors, so you can see how your jewelry looks when you put them on. Often a jewelry armoire has several pull-out drawers and numerous divided compartments.
What are the kinds of jewelry armoire?
There are several kinds of jewelry and gems armoire, based on design and finish. It can be made out of different kinds of wood: oak, cherry, pine, and maple. Some, incredible as it may seem, may even be made of wicker. It also be painted or may have various decorative details.
How do you choose a jewelry armoire?
There are a few things you should consider when buying your armoire. The look and design of your armoire is often the first factor to think about. Find an armoire that will match the design and feel of your room or home.
The next thing to consider is the inside detail of the jewelry and gems armoire you plan to purchase. Look for one of which the inside is lined to prevent scratches and other kinds of damage on your jewelry. The amount of space that an armoire can hold is another important factor to consider.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the safety and security that your it can provide for your collection. Ensure that an armoire you will purchase has locks and other security measures to ensure that no one can open it except for you.
Your jewelry organization problem can easily be solved by purchasing a jewelry armoire. The only problem you might run into is choosing from the numerous styles and kinds of jewelry and gems armoire available.
What is a jewelry armoire?
A jewelry armoire is much bigger and taller than traditional jewelry boxes. They are usually made up of several drawers for more space and better organization. Some even have hooks that you can use to hang your long necklaces, and mirrors, so you can see how your jewelry looks when you put them on. Often a jewelry armoire has several pull-out drawers and numerous divided compartments.
What are the kinds of jewelry armoire?
There are several kinds of jewelry and gems armoire, based on design and finish. It can be made out of different kinds of wood: oak, cherry, pine, and maple. Some, incredible as it may seem, may even be made of wicker. It also be painted or may have various decorative details.
How do you choose a jewelry armoire?
There are a few things you should consider when buying your armoire. The look and design of your armoire is often the first factor to think about. Find an armoire that will match the design and feel of your room or home.
The next thing to consider is the inside detail of the jewelry and gems armoire you plan to purchase. Look for one of which the inside is lined to prevent scratches and other kinds of damage on your jewelry. The amount of space that an armoire can hold is another important factor to consider.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the safety and security that your it can provide for your collection. Ensure that an armoire you will purchase has locks and other security measures to ensure that no one can open it except for you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry Always Gets Noticed
Beaded jewelry was already a hot accessory choice even during the days when people still lived in caves. In fact, National Geographic says the oldest beads ever found are up to 70,000 years old.
Historians also note that on
Meanwhile, anthropologists and archaeologists believe that beads were also used as symbols in the early age. The symbols have not been well-documented, but it is imaginable that even during our ancestors’ age, they knew that wearing beads or beaded jewelry could be regarded as stylish and flamboyant.
One of the factors that could be considered in the popularity of beaded jewelry is it can easily be done without formal training. Practically anyone who can appreciate beauty will know how to work his or ways around beads to create a beautiful beaded jewelry.
Today, beaded jewelry continues to lure stylish men and women into wearing them as fashionable accessories for different occasions. Men wear beaded necklace items on the beach and sometimes on their custom made polo shirts. On the other hand, women wear beads in so many different ways. Women adorn themselves with beaded necklace, beaded gowns, beaded shoes, beaded bags, etc. Suffice it to say that where there are beads, there is a fashion statement.
In fact, one of the best fashion tips you will ever hear is to wear beads on top of a white shirt so you can get a very simple yet very hip and flamboyant vibe about you.
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