A stone is ingrained with geological and historical memories.
~Andy Goldsworthy
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Gemstones -- An Introduction For You To Make An Informed Choice
by Rose Mary
Gemstones are mineral crystals or organic materials that have been cut and polished into beautiful items by skilled craftsmen. The minerals are naturally formed, solid, inorganic chemical compounds found in rocks. Each mineral has a fixed chemical composition and regular atomic structure, which gives it the specific hardness and color it possesses. Many natural crystals are attractive enough to be displayed. However, most of these crystals are faceted and polished to enhance their appearance.
Few gems, which are called organics, come from plants and animals. These gems include ivory, amber and pearl. There is a category of gemstones known as synthetics. They do not have any natural origin and are produce in laboratories. These artificial gems are cut to resemble the real ones. They have the same physical properties and chemical composition with natural gemstones. Gemstones are, typically, measured by their weight in carats.
To be considered a gemstone, it has to be rare, beautiful and durable. Gemstones, in its natural crystalline form, are rare, which means that they could only be found in certain parts of the world. Their scarcity makes them valuable in the market. The color of the minerals must be attractive, so that the gemstones will appear beautiful. Gemstones must be durable, which means that they should be hard enough to withstand scratches and damage.
The most valuable characteristic of gemstones is the color. Colorful gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are highly priced. Diamonds, though colorless, are made beautiful and brilliant by skillful forms of cutting. White light is made up of a combination of the spectrum of colors. When white light falls on a gemstone, some of the colors are absorbed while the rest are reflected back. Those colors that are reflected are what we see as color of the gemstone. As each mineral interacts with light differently, a wide variety of colors of gemstones is produced.
The physical properties of gemstones are their hardness, their specific gravity, and the way they break. These properties depend largely on the atomic structure and the chemical bonding of the stone. The hardness of a gemstone is measured by how well it resists scratching. The specific gravity or density of a gemstone is derived by assessing its weight base on the weight of an equal volume of water. Gemstones can break in two ways, either by cleaving or fracture. The way they break depends on the atomic structure of the stone. Gemstones that cleave will break along the planes of weak atomic bonding. Those that fracture will break along a surface which has no relation to its atomic structure.
Gem cutting is a form of art which is done to produce finely cut faceted gems. This art contributes to the beauty of the gemstone and its value. There has been much progress made in gem cutting and polishing methods. These improved methods, coupled with an increased knowledge of the way gemstones responds to light, have resulted in marked improvements made on the appearance of gemstones.
Gemologists are fascinated by gemstones. They study each gemstone in-depth, both in its natural state and after it has been cut and polished. Gemologists are able identify every individual gemstone, as well as distinguish between a natural stone and a fake one.
Since early times, gemstones are considered precious and are well sought after. In the past, gemstones are known to represent wealth and power. They are used not only as jewels to decorate crowns and robes but also as amulets, talisman and charms. Nowadays, gemstones are not only for the wealthy, but rather they are appreciated by anyone who finds them beautiful and charming. Gemstones are commonly used to make creative jewelry pieces which are widely worn as accessories for personal adornment. Gemstones are highly treasured by people from all walks of life because of their unfading beauty with time. Being captivated by the timeless beauty of gemstones, most people desire to possess them. Hence, some people buy gemstones for collection purposes, while others buy gemstone jewelry for personal adornment or as gifts for friends. Gems that represent birthstones are commonly used as birthday presents. Due to the wide variety of gemstone jewelry items available in the market, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.
More information on gemstones jewelry can be found at: [http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/index.htm]
-----------------------------
Freelance Writer in various topics.
Please visit [http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/index.htm] for more information on Gemstones.
Few gems, which are called organics, come from plants and animals. These gems include ivory, amber and pearl. There is a category of gemstones known as synthetics. They do not have any natural origin and are produce in laboratories. These artificial gems are cut to resemble the real ones. They have the same physical properties and chemical composition with natural gemstones. Gemstones are, typically, measured by their weight in carats.
To be considered a gemstone, it has to be rare, beautiful and durable. Gemstones, in its natural crystalline form, are rare, which means that they could only be found in certain parts of the world. Their scarcity makes them valuable in the market. The color of the minerals must be attractive, so that the gemstones will appear beautiful. Gemstones must be durable, which means that they should be hard enough to withstand scratches and damage.
The most valuable characteristic of gemstones is the color. Colorful gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are highly priced. Diamonds, though colorless, are made beautiful and brilliant by skillful forms of cutting. White light is made up of a combination of the spectrum of colors. When white light falls on a gemstone, some of the colors are absorbed while the rest are reflected back. Those colors that are reflected are what we see as color of the gemstone. As each mineral interacts with light differently, a wide variety of colors of gemstones is produced.
The physical properties of gemstones are their hardness, their specific gravity, and the way they break. These properties depend largely on the atomic structure and the chemical bonding of the stone. The hardness of a gemstone is measured by how well it resists scratching. The specific gravity or density of a gemstone is derived by assessing its weight base on the weight of an equal volume of water. Gemstones can break in two ways, either by cleaving or fracture. The way they break depends on the atomic structure of the stone. Gemstones that cleave will break along the planes of weak atomic bonding. Those that fracture will break along a surface which has no relation to its atomic structure.
Gem cutting is a form of art which is done to produce finely cut faceted gems. This art contributes to the beauty of the gemstone and its value. There has been much progress made in gem cutting and polishing methods. These improved methods, coupled with an increased knowledge of the way gemstones responds to light, have resulted in marked improvements made on the appearance of gemstones.
Gemologists are fascinated by gemstones. They study each gemstone in-depth, both in its natural state and after it has been cut and polished. Gemologists are able identify every individual gemstone, as well as distinguish between a natural stone and a fake one.
Since early times, gemstones are considered precious and are well sought after. In the past, gemstones are known to represent wealth and power. They are used not only as jewels to decorate crowns and robes but also as amulets, talisman and charms. Nowadays, gemstones are not only for the wealthy, but rather they are appreciated by anyone who finds them beautiful and charming. Gemstones are commonly used to make creative jewelry pieces which are widely worn as accessories for personal adornment. Gemstones are highly treasured by people from all walks of life because of their unfading beauty with time. Being captivated by the timeless beauty of gemstones, most people desire to possess them. Hence, some people buy gemstones for collection purposes, while others buy gemstone jewelry for personal adornment or as gifts for friends. Gems that represent birthstones are commonly used as birthday presents. Due to the wide variety of gemstone jewelry items available in the market, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.
More information on gemstones jewelry can be found at: [http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/index.htm]
-----------------------------
Freelance Writer in various topics.
Please visit [http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/index.htm] for more information on Gemstones.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Agate - the Stone of Protection
Agate is the stone of protection. It attracts strength and protects from stress and energy drains. Emotionally, agate gives courage, emotional strength, self-confidence, and dispels fears. Agate has a cleansing and stabilizing effect on the body.
Fossil Agate
Fossil Agate
Sunday, August 15, 2010
New! Fossil Coral Necklace
Coral Fossil is natural stone formed from mineralized remains of ancient coral. It shares the same metaphysical properties of Agate:
Agate (and Coral Fossil) is the stone of protection. It attracts strength and protects from stress and energy drains. Emotionally, agate gives courage, emotional strength, self-confidence, and dispels fears. Agate has a cleansing and stabilizing effect on the body.
Giveaway Winner!
Congratulations to M - the winner of the Red Aventurine Strand Necklace! Thanks to all who participated. Another giveaway coming on September 1st!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Red Aventurine Strand Necklace Giveaway
The perfect summer necklace - simple, warm and fun! It is handcrafted with 6mm Red Aventurine gemstones and small glass beads. It measures 16" in length and closes with a sterling silver lobster clasp.
Aventurine is a very positive stone and is known as a stone of opportunity and adventure. It enables abundance and brings good luck and money. It is also known as the all purpose healer and helps with mental agility, visual acuity, peace, opening the heart, motivation and leadership. Wearing Aventurine absorbs electromagnetic smog and protects against environmental pollution.
The contest will run through August 14 and the winner will be announced on my blog August 15.
I will use a random number generator to choose the winner so please remember to leave a way for me to get in touch with you in your posts.
Here's how to enter:
Do one (or all) of the following:
1. Go to BE ADorned Jewelry's shop and pick your favorite jewelry item. Come back here and post your choice (1 entry)
2. Follow this blog, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
3. Twitter about this giveaway, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
4. Follow me on Twitter, and tell me you did so as a seperate comment (1 entry).
5. Fan me on Facebook, and tell me you did so as a seperate comment (1 entry).
4. Blog about this giveaway, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
5. Heart BE ADorned Jewelry's store, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
6. Join my Mailing List and tell me you did so as a separate comment(1 entry).
Note: Please remember to list each comment separately. If you put all your entries into one comment, it will only be counted once!
Thanks for participating! Good luck!!
Aventurine is a very positive stone and is known as a stone of opportunity and adventure. It enables abundance and brings good luck and money. It is also known as the all purpose healer and helps with mental agility, visual acuity, peace, opening the heart, motivation and leadership. Wearing Aventurine absorbs electromagnetic smog and protects against environmental pollution.
The contest will run through August 14 and the winner will be announced on my blog August 15.
I will use a random number generator to choose the winner so please remember to leave a way for me to get in touch with you in your posts.
Here's how to enter:
Do one (or all) of the following:
1. Go to BE ADorned Jewelry's shop and pick your favorite jewelry item. Come back here and post your choice (1 entry)
2. Follow this blog, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
3. Twitter about this giveaway, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
4. Follow me on Twitter, and tell me you did so as a seperate comment (1 entry).
5. Fan me on Facebook, and tell me you did so as a seperate comment (1 entry).
4. Blog about this giveaway, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
5. Heart BE ADorned Jewelry's store, and tell me you did so as a separate comment (1 entry).
6. Join my Mailing List and tell me you did so as a separate comment(1 entry).
Note: Please remember to list each comment separately. If you put all your entries into one comment, it will only be counted once!
Thanks for participating! Good luck!!
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