Starting To Collect Gemstones
By Lee MacRae
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a hobby. They become interested in collecting and evaluating loose diamonds or loose gemstones. Some people even begin to visit various locations close by to look for rough gemstones. Some hobbyists will learn to cut or tumble the gemstones they find. If this hobby interest you follow along as we discuss the different aspects of this hobby.
The first step in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the proper way is through the power of knowledge. By visiting a local library you can find books on the subject that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.
The first criteria you need to evaluate is stone color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural materials you can find. These materials are so related to their color that they've even become associated with particular ones. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones are valued much higher the closer they are to the colors in the spectrum of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. They are valued much less the farther they are from the pure spectral color.
Gemstone cut is an important aspect to consider when buying a gemstone. The stone has to be cut correctly to reflect light properly. A gemstone with an improper cut will be muted or washed out. Color tone, saturation, and hue will never look consistent.
Gemstone clarity is the next item to consider. Clarity refers to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. Generally speaking, a clearer stone is more valuable. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye you need a gemstone loupe (gemstone clarity magnifier) or gem microscope. Serious hobbyists will use an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for viewing their coins, beads, stamps or in our case gemstones.
Gemstones are often listed according to their size aspect since it is more uniform than carat weight. But different gemstones may have the same size but have different carat weights that result in different pricing structures. This factor comes from the difference regarding relative density or specific gravity depending upon the chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure. Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond with standard proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable a brilliant ruby of the same proportions in size will weigh in at 1.55 carats.
Although gems are frequently used in jewelry, they are perfectly good collectibles in their own right. In fact, there are many attractive and interesting gemstones that are too fragile or too large to be used in jewelry. Take each gemstone and consider it as a piece of art and value it for its unique nature and vibrant colors. And unlike many hobbies where you have to buy everthing you can actually go hunting for raw gemstones in the field. In the US in Hawaii you can find Peridot and Coral. And in Canada you can hunt for nephrite jade in Cry Lake, British Columbia or blue spinel from Daillebout, Quebec along with amethyst from Nova Scotia. Think of gemstone collecting for the great hobby it is.
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More Information On natural blue diamond
Tiger Eye is often heat treated. This is permanent so no extra care is required.
As with all gems, protect topaz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large
temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car).
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Onyx is very similar to agate. Onyx has straight bands of brown, white or black;
agate has curved lines of many colors. Since ancient times, Onyx has been dyed
to improve it's color. Often treated agate is sold as Black Onyx. Onyx may chip
or scratch rather easily. Onyx is found worldwide. Onyx is the anniversary
gemstone for the 7th year of marriage. Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone
for the 10th year of marriage. Black Onyx is used to help one change habits.
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In the 1950's the Gemological Institute of America established a system for
grading diamonds based on the four C's. This was a great asset to the diamond
community and it became the standard for grading world wide. While the system
for grading color and clarity removed most redundancies, the standards for
grading the cut left something to be desired. That is not necessarily a
criticism of the GIA; no one has been able to establish a simple a usable system
that would cover all the variables involved.
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