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Our Featured Gemstone Article

How To Start Loose Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Many people, young and old, say collecting various loose gemstones or loose diamonds is a favorite pastime. They love the colors and the beauty of the wide array of gemstones you can find just about everywhere in the world. Follow along as we look at a number of factors you should understand in starting in this interesting hobby.

The first thing you need to do in beginning this hobby the smart way is by acquiring knowledge about them. By taking a look in your local bookstore you can find everything you need to know that will make you an informed buyer.

The first criteria you need to evaluate is stone color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gemstones are so related to color that they've even become associated with particular ones. Everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green Gemstones will have a higher value when they equal the colors in the spectrum of yellow, blue, violet, green, orange and red. They drop in value when they are lighter or darker than the natural color.

Gemstone cut is very important and factors highly into the appraisal of not only diamonds but along with your gemstones. A good cut showcases the natural color of the gemstone, diminishes its inclusions, and show off its symmetry and proportions. One way of determining the excellence in gemstone cut is to consider how consistently it reflects the light over its entire surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting inside the stone. The gem appears washed out.

Our next consideration is gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the internal conclusions or flaws of a stone. Any large flaws can easily be seen with the naked eye while others need a 10X magnification.

Next to consider are weight and size. Except for corals and pearls, all gemstones are priced by the unit, carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams However you should know weight and size are not always equal and gemstones. Density or specific gravity can very. Take a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and you will see that a similar sized sapphire or ruby would weigh 1.20 carats.

Collecting gemstones as a hobby can give you an enjoyable pastime and rewarding in the long run. It doesn't have to be very expensive and yet you can buy some very beautiful items. Many people loved to spend weekends to go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the US. In Arizona you can find Agatized wood (Petrified wood), Azur-Malachite, Turquoise, Garnet, Peridot, Jasper and Moissanite Or ou can take a longer vacation and find opal in Coober Pedy, Andamooka or Mintabie in South Australia, topaz in Beechworth, Victoria or check out the quartz regions in Cloncurry in Queensland, Australia.

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Aventurine is said to be good for physical healing. Long ago, there was a custom
of assigning various Masculine and Feminine Saints with certain gems for use in
talismans. The name Andrew (ie. patron Saint Andrew) is associated with
Aventurine.
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Quartz that is formed of multigrained microcrystals, not just of one single crystal, is called chalcedony. The name is applied to many well-known varieties of gemstones. They are found in all 50 states and come in many colors and color combinations. Unlike quartz, chalcedony does not look clear and glassy but waxy and translucent. It refers specifically to translucent white, blue, pale grayish-blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange, red, or solid-colored chalcedony other than carnelian, sard, or Chrysoprase, which are naturally-colored chalcedony varieties. Most chalcedony used in jewelry, as with the stones used by James Avery, is color-enhanced for a more consistent color. It ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness which means it is fairly durable to wear as jewelry.
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Our Latest Gemological Article

Collecting Loose Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Many people today say collecting semi-precious and precious gemstones like loose diamonds or loose gemstones is a passionate hobby. They simply love the beauty and the colors Of the assorted number of gemstones you can find just about everywhere in the world. This article will discuss a number of things you need to know when starting this gemstone hobby.

The first thing you need to do is to get yourself some reading material. You want to understand as much as possible about the subject of gemstones. The more you know about each kind of gemstone the less likely you are to make a mistake. You'll know exactly what to look for in a quality stone.

First on your list to look at is gemstone color. You want the gemstone to be as close in color as possible to the pure colors of the spectrum. This means orange, red, violet, green, yellow, and blue. The prices for very pale or very dark semiprecious and precious gemstones are less per carat.

The cut of the stone is extremely important and is used not only to appraise diamonds but you're gemstones as well. A good cut showcases the natural color of the gemstone, lessen any inclusions and show off its symmetry and proportions. One way to determine the precision in the cut of the stone is to consider how consistently it reflects the light throughout the surface of the stone. If the stone is cut on the shallow side most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting internally. The gem appears washed out.

Another factor to look at is the stone's clarity. This refers to the stones purity with no internal conclusions, particles or spots within the crystal structure. Without a doubt, zero flaws are hard to find and make your stones very valuable.

Next thing to look at is the duo of weight and size. Due to their nature gemstones vary and specific gravity or density. Size and weight are not necessarily equal from stone to stone. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats a sapphire of equal size would weigh 1.20 carats. An Emerald of equal size would be approximately 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite would be about 1.23 carats.

Though you may find gemstones used a lot in jewelry, they are perfectly good collectibles in their own right. Actually there are many interesting and attractive gems that are just too big or fragile to be used for jewelry. Take each gemstone and think of it as a piece of art, a miniature sculpture to be treasured for its unique nature and vibrant colors. And unlike many hobbies where you have to buy everthing you can use vacation time to actually hunt for raw gemstones in stead of buying. In the United States in Idaho you'll find Garnet, Opal, Agate, Obsidian and Sapphire. And in Canada you can hunt for nephrite jade in Dease Lake, British Columbia or sodalite and rose quartz near Bancroft, Ontario along with iolite from Manitouwadge, Ontario. Take up a hobby of loose gemstone collecting and enjoy yourself.

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Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones due to its availability and durability. It ranks 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It was named from the French word for lemon, �citron�, since many citrines have a bright sunny yellow color. It also comes in hues of gold to orange brown shades. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Natural citrine deposits are mined mostly in Brazil, but also in Malagasy Republic, the U.S., Spain, Russia, France and Scotland. Citrine should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat which can damage or fade the stone. Citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.
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Brilliance is the amount of light reflected from the crown facets of a facet-cut gemstone. It is a combination of the light reflected back out of the stone and the light reflected directly from the facet surfaces. Two factors critical in achieving maximum brilliance are the angle of the pavilion facets and the degree of polish on the facet surface (lustre). The table facet of a diamonds is cut to various sizes depending on the desire for more brilliance and less fire(dispersion), where a larger table is used. Or more fire and less brillinace, where a smaller table is used. A good balance is obtained by cutting to ideal proportions. The pavilion facet angles are not only critical in determining the amount of brilliance, shallow angles may result in creating a 'window' in the stone; an area of the stone that can be seen through. Deep angles result in dark areas in the stone, termed extinction. Brilliance is lost in both situations.
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Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:46:00 GMT
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Our Featured Gemstone Writer

Starting To Collect Loose Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Why collect loose gemstones you ask? For many people it's because gemstones are extremely beautiful. And like their higher counterpart, natural diamonds they can appreciate in value over time. Many hobbyists love to find, collect and finish each and every one of the 150 varieties available. This article will examine the loose gemstones hobby.

To begin with you need to read up on the various gemstones available. This will help you to know what you're buying and prevent you from wasting your money. Get the answer to questions like how, where and what to buy.

Of paramount importance is the color of the gemstone. Gemstones at the top of the ladder have colors that are close in pureness to the spectral colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue or violet. Gemstone colors that are muted or are too dark can lower the value.

Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones as well. An excellent cut will showcase the natural color of the gemstone, lessen any inclusions and show off its symmetry and proportions. One way to determine the precision in its cut is to check how consistently it reflects the light over the stones complete surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side much of the light will refract out of the gem instead of reflecting inside the gemstone. Gemstone color will be washed out.

A third consideration is the clarity of the stone. This refers to the gemstones purity or the absence of internal inclusions, spots, or particles within the crystal structure. Obviously, stones with a lack of flaws will make a gemstone very valuable.

Next comes weight and size. All gemstones [except for pearls and corals] are valued by the unit called the carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams You should know however that size and weight and gemstones are not the same. Density or specific gravity can very. Take a diamond that is 1.00 carats in weight and you will find that a similar sized ruby or sapphire is 1.20 carats.

Though you may find gemstones used a lot in jewelry, they are a great hobby and pastime as well. Actually there are many interesting and attractive gems that are just too big or fragile to be used for jewelry. Take each gemstone and consider it as a piece of art and value it for its beautiful colors and the finish you apply to it. And unlike many hobbies where you have to buy everthing you can use vacation time to actually hunt for raw gemstones in stead of buying. In the United States in Maryland you can search for Beryl and Clam Pearl. And if you travel to Canada you will find opal in the Okanagan, British Columbia or blue spinel from Daillebout, Quebec as well as the unique deep blue beryl in Canada's Yukon Territory. Take up gemstone collecting and you won't regret it.

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Gemstone sizes are usually given in carat weight (ct) or described in millimeters (mm). Some typical gemstone shapes and approximate weights for various sizes and shapes are shown on the opposite page although the exact size varies with the type of gemstone. In addition to weight and/or size, the prices of finer gemstones typically vary depending on the shape, cut, degree of clarity and tone or color of each gemstone.
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"Indeed there is no stone, the colour of which is more delightful to the eye;
for whereas the sight fixes itself with avidity upon the green grass and the
foliage of the trees, we have all the more pleasure in looking upon the
smaragdus, there being no green in existence of a more intense colour than this.
And then, besides, of all the precious stones, this is the only one that feeds
the sight without satiating it. Even when the vision has been fatigued with
intently viewing other objects, it is refreshed by being turned upon this stone;
and lapidaries know of nothing that is more gratefully soothing to the eyes, its
soft green tints being wonderfully adapted for assuaging lassitude, when felt in
those organs" The Natural History, Book XXXVII. The Natural History of Precious
Stones, Chapter 16. Pliny the Elder (23-79)
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Zambia has rich reserves of gemstones, including the second largest deposits of
emeralds in the world, the largest deposits of amethyst and aquamarine in Africa
and modest deposits of tourmaline. The quality of deposits, especially of
emeralds, is judged to be among the best in the world.
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Diamond heist in Red Deer - Edmonton Sun

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:51:36 GMT

Calgary CTV

Diamond heist in Red Deer Edmonton Sun, Canada - Aug 11, 2008 On Friday at 5:25 pm, two men walked into Polar Jewellers in Red Deer where one asked to be shown loose diamonds while the other stood near the entrance. ... Diamonds stolen from Red Deer jeweller Calgary Herald all 4 news articles

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More Information On The Gemstones Scene

Gemstone Article Of The Month

Collecting Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Why would someone go to the trouble of collect loose gemstones? Well for one thing they are very beautiful items. And like their more familiar cousin, natural diamonds, they can appreciate in value over time. Many in this hobby love to find, collect and finish the wide variety of gemstones available today. Read long as we look at the hobby of collecting loose gemstones.

The very first step in becoming a gemstone collector the proper way is through the power of knowledge. By taking a look in your local bookstore you'll find numerous books on gemstones that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.

The first criteria you need to evaluate is stone color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored naturally occurring materials you can find. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they've even had their names combined with associated colors. Everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green Gemstones will have a higher value the closer they are to the colors in the spectrum of orange, green, yellow, violet and blue. They are valued much less the farther they deviate from the natural color.

Gemstone cut is an important aspect to consider when buying a gemstone. The stone has to be cut with precision to reflect the light properly. A gemstone with the poor cut will be muted or washed out. Tone, color saturation, and color hue will never look consistent.

Next to look at is the issue of gemstone clarity. The aspect of clarity refers to the internal flaws ( known as inclusions) or the outside blemishes of the gemstone. Normally large flaws can easily be seen with the naked eye with others requiring a 10X magnification.

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to their size aspect because it is more uniform than carat weight. But two different gemstones may have the same size but have different carat weights that result in different in prices as well. This is due to the nature of gemstone difference of relative density or specific gravity and depends on the materials chemical composition and crystalline structure. Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond of typical proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable round brilliant ruby of the same size and proportions will weigh in at 1.55 carats instead.

Although gemstones are normally used for jewelry, they are a great hobby and pastime as well. Actually there are many interesting and attractive gemstones who that are simply too big and fragile for use in jewelry. Take each loose gemstone and consider it as a piece of art and value it for its beautiful colors and the finish you apply to it. And unlike some hobbies that require you to pay for your specimens you can actually go hunting for raw gemstones in the field. In the US in Florida you can find Chalcedony and Conch Pearl. And in Canada you can find opal in the Okanagan, British Columbia or labradorite on the adjacent islands and coastal area of Labrador and even black spinel in Burgess and bathhurst Townships in Ontario. Think of gemstone collecting for the great hobby it is.

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An aspect of a stone�s color that can effect its value is its rarity. For
example, a golden-pink topaz (Imperial Topaz) is more valuable than a blue topaz
, all other characteristics being equal. This is because it is harder to find
topaz of this color.
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The Bismark Sapphire Necklace is a 98.6-carat deep blue sapphire in a diamond
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piece was a gift to the Smithsonian Institute by Countess Mona von Bismark in
1967.
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ALABAMA ENTERTAINMENT - Everything Alabama

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:01:00 GMT
Presidential candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain sent in videos to appear on WWE's " Monday Night Raw ." In the videos , Clinton likens the race to the WWE ...

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Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:50:00 GMT
The following events will take place at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. For more information call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org . A ...

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