Why I Like Gemstones

Our Featured Gemstone Article

How To Start Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Many people, young and old, 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 found worldwide today. This article will discuss a number of things you need to know in starting in this hobby.

The first thing you need to do in beginning this hobby the proper way is by getting adequate knowledge about them. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you'll find numerous books on gemstones that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.

The first item to consider is gemstone color. You want the stone to be as close in color as possible to the pure spectrum colors. The spectral colors are blue, green, yellow, orange, red and violet. Generally, the prices very pale or very dark semiprecious and precious stones are lower.

Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors highly into the appraisal of not only diamonds but gemstones in general as well. A precision cut gemstone highlights the natural color of the gemstone, diminishes its inclusions, and highlight the proportions and symmetry of the stone. One way of determining the excellence in the cut of the stone is to consider how consistently it reflects the light over the stones complete surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side most of this light were refracted away instead of reflecting internally. That will make the gem seem washed out and windowed.

The clarity in a stone is an important consideration. Gemstone clarity relates to a stones relative freedom from inclusions or blemishes. The gemstone without flaws is obviously valued highly. To see flaws beyond with the eye can see requires a 10X gemstone clarity magnifier or gem microscope. Most hobbyists will get an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for examining coins, stamps and of course gemstones.

Next on the agenda is the duo of size and weight. Due to their nature gemstones can vary greatly in density and specific gravity. Size and weight are not necessarily equal from stone to stone. Take the example of a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and a sapphire of equal size would weigh 1.20 carats. An equal sized Emerald would be 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite gemstone would be about 1.23 carats.

Collecting various gemstones can create an enjoyable hobby and pastime. And there is a wide range and variety when it comes to gemstones. You could try collecting Diamond, Sugilite Bixbite (Red beryl) and then try others. The choice and beauty and variety is almost endless. And if money is tight you can go gemstone hunting and find the raw materials instead of buying them. Take the example of the US. In Georgia you can find Ruby, Beryl, Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet and Quartz.

Buy loose quartz gemstones or white loose diamonds and natural red diamond today in our store!

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Learn More About loose cut gemstones

Lapis Lazuli is often dyed to improve its color. Pierre Gilson Lapis is one of
the better imitations. Lapis has been imitated by dyed Jasper and by paste with
inclusions of copper. Lapis Lazuli can easily be scratched or chipped. Water
will dissolve it's protective coatings. Lapis Lazuli is found in Afganistan,
Argentina, Canada, Chile, and the US.
Buy loose Amethyst gemstones today!

There are many other common types of treatment to enhance the beauty of colored gemstones. Emeralds are often oiled and waxed to protect them and to hide fine lines that naturally occur in the stone. Some sapphires have their blue color enhanced using diffusion, a chemical process. Certain stones are treated with radiation, again mimicking the processes of nature. All these practices are standard in the jewelry industry; in fact, enhancement is so common that good quality unenhanced stones often come with a certificate stating that fact.
Buy loose Garnet gemstones today!

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