Gemstones Resources

Our Latest Gemstone Article

How To Collect Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

For many people collecting various loose gemstones or loose diamonds is a favorite pastime. 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 in starting in this interesting hobby.

To begin with your first priority is to get yourself some books on gemstones. You want to know as much as you possibly can about the subject of gemstones. The more you understand about gemstones the wiser will be your purchases. You will know exactly what you are looking at.

To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Without a doubt, gemstones are the most intensely colored naturally occurring materials you can find. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they have even lent their names to specific colors. Without a doubt you will recognize sapphire blue, ruby red, jade green, aquamarine, emerald green or turquoise. Gemstones will have a higher value the closer they come to the natural spectral colors of orange, green, yellow, violet and blue. They are valued much less the farther they deviate from the natural color.

The cut of the gemstone 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 always look inconsistent.

Next up is the clarity of the gemstone. The aspect of clarity refers to the internal flaws ( known as inclusions) or the outside blemishes of the gemstone. Normally large flaws can be seen with the naked eye with others needing to be magnified 10X

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to their size since 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 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 ruby that is the same size will weigh in at 1.55 carats.

Taking up the hobby of gemstones can give you an enjoyable pastime and could be rewarding as well over time. You can start small and don't have to spend a lot of money and yet you can end up with some very beautiful stones. Many people love to set aside vacation or weekend time to go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the US. In Florida you can find Chalcedony and Conch Pearl. Or you can take the time to travel and find opal at Lightning Ridge in NSW, Austalia, topaz in Mt Surprise or O'Briens Creek in Queensland, Australia or check out the Moonstone regions in Moonstone Hill, Queensland, Australia.

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More Info On natural green diamond

Known variously as the Alan Caplan Ruby or the Mogok Ruby, this 15.97-carat
untreated Burmese stone was sold by Sotheby's of New York in October 18th, 1988
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London, who reportedly sold it to the Sultan of Brunei as an engagement ring for
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Citrine is one of November's birthstones and is a beautiful yellow stone. It is
a popular less expensive alternative to the much more expensive yellow sapphire
or yellow diamond. To create wondeful multi-colored jwelry, it is often combined
with other stones such as: peridot, amethyst, and garnet.
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natural green diamond News

George Washington Carver exhibition opens at Missouri History Museum - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:12:06 GMT

George Washington Carver exhibition opens at Missouri History Museum St. Louis Post-Dispatch, United States - Dec 5, 2008 Carver, who was born in Diamond, Mo., promoted "green" values long before the future of the planet became a subject for debate. ...

Oregon Recreation Report - Corvallis Gazette-Times

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:41:00 GMT
Hunting and fishing licenses for 2009 went on sale Dec. 1. Buy yours online or at an ODFW license sales agent. You can also buy one for a gift during the holiday season. See ODFW ...

Submit an event - Toronto Star

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:41:00 GMT
162 Cumberland St. : Ministry of the Interior's pop-up exhibition space features "Josephine & the Fantasy Collection" by Spanish designer and artist Jaime Hayon, today to Dec. 14 ...

Gemstones Scene Updates

Featured Gemological Article

Starting To Collect Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is the art, profession and science of evaluating and identifying gemstones from loose gemstones to natural diamonds. A number of people taken up gemology as a hobby. They become interested in collecting loose diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of these hobbyists start to visit different areas nearby or in some cases other countries to hunt for raw or rough gemstones. Some even tumble or learn to cut their own gemstones. If this sounds like a hobby you would like to get involved in follow along as we discuss the different aspects of this hobby.

To begin with you'll need the knowledge on each of the gemstones out there. You'll find it very helpful to know the properties of each stone and prevent you from making mistakes. Without the proper knowledge you can make costly mistakes.

Number one to look at Is gemstone color. Top grade gemstones have pure colors there as close as possible in pureness to the spectral colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue or violet. Muted gemstone colors or are too dark can lower the value.

Gemstone cut is the next factor to consider before a purchase is made. The precision of the cut will determine how much light is reflected by the gemstone. It will fully factor highly in the brilliance of the stone and how much it will be valued.

Next up is the clarity of the gemstone. Clarity is the term that refers to internal flaws (inclusions) or the external blemishes of a stone. Larger flaws can easily be seen with the naked eye while others need a 10X magnification.

You will note that gemstones are categorized according to size because of being 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 factor comes from the difference in specific gravity and depends on the materials 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 ruby that is the same size will weigh in at 1.55 carats instead.

Collecting gemstones as a hobby can be very enjoyable and could be rewarding as well over time. You can start small and don't have to spend a lot of money and yet you can end up with some very beautiful stones. Many people love to set aside vacation or weekend time to go looking for gemstones. Take the example of the United States. In Missouri you can hunt for Pearl, Fluorite, Pyrite and Calcite. And if you like to travel farther you can find opal in Opalton, Yowah, Queensland, Austalia, topaz in Mt Surprise or O'Briens Creek in Queensland, Australia or check out the quartz regions in Mt Hope or Inverell, New South Wales.

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Gemstones For Sale

More Info On natural fancy color diamonds

Despite the immense popularity of diamonds, colored gemstones have always been among the most popular and expressive forms of jewelry. The bright colors of colored gemstones give each a unique personality, and personal tastes in color often dictate preferences for particular stones.
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When it comes to gemstones, size matters. All else being equal, the bigger the
stone, the more valuable it is. In wholesale gem trading, gems are often priced
per carat. It would make sense therefore that the more carats, the more its
worth. However, it doesn�t stop there. An additional factor in the value is
the rarity of large stones. This means that the larger the stone, the higher
the price per carat. For example, a 1 carat ruby with a nice color and cut
might cost $700. But a 5 carat ruby of similar cut and color will not cost $
3500 (5 X $700); it might cost $10,000. This is because it is very rare to find
a ruby that is 5 carats. The effect that size has on price and value is
determined by how rare large stones are. For example, very large pieces of
amethyst and topaz are relatively easy to find meaning that the price of large
stones is not exponentially higher.
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The Latest natural fancy color diamonds News

Latest Christie's auction sells 50 percent by lot - National Jeweler Network

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:11:42 GMT

Latest Christie's auction sells 50 percent by lot National Jeweler Network, NY - Nov 21, 2008 Other lots sold included a Van Cleef and Arpels ring featuring a 22.9-carat rectangular-cut, D-color, potentially internally flawless diamond, purchased by ...

Fall color in Arizona - AZCentral.com

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:59:00 GMT
Collection: Select a collection. Alicia Keys at Dodge Theatre Sky Lounge - 6/16 Sky Lounge - 6/16 The Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction 01/04 Cool Homes 01/17 Cool ...


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Gemstones Information

Latest Gemological Article

The Hobby Of Loose Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Many people today say collecting loose gemstones or loose diamonds is their favorite hobby. Many people have a great love of the various gemstones you can find just about everywhere in the world. Read long as we discuss a number of things you need to know in starting in this hobby.

The first step in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the smart way is through the power of knowledge. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you'll find numerous books on gemstones that will make you an informed buyer.

First on your list to take into account should be stone color. You'll want the stone to be as close as possible to the pure colors of the spectrum. The spectral colors are violet, orange, yellow, green, blue, and red. In general terms, the prices of very dark are very pale gemstones are lower.

Gemstone cut is the next factor to look at. The precision of cut determines the amount of light the gemstone stone will reflect. The cut will determine the brilliance of the stone and its final value.

The clarity in a stone is the next item to consider. When we talk of clarity it relates to the amount of inclusions (trace elements or large particles of other elements or minerals) that a gem has. Generally speaking, a clearer stone is obviously worth more. To see flaws beyond with the eye can see requires a gemstone loupe or gemstone microscope. Serious hobbyists will buy a jewelers diamond gemstone loupe 10X for examining coins, stamps and of course gemstones.

Next thing to look at is the duo of size and weight. Because gemstones can vary in density or specific gravity. Weight and size are not equal for each and every stone. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats a ruby of equal size would weigh 1.20 carats. An emerald stone would be about 0.95 carats and an Alexandrite would be about 1.23 carats.

Getting involved in collecting gemstones can be very enjoyable and rewarding in the long run. You don't need to spend a lot of money and yet you can end up with some very beautiful stones. Many people loved to spend weekends to go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the United States. In Nevada you can hunt for Rock Crystal, Citrine, Nevada Turquoise and Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal. Or you can take the time to travel and find opal at Lightning Ridge in NSW, Austalia, topaz in Mt Surprise or O'Briens Creek in Queensland, Australia or hunt the peridot fields in Mortlake in Victoria, Australia.

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Gemstones For Sale

More Info On natural colored diamonds

Mapimi, Durango, Mexico - has produced the very best specimens of fluorescent
adamite as well as nice specimens of hemimorphite and wulfenite. Adamite is
found at other localities around the world but few specimens can compete with
the best specimens of Mapimi. The Ojuela Mine is the primary source of Mapimi
specimens.
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The American Golden Topaz is a faceted topaz weighing 22,892.50 carats, making
it the largest cut yellow topaz in the world, as well as one of the largest
faceted gems in the world, period.
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All The Latest News From The natural colored diamonds World

Small Round Locket Necklace w/Pearl Accent/ss (n-sl2r-ss)

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:09:48 -0800
Sterling silver plated round floral locket, measuring approximately 1/2'', with wirewrapped pearl accent. 16'' sterling silver chain with toggle clasp.

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Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:08:00 GMT
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Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:20:20 GMT

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Gemstones Scene Info

Gemstone Information Article

Starting To Collect Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

Gemology is a term referring to the profession, science, and even art of evaluating and identifying gemstones from loose gemstones to natural diamonds. Many people take up gemology as a passionate hobby. They become very interested in starting to collect loose diamonds or loose gemstones. Some people even begin to visit different areas nearby or in some cases other countries to look for rough gemstones. Some even tumble or learn to cut their own gemstones. If this sounds like a hobby you would like to get involved in read along as we reveal the in and outs of gemstone collecting.

Right at the beginning, what you need is to get yourself some reading material. You want to learn everything there is to know about the subject of gemstones. The more you learn about each kind of gemstone the less likely you are to make a mistake. You'll know exactly what to buy.

To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. It is a fact that gemstones are the most intensely colored naturally occurring materials you can find. These materials are so related to their color that they've even had their names combined with associated colors. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones will have a higher value the closer they come to the natural spectral colors of violet, blue, green,, orange and red. They drop in value when they are lighter or darker than the natural color.

Gemstone cut is one of the most important traits when you value gemstone. The gemstone must be cut with precision to reflect the light properly. A stone that has a poor cut can't reflect the light consistently over its surface. Tone, color saturation, and color hue will be inconsistent.

The clarity of a gemstone is the next item to consider. Clarity refers to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. A perfect gemstone is definitely worth much more. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye requires a 10X gemstone loupe or gemstone microscope. Most hobbyists will get an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for viewing stamps, coins, beads as well as gems.

Next comes weight and size. Other than the corals and pearls 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. The density and specific gravity can differ in stones. Take a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and you will see that a similar sized ruby or sapphire weighs 1.20 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 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 unique nature and vibrant colors. And in this hobby you don't have to always lay out cash because you can find your raw materials through field trips In the US in New Jersey you can find Smoky Quartz, Agate, Pearl and Prehnite. And in Canada you can hunt for opal in the Okanagan, British Columbia or amazonite (microcline) near Eganville, Onttario as well as ammolite from Lethbridge, Alberta. Think of gemstone collecting for the great hobby it is.

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Hints On loose diamond

Lapis was prized in both Babylonia and Egypt and often worn by royalty. Legend
has it that Lapis Lazuli would protect the wearer from evil. Lapis was a cure
for melancholy and for certain types of fever.
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To determine the rarity of a stone, you must take into account the mineral group, it's quality, and the source of the stone. For example, not all emeralds are considered rare due to the fact that there are still large deposits of emeralds available throughout the world. Emeralds of excellent color and proportion are very rare and collectible, commanding many thousands of dollars.
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Weighing 138.7 carats, the Rosser Reeves Ruby is one of the world's largest and
finest star rubies. This Sri Lankan stone is renowned for its great color and
well-defined star pattern. Advertising mogul Rosser Reeves, who donated the
piece to the Smithsonian in 1965, carried it around as a lucky stone, referring
to it as his baby. He often stated that he had acquired the stone at an auction
in Istanbul in the mid-1950s. He actually bought the stone from Robert C. Nelson
Jr. of New York who was acting on behalf of Firestone & Parson of Boston.
Firestone & Parson were selling the stone for Mr. Paul Fisher of New York. Mr.
Robert Fisher, Paul's father, had bought the ruby at an auction in London in
1953. At the time the ruby then weighed just over 140 carats, but was very
heavily scratched, and a few carats were removed in the repolishing. The
repolishing also helped to center the stone's star. Articles in the New York
World-Telegram and The Sun in 1953 mentioned this fabulous gemstone.
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loose diamond Stories

WEDNESDAY (3rd) - San Francisco Guardian

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:18:00 GMT
Australian Pink Floyd Show Fillmore. 8pm, $40. Botticellis, Old-Fashioned Way, My First Earthquake Bottom of the Hill. 9pm, $8. *Hey Young Believer, Farewell Typewriter ...

Diving for Diamonds - Cayman Net News

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:05:11 GMT

Cayman Net News

Diving for Diamonds Cayman Net News, Cayman Islands - 15 hours ago Island Companies is offering a discount on a ring to mount the loose stone, as well as an offer to set the stone for free. “Family Fun Day is a great ...

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Gemstones Scene Updates

Featured Gemological Article

The Hobby Of Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Many people, young and old, say collecting loose gemstones or loose diamonds is their favorite hobby. They simply love the beauty and the colors of the wide array of gemstones found around the world today. This article will look at a number of factors you should understand when starting to collect gemstones yourself.

The first thing you need to do in becoming a gemstone collector the wise way is through the power of knowledge. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you can find everything you need to know that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.

The first criteria you need to evaluate is stone color. It is a fact that gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they've even had their names combined with associated colors. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones are valued much higher when they are equal in color to the spectral colors of orange, green, yellow, violet and blue. They become less valuable the farther they are from the pure natural color.

Gemstone cut is very important and factors into appraisal of diamonds but along with your gemstones. A precision cut will highlight the natural color of the gemstone, diminish any inclusions, and show off its symmetry and proportions. One way to determine the precision in gemstone cut is to consider if it is able to reflect light on a consistent level over its entire surface. If the gemstone is cut to shallow most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting internally. The gem appears washed out.

A third consideration is the gemstone's clarity. This is talking about the purity of the stone with no internal conclusions, internal particles or spots inside the crystal. Needless to say, stones with no flaws would make the gemstone highly valuable.

Next on the agenda is the duo of weight and size. Due to the fact gemstones can vary greatly in density and specific gravity. Weight and size are not equal for each and every stone. Take the example of a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and an equal sized ruby would weigh 1.20 carats instead. An Emerald of equal size would be approximately 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite stone would be about 1.23 carats.

Taking up the collecting of loose gemstones can be a great hobby. And there is such a variety in gemstones you can collect. You can collect gemstones like Obsidian, Spinel or Axinite for instance. The varieties are nearly endless. And if money is tight you can find gemstones for yourself instead of buying. Take the example of the US. In Texas You can find Beryl, Pearl and Tourmaline.

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Hints On small loose diamond

Moonstone can be easily scratched. Moonstone is found in Brazil, European Alps,
India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and USA (Pennsylvania
and Virginia). Sri Lanka has the highest quality moonstones. Moonstone is the
June Modern and Mystical Birthstone
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As with all gems, protect peridot from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid
large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean peridot in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
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Some small loose diamond Stories

Underground Crime Economy Healthy, Security Group Finds - Wired

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:55:00 GMT
The net's underground economy in stolen credit cards and phished bank-account logins remained healthy over the last year, despite continued high-profile takedowns of online ...

IDL and Damas launch single packets of certified multiple loose ... - Business Intelligence Middle East (press release)

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:00:55 GMT

Business Intelligence Middle East (press release)

IDL and Damas launch single packets of certified multiple loose ... Business Intelligence Middle East (press release), United Arab Emirates - 8 hours ago International Diamond Laboratories (IDL) and Damas have launched attractively designed sealed packets of multiple loose diamonds aimed at the mid-price ...

Day 5 blog: Marching Thunderhawks perform in Wakiki Holiday Parade - Lebanon Western Star

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:21:30 GMT

Day 5 blog: Marching Thunderhawks perform in Wakiki Holiday Parade Lebanon Western Star, OH - 5 hours ago Anyway, after breakfast, we made the trip to a dormant volcano called Diamond Head. We hiked out of the crater then up to the peak (there was a fairly ...

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