The mystery and magic of
colored gemstones has been
an integral aspect or the
"Lore" of most cultures
for many centuries. Here is
what noted gemstone experts
Antoinette L. Matlins and
A.C. Bonanno have to say on
the matter.
"The fascination with
colored gemstones dates back
to the very beginning of civilization.
For our ancestors, the blue
of sapphire produced visions
of the heavens; the red of
ruby was a reminder of the
very essence of life. By Roman
times, rings containing colored
gems were prized symbols of
power-and the most powerful
wore rings on every joint
of every finger!
Since ancient times, colored
stones have been thought to
possess innate magical powers
and the ability to endow the
wearer with certain attributes.
According to legend, emeralds
are good for the eyes; yellow
stones cure jaundice; red
stones stop the flow of blood.
At one time it was believed
that a ruby worn by a man
indicated command, nobility,
lordship, and vengeance; worn
by a woman, however, it indicated
pride, obstinacy, haughtiness.
A blue sapphire worn by a
man indicated wisdom, and
high and magnanimous thoughts;
on a woman, jealousy in love,
politeness, and vigilance.
The emerald signified for
a man joyousness, transitory
hope, and the decline of friendship;
for woman, unfounded ambition,
childish delight, and change.
Colored gems, because of
the magical powers associated
with them, achieved extensive
use as talismans and amulets;
as predictors of the future;
as therapeutic aids; and as
essential elements to many
religious practices-pagan,
Hebrew, and Christian."
Gemstones 101
Natural gemstones are found
in nature. Laboratory-created
stones, as the name implies,
are made in the laboratory.
These stones, which also are
referred to as laboratory-grown,
{name of manufacturer} - created,
or synthetic, have essentially
the same chemical, physical
and visual properties as natural
gemstones. Laboratory-created
stones do not have the rarity
of naturally colored stones
and they are less expensive
than naturally mined stones.
By contrast, imitation stones
look like natural stones in
appearance only, and may be
glass, plastic, or less costly
stones. Laboratory-created
and imitation stones should
be clearly identified as such.
Gemstones may be measured
by weight, size, or both.
The basic unit for weighing
gemstones is the carat, which
is equal to one-fifth 91/5th)
of a gram. Carats are divided
into 100 units called points.
For example, a half-carat
gemstone would weigh .50 carats
or 50 points. When gemstones
are measured by dimensions,
the size is expressed in millimeters
(for example, 7x5 millimeters).
Gemstone treatments or enhancements
refer to the way some gems
are treated to improve their
appearance or durability,
or even change their color.
Many gemstones are treated
in some way. The effects of
some treatments may lessen
or change over time and some
treated stones may require
special care. Some enhancements
also affect the value of a
stone, when measured against
a comparable untreated stone.
Jewelers should tell you
whether the gemstone you’re
considering has been treated
when: the treatment is not
permanent; the treated stone
requires special care; or
the treatment significantly
affects the value of the gemstone.
Some common treatments that
you may be told about and
their effects include:
* Heating can lighten, darken
or change the color of some
gems, or improve a gemstone’s
clarity.
* Irradiation can add more
color to colored diamonds,
certain other gemstones and
pearls.
* Impregnating some gems
with colorless oils, wax or
resins makes a variety of
imperfections less visible
and can improve the gemstones'
clarity and appearance.
* Fracture filling hides
cracks or fractures in gems
by injecting colorless plastic
or glass into the cracks and
improves the gemstones' appearance
and durability.
* Diffusion treatment adds
color to the surface of colorless
gems; the center of the stone
remains colorless.
* Dyeing adds color and improves
color uniformity in some gemstones
and pearls.
* Bleaching lightens and
whitens dome gems, Including
jade and pearls.
In this day and age, gemstones
are generally worn for their
natural beauty or as a fashion
statement, but there are many
that "buy-in" to
the mythical and mystical
symbolisms of gems as well.
Whatever a persons reason,
the world of gems today offers
an almost endless choice.
Many new gems have been discovered
and are widely available in
reds, blues, greens and many
unusual shades as well. Enjoy!
For more information or to
browse our selection of beautiful
jewelry and gemstones besure
to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com
