Opal is the stone to give your loved one on your 14th anniversary (see other anniversaries).
For those opal enthusiasts, the World of Opals by Allen W. Eckert is a wonderful anniversary idea to accompany the opal jewelry.
What determines the price of color gemstones?
As mentioned in a previous post, color plays a major role in the pricing of any gem, but there are many other factors to consider when buying a color stone.
Understanding these factors will help you make a more confident decision when choosing your stone. Here is the list of factors that along with color will determine the value of a color gemstone:
Other factors that affect color stone price:
• Carat weight
• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)
The Cut of Color Gemstones
The cut is the way a stone was faceted, for instance a cabochon is a stone that has no facets, it is dome shapes with a smooth polish. These are less expensive except when found in antique jewelry when they can be prices higher than usual. There are many different styles of cutting but the quality of the cut is important as well. When a color stone displays even colors all through out, this is a good cut. You can easily determine the quality of the cut of your gemstone by observing it face up. A washed out surface that is flat and looks like a window is not a good cut. Nor is it good if there are too many black areas.
Let's put two stones that are the same size when you look at them from the top, one may be priced higher due to its weight, the deeper cut give a stone a fat and heavy bottom but it is also recommended in color stones for shallow cuts will create that flat window surface reducing its value.
• Carat weight
• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)
GEMSTONES: The Importance of color and symbolism
Color and gemstone have different symbolism depending on one main factor: who is wearing them, man or woman. While strong associations of different gemstones evolved so did the association of color. People should ultimately wear what they are attracted to wear, so to ask what color gemstone is the most valuable is often answered by which ever is the individuals preference.
However, when it comes to pricing, the value will depend in large part on whether a gem is less brown or grey, dull or saturated. Each gemstone has a range of hues and those closer to a pure red, green or blue will be far more valuable. Though not the only determining factor, color will play a major role and very important to evaluate a gemstone.
Today gems are worn for their beauty and aesthetic reasons. But let's, for a moment, turn our attention to color and their personal attributes:
Blue: (Sapphire, aquamarine, lapiz)
When the color blue is worn by men, it symbolizes great thought and wisdom. On women, it represents vigilance and politeness.
Red: (Ruby, garnet)
Men: nobility and high command.
Women: Pride, sexiness, attraction.
Green: (Emerald, tourmaline, peridot)
Men: Transitory hope.
Women: change.
In a way these two meet.
White: (Zircon, diamond, white sapphire)
Men: commitment, friendship, integrity.
Women: Purity and contemplation.
Black: (Onyx, opal, pearl)
Men: strength.
Women: consistency in love, perseverance.
And the list goes on. The above are the most common colors sought after in gemstones, and worn in clothing. In the end, your own fashion statement will come from different factors, the color of the season, which color suits your skin tone and ultimately which color makes you feel good! And the same goes for gemstones.
TRANSPARENCY of color gemstones
Question to ask when dealing with transparency: is the color gem hazy or clear? Is it translucent or opaque? You can yourself determine the answer to these by holding the gem up in the light, the opaque won't let light through. In most cases a higher transparency will make a stone more valuable But in the case of black opal and ruby the contrary is true, an almost opaque ruby for example will sell for more.
Other color stone factors that affect price:
• Carat weight
SHAPE of color gemstones
Whether the color gem is pear shape, round, oval or trillion, this will not have a greater impact on price than color, clarity or transparency would. The value of a gem's shape will be more a matter of demand. If round is the trendy shape of the season and higher in demand then a high quality round shape color gem will cost more than an thee high quality marquis shape.
Other color stone factors that affect price:
• Carat weight
CLARITY of color gemstones
Clarity is the degree of blemishes and inclusions found in a stone. Obviously the fewer flaws, the higher the price. We give more importance to clarity in diamonds than in color stones as flaws in color stones are welcomed signs that the color stone is natural.
Other color stone factors that affect price:
• Carat weight
• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)
TREATMENT of color gemstones
A stone will undergo several processes: cleaning, cutting, polishing and then most will also be treated in some way by man. They will be dyed, cavity filled and heat treated which is the more accepted treatment. A high quality untreated stone will be more valuable than a treated one unless the untreated gem is of low quality. You can easily assume that most emeralds for sale are treated because most have tiny fractures and need cavity filling. Find out more about heat treatment.
Other color stone factors that affect price:
• Carat weight
• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)
ORIGIN of color gemstones
The origin of a color gemstone will play the least role in price. However in some cases it will make it more valuable such as a Sapphire from Kashmir, as it is rare and has exceptional color. Tanzanite are found in one location making them high priced as well. Ruby and Emerald may also be considered more valuable depending their origin. In most cases origin will not matter.
Other color stone factors that affect price:
• Carat weight
• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)
The importance of color in gemstones
Essentially, the stronger and more saturated the color of a gem is the more valuable it will be. In the case of the blue Sapphire, we need to mention that there is a preference for the Sri Lanken Sapphire which is saturated but lighter than the Burma blue Sapphire, but both are equally valuable.
• Carat weight
Anniversary Gemstones, do you know which to offer on your seventh anniversary?
1st Anniversary: Gold
2: Garnet
3: Pearl
4: Blue Topaz
5: Sapphire (blue sapphire)
6: Amethyst
7: Onyx
8: Tourmaline (green or pink)
9: Lapiz
10th Anniversary: Diamond
11: Turquoise
12: Jade
13: Citrine (it rhymes)
14: Opal
15: Ruby
20th Anniversary: Emerald
25th: Silver
30th: Pearl
35th: Emerald
40th: Ruby
45th: Sapphire
50th Anniversary: Gold Jubilee
55th: Alexandrite
60th Anniversary: Diamond Jubilee
The colors of fashion and gemstone, what do they mean?
Color and gemstone have different symbolism depending on who is wearing them, man or woman?
While strong associations of different gemstones evolved so did the association of color. People should ultimately wear what they are attracted to wear, so to ask what color gemstone is the most valuable is often answered by: which ever is the individual's preference.
However, when it comes to pricing, the value will depend in large part on whether a gem is less brown or grey, dull or saturated. Each gemstone has a range of hues and those closer to a pure red, green or blue will be far more valuable. Though not the only determining factor, color will play a major role and very important to evaluate a gemstone.
Today gems are worn for their beauty and aesthetic reasons. Let's, for a moment, turn our attention to color specifically and how their personal attributes will vary whether it is worn by men or women:
Blue: (Sapphire, aquamarine, lapiz)
When the color blue is worn by men, it symbolizes great thought and wisdom. On women, it represents vigilance and politeness.
Red: (Ruby, garnet)
Men: nobility and high command.
Women: Pride, sexiness, attraction.
Green: (Emerald, tourmaline, peridot)
Men: Transitory hope.
Women: change.
In a way these two meet.
White: (Zircon, diamond, white sapphire)
Men: commitment, friendship, integrity.
Women: Purity and contemplation.
Black: (Onyx, opal, pearl)
Men: strength.
Women: consistency in love, perseverance.
And the list goes on. The above are the most common colors sought after in gemstones, and worn in clothing. In the end, your own fashion statement will come from different factors, the color of the season, which color suits your skin tone and ultimately which color makes you feel good! And the same goes for gemstones.
Do Gemstones have Healing Powers?
Healing with gemstones and their stimulating effects on body and mind have been known for thousand of years. Each stone produced by Earth has its unique properties and characteristics, each release a specific energy that have an effect on the psyche and the body. A great source for understanding the powers of over 140 different stones is Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon
Jewelry that Empowers
Another beautiful hand crafted bracelet. This one combines fiery carnelian popping out among the Fluorite, Aquamarine and Chrysoprase.Chrysoprase was one of the most sought after stones during the middle ages. This magic stone was recharged outdoors at half moon to ensure good health and happy marriages. St Wenceslas chapel in Prague has decorations made with Chrysoprase. It has the healing power of balancing body, mind and body. If you suffer from high blood pressure, wear this stone against your skin. Chrysoprase calms you down and also clears the mind, you'll begin to think more clearly. It is believed to be an important stone for those born under the sign of Cancer. It provides balance between the conscious and subconsious.
Aquamarine will always be a great facilitator to meditation, aquamarine also symbolizes peace and promotes love and friendship. One of its many benefits is the effect it has on the tyroid gland.
Carnelian is one of the oldest gemstones in history. In ancient Egypt it was placed in tombs as a magic armor. The healing properties of the carnelian are promoting a good digestion and great for woman who suffer from abdominal pain. Carnelian is a great stone to wear during pregnancy. It increases vitality and zest for life, gives strength to carry on daily tasks. Activity and courage are associated with carnelian.
There are many more attributes to these stones, the Healing Crystals and Gemstones is a great book to own if you enjoy discovering the nature of earth's gems.
Jewelry That Empowers
Custom bracelet hand crafted with Rose Quartz, Amazonite and Amethyst. Wear this bracelet and awaken the many healing properties attributed to these stones. Each of these sterling silver bracelets are created with a purpose, to assist you in your process and empowerment.Rose Quartz is the most effective stone against radiation, if you work on the computer all day, wearing rose quartz can prevent eye fatigue and headaches. It can vitalize your sex drive and is also known to strengthen friendships. Rose Quartz helps in all affairs of the heart.
Amazonite used as an accent has the healing power to treat metabolic disorders. If you suffer from migraines, make amazonite a priority stone to wear against the skin. It has a calming effect, it lifts depression and reduces anxiety.
Amethyst is another migraine alleviator, combined here with the amazonite makes this part of healing stronger. It is also believed to improve concentration, well once your headaches are gone for sure you'll be able to focus better. Mysterious purple amethyst helps the wearer get in touch with his subconscious power.
For more information about the power of crystals and gemstones and learn further about their many magical and healing properties, we recommend you get Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon.
.Retailed at $87.00
Opal is October's Birthstone
When Sir Walter Scott published "Anne of Gerstein" back in 1829, a myth begun about the opal that one would be very unlucky if wearing an opal unless she was born in October, because the main character of the book dies and her death is attributed to the opal.
It really doesn't matter what month you were born in, you should wear the gems that speak to your heart above all. Usually personalities will be attracted to a particular gem according to how it makes them feel and look. Sometimes a certain color stone might not show as brilliant against a certain skin tone, other times a gem is chosen by a wearer because of a sentimental attachment.
If you enjoy wearing the fiery opals, it is my pleasure to tell you that you must be a person of such positive and happy energy because in modern days, opals are said to project the wearers energy back to them. Therefore if you harbor negativity, sadness, bitterness, simply touching the opal will not feel right and you will turn away from it.
Opals are soft and difficult to care for, when we work with opals, we take extra caution as it should be kept away from heat and cold. We cannot place it in an ultrasonic cleaner, and if we need to repair the setting, it must be removed. It required very delicate care.
The name opal comes from the latin 'opalus' which means precious jewels. Called 'Cupid Paederos' by the Romans translated to a child as beautiful as love. Fallen from heaven in a flash of fiery light, is one of the legendary explanations of the opal's origin. Worn by kings and monarch alike, believed to bring protection and ward off the eviel eye. Opals were set in crowns and necklaces.
It is better not to set them in rings as they are soft stones and can damage easily. Most of opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources are Mexico, Brazil, Nevada and Czechoslovakia.
Another giant diamond, this one depicts Lord Ganesha
A foreigner discovered this diamond in one of Orra's factories, Orra is a world known diamond company and it recently showcased this idol of Lord Ganesha. It is the biggest idol of Ganesh made of diamond. The stone was left in its raw form unpolished. It has created a main attraction in Pune where it is displayed, Supreya Sule a member of the parliament in Pune has also visited the showroom to see the interesting Deity, which is one of the most worshiped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Devotion to Ganesha goes beyond India to Buddhists, and Jains. Ganesha, Lord of beginnings, Lord of obstacles, deva of intellect and wisdom, is honored before rituals and ceremonies. Identified by its elephant head, it is widely revered as the remover of obstacles.
This Ganesha made of diamond weighs 514 carat - no less!
507-Carat Diamond Found at South African Mine
JOHANNESBURG —
A chicken egg has been found
at South Africa's Cullinan mine.
The first thing you might wonder is "what is its value?" The rough diamond held here in the photo by the CEO Johan Dippenaar is 507.55 carat and weighs a little over 100 grams. No value has yet been given but it is considered among the world's top 20 high quality gems.
Discovered at a mine northeast of Pretoria, it is said that its color and clarity is exceptional. This same mine is where the Cullinan, 3,106 carat stone came from and now is set in Britain's Imperial Scepter as part of the Crown Jewels.
This is yet another huge discovery by the company Petra Diamond Ltd.
source: foxnews
Pegasus Coin
Pegasus, who's never heard of this winged horse born from Greek Mythology? Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus beheaded her. The role of Pegasus is to bring the thunder to Zeus. Most often described as a large white stallion with wings. Pegasus has been depicted in fantasy art for generations. Here depicted in a beautiful jewelry piece.The name is believed to have derived from the word 'pegai' which means 'spring' or 'fountain'. As for 'sus' this is pre-greek word and means 'bridled horse'. So we can say that Pegasus can litterally mean "Fountain Horse". A term perfectly matched with its mythology. In ancient Greek mythology, Pegasus is said to well forth the fountain of the Muses on Mount Helicon with a stroke of his hoof.
The winged horseshoe is the symbol of Pegasus
Today, Pegasus symbolises the immortal soul and protector of the spirit in its journey to the astral plane. The winged horse represents the power of natural forces and the capacity of inverting evil into good.
As a Christian symbol, Pegasus went from the attribution as the mount of Apollo the God of pure light, to the symbol of Christ risen and as revealer of mysteries. In Revelations, Pegasus takes on the symbol of the "white horse".
Through the many interpretations of Pegasus, today it remains the beautiful mysterious and powerful winged horse regarded as the symbol of poetic inspiration.
shown here: a sterling silver piece set in 24k gold retailed at $259.00
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