The Hobby Of Gemstone Collecting
By Lee MacRae
Why would someone go to the trouble of collect loose gemstones? Well to begin with they've been sought for their beauty for many centuries. And just like natural diamonds their value increases over time. Many people love to find, collect and finish the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. This article will look at the hobby of collecting loose gemstones.
The first thing you need to do in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the smart way is by getting adequate knowledge about them. By visiting a local library you can find a number of books to broaden your knowledge and that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.
Color is a subjective idea but a very important part in evaluating a gemstone. The closer the color comes to its purer spectral value the more valuable it is. Traditional spectral colors include violent, blue, green,, orange and red. Colors that are darker or paler tend to be less valued.
The cut of the stone is extremely important and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones as well. An excellent cut will highlight the pure color of the stone, diminishes its inclusions, and show off its symmetry and proportions. One excellent method to determine the precision in its cut is to check how well it reflects light on a consistent basis throughout the surface of the stone. But if a gem is cut too shallow, most of this light were refracted away instead of reflecting inside the gemstone. The gem appears washed out.
A third consideration is the clarity. This refers to the purity of the stone or the absence of internal inclusions, spots, or particles inside the crystal. Without a doubt, zero flaws are hard to find and make your stones very valuable.
Next to consider are weight and size. Save for pearls and corals, all gemstones are priced by the carat. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Be aware however, that weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can very. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats, you will find a similar sized ruby or sapphire is 1.20 carats.
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 too fragile or too large to be used in jewelry. Take each gemstone and think of it as a piece of art, a miniature sculpture to be treasured for its unusual nature and for the craftsmanship of the artisan who shaped it. And unlike some hobbies that require you to pay for your specimens you can find your raw materials through field trips In the US in Pennsylvania you can find Amethyst, Almandite Garnet and Pyrope Garnet, Beryl, Sunstone and Moonstone. And if you travel to Canada you will find nephrite jade in the Frances Lake area in the Yukon Territory or labradorite on the adjacent islands and coastal area of Labrador as well as the unique deep blue beryl in Canada's Yukon Territory. Think of gemstone collecting for the great hobby it is.
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More Info On loose diamond chips
American Golden Topaz, a 172-faceted topaz weighing 22,892.5 carats (4.5785 kg),
is the largest cut yellow topaz in the world, and one of the largest faceted
gems of any type in the world. Originating from Minas Gerais, Brazil, it was cut
by Leon Agee over a period of two years from an 11.8 kg (26 lb avdp) stream-
rounded cobble. It was purchased by Rockhound Hobbyists of America and presented
to the Smithsonian Institution in 1988 and is displayed in the National Museum
of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
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Carats are a measure of weight in gemstones. Due to variations in the chemical composition and density of various types of gemstones, a one carat (1.00 ct.) stone will vary in size depending on the type of gemstone.
For instance, the density of a topaz is greater than the density of a peridot; therefore, the same weight of a one carat topaz will physically be a smaller stone than the same weight of a peridot which will be a larger stone
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Moonstone is said to balance yin/yang. In India, moonstone is regarded as a
sacred stone. It is believed to bring good fortune. Legend says that Moonstone
is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion. Moonstone is
the US State Gemstone of Florida and New York.
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More loose diamond chips Info
Brushed Metal Clover Necklace/ss (n-mcl0-ss)
Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:44:05 -0800
Brushed silver clover charm, measuring approximately 5/8'', threaded on 16'' sterling silver chain and toggle clasp.
Triple Oval Necklace: Heart/ms (n-ov3h-ms)
Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:44:05 -0800
Three brushed sterling silver ovals, double jumpringed together. Brushed vermeil heart accent on middle oval. 16'' 14kt gold-fill chain and toggle clasp. Matching earrings available. Necklace available in a variety of charms: heart, star, X, no charm.
