Starting To Collect Loose Gemstones
By Lee MacRae
Why would someone go to the trouble of collect loose gemstones? For many people it's because they are very beautiful items. And just like natural diamonds they can become extremely valuable over the years. Many people love to find, collect and finish the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. This article will examine the loose gemstones hobby.
At the very beginning you need to read up on the various gemstones available. You'll find it very helpful to know what exactly you're looking for so you buy the right items. This will help you make informed decisions.
Number one to look at Is gemstone color. Top grade gemstones have colors that are close to the purest spectral colors of yellow, blue, Violet, green, orange or red. Gemstone colors that are somewhat muted or too dark are diminished in value.
The cut of the gemstone is an important factor to consider when you value gemstone. The cut has to be done in a way that reflects light back to the viewer. A stone that has a poor cut will be muted or washed out. Tone, color saturation, and color hue will always look inconsistent.
The clarity of a gemstone is our next factor. Gemstone clarity relates to the amount of inclusions (trace elements or large particles of other elements or minerals) that a gem has. The gemstone without flaws is more valuable. To see flaws beyond with the eye can see requires a 10X gemstone loupe or gemstone microscope. Many hobbyists will buy a jewelers diamond gemstone loupe 10X for viewing their coins, beads, stamps or in our case gemstones.
Gemstones are often categorized according to size because of being more uniform than carat weight. But different gemstones may have the same size but differ in carat weights and as a result different prices as well. This is due to the nature of gemstone difference in specific gravity and depends on the materials chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure. Normally a one carat brilliant round diamond with normal proportions is approximately 6.5 mm around. A comparable round brilliant ruby of the same size and proportions will weigh in at 1.55 carats instead.
Although gems are frequently used in jewelry, they are a great hobby and pastime as well. In fact, there are many attractive and interesting gemstones that are simply too big and fragile for use in jewelry. Look at each loose gemstone and Think of it as a mini sculpture or piece of art to be highly treasured for its unique nature and vibrant colors. And unlike many hobbies where you have to buy everthing you can find your raw materials through field trips In the US in Montana you'll find Agate, Sapphire, Beryl, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Tourmaline and Garnet. And if you travel to Canada you will find opal in the Okanagan, British Columbia or pink and dark blueish spinels in Wakefield, Quebec and even the unique deep blue beryl in Canada's Yukon Territory. Think of collecting gemstones as a great hobby and pastime.
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More Info On inexpensive loose diamonds
Zircon is somewhat soft so avoid scratches and sharp blows. Avoid hot water and
household chemicals. Brown Zicon is usually heat treated to change them to
colorless or blue Zircon. Blue stones that revert to brown will regain the blue
if reheated. Blue Zircon reheated in the presence of oxygen will change to a
golden yellow.
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Fire agate has distinctive iridescent colors caused by layers of iron oxide
within the quartz. Because agate is porous, it is often dyed to darken or change
its natural color. Commonly treated agate is sold as Black Onyx. Petrified wood
is fossilized wood that has had its organic matter replaced by agate.
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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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The Latest inexpensive loose diamonds News
Garnet Clover and Vermeil Hammered Ring Earrings (e-hr01-gc-g)
Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:26:39 -0800
Hand hammered 23kt gold vermeil ring. Clover shaped faceted garnet. Earrings are about 1/2" in diameter. 14kt gold fill earwires. Also available in sterling silver. Assorted stones available: moonstone leaves or cushion cut kyanite.
Black Onyx Pebble Necklace (n-pe03-mb-g)
Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:26:39 -0800
Matte black onyx pebbles float on 23kt gold fill chain. Necklace is 16" long. 23kt gold vermeil toggle. 14kt gold fill chain and findings.
Small Round Locket Necklace w/Pearl Accent/ss (n-sl2r-ss)
Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:26:39 -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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