Sunday, August 10, 2008

More Information On The Gemstones Scene

Our Latest Gemstone Article

Starting To Collect Loose Gemstones


By Lee MacRae


Why would anyone collect items like loose gemstones, you ask? Well for one thing they are very beautiful items. And like their higher counterpart, natural diamonds they can become extremely valuable over the years. Many hobbyists love to find, collect and finish the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. Follow along as we discuss the hobby of loose gemstone collecting.


Right at the beginning, what you need is to get yourself some reading material. You want to learn as much as possible about the subject of gemstones. The more you understand about the hobby of gemstones the less likely you are to make a mistake. You will know exactly what you are looking at.


The first item to factor in should be the color of the stone. You want the gemstone to be as close in color as possible to the pure colors of the spectrum. This means orange, red, violet, green, yellow, and blue. In general terms, the prices of very dark are very pale gemstones are lower in value.


How the gemstone is cut is the second most important factor to look at before a purchase. The precision of the cut determines the amount of light the gemstone stone will reflect. It will ultimately factor highly in the brilliance of the stone and how much it will be valued.


The clarity in a stone is an important consideration. Clarity refers to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. The gemstone without flaws is obviously valued highly. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye requires a 10X gemstone clarity magnifier or gem microscope. Many hobbyists will buy a 10X jewelers were gemstone loup for viewing their coins, beads, stamps or in our case gemstones.


Gemstones are often listed according to their size criteria since it is more uniform than carat weight. But different gemstones may be of the same size but differ in carat weights and as a result different pricing structures. This is due to gemstone difference regarding specific gravity or relative density depending upon the chemical composition and crystal structure type A one carat round brilliant diamond, for example with standard proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A comparable round brilliant ruby of the same size and proportions will weigh approximately 1.55 carats.


Getting involved in collecting gemstones can be very enjoyable and also 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 love to take vacations to go hunting gemstones. Take the example of the US. In Montana you'll find Agate, Sapphire, Beryl, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Tourmaline and Garnet. Or you can take the time to travel and find opal in Coober Pedy, Andamooka or Mintabie in South Australia, topaz in Torrington, New South Wales, Australia or check out the quartz regions in Mt Hope or Inverell, New South Wales.


Buy loose Peridot gemstones as well as champagne loose diamonds and rough natural diamonds today in our store!

Gemstones For Sale



Hints About loose faceted gemstones

Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds, rubies and
sapphires will be fine but many other gems may not be: when in doubt, leave it
out. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and other single-crystal gems can be
cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra
sparkle. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia for cleaning such opaque
gemstones like lapis, turquoise, malachite or onyx. They should be wiped clean
gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb
chemicals, even soap, which may build up inside the stone and discolor it. The
reason why these materials need more care than transparent gemstones is that
these materials are essentially rocks, not crystals of a single mineral. Think
about it: when you put a rock in water, it absorbs the water and is moist all
the way through. A single crystal gem like sapphire will not absorb water: all
the molecules are lined up so tightly in the crystal that there is no room for
water to enter.
at Loose Diamonds Galore!

We recommend removing your gemstone jewelry before any vigorous physical activity to prevent loss or damage to the gemstone. Most gemstones can be cleaned using a soft brush and a mild solution of lukewarm, soapy water. Avoid the use of chemical dips and only allow a professional jeweler to clean your gemstone back to top jewelry.
Buy Amethyst loose gemstones today!

Legends proclaim that wearing amethyst jewelry or drinking from a chalice made
from amethyst will prevent intoxication from alcohol. What a wonderful gem
indeed! Amethyst is the Canadian State Gemstone of Ontario, Canada and the US
State Gemstone of South Carolina.
Buy pear Amethyst loose gemstones today!

loose faceted gemstones News From Around The World

Apatite and Sterling Silver Disc Earrings

Brushed sterling silver discs with faceted apatite accents. All sterling silver components and earwires. Earrings hang approximately 5/8" from base of earwire.

Mixed Sterling and Vermeil Disc Necklace

Handlinked brushed sterling and 23kt gold vermeil discs in various sizes. Necklace is 18" long with toggle clasp.

Vermeil Baby Ring Stud Earrings

23kt gold vermeil mini-ring stud earrings. Earrings measure about 3/8". Hand textured and finished.

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