How To Collect Loose Gemstones
By Lee MacRae
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. Many people take up gemology more as a hobby. They become interested in collecting and evaluating items like loose gemstone or natural diamonds. You'll even find some that like to visit various locations close by or even in other countries to hunt for raw or rough gemstones. Some of them will even tumble or finish off the gemstones themselves. If this sounds like a hobby you would like to get involved in read along as this article discusses the things you should know to start this hobby.
The first thing you need to do is to get some books from the library or bookstore. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about the subject of gemstones. The more you learn about each kind of gemstone the better off you'll be. With adequate knowledge you are less likely to be fooled.
To start with, an important aspect in gemstone evaluation is color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural materials you can find. Gemstones are so related to color that they have even lent their names to specific colors. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones are valued much higher when they equal the colors in the spectrum of violet, blue, green,, orange and red. They are valued much less the farther they are from the spectral color.
Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones in general as well. A good cut showcases the natural color of the gemstone, diminishes its inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One way of determining the excellence in gemstone cut is to consider how consistent and well, it reflects the light throughout its surface. But if a gem is cut too shallow, most of this light were refracted away instead of reflecting inside. Gemstone color will be washed out.
The clarity in a stone is our next factor. When we talk of clarity it relates to the amount of inclusions (trace elements or large particles of other elements or minerals) that a gem has. A flawless gemstone is obviously valued highly. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye you need a gemstone loupe (gemstone clarity magnifier) or gem microscope. Serious hobbyists will buy a jewelers diamond gemstone loupe 10X for viewing their coins, beads, stamps or in our case gemstones.
Next comes size and weight. Except for corals and pearls, all gemstones are valued by the unit called the carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams However you should know weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can vary in gemstones. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats, you will find a Sapphire or ruby of the same size would weigh 1.20 carats.
Taking up the collecting of loose gemstones can create an enjoyable hobby and pastime. And there is such a variety in gemstones you can collect. You can start collecting gemstones like Jade [jadeite and nephrite], Chalcedony (bloodstone) or Iolite for example. The varieties are nearly endless. And if you like to save money but love vacations you can go hunting for raw gemstones. Take the example of the United States. In Pennsylvania you can find Amethyst, Almandite Garnet and Pyrope Garnet, Beryl, Sunstone and Moonstone.
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More Information On precious loose gemstones
Very Good Grade diamonds: This grade also has high brilliance and scintillation,
but expect them to be a bit darker in the center or around the edges. In some
cases a diamond can have top brilliance and scintillation, but be down graded by
its pattern. The stone above has a splintery pattern that prevents it from being
graded excellent.
Buy round Tanzanite loose gemstones today!
Aquamarine is March's birthstone and is a beautiful, medium priced, light blue
or blue-green stone. It sparkles and shines so wonderfully that is it often made
into an aquamarine engagement ring. Though this gemstone is wonderful in any
setting, we found that aquamarine rings, aquamarine pendants and aquamarine
earrings are the most popular aquamarine jewelry.
Buy round Amethyst loose gemstones today!
More precious loose gemstones Information
Double Tiny Disc Earring: Brushed/ms
Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:36:44 -0700
Sterling silver and vermeil brushed double disc earring, measuring approximately 3/4'', sterling silver earwire.
Flat Heart Earring w/White Pearl/gg
Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:36:44 -0700
Brushed 23kt gold vermeil heart, measuring approximately 1/2'', with white pearl rondelle accent, on 14kt gold fill earwires. Please select stone color: garnet, pink tourmaline, citrine, peridot, hessionite, white pearl, black onyx, white quartz, black pearl, carnelian, blue topaz, mystic topaz, apatite, green apatite, dark apatite, london blue etc.
Labels: natural color diamond
