Tuesday, April 8, 2014

The Goods on Gemstones

GEM PHILOSOPHY


Hello Gem Aficionado,

Did you know there is NO exact definition to describe gems or gemstones!

There are however characteristic to classify gems, so what is a gemstone

Gemstones are most often minerals, but they can also be organic, thus corals and pearls and in rare occasions, rocks like lapis lazuli. All of these examples can be referred to as gemstones.

Here is my 5 essential guides to quality gemstones:

1. Color- maybe the most important to you!
The jewelry industry recognizes the highest quality gemstones by purity of color, the depth of tone and the color saturation. 

2. Structure- every gem is different, just like everyone of us but most follow a basic structure.
Gemstones may be pure chemical element, like diamonds. A simple compound mineral, like quartz or a more complex compound and elements such as garnets. The jewelry industry has several groupings of crystal structure to categories such gems. For instance; cubic, hexagonal, tetragonal to name a few. 

3. Hardness- Hardness is rated on a scale of 1-10 known as the Mohn scale. 
The numbers are based on the relative ease or difficultly with which one mineral can be scratched by another, with 1 being delicate and easily scratched, while 10 is impossible to scratch and extremely hard. Jewelry created from hard gemstones are more desirable, simply because it is more durable and will obviously last longer. Whereas you can expect to pay more for hard gemstones keep in mind it will also last a lifetime if the setting and gemstone are properly cared for.

4. Cleavage- special concern for gem buyers as well as jewelers and gem cutters. 
A characteristic of crystals and minerals is cleavage. According to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), cleavage is the tendency of a crystal to break cleanly along distinct planes. Not to mention minerals cleave along particular crystallographic planes where atomic bonding is weaker. Similar to wood splitting.

5. Clarity- Last but not least this, is a very important factor in comparing quality colored gemstone. 
Gemstones form under natures own unique circumstances, each individual gem is comprised of a combination of trace minerals, which create marks or inclusions. Inclusions will not necessarily detract from the beauty or desirability of a colored gemstone.

A perfect example is an Emerald, this particular gemstone always has inclusions its the way mother nature intended. If a seller is clamming an Emerald gemstone and it is perfectly clear, you just might have to question yourself. Could it be natural from the earths ground! or whether or not it could be lab created or a synthetic gemstone. In the gem industry there is a treatment done to natural Emeralds which fills the fissures and inclusions, to enhance a natural Emerald. A reputable artisan would be proud to inform you of such an enhancement to such a stunning gem.  

To make the best choice on a beautiful piece of gemstone jewelry keep my 5 essential guideline in mind and you will never regret your choice. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Shades of "Harmony"

Is it spring yet!

Artisan Le Flur Necklace
I have already started thinking about the warm weather and dreaming about being able to wear all the new spring clothes and using all the new color trends which NY fashion week introduced. 

Aqua Blue and Coral Mother~of~Pearl Toggle Charm Necklace or  Wear as a Multi~Strand Bracelet

The 2014 trends has come, and has left me inspired. Leaving the  floral patterns, spring pastels, and the combination of black and white on the runway. 
Artisan crafted Chrysocolla and Amethyst Bib Necklace  

Even though it does not seem like spring will ever get here this year. At Modern Gems Studio, I have a new spring line of artisan gemstone jewelry, inspired design.
Amethyst and Fancy Jasper Bar Necklase accented with Dumortierite  Semi~Precious Gemstone
Are you looking for your new or next one~of~a~kind, handcrafted piece of jewelry to match your Spring/Summer wardrobe.
Faceted Lemon Quartz center gem accompanied by Swarovski Australian Crystal and Lemon Jade Necklace 
These looks will continue to run well into spring and summer.
AAA grade Lemon Quartz and Faceted Aquamarine
on a dainty sterling silver flat cable chain accented
by three Lemon Jade gemstone and by a single AAA grade
Oval Aquamarine
Modern Gems can help you out with my selection of Genuine sterling silver, gemstone jewelry.

Hand~carved Green Serpentine Butterfly Necklace
 Shown here are a few examples of my new collection, I have named Shade of Harmony. I incorporated many of the Pantone colors for 2014.

Rose Quartz and Mother~of~Pearl Mosaic Shell Center Gem


Faceted Strawberry Quartz Artisan
Pendant

Hand~carved Mother~of~Pearl Floral Y Necklace



Smokey Quartz and Faceted Fire Agate and Floral Pendant Necklace 



High Polished Black Agate Pendant on
Genuine Sterling Silver Cable Chain 




Vintage Black and White Cameo Charm Necklace
Come check out my full selection of Sterling silver gemstone jewelry listed on my Etsy shop at Etsy.com/shop/Moderngems, Facebook Page at Facebook.com/moderngems or my Square Reader Market as well squareup.com/market/modern-gems 



Genuine Black Onyx in various shapes
Swarovski Ivory Pearls and Black
Agate (All Semi~Precious Gemstones)


Monday, February 10, 2014

Modern Gems is Featured as a Top 40 Gem Blogs

Modern Gems one of the Top 40 Gem Blogs for 2014  


I wanted to let my readers know, that just recently the Modern Gems Studio, has been featured as a Top Gem Blogger by the industry leader for gem pricing and marketing information, GemGuide.com, and is endorsed by this leader in the Gem World.
To give you guys a heads up, I was asked if an article could be written about my blog, on Top 40 Gem Blogs.
Susan the owner of GemGuide.com  approached me because she believes that Modern Gems  aligns very well with what her company stand for and is a great resource that can be trusted, of course I totally agree!
Please feel free to stop by the link I have provided so you can read it for your self. I would love to get any comment and opinions on my Facebook page or on this blog in the comment section below.

Handmade from the Heart just for you... 


Thursday, January 9, 2014

A Gem Palette!

Modern Gems Studio Releases it's 2014 Concept Forecast


Listen up fashionistas!
Pantone, is the worlds authority on color trends. From clothing to jewelry, accessories, and even make-up for the upcoming fashion year. As such the composition of color palette for 2014 reflects, balance and stability. What woman, doesn't need a bit of that in today's chaotic world. 


Pantone has announced it's 2014 color of the year to be Radiant Orchid. This color is lighthearted and fresh. A palette that pairs soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful combination between the facets of a woman's personality and the different phases of life. With this in mind I decided to take those aspects and incorporate them into my concept for ModernGems new 2014 collection. 

Being a jewelry designer and lover of all colors, I used gemstones that represent and remind me of the color palette for my own collection. I have decided to call the collection "equilibrium" to continue the theme of balance and stability. Here is my Gem Palette: 

Modern Gems Studio -Color Inspiration
  1. Color of the year Radiant Orchid will be represented by Amethyst 
  2. Placid Blue will be represented by Aquamarine, Amazonite, and Blue Lace Agate
  3. Hemlock will be represented by  Turquoise, and Chrysoprase
  4. Cayenne will be represented by Watermelon Quartz
  5. Sand will be represented by Smokey Quartz and Feldspar
  6. Violet Tulip will be represented by Iolite
  7. Freesia will be represented by Citrine and Lemon Quartz  
  8. Dazzling Blue will be represented by Lapis Lazuli
  9. Celosia Orange will be represented by Carnelian


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Majestic yet soothing, the sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September.


Summer's over and it has been a while since my last post. With the Labor day holiday behind us, the kids in school, and football is now back... September is here!

Lets talk Sapphires; the September birthstone.

Australian Sapphires Roughs
Majestic yet soothing, the sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September. This brilliant blue gemstone symbolizes faithfulness, sincerity and truth. All through history, gemstones have been coveted not just for their beauty, but also to show wealth and prosperity. It has been popular since age-old time and according to those ancient belief, will protect loved ones from envy and harm. Blue sapphires range from very light to very  dark. The most desired color being medium to violetish blue.

Understanding Sapphires  

The sapphire is chemically and structurally the same as ruby's, both are a variety of the mineral corundum. and are extremely durable, only diamonds and moisannite are harder. www.americangemsociety.org states, "Sapphire's are a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the rainbow" (AGS).

Sapphires are so rare and expensive. Gem cutters tend to sape them into shapes that preserve most of the original rough stone, these shape are in oval or cushion. Rounds are also popular but it does involve removing more of the original stone rough.

Today most gemstones are quite affordable, however, there are still a very expensive gemstones. It is usually due to the combination of demand, rarity, and beauty!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Modern Gems Auctions of the Sasha bracelet...

 Announcing Modern Gems first event 


Ryan's Smile, An auction charity event to help a young boy who was in an accident, regain his smile.

Modern Gems will be auctioning off the Sasha bracelet. A beautiful modern floral design bracelet created by combining genuine Amazonite gemstones and hand carved sea shell beads.

Amazonite is a good stone for writers and creative people, it improves confidence, restores spiritual faith and enhances self-worth and creative expression.
If you are interested in helping a good cause, would like to explore Modern Gems 2013 Collection, or would like a chance at winning this one~of~a~kind bracelet. 

All bids one quarter, Come and be a part of this cause on Sunday, August 4th 2013, 5:00pm~8:00pm At the Bristol Polish American Club, 541 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010.  All proceeds go to help pay for Ryan's surgery and dental care.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernGems
Location

Friday, June 21, 2013

The Sneaky Snake

What trends are you ladies following this season?


2013 is the year of the snake, in the lunar astrological calendar. 


If your astrological birth year is; 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, then your Chinese astrological symbol is the Sneaky Snake. 




It's a feminine sign, as with luxury and style. Who does not like that, but for people born in the year of the snake, they especially appreciate beauty and enjoy fashion.


Today snake jewelry is as fashionable as ever. Zoe Saldana wore a snake ring to the Oscars, Rihanna and Alicia Key's were rocking snake style at the Grammy's. 2013 Best Actress winner Julianne Moore wore a snake bracelet to the Golden Globes.

I draw inspiration from ancient and modern jewelry trends to create my own unique pieces. In celebration of the year of the snake here are my fabulous fashionable serpent ring. 




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