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.
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.
