Concave Faceted Gemstones - Effects

 Gemstones have been faceted for hundreds of years and up until about 20 years ago the facets have been perfectly flat surfaces. It means having many non-parallel surfaces cut or ground onto the stone. New equipment allows facets to be cut with a dipped shape that gathers light from a wider range of angles and broadly diverges it within the stone. The result is a bright and interesting precious stone. The down side is that the load of the stone is little bit reduced.

WHAT ARE PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

Stones have been worn by men and women since ancient times. Modern jewelry uses beautiful, rare and colorful stones as a dominant feature for a piece with a metallic setting. The stones used in the crafting of fine jewelry are generally divided into two classes- precious stones and semi-precious stones. These stones are simply rocks (minerals) taken from the earth, and after they have been enhanced by the artisans cutting and polishing, the finest and rarest of them are what we call gems.

RECIOUS STONES
The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The pearl is sometimes classed among precious stones while strictly speaking it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry. Sometimes the opal is also considered a precious stone. Anything except these is considered semi-precious gemstones. The exceptional value of gems or precious stones depends simply upon their use as ornaments these days. Gemstone jewelry is very popular and considered very fashionable and elegant at the same time.

SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES
Among the popular semi-precious stones and less expensive ones are the amethyst, turquoise, aquamarine, topaz, peridot, opal, tourmaline, alexandrite and garnet (but the green garnet could cost more). These stones while comparatively common and inexpensive are indispensable to jewelry makers. These stones come in a variety of colors and thus it is possible to make unusual designs of artistic merit according to the personality of the wearer. The most valuable semi-precious stones would be the amethyst, turquoise, lapis-lazuli, aquamarine, topaz, peridot, moonstone, tourmaline, opal, zircon, chrysoberyl and alexandrite. Some other semi-precious stones that are not as valuable, though valuable still would include jade, garnet, chrysoprase, agate, azurite, bloodstone, coral, malachite, carnelian and a lot others.

For some gemstones the source of beauty is the color or the shine that makes them stand out in comparison to other stones, for others it is the hardness. Rarity also plays a role in classifying as gemstone. Since the valued characteristics of gemstones usually come into effect only through cutting and polishing, hence they are normally considered to be the cut stones.

Cutting and polishing means refinement of what might otherwise be insignificant raw materials. From time to time, new gemstones are discovered or varieties with gemstone quality are found in minerals which have been already known. Harder stones are suitable for jewelry, whereas the soft ones are often sought after by amateur collectors as well as serious lapidaries.

Alexandrite – Emerald By Day, Ruby By Night

If there is any gemstone that exudes royalty, it has to be the Alexandrite. No wonder it is popularly associated with longevity.

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing gemstone:

·          Alexandrite is a rare member of the Chrysoberyl family. In daylight, it exhibits a bluish-green or even emerald-green tinge, while under artificial light it appears reddish. The redness ranges from crimson to purple-red and violet-red. Many gemologists jokingly say that it is an emerald during the day and ruby in the evening.

·          Alexandrite was discovered on April, 17th, 1834 in an Emerald mine in Ural Mountains (Russia). The dense-green stone was originally mistaken for an emerald; however on closer inspection, it was found to be harder than an emerald, and when inspected under candle light, it exhibited a blood-red fire from within. This important discovery was made on the day the future Czar of Russia, Alexander II came of age. The stone was therefore named in his honor.

·          Alexandrite is a favorite among gamblers, as they believe that by wearing it, they can improve their odds of winning. (The color change capability of the stone emphasizes the change of fortune).

·          Alexandrite is known to make the wearer more calm, serene and peaceful. Therefore, it is a good talisman for people with anger management issues. 

·          Alexandrite can also improve circulation of blood, help in blood purification and strengthening of the various blood vessels. It also has very positive influences on the spleen and pancreas.   

·          Alexandrite’s are known to promote creative thinking and kindle the wearer’s imagination. It also has the quality of boosting the wearer’s intuition, which proves very beneficial in finding a way out from desperate situations.