More Information On Gemstones

Our Latest Gemological Article

So You Want To Collect Gemstones

By Lee MacRae

The term gemology refers to the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up gemology as a hobby. They become interested in making a collection of loose diamonds or loose gemstones. Some people even begin to travel to various neghbourhood locations to look for raw gemstones. Some hobbyists will learn to cut or tumble the gemstones they find. If you have an interest in this hobby then read along as we discuss the in and outs of gemstone collecting.

To begin with you need to learn all you can on the various gemstones available. This knowledge will help you to know the properties of each stone and prevent you from wasting your money. This will help you make informed decisions.

First on the list to evaluate is gemstone color. Gemstones are the most intensely colored natural material available on earth. Gems have become so synonomous with color, they've even had their names combined with associated colors. You've no doubt heard about emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, jade green, turquoise or aquamarine. Gemstones will have a higher value they closer they are to natural spectral colors of yellow, blue, violet, green, orange and red. They become less valuable when they are lighter or darker than the spectral color.

The way a stone is cut is the second most important factor to look at before a purchase. The preciseness of the cut will determine how much light the stone will reflect. It will ultimately determine the brilliance of the stone and its final value.

Gemstone clarity is the next item to consider. When we talk of clarity it relates to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. A gemstones that is normally found to be clean is obviously worth more. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye you need a 10X gemstone loupe (gemstone clarity magnifier) or gem microscope. Serious hobbyists will employ an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for viewing stamps, coins, beads as well as gems.

Next thing to look at is the duo of weight and size. Due to the fact gemstones can vary greatly in density and specific gravity. Weight and size are not necessarily equal across the board. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats an equal sized Sapphire would weigh more than 1.20 carats. An Emerald of equal size would be approximately 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite gemstone would be about 1.23 carats.

Getting involved in collecting gemstones can give you an enjoyable pastime and also rewarding in the long run. You can start small and don't have to spend a lot of money and yet you can buy some very beautiful items. Many people love to take vacations to go hunting gemstones. For example in Maryland you can search for Beryl and Clam Pearl. Or you can take the time to travel and find opal at Lightning Ridge in NSW, Austalia, topaz in Mt Surprise or O'Briens Creek in Queensland, Australia or hunt in the garnet fields in Fullarton River in Queensland, Australia.

Buy loose Citrine gemstones along with black loose diamonds and heart natural diamonds today in our store!

Gemstones For Sale

More Info On inexpensive loose diamonds

The Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. The state of Nevada in the
United States honors the black opal as its' state gem stone. The black opal is
found in Humboldt County, Nevada.
Buy Moissanite loose gemstones today!

Rose Quartz is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Scotland, Spain, and USA (Colorado,
Connecticut, Maine, and New York). Rose Quartz is the anniversary gemstone for
the 2nd year of marriage. Though not meant to replace traditional medical
treatment, Rose Quartz is used to balance ones emotions and open the heart. The
star effect seen in some Rose Quartz cabochans and beads happen when rutile
inclusions are present. Wiccans supposedly use Rose Quartz for forgiveness. Rose
Quartz is the US State Gemstone of South Dakota.
Buy loose Peridot gemstones today!

Sometimes, Fancy Jasper is called bloodstone. However these are very different
stones as Fancy Jasper comes in many colors. Generally, the polish will be
removed if you get this type of stone wet. As with other jewelry, avoid
scratches, sharp blows and harsh chemicals.
Buy oval blue loose gemstones today!

inexpensive loose diamonds News From Around The World

China tops India again - BusinessWeek

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:55:00 GMT
China’s science and engineering community has been distracted the past few months by a series of scandals involving accusations of fraud and plagiarism . But the incidents ...

Purple Garnet and Sterling Silver Disc Bracelet

Brushed sterling silver discs, hand linked. Faceted purple garnets. All sterling silver components and findings. Approximately 8" long with toggle clasp.

Biwa Pearl and Vermeil Baby Disc Earrings

White biwa pearl paired with three 23kt gold vermeil baby discs. 14kt gold fill findings and earwires. Earrings hang approximately 1.5" from base of earwires.

natural red diamonds