Discover Diamonds & Gemstones Today Blog

All you want to know on diamonds and gemstones and all the news about precious and semi-precious stones

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Location: Wilmer, Alabama, United States

I like underwater photography, chatting with friends and jewels.

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Haute Couture Information

Our Featured Gemstone Writer

Starting To Collect Loose Gemstones


By Lee MacRae


Many people today say collecting various loose gemstones or loose diamonds is a favorite pastime. They simply love the beauty and the colors Of the assorted number of gemstones you can find just about everywhere in the world. Follow along as we discuss a number of things you need to know in starting in this hobby.


The first thing you need to do in becoming a gemstone collector the intelligent way is by acquiring knowledge about them. By visiting a local library you can find books on the subject that will prevent you from making mistakes at the start.


One of the first things you look at is the color of the gem. Highly prized gemstones exhibit colors similar to the purest spectral colors of yellow, blue, Violet, green, orange or red. Muted gemstone colors or too dark lowers the value per carat.



Gemstone cut is very important and factors highly into the appraisal of not only diamonds but gemstones in general as well. A precision cut gemstone highlights the pure color of the stone, lessen any inclusions and show off its symmetry and proportions. One excellent way to determine the excellence regarding the cut is how evenly it reflects light over its entire surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side most of this light were refracted away instead of reflecting internally. The gem appears washed out.


Our next consideration is the issue of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the the internal conclusions or flaws of a stone. Any large flaws can easily be seen with the naked eye while others need a 10X magnification.


Next comes size and weight. All gemstones [except for pearls and corals] are priced by the carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams However you should know weight and size are not always equal and gemstones. Density or specific gravity can very. Take a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats and you will see that a similar sized sapphire or ruby weighs out at 1.20 carats.


Taking up the hobby of gemstones can be very enjoyable and also rewarding in the long run. It doesn't have to be very expensive and yet you can build a very exquisite collection. Many people love to take vacations to go looking for gemstones. For example in Colorado you can find Beryl, Aquamarine, Phenacite, Garnet, Amethyst, Agate, Citrine, Pyrite, Rose Quartzcomma


Buy round Peridot loose gemstones along with wholesale loose diamonds and also heart natural diamonds today in our store!

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Hints On small loose diamond

a precious gem stone is defined as: "A gemstone that, owing to its beauty, rarity, durability, and hardness, has the highest commercial value and traditionally has enjoyed the highest esteem since antiquity; specifically, diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald (and sometimes pearl, opal, topaz, and chrysoberyl)."
Buy Aquamarine loose gemstones today!

Peridot is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of "pitdah". Peridot gems along with other gems were probably used in the fabled Breastplates of the Jewish High Priests, artifacts that have never been found. Legend has it that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. Crusaders brought peridot to Central Europe where it is found in many medieval churches such as the Cologne Cathedral. In the Baroque era the deep green gemstone experienced another short flourishing, before it became forgotten again.
Napoleon used peridot to assure the empress Josephine of his undying love and admiration, which, of course, happened before he had their marriage annulled.
Throughout time, peridot has been confused with many other gemstones, even emerald. Many "emeralds" of royal treasures have turned out to be peridots.
The largest cut peridot was found on the island Zabargad, weights 319ct and belongs to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
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More small loose diamond Information

Your Artist Rating: - Launch.com

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:08:00 GMT
In a career that began in the 1960s, Neil Diamond became a major recording artist, an internationally successful touring act, and a songwriter whose compositions produced hits for ...

Keishi Pearl Necklace w/Pink Tourmaline Accent

Tiny keishi pearl studded with pink tourmaline. 14kt gold-fill chain. 23kt gold vermeil toggle. Necklace measures 16" long.

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The Gemstones Review

Starting The Hobby Of Loose Gemstone Collecting


By Lee MacRae


For many people collecting semi-precious and precious gemstones like loose diamonds or loose gemstones is a passionate hobby. They love the colors and the beauty of the wide array of gemstones you can find just about everywhere in the world. This article will look at a number of factors you should understand in starting in this interesting hobby.


At the very beginning you'll need the knowledge on the wide variety of stones available. This knowledge will help you to know what you're buying so you buy the right items. A knowledgeable buyer is a wise one.


One of the first things you look at is the color of the gem. Highly prized gemstones have pure colors there as close as possible to the exact spectral color of red, orange, yellow, green, blue or violet. Muted gemstone colors or on the dark side lowers the value per carat.



Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors into appraisal of diamonds but you're gemstones as well. An excellent cut will highlight the pure color of the stone, lessen any inclusions and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One way of determining the excellence in gemstone cut is to consider if it is able to reflect light on a consistent level throughout the surface of the stone. But if a gem is cut too shallow, most of this light were refracted away rather than reflecting inside. Gem color appears 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. Generally speaking, a clearer stone is definitely worth much more. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye requires a 10X gemstone loupe or gemstone microscope. Many hobbyists will get an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for viewing their coins, beads, stamps or in our case gemstones.


Gemstones are often listed according to their size because of being more uniform than carat weight. But different gemstones may be the same size but different carat weights and consequently, different pricing structures. This is due to the nature of gemstone difference regarding specific gravity depending upon the materials chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure. For example, a one carat round diamond of typical proportions will be approximately 6.5 mm in diameter. A ruby that is the same size will weigh in at 1.55 carats instead.


Although gemstones are normally used for jewelry, they are perfectly good collectibles in their own right. In fact, there are many attractive and interesting gemstones that are too fragile or too large to be used in jewelry. Look at each stone and think of it as a piece of art, a miniature sculpture to be treasured for its unique nature and vibrant colors. And unlike many hobbies where you have to buy everthing you can use vacation time to actually hunt for raw gemstones in stead of buying. In the United States in Michigan you can find Agate, Chlorastrolite and Hematite. And if you travel to Canada you will find nephrite jade in Mount Ogden, British Columbia or Tourmaline from Chatham Twonship, Quebec and even the unique deep blue beryl in Canada's Yukon Territory. Take up gemstone collecting and you won't regret it.


Buy loose ruby gemstones along with loose diamonds and natural uncut diamonds today in our store!

Gemstones For Sale



Hints About loose diamonds to buy

In ancient times, it was thought that agate protected the wearer from all
dangers and gave the wearer courage. Legend has it that Wearing Agate cures
insomnia and brings refreshing dreams.
Buy blue Agate loose gemstones today!

Alexandrite is mined around the world in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia,
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Alexandrite is considered a good omen in Russia.
Buy crazy lace Agate loose gemstones today!

The Latest loose diamonds to buy News

Sterling Oval Hammered Earrings

Hand hammered and formed sterling silver ovals. Earrings measure about 1". All sterling silver earwires and components.

Sterling and Apatite Five Disc Necklace

Brushed sterling silver discs with faceted apatite accents. All sterling silver components and findings. Necklace is 16" with a toggle clasp. Also available in 23kt gold vermeil.

Israeli Diamond Industry Shines in India - Diamonds.net

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:05:31 GMT

Israeli Diamond Industry Shines in India
Diamonds.net, NY - 10 hours ago
The Israeli Diamond Industry Pavilion, organized by IDI, will feature 24 leading Israeli diamond manufacturers and exporters who will exhibit their loose ...


My Gemstones Scene Reviews

Our Featured Gemstone Writer

The Hobby Of Gemstone Collecting


By Lee MacRae


Many people, young and old, say collecting semi-precious and precious gemstones like loose diamonds or loose gemstones is a passionate hobby. They love the colors and the beauty of the various gemstones you can find just about everywhere in the world. Read long as we discuss a number of things you need to know in starting in this hobby.


To start off right you need to read up on the various gemstones available. You'll find it very helpful to know what you're buying and prevent you from wasting your money. This will help you make informed decisions.


First, color is a major part in the value of the stone. The closer the color of the gemstone is to its purer spectral value the more valuable the stone becomes. Traditional spectral colors include violent, blue, green,, orange and red. Colors that are paler or darker are considered a lower value.


How the gemstone is cut is the second most important factor to look at. The precision of cut will determine how much light the stone will reflect. The cut will determine the brilliance of the stone and how much someone will pay for it.


Our next consideration is the issue of gemstone clarity. Clarity refers to the internal flaws (inclusions) or the external blemishes of the gemstone under consideration. Normally large flaws can be seen with the unaided eye with others requiring a 10X magnification.


The next factors to consider our weight and size. Except for corals and pearls, all gemstones are priced by the unit, carat. One carat equals a 0.2 grams. However you should know size and weight and gemstones are not the same. Density or specific gravity can vary in gemstones. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats, you will find a similar sized sapphire or ruby would weigh 1.20 carats.


Collecting various gemstones can be very rewarding hobby. And there is a wide range and variety in precious and semi precious stones that you can collect. You could try collecting Emerald, Chalcedony (bloodstone) or Zeolite (Thomsonite) for instance. The opportunities are seemingly 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 Texas You can find Beryl, Pearl and Tourmaline.


Buy cabochon Agate loose gemstones or buying loose diamonds and also heart natural diamonds today in our store!

Gemstones For Sale



Tips About loose diamond lots

Topaz is full of mystery, in fact there is a famous movie mystery thriller named
after it. The Topaz is well-known as a large quality gem. The worlds. largest
topaz crystal was found in Brazil at the Minas Gerais, the world.s most well-
known producer of topaz. It was purchased in 1938 by Allan Caplan, a New York
dealer in minerals and precious gems. Upon his first inspection of the stone he
thought there might be something wrong with it, and this particular stone along
with two others were sent the American Museum for further study. What the
experts found was the largest topaz known to that date. It is still housed at
the museum.
Buy loose pearls today!

Most blue gemstones come in a pastel blue, but some exceptional gems have a
bright blue color. Zircon is also available in green, dark red, violet, yellow,
brown, and orange. Due to its high refractive index and strong dispersion,
zircon has great brilliance and intensive fire. The luster is vitreous to a
brilliant sheen. Although relatively hard (rating 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale) zircon
is brittle and therefore sensitive to knocks and pressure. The gem has the
tendency to wear along facet edges. Its use in rings should therefore be limited
to protective settings or occasional wear jewelry. Zircon jewelry should be
stored carefully.
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loose diamond lots News From Around The World

LORI BORGMAN: Light of suspicion shines on a shiny bird - News-Democrat

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:09:00 GMT
There were three witnesses to the loss - a rabbit, a grackle and a dog. Oh, it's not like they were any help. The dog simply peered through the fence, the rabbit took off running ...

Treasury Dpt. to Auction Loose Stones, Watches Near Los Angeles - Diamonds.net

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:41:30 GMT

Treasury Dpt. to Auction Loose Stones, Watches Near Los Angeles
Diamonds.net, NY - Aug 1, 2008
Loose diamonds include one lot of single cut, 1MM round, 1.28tcw, G/VS-SI. Loose gemstones include sappires (1.8MM, 1.52tcw,) watermelon tourmaline (4MM to ...