One of the most challenging parts about fashion is getting everything to be perfectly coordinated. Whether you’re trying to coordinate colors or make various patterns and textures work together, a successful outfit will be a perfect blend of color, cut, and fabric. But there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to coordinate jewelry. Matching particular colors of natural gemstones can be tricky, and even matching metal types can be problematic.
That’s why so many people are drawn to coordinating jewelry sets. Made with the same source beads and materials, these allow you to perfectly match your earrings, bracelets, and necklaces without any real effort on your part. And because they come in a set, they are also easily worn as individual pieces. This way, you can wear any combination of jewelry pieces, and if you do wish to coordinate yourself, you are able to match the pieces to other accessories or jewelry items you already have.
As we near the middle and end of June, it’s growing close to graduation time for both high schools and colleges. Graduation is an important time in many people’s lives, and it truly does mark the accomplishment of a difficult and time consuming feat. That’s why so many people acknowledge that accomplishment with a graduation gift. But it can be difficult picking out a present that sends that perfect message.
If you’re at a particular loss, look into turquoise bracelets for all those female grads this year. Turquoise is a beautiful and unique stone, and it will make a lovely gesture to offer this kind of jewelry as a graduation gift. This particular gift will be especially appreciated, because every time the recent grad wears the bracelet, she will be reminded of the difficult obstacle that she overcame and the pride she felt when she walked across that stage and received her diploma.
If you’re interested in wearing jewelry that is unique, it can be frustrating shopping in the mall. At these places, you’ll tend to find cookie cutter jewelry that you’ll very likely spot on at least one other person before the day is out. But there is a way around this. You can either purchase or make your own handmade jewelry. If that’s something that you’re interested in taking up as a hobby, all you’ll need is a few initial materials and a little bit of time.
If you want to make a standard necklace, purchase some nylon coated wire cable, beads, clasps, and needle nose pliers. Arrange the beads in any way you desire. With this kind of freedom, make sure you play around with the order and arrangement of the beads. You might be surprised at what you come up with. String them on the wire, and clip off the wire with standard nail clippers. Attack the clasp, and you’re done. It will take some time to master the color arrangements and the technical work of adding clasps and trimming wire, but before long, you’re sure to be making beautiful turquoise necklaces and stunning onyx bracelets. And being handmade, you’re sure to be the only one wearing that piece of jewelry.
Explanations of Gem Properties – Radioactivity
I thought you might be interested in explanations for the properties of gemstones of which I have been writing about. Just seeing the Crystal structure names or specific gravity numbers of a gemstone probably, if you’re like me, doesn’t mean a lot to you. But an explanation of what Crystal structure or specific gravity is and why it is important to the each gemstone might make it more interesting. I hope so, because I am going to provide explanations for these properties in the next few postings so, I believe you can get a better understanding of gemstones in the future.
After an introduction I will explain as fully as I can only one specific property per posting. As you know there are many property characteristics to describe each gemstone and the post would become very large and burdensome if I were to try and put them in one posting. The first posting will an introduction and the explanation of the property – Radioactivity.
Introduction
If you are like most Americans, at some time, you have played the guessing game “Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?” The premise behind the game is that one individual receives a certain number of questions in which to guess what material object another person has chosen. Of course, the first question is that every object that we can think of is supposed to fall within one of these three broad classification schemes. However, this is not always true. One problem is that some objects fall into 2 or more of these categories (some viruses have a Crystalline stage; some animals undergo photosynthesis, etc.). However, the idea behind the game is that everything made of matter will fall into a classification of either living or non-living, with minerals being the catch all for non-living.
The other problem with the game is that a mineral is much more than just a non-living object. What it is exactly, though, will raise a debate amongst geologist. A check of different textbooks will find many different definitions for mineral. For the purposes of this blog, we are going to define a mineral as a substance that is naturally occurring, inorganic, Crystalline in nature, and have a definite chemical make-up. The first of these criteria means that anything man-made is not considered a mineral. This is somewhat problematic; as mankind has developed ways of creating certain gemstones in the lab that are almost indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. For instance, industrially created Diamonds are used for many different tools, such as Diamond-tipped saw blades. The second criterion also has its problems. Certain minerals such as Graphite, Diamonds, and Calcium Carbonate can and do have biological origins. Graphite and Diamonds can come from plant matter. Calcium Carbonate is the chemical that makes up seashells. By convention, they are usually included amongst minerals.
The third and fourth criteria are less problematic. The fact that a mineral must have a Crystalline structure eliminates all liquids. It also eliminates all glasses, as these are amorphous solids with no definite atomic arrangement. The chemical make-up does come with one caveat: some minerals are allowed to have substitutions of certain chemicals in their molecular structure. As an example, Hornblende is a complex mixture of Hydrous Ferromagnesium Silicate that contains various proportions of calcium, aluminum, and sodium within it. These substitutions usually just change the color of the mineral and do not radically alter the other properties of the mineral.
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It may be considered a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are gemologists and are qualified to identify gems.
With further training they can become appraisers (evaluators). There are professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification programs.
Some gemologists specialize in various gemstones, such as Diamonds or Emeralds. Such specialists are found in fields in which a great deal of knowledge is required, especially in the determination of exceptionally “pure” gems.
Recently, the demand for gemological services has grown, as increasing quantities of synthetic gems such as Cubic Zirconia and synthetic Moissanite are manufactured. Gemologists perform such work as the identification of synthetic and natural gemstones, fracture-filled gemstones, and color-enhanced or treated natural gemstones. Gemology in the 21st century has become a rigorous science where constant study is necessary for correct identifications.
Gemstones are basically categorized based on its Crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index and other optical properties.
Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions and evidence of treatments to enhance color.
The spectrum analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the chemical structure and identify its origin as it is a major factor in valuing a gemstone.
For example a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance as compared to a Thai Ruby.
When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished color. Initially the stone is identified by its color, specific gravity and its place of origin.
Explanations of Gem Properties – Magnetism
I thought you might be interested in explanations for the properties of gemstones of which I have been writing about. Just seeing the Crystal structure names or specific gravity numbers of a gemstone probably, if you’re like me, doesn’t mean a lot to you. But an explanation of what Crystal structure or specific gravity is and why it is important to the each gemstone might make it more interesting. I hope so, because I am going to provide explanations for these properties in the next few postings so, I believe you can get a better understanding of gemstones in the future.
After an introduction I will explain as fully as I can only one specific property per posting. As you know there are many property characteristics to describe each gemstone and the post would become very large and burdensome if I were to try and put them in one posting. The first posting will an introduction and the explanation of the property – Magnetism.
Introduction
If you are like most Americans, at some time, you have played the guessing game “Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?” The premise behind the game is that one individual receives a certain number of questions in which to guess what material object another person has chosen. Of course, the first question is that every object that we can think of is supposed to fall within one of these three broad classification schemes. However, this is not always true. One problem is that some objects fall into 2 or more of these categories (some viruses have a Crystalline stage; some animals undergo photosynthesis, etc.). However, the idea behind the game is that everything made of matter will fall into a classification of either living or non-living, with minerals being the catch all for non-living.
The other problem with the game is that a mineral is much more than just a non-living object. What it is exactly, though, will raise a debate amongst geologist. A check of different textbooks will find many different definitions for mineral. For the purposes of this blog, we are going to define a mineral as a substance that is naturally occurring, inorganic, Crystalline in nature, and have a definite chemical make-up. The first of these criteria means that anything man-made is not considered a mineral. This is somewhat problematic; as mankind has developed ways of creating certain gemstones in the lab that are almost indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. For instance, industrially created Diamonds are used for many different tools, such as Diamond-tipped saw blades. The second criterion also has its problems. Certain minerals such as Graphite, Diamonds, and Calcium Carbonate can and do have biological origins. Graphite and Diamonds can come from plant matter. Calcium Carbonate is the chemical that makes up seashells. By convention, they are usually included amongst minerals.
The third and fourth criteria are less problematic. The fact that a mineral must have a Crystalline structure eliminates all liquids. It also eliminates all glasses, as these are amorphous solids with no definite atomic arrangement. The chemical make-up does come with one caveat: some minerals are allowed to have substitutions of certain chemicals in their molecular structure. As an example, Hornblende is a complex mixture of Hydrous Ferromagnesium Silicate that contains various proportions of calcium, aluminum, and sodium within it. These substitutions usually just change the color of the mineral and do not radically alter the other properties of the mineral.
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It may be considered a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are gemologists and are qualified to identify gems.
With further training they can become appraisers (evaluators). There are professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification programs.
Some gemologists specialize in various gemstones, such as Diamonds or Emeralds. Such specialists are found in fields in which a great deal of knowledge is required, especially in the determination of exceptionally “pure” gems.
Recently, the demand for gemological services has grown, as increasing quantities of synthetic gems such as Cubic Zirconia and synthetic Moissanite are manufactured. Gemologists perform such work as the identification of synthetic and natural gemstones, fracture-filled gemstones, and color-enhanced or treated natural gemstones. Gemology in the 21st century has become a rigorous science where constant study is necessary for correct identifications.
Gemstones are basically categorized based on its Crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index and other optical properties.
Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions and evidence of treatments to enhance color.
The spectrum analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the chemical structure and identify its origin as it is a major factor in valuing a gemstone.
For example a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance as compared to a Thai Ruby.
When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished color. Initially the stone is identified by its color, specific gravity and its place of origin.
Even someone with very minimal fashion knowledge knows that the fashion industry is full of trends. And while some of these trends are acceptable and cute in the day, they can lead us to look back on photographs and wonder what the heck we were thinking. That’s why so many people are always on the lookout for fashion accessories and fashion implements that won’t go out of style. One of the best ways to go about this is to find items that are flattering on you. After all, enduring fashion is invariably fashion that makes women look better.
That’s why so many classic fashion items are black. Black is a slimming color whether it’s used for blouses or slacks. It helps create a long, lean, unbroken line of the body, and that creates the illusion of height and slimness. And one of the best things about black is that it takes a lot of the guesswork out for women. That is to say, you can wear all black and rather than looking overdone or lazy, you’ll look very chic. So don’t be afraid to pair your black silk blend tank with black onyx earrings. The look will undoubtedly be sophisticated and elegant.
Explanations of Gem Properties – Refraction
I thought you might be interested in explanations for the properties of gemstones of which I have been writing about. Just seeing the Crystal structure names or specific gravity numbers of a gemstone probably, if you’re like me, doesn’t mean a lot to you. But an explanation of what Crystal structure or specific gravity is and why it is important to the each gemstone might make it more interesting. I hope so, because I am going to provide explanations for these properties in the next few postings so, I believe you can get a better understanding of gemstones in the future.
After an introduction I will explain as fully as I can only one specific property per posting. As you know there are many property characteristics to describe each gemstone and the post would become very large and burdensome if I were to try and put them in one posting. The first posting will an introduction and the explanation of the property – Refraction.
Introduction
If you are like most Americans, at some time, you have played the guessing game “Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?” The premise behind the game is that one individual receives a certain number of questions in which to guess what material object another person has chosen. Of course, the first question is that every object that we can think of is supposed to fall within one of these three broad classification schemes. However, this is not always true. One problem is that some objects fall into 2 or more of these categories (some viruses have a Crystalline stage; some animals undergo photosynthesis, etc.). However, the idea behind the game is that everything made of matter will fall into a classification of either living or non-living, with minerals being the catch all for non-living.
The other problem with the game is that a mineral is much more than just a non-living object. What it is exactly, though, will raise a debate amongst geologist. A check of different textbooks will find many different definitions for mineral. For the purposes of this blog, we are going to define a mineral as a substance that is naturally occurring, inorganic, Crystalline in nature, and have a definite chemical make-up. The first of these criteria means that anything man-made is not considered a mineral. This is somewhat problematic; as mankind has developed ways of creating certain gemstones in the lab that are almost indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. For instance, industrially created Diamonds are used for many different tools, such as Diamond-tipped saw blades. The second criterion also has its problems. Certain minerals such as Graphite, Diamonds, and Calcium Carbonate can and do have biological origins. Graphite and Diamonds can come from plant matter. Calcium Carbonate is the chemical that makes up seashells. By convention, they are usually included amongst minerals.
The third and fourth criteria are less problematic. The fact that a mineral must have a Crystalline structure eliminates all liquids. It also eliminates all glasses, as these are amorphous solids with no definite atomic arrangement. The chemical make-up does come with one caveat: some minerals are allowed to have substitutions of certain chemicals in their molecular structure. As an example, Hornblende is a complex mixture of Hydrous Ferromagnesium Silicate that contains various proportions of calcium, aluminum, and sodium within it. These substitutions usually just change the color of the mineral and do not radically alter the other properties of the mineral.
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It may be considered a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are gemologists and are qualified to identify gems.
With further training they can become appraisers (evaluators). There are professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification programs.
Some gemologists specialize in various gemstones, such as Diamonds or Emeralds. Such specialists are found in fields in which a great deal of knowledge is required, especially in the determination of exceptionally “pure” gems.
Recently, the demand for gemological services has grown, as increasing quantities of synthetic gems such as Cubic Zirconia and synthetic Moissanite are manufactured. Gemologists perform such work as the identification of synthetic and natural gemstones, fracture-filled gemstones, and color-enhanced or treated natural gemstones. Gemology in the 21st century has become a rigorous science where constant study is necessary for correct identifications.
Gemstones are basically categorized based on its Crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index and other optical properties.
Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions and evidence of treatments to enhance color.
The spectrum analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the chemical structure and identify its origin as it is a major factor in valuing a gemstone.
For example a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance as compared to a Thai Ruby.
When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished color. Initially the stone is identified by its color, specific gravity and its place of origin.
Property Refraction
The light that is not reflected or absorbed at the surface of a gem enters the interior, where its subsequent action has a profound effect upon the beauty of the gem and is of great value in revealing the identification. The speed of light in air is well known to be about 186,300 miles a second. When it enters a gem, however, light is slowed down, and this change in velocity deflects its direction, except where it happens to strike exactly perpendicularly. We say that the light has undergone refraction or bending. Every South Seas native is familiar with this property of light when he spears a fish in water by aiming, not where the fish appears to be, but where he is sure that it really is. The apparent bending of a stick in water is similar evidence of the refraction of light. The slower the velocity of light in a given gem, the greater is the amount of refraction, as if a slow ray were less determined than a fast one and had more difficulty in keeping to its path. In any event, the light that comes in at an angle is bent nearer to a vertical direction.
The actual amount of deviation is determined mathematically and is expressed as a number called the refractive index. For Diamond it is 2.42, that is, light goes almost two and one-half times as fast in air as it does in the stone. Gems that have a high refractive index are said to be optically dense; in them the light is bent sharply and its velocity is relatively slow. Light that comes out of a gem, as of course it must to become visible, is also refracted but in the opposite direction (that is, away from the vertical) because it is then entering a substance (air) that is optically less dense than the stone.
Refractive Index Table
Diamond – 2.42
Sphalerite – 2.37
Cassiterite – 2.00—2.09
Sphene – 1.88—1.92 to 1.99—2.05
High Zircon – 1.92—1.93 to 1.98—1.99
Andradite Garnet – 1.89
Low Zircon – 1.79—1.84
Spessartite Garnet – 1.79—1.81
Almandite Garnet – 1.75—1.81
Corundum – 1.76—1.77 to 1.77—1.78
Chrysoberyl – 1.74—1.75 to 1.75—1.76
Pyrope Garnet – 1.74—1.75
Grossularite Garnet – 1.74—1.75
Spinel – 1.72—1.75
Olivine – 1.64—1.67 to 1.68—1.71
Spodumene – 1.65—1.67 to 1.67—1.68
Jadeite Jade – 1.65—1.67
Topaz – 1.61—1.63 to 1.62—1.64
Tourmaline – 1.62—1.63 to 1.63—1.64
Turquoise – 1.61—1.65
Nephrite Jade – 1.60—1.61 to 1.63—1.64
Beryl – 1.56—1.59 to 1.56—1.60
Quartz – 1.54—1.55
Amber – 1.54
Orthoclase Feldspar – 1.52—1.53 to 1.53—1.54
Opal – 1.44—1.46
Fluorite – 1.43
Brought to you by the Alpaca Silver Store.
Explanations of Gem Properties – Chemistry
I thought you might be interested in explanations for the properties of gemstones of which I have been writing about. Just seeing the Crystal structure names or specific gravity numbers of a gemstone probably, if you’re like me, doesn’t mean a lot to you. But an explanation of what Crystal structure or specific gravity is and why it is important to the each gemstone might make it more interesting. I hope so, because I am going to provide explanations for these properties in the next few postings so, I believe you can get a better understanding of gemstones in the future.
After an introduction I will explain as fully as I can only one specific property per posting. As you know there are many property characteristics to describe each gemstone and the post would become very large and burdensome if I were to try and put them in one posting. This posting is introduction and the explanation of the property – Chemistry.
Introduction
If you are like most Americans, at some time, you have played the guessing game “Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?” The premise behind the game is that one individual receives a certain number of questions in which to guess what material object another person has chosen. Of course, the first question is that every object that we can think of is supposed to fall within one of these three broad classification schemes. However, this is not always true. One problem is that some objects fall into 2 or more of these categories (some viruses have a Crystalline stage; some animals undergo photosynthesis, etc.). However, the idea behind the game is that everything made of matter will fall into a classification of either living or non-living, with minerals being the catch all for non-living.
The other problem with the game is that a mineral is much more than just a non-living object. What it is exactly, though, will raise a debate amongst geologist. A check of different textbooks will find many different definitions for mineral. For the purposes of this blog, we are going to define a mineral as a substance that is naturally occurring, inorganic, Crystalline in nature, and have a definite chemical make-up. The first of these criteria means that anything man-made is not considered a mineral. This is somewhat problematic; as mankind has developed ways of creating certain gemstones in the lab that are almost indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. For instance, industrially created Diamonds are used for many different tools, such as Diamond-tipped saw blades.
The second criterion also has its problems. Certain minerals such as Graphite, Diamonds, and Calcium Carbonate can and do have biological origins. Graphite and Diamonds can come from plant matter. Calcium Carbonate is the chemical that makes up seashells. By convention, they are usually included amongst minerals.
The third and fourth criteria are less problematic. The fact that a mineral must have a Crystalline structure eliminates all liquids. It also eliminates all glasses, as these are amorphous solids with no definite atomic arrangement. The chemical make-up does come with one caveat: some minerals are allowed to have substitutions of certain chemicals in their molecular structure. As an example, Hornblende is a complex mixture of Hydrous Ferromagnesium Silicate that contains various proportions of calcium, aluminum, and sodium within it. These substitutions usually just change the color of the mineral and do not radically alter the other properties of the mineral.
Gemology is the science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating gemstones. It may be considered a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are gemologists and are qualified to identify gems.
With further training they can become appraisers (evaluators). There are professional schools and associations of gemologists and certification programs.
Some gemologists specialize in various gemstones, such as Diamonds or Emeralds. Such specialists are found in fields in which a great deal of knowledge is required, especially in the determination of exceptionally “pure” gems.
Recently, the demand for gemological services has grown, as increasing quantities of synthetic gems such as Cubic Zirconia and synthetic Moissanite are manufactured. Gemologists perform such work as the identification of synthetic and natural gemstones, fracture-filled gemstones, and color-enhanced or treated natural gemstones. Gemology in the 21st century has become a rigorous science where constant study is necessary for correct identifications.
Gemstones are basically categorized based on its Crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index and other optical properties.
Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions and evidence of treatments to enhance color.
The spectrum analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the chemical structure and identify its origin as it is a major factor in valuing a gemstone.
For example a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance as compared to a Thai Ruby.
When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished color. Initially the stone is identified by its color, specific gravity and its place of origin.
For many people, jewelry can seem like an expensive purchase. High quality materials such as gold and diamonds can certainly break the bank, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more manageable options. For one, always make sure to scour the internet for fantastic deals. Just make sure you shop through reputable sites, because questionable quality can be an issue with some websites.
If you’re still looking for ways to pinch some pennies, consider purchasing some jewelry sets. At first glance, these might not seem like a more economical option, but you might actually be surprised. Even if the price tag is more at first glance, these sets can always be broken up and given as multiple gifts. This drastically increases the value of your purchase, and your friends and family will still receive some wonderful gifts.
Know the Right Diamond Engagement Ring from the
Inside Out
The color of a Diamond refers to the slight color contained within the stone. Yellow is the most common color, and because of this the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Grading Scale sets diamond grades based on the yellow contained within a Diamond. It is difficult to decipher the difference between grades of Diamonds, and trained professionals use a set of master stones to determine color grades.
A Diamond’s clarity is an indicator of the amount of impurities contained within the stone. The fewer the imperfections in the stone, the more valuable and rare it is. There are five components that make up a Diamond’s clarity; the size, position, number, nature and color. The GIA’s grades range from flawless to inclusions that are obvious to the naked eye.