GEMS TRADING

Amethyst Information ( February Birthstone )
 

Amethyst is a purple gemstone that color ranges from light to dark purple. It is the offial birth stone for Feburary. Its sister form, Citrine, is golden and derived from the French word for lemon; it is an alternate birth stone for November. It is a rare event, but sometimes Amethyst and Citrine are combined and form Ametrine.

Brazil is the primary source for these stones; however, they are also found in other places including Zambia, where the highest quality stones come from. Amethyst has been a popular stone throughout history with purple being a symbol for royalty.

They are in beautiful British crown jewelry and even found to be used as far back as the Egyptians. Today, jewelry designers find that amethyst is te most versatile of gemstones because of its variety in color, sizes, shapes, and range of light to dark purple.

Aquamarine ( March Birthstone )

Aquamarines are found in a range of blues including pale blue, blue-green, and deep dark blue. Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for the month of March and its name is derived from the Latin word for "sea-water" because of the many different shades of blue they come in. Often, they are the symbols for youth, hope, health, and fidelity.

Aquamarines are found in many different countries around the world including: Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, and Pakistan. However; nowadays most of the gems come from mines in Brazil. All too often, Aquamarines are confused with Topaz which come in similar shapes and colors, but Aquamarines are much more scarce, making them much more valuable. Also, it has become common practice to treat thesed gems to make them more appealing. This treatment involves heating the stones to transform the green tint to a darker blue tint.

Diamond Information ( April Birthstone )

The diamond has long been known for its beauty and strength, and has worked its way up the ranks in gemstones. Still to this day, diamonds are the most famous, popular, and the hardest of all the stones. Ancient Greeks believed that whoever wore this gem would be filled with joy, love, and purity. Ancient Remands thought that whoever wore a diamond on his/her left arm would become more brave and daring. Diamonds symbolize devotion and putity, and this may be why they are are most popular pick for wedding bands. During the Middle Ages Queen Elizabeth I was encouraged to wear a diamond in order to fend off the Plague, unfortunately for her, this didnt work.

With advances in science and the development of the microscope, jewelers have been able to point out many flaws with diamonds. Usually chunks were taken out of them to remove thesed flaws, but a lot of the diamond was lost this way. To conserve more of the diamond, nowadays we have access to high-powered lasers to easily cut out these impurities. The passages left by the lasers are then easily filled in with a clear glass-like resine. This whole process makes the diamond much.

Emerald ( May Birthstone )
 

Emeralds have been considered a gem by many different civilizations dating back to nearly 4000 years agao. This green stone was popular among the Egytians and it is said that Cleoptra fancied them enough to start her own personal collection. The name was derived from the Greek word smaragdos meaning "green stone." Believed by the ancients to empower the wearer with insight into the future, the Emerald symbolizes youth, rebirth, and immortality. In astrology, Taurus gains loyalty and improves memory if in the presence of an emerald.

Emeralds are mined throughout the world in Columbia, Brazil, and Zambia. Once mined, they can be cut into many different designs: the rectangle cut also know as "emerald-cut", round, oval, and squares. Emerald are rarely found to be "flawless". Nearly all of them contain some if not many birthmarks that distinguish them from other gemstones. Early merchants in India found different ways to clarify the beautiful colors of the Emerald by dipping them in oils. Today we use more modern techniques such as isolating the fissures in the stone and injecting a clear resine into them. Then a hardening agent is added to harden the resine, and you are left with an emerald that appears to have no flaws what so ever.

Garnet ( January Birthstone )

The stone Garnet, so called by the ancient Greeks because my color reminded them of the pomegranate seed, comes in many different colors. Its roots as a gemstone trace back to the Nile Delta in 3100 B.C., where Egyptian artisans would craft them into beads or inlay them into hand-wrought jewelry.
The versatile Garnet comes in virtually a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Bohemian Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian Demantoid and African Tsavorite. The oranges and browns come from Namibia and Sri Lanka.

Garnet is the traditional birthstone for the month of January, however, red doesn't need to be your color of choice if you are born in this month. Rich orange and golden hues, striking greens, petal soft colors of violet and lavender, all await your selection.

Opal ( October Birthstone )

Opal is a no crystalline form of the mineral silica which, despite its amorphous structure, displays an amazing degree of internal organization. Opal is related to its more commonly found but highly crystalline cousins quartz and agate, and is formed from amorphous "balls" or lumps" of silica rather that from ordered, naturally faceted crystals.

The chemical composition of opal is SiO2H2O, silicon dioxide combined with water (an opal stone may contain up to 30% water.) The silicate minerals in the stone add to its weight, giving it a specific gravity ranging from 1.98 to 2.5 times that of pure water. Opal's scratch hardness is measured at 6.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs' scale, similar in hardness to quartz, a little more than halfway between the hardness of talc and diamond.

Most opal is more than 60 million years old and generally dates back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

It is found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once flowed. The minerals bubbled up from beneath the surface of the earth and slowly, over the centuries, lined the walls of cracks, vents and underground cavities in the bedrock. Most opal is found where geothermal hot springs dried up during seasonal periods of rainfall and extended dry periods.

Mors than 90% of the world's quality gem opals come from Southern Australia, although it can be found in other parts of the world such as Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada. All black opals (see below) come exclusively from Australia.

The story of opal in Australia begins more than million years ago when the deserts of central Australia were a great inland sea, with silica-laden sediment deposited around its shoreline. After the sea receded and disappeared to become the great Artesian basin, weathering 30 million years ago released a lot of the silica into a solution which filled cracks in the rocks, layers in clay, and even some fossils. Some of the silica became precious opal. Opal is one of the few gemstones that is sedimentary in origin. The water in opal is a remnant of that ancient sea.

The most striking quality of opal is its ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light. In fact, the term "opalescence" was coined to describe this phenomenon. The size and spacing of the amorphous spheres of silica within the stone refracts specific wavelengths of light; each sphere refracting a single, pure spectral color much like the individual microscopic droplets of water in a rainbow. The interplay of these pure wavelengths of light gives opal its unique visual appeal, and makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

Cultured Pearls ( June Birthstone )
 

Pearls were so cherished by man that as the sources of natural Pearls became exhausted, he learned to cultivate them by implanting an irritant into an oyster. Today, cultured Pearls are grown and harvested in many parts of the world including the fresh waters of the Tennessee River. The majority of cultured Pearls come from Japan, China and the South Pacific. Cultured Pearls come in many beautiful colors, from palest creme and white to rose, lilac, green, gold, gray, and the dramatic Tahitian black. Cultured Pearls come in many shapes and sizes, and can be acquired in both graduated and uniform strands. They can be purchased singly or in pairs for rings, pendants and earrings. June birthdays and third and thirtieth anniversaries are celebrated with the gift of Pearls.

Lore
No one will ever know who were the earliest people to collect and wear pearls. However, Since ancient times, the pearl has been a symbol of unblemished perfection. It is the oldest known gem, and for centuries it was considered the most valuable. A fragment of the oldest known pearl jewelry, found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess who died in 520 BC, is displayed in the Louvre in Paris. To the ancients, pearls were a symbol of the moon and had magical powers. In classical Rome, only persons above a certain rank were allowed to wear pearl jewelry. The Latin word for pearl literally means "unique", attesting to the fact that no two pearls are identical. Old Arabian legend says that I was formed when dewdrops filled with moonlight fell into the ocean and were swallowed by oysters.

Peridot ( August Birthstone )
 

Peridot is always a popular gemstone and when it is bright, clean and well cut, it is especially brilliant. Peridot is being mined in in Arizona, China, Burma, and Pakistan. Peridot is tough enough to be used for almost any kind of jewelry. It is also available in almost any size and shape. Peridot is a popular gift for sixteenth wedding aniversaries.

Peridot is a gem that has been connected to superstition throughout the ages. Associated with the sun, peridot is believed to have the power to break evil spells and dispel the mysteries of the dark. Some think that peridot wards off nightmares. During the Middle Ages, people wore peridot to gain foresight and divine inspiration. The Gem of the Sun was thought to dissolve enchantments. When pierced and worn around left arm, it drove away evil spirits. Peridot was held to cure liver disease and dropsy. And it relieved the wearer of envy. Peridot, held under the tongue, lessened thirst during fever.

Ruby (July Birthstone)
 

Many people associate its brilliant crimson colors with passion and love, making Ruby an ideal choice for an engagement ring. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral species, while all other colors of corundum are called Sapphire.

Fine rubies, especially Burmese stones over 3cts, are among the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world. Prized for their beauty, durability, and rarity, it is the quality of the color which most determines the value of the stones. The ideal color is a highly fluorescent red of high intensity.

Ruby is mined throughout Southeast Asia. While Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) produce exquisite examples of this gemstone that the ancient Sinhalese people called "Ratnaraj," the King of Gems. This most sought after gemstone is available in a range of red hues, from purplish and bluish red to orangish red. Ruby is readily available in sizes up to 2 carats, but larger sizes can be obtained. However, in its finest quality, any size Ruby can be scarce. In readily available small sizes, Ruby makes an excellent accent gemstone because of its intense, pure red color.

Sapphire ( September Birthstone )

Sapphire, the celestial gemstone, has been treasured for thousands of years. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. Sapphire is found in all the colors of the heavens: from midnight blue to the bright blue of noon sky in the Mediterranean, golden sunrise to firey reddish-orange sunsets, and the delicate violet of twilight. The most famous and valuable sapphires are a rich intense blue, a truly royal hue.

Lore
Sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Tradition holds that Moses was given the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers. Since sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness, it is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. When Prince Charles chose a sapphire engagement ring for Princess Diana, couples all over the world were inspired to revive this venerable tradition.

Tanzanite (New Additional Birthstone - December)
 

In 2002 The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) named Tanzanite as the December Additional Birthstone. This is the first time since 1912 that a gemstone has been added to the list. A nice alternative to Blue Zircon.

Affordable and beautiful, the violet-blue colors of tanzanite have made it one of the most popular colored stones in recent years. Found only in Tanzania near the town of Arusha, tanzanite is a rare gemstone available in enough quantity to meet the strong demand. See http://www.tanzanitegems.com for updated news on Mining Problems and Supply Issues. Don't believe what they tell you on TV Gem Shows - there is plenty of "regular" Tanzanite.

Because of their similarity in color, comparisons between tanzanite and sapphire are common. Fine tanzanites are more affordable and frequently better in terms of both color and clarity. However, tanzanites are soft compared to sapphire. Top gem sapphires are more rare, much harder, extremely tough and very expensive.

Topaz ( Alt. November Birthstone)
 

Topaz is found in Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Africa and China. It comes in an array of colors from red, orange, peach, pink, gold and yellow. The brilliant blue Topaz is a shade found rarely in Nature. However, when enhanced to this lovely blue color, it is in great demand due to its affordability and availability in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

Lore
The name "topaz" is thought to be derived from the Sankrit word tapas meaning fire. However, more likely, it probably derived its name from the Island of Topazos, in the Red Sea. In ancient times, a figure of a falcon was carved on a Topaz was thought to help aquire the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. The Greeks felt Topaz gave them strength

Tourmaline (Alt. October Birthstone)

Tourmaline is a gemstone noted for the large and unsurpassed range of colors in which it occurs. It is a tough stone hard enough to be used for a pendant or a ring. Tourmaline may be heated to enhance it's color. The treatment is permanent and accepted in the trade.
Tourmaline is the family name which includes the following varieties; chrome (green), indicolite (blue), rubelite (red), dravite (brown), achroite (colorless), and siberite (reddish-violet). Yellow and green tourmalines are simply called tourmaline with the color as a prefix.

Lore
Tourmaline is the protection stone. Wards off fear and negativity and protects on all levels. Enhances inspiration and encourages self-confidence and understanding. The different coloured tourmalines are wonderful stones to use with the corresponding chakras so it is not surprising that in this day and age many people are drawn to tourmalines. Pink Tourmaline promotes female balance and protection. Green Tourmaline promotes male balance. According to legend, all colors of tourmaline protect the wearer against many dangers and misfortune.

Tsavorite ( Not a Birthstone )
 

Because of their beauty, rarity , hardness, and toughness, tsavorites, can be excellent gemstones suitable for investment or jewelry. Tsavorite has a beautiful vivid green color, is bright and lively with a high refractive index, and has a garnet's durability and high clarity. This gemstone is not treated in any wayTsavorite comes from the East African bush: all the mines currently producing are in an arid grassy area with bare dry hills that runs across the border from Kenya to Tanzania.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, this land was covered by the ocean, where layers of organic sediment were deposited. Then the land was subjected to intense heat and pressure, folding and changing the ocean floor into new minerals. This twisting and torturing of the rocks gave birth to the unusual gemstones of East Africa

Turquoise ( Alt. December Birthstone )
 

The derivation of the name turquoise is clouded in mystery but may be a result of the stone coming from the Orient or Persia by way of Turkey. The gem turquoise owes it's beauty almost entirely to its superb color. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem materials. It has been used for ornamentation since 3000BC and possibly before. Although turquoise is frequently treated with dye or stabalized with plastic, our turquoise is 100% natural and has not been altered in any way.
The most important turquoise deposits are in Iran, Tibet, China, Mexico, and the Southwestern United States. While a clear even texture without mottleing or veins is preferred by many, other people prefer turquoise with veins, sometimes called spiderwebs, which set off the color. Some say that in the the thirteenth century, turquoise was named in the mistaken belief that it came from Turkey. That may be true or it may be that the name comes from the Persian word for turquoise, firouze, since Persia has been a major source of this gemstone for thousands of years. In any case, the blue of this gemstone is so vivid and distinct that it has given its name to the color.

Lore

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem materials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in 3,200 BC in the Sinai. The blue of turquoise was thought to have powerful metaphysical properties by many ancient cultures. Montezuma's treasure, now displayed in the British Museum, includes a fantastic carved serpent covered by a mosaic of turquoise. In ancient Mexico, turquoise was reserved for the gods, it would not be worn by mere mortals.

The Apache believed that if turquoise was worn by a hunter they would hit their mark more easily. The Zuni beleved that it shieded them from demons. In Asia it was considered protection against the evil eye. Tibetans carved turquoise into ritual objects as well as wearing it in traditional jewelry. Ancient manuscripts from Persia, India, Afghanstan, and Arabia report that the health of a person wearing turquoise can be determined by the variations of color in the stone. Turquoise was also thought to promote prosperity.

Zircon ( December Birthstone )
 

Zircon is known for its distinctive beauty in a wide variety of colors. Zircon is a relatively hard stone with a hardness of 7.5. Because it has such a high refractive index, zircon can be one of the most brilliant of all gem stones.
Zircon is mined in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia, Australia, Brazil, and France. The gemstone's fire and brilliance can rival that of any gemstone, and its affordability, coupled with its vibrant colors of greens, blues and pleasing earth tones, contribute to its growing popularity today.
Zircon is a natural stone - not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia which is manmade. It is known as a colorless stone used to imitate diamonds but also comes in: blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green.