| The mystery and magic of colored gemstones | | | | carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a |
| has been an integral aspect or the "Lore" of most | | | | gram. Carats are divided into 100 units called |
| cultures for many centuries. Here is what noted | | | | points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would |
| gemstone experts Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. | | | | weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones |
| Bonanno have to say on the matter. | | | | are measured by dimensions, the size is |
| "The fascination with colored gemstones dates | | | | expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 |
| back to the very beginning of civilization. For our | | | | millimeters). |
| ancestors, the blue of sapphire produced visions | | | | Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to |
| of the heavens; the red of ruby was a reminder | | | | the way some gems are treated to improve their |
| of the very essence of life. By Roman times, | | | | appearance or durability, or even change their |
| rings containing colored gems were prized | | | | color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. |
| symbols of power-and the most powerful wore | | | | The effects of some treatments may lessen or |
| rings on every joint of every finger! | | | | change over time and some treated stones may |
| Since ancient times, colored stones have been | | | | require special care. Some enhancements also |
| thought to possess innate magical powers and the | | | | affect the value of a stone, when measured |
| ability to endow the wearer with certain | | | | against a comparable untreated stone. |
| attributes. According to legend, emeralds are good | | | | Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone |
| for the eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; red | | | | you're considering has been treated when: the |
| stones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was | | | | treatment is not permanent; the treated stone |
| believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated | | | | requires special care; or the treatment significantly |
| command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn | | | | affects the value of the gemstone. |
| by a woman, however, it indicated pride, | | | | Some common treatments that you may be told |
| obstinacy, haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a | | | | about and their effects include: |
| man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous | | | | * Heating can lighten, darken or change the color |
| thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, | | | | of some gems, or improve a gemstone's clarity. |
| politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for | | | | * Irradiation can add more color to colored |
| a man joyousness, transitory hope, and the | | | | diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls. |
| decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded | | | | * Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, |
| ambition, childish delight, and change. | | | | wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections |
| Colored gems, because of the magical powers | | | | less visible and can improve the gemstones' clarity |
| associated with them, achieved extensive use as | | | | and appearance. |
| talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future; | | | | * Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems |
| as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to | | | | by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the |
| many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew, and | | | | cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance |
| Christian." | | | | and durability. |
| Gemstones 101 | | | | * Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface |
| Natural gemstones are found in nature. | | | | of colorless gems; the center of the stone |
| Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, | | | | remains colorless. |
| are made in the laboratory. These stones, which | | | | * Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity |
| also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name | | | | in some gemstones and pearls. |
| of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have | | | | * Bleaching lightens and whitens dome gems, |
| essentially the same chemical, physical and visual | | | | Including jade and pearls. |
| properties as natural gemstones. | | | | In this day and age, gemstones are generally |
| Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity | | | | worn for their natural beauty or as a fashion |
| of naturally colored stones and they are less | | | | statement, but there are many that "buy-in" to |
| expensive than naturally mined stones. By | | | | the mythical and mystical symbolisms of gems as |
| contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones | | | | well. Whatever a persons reason, the world of |
| in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or | | | | gems today offers an almost endless choice. |
| less costly stones. Laboratory-created and | | | | Many new gems have been discovered and are |
| imitation stones should be clearly identified as such. | | | | widely available in reds, blues, greens and many |
| Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or | | | | unusual shades as well. Enjoy! |
| both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the | | | | |