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