March 31, 2010
Kashmir
A picture can't capture its beauty
Don’t be led to believe that just any sapphire deserves the label of Kashmir. If it truly does, it will have an independent laboratory report stating its origin.
A Kashmir sapphire has what is described as a velvety look to it. Its deep blue color isn’t too light and isn’t too dark – it’s the “baby-bear” color of just right. The word Kashmir has a certain softness to it – matching the soft look that comes from inside the gem – Mother Nature’s way of signing her art. … Dii
March 30, 2010
Afghanistan Gemstones
Unfortunately, it’s a war-torn country these days – but some beautiful gemstones have originated from there. Aquamarine, emerald, kunzite, ruby, tourmaline, and lapis lazuli.
I love hearing stories – especially the one about the lapis mine. It’s so old, Cleopatra supposedly got her lapis from here – and would grind it up and use it for blue eye shadow!
What I don’t like to hear are the stories from our boys in uniform being sold less than gem-quality as a “bargain”. I have received emails asking how to tell if the stone is a ruby or not – or an emerald or not.
My best recommendation is still this: shop with a jeweler you can trust – in this country!! Someone who will be there tomorrow. When traveling, it’s best to expect the LEAST for your money. Many times a bad memory is all you’ve bought… Dii
March 29, 2010
Madagascar – A New Frontier
When younger, I watched the Wild Wild West on television. Now, there are animated movies about assorted animals from the wilds of Madagascar. But there are an assortment of gemstones from there too: Amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline, and garnet. (I might not have listed them all.)
In 1998, when sapphires were found, there was a mad rush to get in on the bounty – and I’m sure a bit of the Wild West existed once again. And news kept coming about other gemstones being found. It truly seemed like a new frontier. …Dii
March 26, 2010
East African Exotics
In my younger years, I remember reading about exotic places such as Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Today, these two countries have joined to form Tanzania. Tanzania’s neighbor to the north is Kenya. Both of these east African countries are rich in gems.
Tanzania is the major producer of tanzanite, a rich violet-hued gem. Kenya is best known for a garnet which is not your typical red garnet – in fact, it’s a grassy green that is brighter and generally “cleaner” than an emerald. This gem is named after Kenya’s Tsavo National Park – the tsavorite garnet. And, for fine jewelry purposes, you can’t find these two gemstones anywhere else in the world!
Tanzanite was quite popular with television shopping channels – probably still is. But, be careful when purchasing any gemstone. You need expert advice on the factors that make a gemstone more or less valuable. In color gemstones, it’s all about the color. Think rich. Think exotic. Then, ask an expert – an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser. Have a great weekend… Dii
March 25, 2010
Out of Africa
Africa is a huge continent. I finally realized this when I was in Johannesburg and asked if I could take a “side trip” to Egypt! Ha! Ha! It was closer to go from home!!
Africa covers many miles and produces many different gemstones – here’s but a few: amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, garnet, sapphire, malachite, rhodolite, ruby, spinel, tourmaline, and zircon. Tomorrow we’ll go specifically to Tanzania and Kenya – two beautiful spots that deliver two beautiful gems… Dii
March 24, 2010
From Russia With Love
There are three extraordinary gemstones found in Russia – the alexandrite, the demantoid garnet, and the emerald. I consider these extraordinary because they are truly rare and beautiful, which, of course, translates into expensive!
Alexandrite is a color-change gemstone; the most distinct the change, the more $$ and change! The demantoid is one of the brightest and dispersive garnets and interestingly, still valuable and desirable when it contains an inclusion called a “horsetail”. For emerald, you probably think the best comes from Colombia, but there are exceptions to many rules. Love can conquer all… Dii
March 23, 2010
Bohemian Rhapsody
Courtesy ngw.nl
They were mined in the former kingdom of Bohemia dating back to the Middle Ages. Perhaps their shining moment in history was during the Victorian era of the late 1800s. Today, we still see these garnets in jewelry reminiscent of those designs; however, the Czech Republic is no longer the primary source. Easy come, easy go… Dii
March 22, 2010
The Cutting Edge
Germany may not be well-known as a source of gemstones, but the twin cities of Idar and Oberstein together are considered the gemstone capital of Germany. Gemstone designers, cutters, and carvers create a powerful reason for more than a million tourists to make the trek just south of Frankfurt. I’ve read that even some streets are paved in gems!
Expect the unusual and the cutting edge of gemstone design and jewelry. Would love to travel there someday… Dii
March 19, 2010
What’s In A Color?
When you think Brazil, you may imagine football (our soccer), auto racing, or the beach at Ipanema. Whatever is in your mind – color has got to be part of the picture! The country is a cornucopia of gemstones – some we have already mentioned, like emerald, aquamarine, and morganite.
There’s beautiful amethyst and citrine – both a quartz mineral; alexandrite, a color change phenomenon; topaz and tourmaline. If it’s a gemstone, it might be found somewhere in Brazil.
Paraiba (pronounced pair a EE ba ) is an area in Brazil that has produced a truly unique color of tourmaline. Prices have reached over $10,000 per carat for this electric “teal” color! What makes it this special color? Copper! Go figure… Dii
Brazilian Color Options
Emeralds are the green variety of beryl. When found in a light greenish blue, they’re known as aquamarine. These gemstones don’t usually form with the “jardin” of the emeralds – but typically the smaller ones don’t have the depth of color seen in larger carat sizes. They are bright – and when cut well, will catch the light and sparkle across a room.
Pink varieties of beryl are known as morganite. Usually very light in tone, you can find a richer pink in the larger sizes. Have a birthday in May? Emerald may be the official birthstone, but pink and blue are your color options!! …Dii
