1. Before you buy, take some time to learn how gems are graded and valued. OurGemology 101explains gem grading in easy to understand terms. We suggest buying at least in the good quality range, grade 5-6 2. To train your eye, you can use a Google search to find images of blue sa...
Learn what to look in gemstone clarity and what makes gemstones each so unique. Visit Blue Nile for gemstone clarity buyer's tips.
you shouldn’t expect a huge variation in shades of blue for the stone itself. The sky blue color that this gem is known for is the most common shade you’ll find. This color is the very reason most people who ultimately choose aquamarine decide to go with it, ...
This new technology actually more dramatically assisted commercial-quality blue sapphires than collector sapphires. Today, with the exception of a few fine stones, 95% of all blue sapphire is cooked. This market has actually turned into a two-tiered market; cooked vs. uncooked. Cut these prices...
To understand this tool, imagine a record player. The faceting machine acts as the record table, spinning around. It is made of either steel or aluminum, and has industrial-grade diamond chips embedded in it (that's what cuts and polishes). The dop acts as the record player needle, ...
Stones which are particularly hard and therefore score highly on the Mohs scale such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can often be heated without worry but care must be taken to heat and cool them slowly to avoid fractures which can give a 'crackled' appearance. Softer stones will need to ...
Tumbled agate: Agate is a popular rock used to make tumbled stones. There are many different types of agate. In this photo you can see Botswana agate, apricot agate, carnelian agate, tree agate, blue lace agate, dendritic blue agate, green moss agate and others. ADVERTISEMENT What Are ...
To perform this test, all you need is aUV light sourceand to shine it onto the gemstone. If it glows blue, the gemstone is said to be a diamond. Now, let me be absolutely clear about this. As a gemologist, I take issue when people claim the black light test to be gospel for id...
While diamonds are the most common stones in engagement rings, the use of other precious and semi-precious gemstones like white and black pearls, tourmaline, rubies, opals, sapphires, and onyx is increasing in popularity. While this variety makes it fun to shop for the perfect engagement ring,...