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, ...
Shopping for an engagement ring can be a monumental task for any couple ready to take the plunge and enter the next chapter of their lives. The International Gem Society says the most traditional choices for engagement ring stones are emeralds, rubies, sapphires and, of course, diamonds. But ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
If your stone appears to be somewhat "scratched up", it's probably a white topaz or another soft substitute. 4 Recognize white sapphire. Contrary to popular belief, sapphires aren't only blue. In fact, these gems are available in virtually every color. White varieties of sapphire, which ...