Jewelry is big business and the real value of any jewelry is dependent on the gemstone that is part of it. With this in mind, how do buyers know or make sure that they are paying for the real thing? What are the qualities or characteristics to check or watch for to be sure that the gemstone is genuine?
It takes training and the right equipment to determine if a gemstone is genuine. The term "genuine " means that the gemstone doesn't only look as expected, it should also meet the physical and chemical characteristics unique to that gemstone. It takes training and the right equipment to determine if a gemstone is genuine or not and there are testing laboratories to do this job.
Before going any further, are treated gemstones still genuine? A treated gemstone, as long as its molecular structure isn't altered, can still be the real thing but it is no longer natural. Some gemstones are treated to enhance their appearance and decorative value.
What to Check
Yes, there are professionals to perform the tests that determine if a gemstone is genuine or not but it is a valuable asset to any gemstone buyer to know the attributes to be tested.
The following are the characteristics to check:
1.0 Chemical composition and atomic structure
The atomic structure is what differentiates diamond from other carbon based matter like graphite. The stone's hardness, and light reflection is dependent on the atomic structure. Gemstones usually have crystalline structures.
2.0 Hardness and durability
Hardness is reported in a scale of 1 to 10, a method developed by Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist. The hardest are diamonds at (10) and the softest is talc at (1). A gemstone should have a hardness of no less than 7.
3.0 Other physical properties like the refractive index, dispersion and specific gravity.
Testing Laboratories
The following organizations provide certifications on the results of testing conducted. They also provide training and research services to their members.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
American Gemological Society (AGS)
American Gem Trade Laboratory of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). AGTA the largest trade organization of gemstone traders
American Gemological Laboratories (AGL)
European Gemological Laboratory
The true value of any gemstone shouldn't be determined by just the physical appearance. Advancements in science have produced synthetic "gemstones" which cost just a fraction of the genuine gemstones. Knowledge is the best protection against paying for the price of the genuine item and getting a "fake".
By Jin01
Categories of Gemstones
There are many different types of gemstones, and knowing the different categories can help a collector or enthusiast expand his repertoire greatly. Some precious gemstones are so unique in chemical composition and crystalline structure that they fall into their own categories, while others can be collectively lumped into one. Here are the major types of precious and semi precious gemstones:
Diamond - diamond is it's own type of gemstone, and is well known for being the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man. Diamonds are primarily high-carbon crystals that were fused under extremes of pressure and heat.
Diamonds themselves aren't especially rare, with thousands being mined throughout the world every year; however, large diamonds of high quality are extremely rare, and it is these which are well known for setting the standards of diamond gemstones as the world's most precious stone.
Corundum - this is the second hardest type of gemstone, and is primarily defined as being composed of aluminum oxide and various trace minerals. The trace minerals create different types of corundum, and perhaps the two most well known examples of this type of stone are rubies and sapphires. Rough corundum isn't used as a gemstone, but is used as an industrial strength abrasive element due to it's tough nature.
Chrysoberyl - this is the third hardest gemstone, and while it uses aluminum oxide as a base element like corundums, it has high quantities of beryllium mixed in with it. Appearance wise, chrysoberyls often come in a green to yellow shade, though their appearance is best known for having the tendency to actually change color somewhat under different types of lighting. Cat's eye and alexandrite are two common chrysoberyls used in jewelry.
Quartz - this is actually one of the most common types of mineral in the world and comes in a wide variety of colors. It's main tendency is to form in hexagonal shapes and it makes an excellent prism if unflawed.
The main reason quartz can still be categorized as a valuable gemstone is that, while it IS easy to find quartz stones, finding a large, perfect, and unflawed quartz crystal of jewelry quality is extremely rare. Some examples of quartz gems commonly used in jewelry are onyx, amethysts, citrines, and carnelians.
Beryl - this is a stone well known for it's beauty and has elements in common with both chrysoberyl and quartz. It's basic chemical composition is similar to chrysoberyl, with beryllium and aluminum prevalent but mixed in with other trace elements. It's basic crystalline structure, on the other hand, is closer to quartz, being hexagonal in nature.
At it's simplest, beryl is actually transparent, while it's other colored variants include emeralds and aquamarines. It can come in yellow and red shades as well, and these are referred to as "red" or "yellow" emeralds.
Jade - this is one type of gemstone originally lumped into the same category as beryl. The main reasons for this are because both can be mined in similar places and they possess similar textures, opacity, and appearance (just different colors).
Later on, chemical analysis showed that the elements which made up the different forms of precious jade, namely nephrite and jadeite, were different from beryl completely, thus earning jade it's own category among gemstone collectors. Jade based stones are often composed of calcium and magnesium elements.
Feldspar - this is a unique type of gemstone whose base material is tectonic in nature. It is often found in areas of high geographic instability like earthquake faults and volcanic chains. Feldspar's basic chemical composition is made up of very common elements found deep inside the earth's crust.
What makes it valuable as a gemstone is the same factor that makes a diamond much more valuable than a lump of coal that would normally contain the same elements as diamond. That is, with sufficient heat and pressure applied, the tectonic elements fuse together to make a rare red gemstone known as feldspar.
Organic Gemstones - the most famous examples of this are pearls and amber. Basically, organic gemstones are ones which occur naturally in organic sources as opposed to mineral sources. Pearls are formed from oysters, while amber is a yellow stone formed from fossilized tree sap. While not gemstones per se, organic gemstones are still used heavily in jewelry so are included in this list.
Diamond - diamond is it's own type of gemstone, and is well known for being the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man. Diamonds are primarily high-carbon crystals that were fused under extremes of pressure and heat.
Diamonds themselves aren't especially rare, with thousands being mined throughout the world every year; however, large diamonds of high quality are extremely rare, and it is these which are well known for setting the standards of diamond gemstones as the world's most precious stone.
Corundum - this is the second hardest type of gemstone, and is primarily defined as being composed of aluminum oxide and various trace minerals. The trace minerals create different types of corundum, and perhaps the two most well known examples of this type of stone are rubies and sapphires. Rough corundum isn't used as a gemstone, but is used as an industrial strength abrasive element due to it's tough nature.
Chrysoberyl - this is the third hardest gemstone, and while it uses aluminum oxide as a base element like corundums, it has high quantities of beryllium mixed in with it. Appearance wise, chrysoberyls often come in a green to yellow shade, though their appearance is best known for having the tendency to actually change color somewhat under different types of lighting. Cat's eye and alexandrite are two common chrysoberyls used in jewelry.
Quartz - this is actually one of the most common types of mineral in the world and comes in a wide variety of colors. It's main tendency is to form in hexagonal shapes and it makes an excellent prism if unflawed.
The main reason quartz can still be categorized as a valuable gemstone is that, while it IS easy to find quartz stones, finding a large, perfect, and unflawed quartz crystal of jewelry quality is extremely rare. Some examples of quartz gems commonly used in jewelry are onyx, amethysts, citrines, and carnelians.
Beryl - this is a stone well known for it's beauty and has elements in common with both chrysoberyl and quartz. It's basic chemical composition is similar to chrysoberyl, with beryllium and aluminum prevalent but mixed in with other trace elements. It's basic crystalline structure, on the other hand, is closer to quartz, being hexagonal in nature.
At it's simplest, beryl is actually transparent, while it's other colored variants include emeralds and aquamarines. It can come in yellow and red shades as well, and these are referred to as "red" or "yellow" emeralds.
Jade - this is one type of gemstone originally lumped into the same category as beryl. The main reasons for this are because both can be mined in similar places and they possess similar textures, opacity, and appearance (just different colors).
Later on, chemical analysis showed that the elements which made up the different forms of precious jade, namely nephrite and jadeite, were different from beryl completely, thus earning jade it's own category among gemstone collectors. Jade based stones are often composed of calcium and magnesium elements.
Feldspar - this is a unique type of gemstone whose base material is tectonic in nature. It is often found in areas of high geographic instability like earthquake faults and volcanic chains. Feldspar's basic chemical composition is made up of very common elements found deep inside the earth's crust.
What makes it valuable as a gemstone is the same factor that makes a diamond much more valuable than a lump of coal that would normally contain the same elements as diamond. That is, with sufficient heat and pressure applied, the tectonic elements fuse together to make a rare red gemstone known as feldspar.
Organic Gemstones - the most famous examples of this are pearls and amber. Basically, organic gemstones are ones which occur naturally in organic sources as opposed to mineral sources. Pearls are formed from oysters, while amber is a yellow stone formed from fossilized tree sap. While not gemstones per se, organic gemstones are still used heavily in jewelry so are included in this list.
26 December, 2008
Tips When Aiming to Buy Rough Diamonds
Diamonds are women's best friends. The most important jewelry and accessories almost always have diamonds as gemstones. Diamonds are known as the hardest substance on the planet. They can't always be cut and broken down easily. Diamonds are used to cut other diamonds.
Aside from that property, diamonds are considered as among the most important elegant substances on earth. The substance isn't an element because it isn't pure, but it is known to be a product of the pressure applied to carbon. Diamonds aren't easily found in mines and it is very rare that explorers and miners are fortunate enough to find diamond mines.
Rough diamonds are diamonds in their unaltered state. Rough diamonds are literally rough because they aren't yet cut and smoothed for jewelry purposes. Jewelers and designers strive to secure and acquire diamonds in their rough state. That is because they will cut the substance according to their design plan. They then shape the rough diamond according to the design and fit the stone to the jewelry they choose.
Jewelers aren't the only people who regular buy rough diamonds. You could also strive to attempt to acquire such items. If you are aiming to customize your diamond jewelry according to your designs and preferred shapes, then, it is high time you buy rough diamonds. Here are some practical tips that will help you when buying rough diamonds on the market.
- Make sure to do transactions with accredited and popular sellers. Rough diamonds are still expensive even if they aren't yet cut and shaped. Thus, expect to shoulder a significant investment on the purchase transaction. You should stay away from suspicious and unreliable sources because you might end up buying fake diamonds.
- Secure experts' advice. If you can take an expert with you while doing the transaction, the better. Experts can easily tell whether the product is genuine or whether the price tag is practical and appropriate.
- Make the legal and necessary actions to ensure that your rough diamond won't be replaced or altered when you bring it to a jeweler for customization.
Rough diamonds aren't yet shaped and smoothed but they have the potential to be pricey. Rough diamonds are good buys because they are cheaper and are more practical. You can do whatever you like with these diamonds.
Aside from that property, diamonds are considered as among the most important elegant substances on earth. The substance isn't an element because it isn't pure, but it is known to be a product of the pressure applied to carbon. Diamonds aren't easily found in mines and it is very rare that explorers and miners are fortunate enough to find diamond mines.
Rough diamonds are diamonds in their unaltered state. Rough diamonds are literally rough because they aren't yet cut and smoothed for jewelry purposes. Jewelers and designers strive to secure and acquire diamonds in their rough state. That is because they will cut the substance according to their design plan. They then shape the rough diamond according to the design and fit the stone to the jewelry they choose.
Jewelers aren't the only people who regular buy rough diamonds. You could also strive to attempt to acquire such items. If you are aiming to customize your diamond jewelry according to your designs and preferred shapes, then, it is high time you buy rough diamonds. Here are some practical tips that will help you when buying rough diamonds on the market.
- Make sure to do transactions with accredited and popular sellers. Rough diamonds are still expensive even if they aren't yet cut and shaped. Thus, expect to shoulder a significant investment on the purchase transaction. You should stay away from suspicious and unreliable sources because you might end up buying fake diamonds.
- Secure experts' advice. If you can take an expert with you while doing the transaction, the better. Experts can easily tell whether the product is genuine or whether the price tag is practical and appropriate.
- Make the legal and necessary actions to ensure that your rough diamond won't be replaced or altered when you bring it to a jeweler for customization.
Rough diamonds aren't yet shaped and smoothed but they have the potential to be pricey. Rough diamonds are good buys because they are cheaper and are more practical. You can do whatever you like with these diamonds.
Tips When Buying Gemstones
People have always fell in love with gemstones. That is because these items are almost always breath taking and are truly exquisite. Gemstones are valuable because naturally, their market appraisal is high. Thus, it is expected that you need to allot a significant investment when you aim to purchase any type of gemstone.
When buying gemstones, it is important that you first seek to be knowledgeable about the task. It is easy to acquire such items on the market if you have plenty of money. But if your resources are limited and you are aiming for the best deals, then, you need to get to know several guidelines of how the purchase can be made worthwhile and practical. Here are some tips.
- Observe and look at the gemstone of your choice at all possible and viewable angles. You should get a thorough ocular examination of the item to find any defects like uneven color distribution, presence of color zones, cutting defects and apparent inclusions. Defects found can reduce the value of the gemstone. If you want to purchase an item at significant discount, be observant enough and look out for any sign of defects.
- Be interested but don't let your enthusiasm show. You are advised to maintain your composure no matter how breath taking a gemstone. This strategy would help you maintain a sound and reasonable judgment over the jewelry.
- Don't be intimidated by the overall appearance and presence of the broker. If the gender, nationality and age of the broker distracts you, chances are greater that you would only nod to what the broker has to say and forget to affirm your side or your judgment. If that happens, you will lose your power to secure a bargain.
- Be patient to present your offer for the gemstone at the end or near the conclusion of the negotiation. You should appear and sound firm on your stand so that the broker would think your standing offer is the ultimate concession you could possibly offer.
As you buy the gemstone, aim to keep it as a priced possession. You should make sure to constantly update yourself about the valuation of your possession so that anytime, as the need may arise, you could always get the choice to dispose it. Gemstones are beautiful. They will never fail to mesmerize the eyes of the beholder, so keep it safe the way you guard your life.
When buying gemstones, it is important that you first seek to be knowledgeable about the task. It is easy to acquire such items on the market if you have plenty of money. But if your resources are limited and you are aiming for the best deals, then, you need to get to know several guidelines of how the purchase can be made worthwhile and practical. Here are some tips.
- Observe and look at the gemstone of your choice at all possible and viewable angles. You should get a thorough ocular examination of the item to find any defects like uneven color distribution, presence of color zones, cutting defects and apparent inclusions. Defects found can reduce the value of the gemstone. If you want to purchase an item at significant discount, be observant enough and look out for any sign of defects.
- Be interested but don't let your enthusiasm show. You are advised to maintain your composure no matter how breath taking a gemstone. This strategy would help you maintain a sound and reasonable judgment over the jewelry.
- Don't be intimidated by the overall appearance and presence of the broker. If the gender, nationality and age of the broker distracts you, chances are greater that you would only nod to what the broker has to say and forget to affirm your side or your judgment. If that happens, you will lose your power to secure a bargain.
- Be patient to present your offer for the gemstone at the end or near the conclusion of the negotiation. You should appear and sound firm on your stand so that the broker would think your standing offer is the ultimate concession you could possibly offer.
As you buy the gemstone, aim to keep it as a priced possession. You should make sure to constantly update yourself about the valuation of your possession so that anytime, as the need may arise, you could always get the choice to dispose it. Gemstones are beautiful. They will never fail to mesmerize the eyes of the beholder, so keep it safe the way you guard your life.
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