Starting The Hobby Of Loose Gemstone Collecting
By Lee MacRae
Why collect loose gemstones you ask? Well for one thing they are very beautiful items. And like their higher counterpart, natural diamonds they can appreciate in value over time. Many hobbyists love to collect and work with the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. This article will look at the hobby of collecting loose gemstones.
To begin with your first priority is to get some books from the library or bookstore. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about your new hobby. The more you understand about each kind of gemstone the less likely you are to make a mistake. You need to be as informed as possible.
The first item to take into account is gemstone color. You want the stone that is as close as possible to the pure spectrum colors. We are talking about violet, orange, yellow, green, blue, and red. The prices of very dark are very pale stones are lower than the vibrant colors.
Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and is used not only to appraise diamonds but gemstones as well. An excellent cut will highlight the pure color of the stone, lessen any inclusions and show off its symmetry and proportions. One excellent method to determine the precision of the cut of the stone is to consider how evenly it reflects light over its entire surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side much of the light will refract out of the gem instead of reflecting inside the gemstone. The gem appears washed out.
Gemstone clarity is the next item to consider. When we talk of clarity it relates to the absence of flaws or blemishes inside the stone. A gemstones that is normally found to be clean is obviously worth more. To determine the flaws not seen with the unaided eye you need a 10X gemstone loupe (gemstone clarity magnifier) or gem microscope. Serious hobbyists will employ an inexpensive 10X gemstone or jewelers loup for viewing stamps, coins, beads as well as gems.
Next thing to look at is the duo of weight and size. Due to their nature gemstones can vary greatly in density and specific gravity. Weight and size are not necessarily equal across the board. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats an equal sized Sapphire would weigh more than 1.20 carats. An Emerald of equal size would be approximately 0.95 carats while an Alexandrite gemstone would be about 1.23 carats.
Collecting various gemstones can create an enjoyable hobby and pastime. And there is a wide range and variety in precious and semi precious stones that you can collect. You can start collecting gemstones like Kunzite, Opal (Girasol) or Zeolite (Thomsonite) and then try others. The opportunities are seemingly endless. And if you like to save money but love vacations you can find gemstones for yourself instead of buying. For example in Alabama you can find Beryl, blue and yellow; Smoky Quartz and Hematite.
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Tips On loose aquamarine gemstones
Agate is a type of Chalcedony. It is an uncommon stone. Agate is a great ston
to buy if you want "something different". There are several types of agate.
Common ones are: blue lace agate, fire agate, moss agate, tree agate and
petrified wood. One will often see these in agate cabochons or agate beads. I've
seen agate pendants, necklaces and bolo ties that look stunning.
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Aquamarine is often used to (hopefully) experience boundless love and mercy. It
is said to help ease depression and grief. Aquamarine is said to re-awaken love
in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends. Legend has it
that to wear aquamarine in earrings would bring love and affection. Aquamarine
represents of honesty, beauty and loyalty. The name "aquamarine" means sea water
. The official US State Gemstone of Colorado is aquamarine.
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The Latest loose aquamarine gemstones News
Keishi Pearl w/Pink Tourmaline Earrings
Tiny keishi pearls studded with pink tourmaline. Pearls measure about 8-9mm. Earrings measure about 1/2" from base of earwires. 14kt gold-fill earwires and findings.
Seven Cube Sterling and Vermeil Necklace
Six brushed silver cubes with one 23kt gold vermeil accent cube. Necklace is 16" long with a sterling toggle clasp. All sterling silver chain and findings.
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