Starting The Hobby Of Loose Gemstone Collecting
By Lee MacRae
Gemology is a term referring to the art, profession and science of evaluating and identifying rocks known as natural diamonds or loose gemstones. A number of people taken up this profession more as a hobby. They become interested in making a collection of loose diamonds or loose gemstones. You'll even find some that like to visit various locations close by or possibly even in other countries to hunt for raw or rough gemstones. Some of them will even tumble or finish off the gemstones themselves. If you have an interest in this hobby then follow along as this article discusses the various factors in gemstone collecting.
The first thing you need to do in becoming a gemstone collector the proper way is by getting adequate knowledge about them. By taking a look in your local bookstore you can find everything you need to know that will help you to know exactly what you should do.
Color is a very important part in the value of the stone. The closer a color is to its purer spectral value the more highly prized it is. Remember that the spectral colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Colors that are darker or palerthan a pure color diminish the value of the stone.
Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones as well. A precision cut gemstone showcases the pure color of the stone, diminish any inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. One way of determining the excellence of the cut is to look at how consistently it reflects the light over the stones complete surface. If the stone is cut on the shallow side much of the light will refract out of the gem rather than reflecting inside. Gemstone color will be washed out.
Another factor to consider is the clarity of the stone under consideration. This is talking about the gemstones purity or the absence of internal inclusions, particles or spots inside the crystal. Needless to say, stones with no flaws will make a gemstone very valuable.
Next comes weight and size. All gemstones [except for pearls and corals] are valued by the unit called the carat. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams Be aware however, that size and weight and gemstones are not the same. Density or specific gravity can very. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats, you will find a Sapphire or ruby of the same size would weigh 1.20 carats.
Collecting gemstones can be a great hobby. And there are so many different types in gemstones you can collect. You can start collecting gemstones like Kunzite, Sapphire or Benitoite for example. The choice and beauty and variety is almost endless. And if you like a hands on hobby you can go hunting for raw gemstones. For example in Wyoming you can find Agate (including Moss Agate), Jade, Ruby, Jasper, Bloodstone as well as Star Sapphire.
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Learn More About natural diamonds
Synthetic gemstones are �real� gemstones in that their mineral composition is
exactly the same as those in nature. The only difference is that they are made
by humans in a short amount of time versus by nature over hundreds of thousands
of years. Created stones are always less valuable than natural stones because
they are less rare. Generally, created stones are only available for more
expensive gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. One
example of a widely accepted created gemstone is the cultured pearl: very
prevalent even in the most elite jewelry.
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The Logan sapphire is named after Mrs. John Logan who donated the gemstone to
the Smithsonian Institution in 1960. The Logan sapphire is a flawless specimen,
possesses a rich blue color and is the second largest (blue) sapphire known,
weighing 423 carats (84.6 g). The cushion-cut stone is one of the world's most
famous sapphires and is set in a brooch surrounded by 20 round brilliant cut
diamonds weighing in total 16 carats (3.2 g). The Logan sapphire originates from
Sri Lanka, a famous location for sapphires.
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Carnelian was said to bring luck, protection and comfort in the 1700's. In the
1800's, Carnelian was said to help those who needed courage to speak. Mohammed,
Napoleon I, and Napoleon III wore carnelian.
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