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Gems and Precious Stones
Gems and precious stones are cut or polished minerals used to create jewelry, accessories and other ornaments. Some of the most popular precious stones include amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, opal, ruby, sapphire, topaz, and turquoise.
1,193 Questions
Where are vein mineral deposits found and how did they get there?
plate tectonics. Please research that subject for more info.
I can answer that! Major gold deposits are usually found deep underground, but this gold was ...they went to mine in the Sierra Nevada. The mining process started with this knowledge ... veins, thereis no guarantee that all the veins that looked at first glance to be of ... How did the gold actually get into these veining systems? ...
What does the stamp TH on a ring mean?
The stamp "TH" on a ring typically stands for "Thai silver," indicating that the ring is made of silver from Thailand. This stamp is used as a hallmark to identify the origin of the metal used in the jewelry.
Crystal cutting is a technique that takes five years to perfect. There are three main styles of cutting. Most of the differences between cuts are associated with width and depth of the cutting wheel.Wedge CutMost common cutting technique. Wedge cut can be found on almost every piece in the store. However, the combination of this cut is what creates the design.• Crisscrossing created diamond like cuts. This is a very attractive way to decorate crystal and very demanding on the cutter. Diamond cutting requires a great job by the crystal blower as well. The piece has to be thick enough so the crossings of the cuts do not cut through. It also can not be too thick as the cuts will be too far apart and will lose some of its appeal.• Vertical cuts are difficult because the cutters hand has to be very steady. The thickness of the piece here is not as important however, but the clarity and perfection is required from the blower. In most cases these pieces are not as decorated and mistakes are very obvious.• Combination vertical and horizontal cuts (top of the Overture pattern) requires steady hand and a good eye. Please remember that when the pieces are cut there is water constantly pouring down the wheel which makes cut connections difficult. The cutter has to "feel" how much to cut or they will cross over each other.Olive Cut (thumb print)Olive cut is the most difficult because it relies heavily on only one dimension and that is width. Successful olive cutting will have a certain predetermined width. However, if the piece is not thick enough, the cut will go through to achieve the width. On the other hand, if the piece is too thick it will need to be deeper and that takes a long time to cut and a very steady hand. One move while cutting the olive cut and the piece can easily break as this cut puts a lot of strain on the crystal piece itself.This cut is usually cut vertically to circumcise the piece (Colleen). If one of the cuts is not exactly to proportions it will throw off the entire design.The olive cut is considered the most elite cutting technique and only the most experienced cutters can do it. The elements of it will be often incorporated in some of the very special and limited edition pieces.Copper wheel cuttingNot used very much in many of new designs, still it can be found on some pieces. It is a meticulous job to create a diamond pattern with the copper wheel as it leaves a very thin line. Copper wheel cutting is usually very sharp to the feel. The pieces that are decorated with copper wheel cutting are the Apprentice Bowl and Maritana Vase.PolishingAfter the piece is cut is needs to be polished. After the cutting, the cuts are frosted white and polishing allows the piece to regain its clarity and brilliance.The polishing is done on the buffer wheels by hand. Some of the lesser quality pieces are polished by immersing them in the hydro-fluoric acid.It has been a trend recently to polish the edges of the cuts very smoothly. Older glass pieces will have very sharp edges partly because the polishing technology at that time was not as developed and polishing took a long time.
A method of polishing, called Fire Polishing, involves putting cut crystal and glass beads into a kiln or oven hot enough to melt but not liquefy the glass, which brings back the shine and reduces the sharp edges some, making them more comfortable to wear.
Scalloped TopScalloped top of the pieces is cut by hand with several different wedge wheels. If the piece is to have a scalloped top or something more intricate like the top on the''Kennedy Bowl'' we will use a variety of different shaped wheels, eg. ''Wide'' Wedge Wheels, Wheels with raised curved surfaces ( wide & narrow ), Wheels with Flat surfaces etc. This is all done by hand by the Wedge cutter.Footed PiecesFooted pieces are made of two pieces of crystal. All stemware is made out of two pieces. Once the cup and the stem have been blown, the blower still keeps it on the top of his pipe and the apprentice brings another blob of molten crystal from the kiln. The blower than shapes the foot of the piece with wet wooden tools. Doing it with the stemware is relatively easy but when it comes to 15 lb bowl it takes a lot of physical strength to do it.The process of manufacturing a single stem from start to finish can take as much as seven days!
How do you make a squash blossom necklace?
Each artist or Tribe that makes squash blossom necklaces have their own special variations on the blossoms of real squash indigenous to the local area. If you are not Native American or an accomplished silversmith, I would advise you to not even try this. If you are skilled enough and determined enough, look online for examples, go to museums with examples, understand the meanings and origins of the styles. If you just want one to wear, Google Native American jewelry. If you live in the Southwest, you can try pawn shops and antique shops, but they will charge you the moon if you are uninformed about the artists, the silverwork , and the condition of the turquoise[or occassionally jasper or other stones} Be informed and be careful.
Can a tyranosaurusrex skull break diamonds?
No, a Tyrannosaurus rex skull would not be able to break diamonds. Diamond is one of the hardest naturally occurring substances on Earth, ranking a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, while the bones in the skull of a T. rex would not be able to exert enough force to break them.
What is the hallmark for diamond?
The hallmark for diamond typically refers to the certification provided by gemological laboratories such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society). These certifications guarantee the authenticity and quality of the diamond, including its cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
How much is 6 gems worth of money?
Depends on what sort of gems they are, how they are cut, if they have inclusions and if they are natural or treated. Get they valued or do the research.
What is the abbreviation of karat?
The abbreviation of karat is "k". It is used to indicate the purity of gold in jewelry, with 24 karat gold being the purest form.
Diamonds are more costly than glass because they are purer?
The difference between Diamond and Glass is that, Glass is softer than the diamond. A diamond can easily scratch the glass. Glass is an inorganic product of fusion which has been cooled through the glass transition to a rigid condition without crystallizing. The reason why diamonds are more expensive is : Actually, diamond has many unequaled qualities. It is the hardest known substance, it is the greatest conductor of heat, it has the highest melting point of any substance (7362° F - 4090° C), and has the highest refractive index of any natural mineral. Diamond is number 10 on the Mohs scale, and is 40 times harder than Corundum, which is number 9 on the Moh's scale (and the next hardest natural substance). It also has the most dense atomical configuration of any minerals, and is transparent over the greatest number of wavelengths. Because of heat conduction, Diamonds are cold to the feel at or below room temperature. When heated, a Diamond will remain hot long after the heat source is removed.
The luster of Diamonds is excellent. Diamond exhibits great "fire", or brilliance, which gives it a shiny, freshly polished look. Rough Diamonds exhibit a greasy luster, but proper cutting give them a powerful adamantine luster. Only synthetic substances and a few minor gemstones can reach or excel the refractive index of Diamonds.
What type of crystal structure does the opal have?
Opal has an amorphous or non-crystalline structure, meaning it lacks a repeating atomic arrangement like that found in crystals. Instead, opal is made up of tiny silica spheres arranged in a disordered pattern, which gives it its beautiful color play known as "play-of-color."
What is the shiniest gem in the world?
Diamond is considered the shiniest gem in the world due to its exceptional brilliance and sparkle caused by its ability to reflect and refract light. Its high refractive index and dispersion properties make it highly prized for its luster and brilliance.
How much are uncut sapphires worth?
It depends on the gemstone. But when you get to the brass tax of it, a gemstone is worth only what a person is williong to pay.So to some it may be worth 2 dollars or nothing at all and to some it coiuld be worth hundreds or thousands of dollarsIf you think you got something special then do the right thing,have it certified it does not cost much to do,practically any jewelry store can do it.It will make the difference between your stone being worth hundreds to thousands,and basically chump change if you don't certify them..
When flint and opals break they have a unique arclike pattern?
This unique arclike pattern that forms when flint and opals break is called a concoidal fracture. It is characterized by smooth, curved surfaces with concentric ridges radiating from the point of impact, resembling the shape of an arc or horseshoe. This fracture pattern is distinct and useful in identifying these minerals.
Which country uses the most diamonds?
Africa has the largest producer in the world
Africa is not a country - it is a continent. Zimbabwe (a country within the continent of Africa) has largest known concentration of diamonds in the world.
Actually, I believe that Botswana is the largest producer of diamonds in the world. If Zimbabwe had as much in reserves of diamonds as Botswana, they would probably have their own currency.
Are chatham rubies worth much?
I've inheirited a large quantity of Chatham Rubies. Not knowing if they were real or not , I decided to send a bunch out for appraisal. All but one came back without an appraisal because the only place in North America that can appraise stones larger than 15 carats is G.I.A. in New York City. The one stone that was appraised was a 14.4 carat Emerald cut that came back at $5,500.00 retail appraisal. So to answer the question, "YES" they are worth quite a bit.
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To the above, and as well as this question. Chatham and Corundum diffused gems (Sapphire & Rubies) are infact 100% real, and the most pure gems you can get. They are perfect in the sense that they have no imperfections. Gems made by Chatham diffusion are the height of purity as well as clarity and quality. They are synthetic, but by no means fake.
As such, the jewelry industry will try to tell you these gems are fake and that they are worth less because they know they can make thousands of dollars off mined gems which are of lower quality. For this reason, synthetic gems, though better looking and higher quality, are worth less. For example, a 1ct diamond might be worth say, 1000$, but a 1ct synthetic diamond would only be worth 100$
Chatham and Corundum diffused gems (Ruby & Sapphire as both of these gems are the same mineral [Corundum] ) aren't worth much, depending on the weight though they could be worth a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
People often desire diamonds for their perceived rarity, beauty, and symbolism of love, commitment, and luxury. Diamonds are also associated with status and wealth due to their high value and durability. Additionally, the marketing and cultural significance of diamonds, particularly in engagement rings, have contributed to their popularity.
What is the crystal structure of a sapphire?
Sapphire typically has a hexagonal crystal structure, with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) forming a dense, closely packed arrangement of oxygen and aluminum ions. This crystal structure contributes to sapphire's hardness and durability, making it a popular choice for jewelry and industrial applications.
What kind of diamonds are there?
There are natural diamonds, which are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth's mantle, and lab-grown diamonds, which are produced in a controlled environment to mimic the natural process. Additionally, there are different types of diamonds based on their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, all of which contribute to their overall quality and value.
Actually, carbon is the element: diamond is an allotrope of carbon.
How much is a two karat diamond ring cost?
It depends on several factors. A diamond is judged on four qualities (known as the four C's): carat, color, clarity, and cut. Each of these things plays a part in determing the price of the diamond. A one carat diamond with poor color and clarity, for instance (so it might not be as clear, might look a little murky, might be slightly colored, etc.) will be a lot less expensive than a one carat diamond with better color and clarity. A lot of jewelry store websites explain this more thoroughly and will let you search by the qualities that matter to you, including size (carat) and price. I'd recommend Zales since they have excellent customer service (at least where I am) and you get a lot for your money. (For example, I've had two pieces of jewelry - identical to the naked eye - where one was from Tiffanys and one was from Zales. I can't tell the difference - besides a HUGE price difference - and I actually get even more compliments on the Zales one since they cut it so brilliantly.)
Onyx is the usual one, but others are Obsidian, Spinel, Drusy and even some Agates contain black pigments
What are the different ways to classify diamonds?
Diamonds are graded mainly on the 4Cs - carat, clarity, color, and cut. The most well-known/reliable diamond grading org is the GIA. If you're buying a diamond you should definitely ask for a report so you're sure the stone is legitimate. They have a video that explains exactly how the 4Cs are graded here - http://gia4cs.gia.edu/
It helped me understand what I needed to know when my fiance and I were shopping for my engagement ring.
diamonds are graded on qualilty size and color based on a scale made just for the popular and beautiful jem
How can you tell if a Swarovski crystal is real?
The best way is to ask for a grading certificate. But if you want to check at home then look for the color and clarity. Natural sapphires generally have inclusions and blemishes which can be seen by a loop. Even if it is heat treated a slight ratio of inclusions would be there which could be seen under magnification. Fake ones are completely clear.
What is a Neptune garden topaz?
A Neptune garden topaz is a type of coated topaz gemstone that has a blue coating applied to enhance its color. The color is meant to mimic the bright blue hues of the ocean and is popular for its unique and vibrant appearance in jewelry pieces.
