The zircon is a type of mineral that belongs to the family of nesosilicates. Zirconium silicate is the chemical name. Green, brown, red, golden yellow, and colorless are the natural color of Zircon. The Matura diamond are colorless minerals that has the gem quality and are very popular as a substitute for a diamond. They are not be confused with the cubic zirconia which is a synthetic mineral with a totally different chemical composition.
Zircon came from the Arabic word zarqun which means vermilion, the persian word zargun which means golden colored. The yellow zircon is commonly called the hyacinth which is a word originated in East India. During the middle ages, people called all yellow stones as hyacinth, however today, this term is only used to describe or identify the yellow zircons.
The traditional birthstone for December is the Zircon.
If not for its presence in the crust of the earth, Zircon is a great and remarkable mineral. They are primarily found in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. The least abundant type of zircon is the Large zircon crystals. Zircon is one mineral that is found worldwide and is a very common accessory. These minerals can be found in Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Canada, Quebec, United States, Italy and so on. The largest producer of zircon which accounts to 37% of the world’s total production, Australia is the leading country in zircon mining. The zircon can be found in a wide variety if colors. They can be seen in black, colorless, hazel, yellow, brown and red. Below gem quality, zircons can be changed by heat treatment. It really depends on the amount of heat beig applied to the mineral. They can be changed to blue, golden yellow, and colorless.
Zircons are commonly used as as insulator and as an abrasive. It is a gemstone that is seen in a wide variety of colors and characterized by its great brilliance, clarity and fire. Zircon was known as an amulet for people who are travelling during the 11th Century. It is one gemstone believed to protect people from insomnia, diseases and injury. It is also used ensure the traveller for a warm cordial welcome on where he will travel. The zircon, according to ancient civilizations was believed to hold magical powers and used to fight evil. It was used to fight the black death which is the great plague that killed almost all of the population of Europe. The zircon was the most popular prescribed medicine to those people who can’t sleep, to stop poison and aid a proper digestion.
The most rare and the most prized zircon is known as the red gemstone. The zircon, with a well placed knock can be easily broken because it is a brittle stone. However, despite of its poor hardness, the zircon is still a very valuable tock because of its brilliant beauty. It was even mentioned in the book “Arabian Nights” because it is considered to be the favorite gemstone of the Arabs.
Information and Legends associated with Topaz, November’s Birthstone
by Lisa Vella
Topaz is a gorgeous gemstone found in a wide range of colors. Striking shades of red, orange, peach, pink and gold are just a few shades of interest. However, yellow topaz is the official birthstone for the month of November. Commonly used as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th, and 23rd years of marriage, this lovely stone has actually been quite famous throughout history.
The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire. Typically, gem connoisseurs mine it from sources in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico and Pakistan. The method most often used is surface mining or open pit mining, but sometimes underground mining is also an option depending on how deep it is in the ground. Topaz may be found in large chunks, or in small pieces.
Interestingly enough, the most famous topaz was for years thought to be a diamond called the “Braganza Diamond.” It is also known as the “Prince Regent Diamond” because it entered the court during the regency of Prince Regent John VI. Some describe it to be about the size of a goose egg, and say that John VI had a hole drilled in it to wear as a necklace for special occasions.
The famous “Braganza Diamond” disappeared after the death of King John VI, and no one is quite certain as to where it is today. Some think it may be set on the Portuguese crown. Even though it was discovered in 1797, if were a diamond, it would still be the largest and most valuable diamond ever found, but experts believe based on its color, which had been described as a dark yellow color, and other features that it truly was a topaz.
Those who are interested in seeing genuine topaz gemstones may do so at various museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the British Museum. Their dazzling displays contain both rough and cut stones.
As with most gems that have been around for centuries, topaz have their own powers associated with them. It was considered to heal both physical and mental disorders and even prevent death. As for physical ailments, those with achy body conditions would wear it because they thought it cured or improved arthritis and other bone and joint dysfunctions. In addition to those health problems those who wore it felt it improved various blood vessel and circulatory problems.
Emotionally, topaz was said to drive away sadness and even improve upon intellect, as well as bring a feeling of calm and peace to the hearts of all those who wore it.
On fun piece of folklore associated with topaz comes from the Greeks. They believed it had powers to literally increase strength and actually make those who wore it invisible. However, they were not the only ones to feel it had these magical powers. The Egyptians felt if they wore it as an amulet they would be safe from injury, while the Romans were certain that it improved their eyesight.
Based on its history and beauty, those who wear topaz jewelry designs would most likely agree with St. John in Revelation who said that topaz was, “touched by the splendor of the sun.” It truly is a splendid gem.
Sapphire—A Gem Fit for Royalty
written for SWCreations by Lisa Vella
For centuries, sapphires have made their mark in the history of our world. Understandably so—they are beautiful and unique gemstones that come in many different varieties. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers recognized sapphire for its wonderful qualities and named it as the official birthstone for the month of September. It is the designated gem given for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries and if a couple is blessed enough to make it to their 65th anniversary, the unique star sapphire is often given.
The sapphire is actually a gemstone that belongs in the corundum family. Corundum is a pure aluminum oxide mineral which is crystallized from extreme heat and pressure. Since ancient times, Sri Lanka has been one of the largest producers of high quality sapphires, but it can be found on all continents including Burma (modern day Myanmar), South Africa, Canada, and the US.
The US has been mining sapphire since they were discovered in the gravels of the Missouri River in Lewis and Clark County, Montana in 1865. Many other sources were soon to be discovered in Montana, followed by a discovery from the Cowee Valley in Macon County, North Carolina in 1895.
People in the US continue to mine them today, but mostly as more of a hobbyist venture than a serious business. Tourists in North Carolina will often pay a fee to purchase buckets of gravel or to dig in designated areas in the hopes of finding sapphire or other precious gems.
The most popular color for sapphire is deep royal blue, but they can actually be found in almost all colors including pink, white, green, yellow, orange, purple, brown and even colorless. Here are just a few different varieties:
·Bi-colored Sapphire – a sapphire with more than one color
·Cat’s Eye Sapphire – a sapphire exhibiting a “cat’s eye effect” where there is a thin band of light down the center of the stone.
·Color Changing Sapphire – a rare sapphire that exhibits different colors in different light. In natural light the sapphire is blue, but changes to violet in artificial light.
·Fancy Sapphire – any sapphire other than blue
·Padparadschah – the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire
·Verneuil Sapphire – a synthetic sapphire – grown in a laboratory
Historically, there have been many cases in which sapphires have made their appearance. The Stuart Sapphire, which dates back to 1214, passed through the hands of many kings and eventually ended up adorning Queen Victoria’s State Crown. In time it was replaced by another gem, and is now on display as part of the British Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London.
Another famous account occurred when the Russian Emperor Alexander II purchased a sapphire weighing 260.37 carats for his wife, the Empress Maria Alexandrovna. This stone is now owned by the State Diamond Fund of the Russian Federation, where it is proudly shown at their museum in Gokhran, Russia.
Sapphire hasn’t been absent in modern times either. Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford and Jean Harlowe all had sapphire engagement rings. Perhaps the most famous account in today’s time occurred when Prince Charles gave Princess Diana an 18 carat engagement ring surrounded by 14 diamonds in an elegant cluster setting.
As with all gemstones that have been around since nearly the beginning of time, sapphire has its own folklore and legends associated with it. It’s easy to understand why so many choose it for an engagement ring because it is associated with fidelity, compatibility, and mutual understanding. Some of its powers are thought to include spiritual enlightenment, and the ability to heal rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. When gazing into a cool blue stone, one can easily understand how it brings peace of mind and serenity to its owner, while promoting a life of truth and sincerity. The sapphire is truly a royal beauty.
Ruby – July’s Gemstone of Hot & Spicy Fun
- by Sarah Stephens -
Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent red, and is widely recognized as the July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your ruby jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is one of the most sought-after precious colored gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come from the Latin word “rubber” or “rubens,” which means red.
In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called “ratnaraj,” or “king of precious stones.” Centuries ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. People also believed that if rubies were placed beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical force field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. Red is also the color of blood–the life force of all mankind.
Ruby gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring ruby, click here. Ruby is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.
Rubies became a popular colored stone among European royalty and other nobility because of their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an emperor in their next lives.
The ruby is often associated with the emotions of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also believed to open the heart, attract others, and overcome fear. They were also said to help predict the future if they change color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya.
Mohs’ Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Pearls: Classic and Stylish
- by Linda Blatchford -
Pearls are June Birthstones: along with Pearl, Moonstone (Traditional: Alexandrite).
There is so much history about pearls that five (5) months claim them as their birthstone: February, April, June (traditional), July and November.
Pearls are an astral stone for the signs Gemini and Cancer are linked to the moon. Pearls have been called the “teardrops of the moon”. Some believe that pearls were formed by the passage of angels through the clouds of heaven.
Spiritual Benefits of wearing pearls:
* Stimulates spiritual transformation
* Promotes prosperity and success
* Encloses you with an aura of calm and beauty
* Helps with stomach, digestion and emotional stress
* Amplifies focus, meditation skills and wisdom
* Helps balance the solar plexus chakra
Over time, the pearl has become the symbol of purity and innocence and it is often sewn into bridal gowns, or worn as jewelry by the bride.
Pearls are classic, elegant and may be expensive. They are very popular at the Gem Shows.
Queen Alexandra’s Pearls*
Most fine jewellery in the 1900s was white and made from either diamonds or pearls. Queen Alexandra initially wore dog collar chokers, called a ‘collier de chien’ to cover a small scar on her neck.
For state occasions and formal events she plastered herself in arrangements of pearl necklaces. The rarity value of real pearls then was such that an American skyscraper exchanged hands for the price of a pearl necklace . This is not as ridiculous as it seems, since fine south sea pearls still command a high price.
Pearls were very fashionable, but still very, very costly. After the 1890s, Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan, produced highly acceptable cultured pearls by placing a small bead into an oyster shell. The bead coated itself with nacre (mother of pearl) and so good looking pearl jewels became more affordable.
Various combinations of pearl necklaces come in and out of fashion with regularity so pearls too are a must. Both fake and real freshwater or cultured pearls are very affordable today. The price of pearls has dropped by about a fifth in the past 10 years and the Chinese are making waves in the pearl world with their cheaper prices. The Japanese have suffered disease in their pearl beds as well as facing competition and are finding it hard to compete with China’s prices.
Value of Pearls
In the early 1900’s, the financier Morton F. Plant exchanged the building for a Cartier two-strand Oriental pearl necklace much coveted by a woman he admired.
A pearl is judged by its luster, size and markings. Although baroque, or unevenly formed, pearls have often been popular, it is the perfectly round ones that are now most desired. The best have a creamy, slightly pinkish glow. Black pearls (actually, a sort of silver-gray shade) are also coveted. Pearls are measured in millimeters, with 7 to 7.5 considered respectably modest while something larger than 10 millimeters becomes pretty important. For the last 70 years, they have been ”farmed,” which means the deformities have been given a helping hand. These pearls are called cultured, and today natural pearls are extremely rare.
Most of the cultured pearls, Mr. Mondschein says, come from Japan, while the largest ones come from the South Seas, Burma, Tahiti and Australia. Pearls should always be kept in a soft pouch; they can be professionally cleaned with soap and water. ”But spray perfume is the killer,” says Mr. Mondschein. ”I’ve seen people ruin pearls that way. And once the bloom is off the pearl, it can never come back.”
As Seen In
Easy Beading Book Vol. 5
May 2009
Adventures in Color
Entwine strands of gemstones, pearls, and crystals in a multihued jewelry set.
Easy Beading Book Vol. 5 May 2009
An Amazing Purple Semi-precious Stone: the Amethyst
by Priyanka Arora
The term for the semi-precious stone Amethyst comes from the Greek word “Amethystos”, which means not drunken. This stone was actually believed by the Greeks of ancient times to prevent intoxication. It is also the birthstone for those people born in February.
The amethyst is a purple semi-precious stone, with its color ranging from a pale pinkish violet to a very deep purple. It is made from the chemical silicon dioxide. It has a vitreous luster and could be mined from alluvial deposits. The amethyst has a structure that is a trigonal crystal structure and has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale.
This stone has several believed holistic benefits. It strengthens and improves the immune system and can alleviate stress and headache. It also provides inner peace as well as balance of the inner body. It is also believed to be very beneficial for inspiration and intuition.
There is also a Greek legend of the amethyst stone. It was said that the Greek God Dionysus, who was the God of intoxication was angry and vowed to show revenge on all mortals he came across with. Suddenly, ravishing Amethyst came along. She was turned into a gemstone and this saved her from being killed.
The amethyst could be mined in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Namibia, Zambia and in the other African countries.
In history, amethysts have been inlaid along with the jewels of the British crown, Catherine the Great’s jewelry and the personal things of Egyptian royalty. During the Victorian era, the popularity amethyst began to rise.
Turquoise Jewelry Marks December Birthstone In Style
by Melanie Spark
Turquoise is a semi-precious stone, which is commonly opaque (non-transparent) and features a sky-blue or greenish-blue color. Recognized as the birthstone for December, turquoise symbolizes prosperity, which means to succeed or flourish. Perhaps you choose to wear turquoise because of its relation to your birth month or maybe you enjoy wearing it as a reminder of your goals of success but, whatever the case, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy this popular gem.
Commonly used in the popular southwestern jewelry style, turquoise is a must have accessory for many. With a hardness level of 5 to 6, this gemstone offers a lustrous finish filled with natural variations in the color. In addition to its modern presence in jewelry, turquoise is very much a part of history after being valued in ancient times for use in both necklaces and bracelets.
As mentioned earlier, turquoise is available in a variety of colors. The sky-blue variation is the most desired in terms of jewelry, and is often referred to as a robin’s egg blue. Because this mineral is one of great popularity, it can also be very expensive. For this reason, many jewelry lovers turn to simulated turquoise in an effort to enjoy the same look as the genuine mineral at a fraction of the cost. When set in sterling silver, a precious and durable metal, the beauty of turquoise comes to life in all types of designs. From pendants to rings and even earrings, this simulated mineral looks identical to the real thing and can even provide a bolder look for the money.
For those who aren’t already familiar with turquoise, it’s appearance is unmistakable. A smooth rock-like gemstone featuring the color variations mentioned earlier in this article is one way to quickly identify this popular mineral. To the touch, turquoise feels like a polished, tumbled rock and offers a shiny surface. Unlike most other gemstones, turquoise is opaque, which means it cannot be seen through. When you think of a traditional gemstone, you may think of a faceted stone such as topaz, citrine, amethyst, etc. A turquoise, on the other hand, showcases its beauty on the surface alone.
If you are in the market for turquoise, consider both price and style when choosing the perfect jewelry accessory. While the genuine gemstone may be more expensive, the simulated mineral may be more suited to your budget and lifestyle. If you are a lover of blue or green and can appreciate the look of southwestern flair, turquoise may be the choice for you. When set in sterling silver, the true colors of this popular find are more vibrant than ever.
Speaking of sterling silver, this precious metal is both durable and affordable. As that which is stronger than some types of gold, sterling silver is the choice of many who either appreciate the crisp look of a white metal or who simply understand the value of a dollar. Because it is a precious metal, sterling silver is designed to last a lifetime with the proper care. Regular polishing to minimize tarnish and a nice storage area are all that’s needed to keep your sterling silver looking bright and beautiful. When you add turquoise to the mix, you’re sure to have a winning combination.
July’s Birthstone: Ruby Passions
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
July’s birthstone is ruby. Given that July is a month dedicated to Julius Caesar—a dictator who died in a pool of his own blood–the red gemstone seems somehow appropriate. But then, July has always been a month for red hot passions, whether murderous rages or ardent love affairs. In that respect, with its own internal fire, ruby is the ideal birthstone for the hottest month of the year.
Because ruby represents such fiery human passions, it’s a common alternative to diamond for engagement rings. This might also be because ruby is the red variety of corundum, an extremely durable mineral that scores a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, second only to diamonds. As a birthstone it rates highly because of this hardness and also because it doesn’t require special care.
Whereas diamonds and most other translucent gemstones are valued primarily for their clarity, color is the most important factor for rubies. This is because it’s nearly impossible to find a flawless ruby. Inclusions are the main way that experts can tell genuine rubies apart from synthetics or simulated rubies. So while rubies range from orange to purple, the richer the red, the more costly they are.
In truth, there is something of a special glow to the reddest of the red rubies. Since ancient times, ruby admirers have commented on the stone’s ability to cast fiery light. Chinese Emperors claimed they could light up banquet halls with rubies alone. These stories are certainly exaggerated, but may have originated from an actual scientific property of rubies called fluorescence. Under certain conditions, a ruby absorbs blue light, goes into an excited state, and emits radiation on the red end of the spectrum. This quality led scientists to choose rubies for the creation of the first lasers.
But before July’s birthstone was put to use in modern technology, ruby beaded jewelry was prized purely for its symbolic qualities. For thousands of years, rubies have been one of the most sought after gems on earth, and one of the rarest. Ruby was one of the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron in the bible and has always represented fire and blood. Moreover, royals believed that if held by its rightful owner, ruby beaded jewelry would change color to warn of danger. Most famously, Katherine of Aragon is said to have foreseen her fall from political grace when her ruby darkened.
Ancient Indians called ruby the “king of gemstones” and when a large ruby was found, a diplomatic envoy was sent to officially greet the stone as if it were a demi-god. Ruby beaded jewelry was also prized by warriors who thought it stimulated their courage and willingness to die for a cause they passionately believed in.
As you can see, rubies have never been associated with any of the soft and lofty emotions that other gemstones bring to mind. Ruby is not meant for cool tempers and tender sentiments. It is a July birthstone, after all, meant to be worn by moody Cancers and fiery Leos. Intensely red and passionately beautiful, July’s birthstone continues to blaze its way through history as one of our most cherished treasures.
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June’s Birthstone: The Ethereal Pearl
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
Pearl is June’s birthstone, lending its ethereal beauty to the traditional month for weddings. Since ancient times, when the month was dedicated to the Roman Goddess of marriage, it has been considered good luck to take marriage vows beneath June’s sunny skies. Even today, one cannot imagine June without conjuring images of brides in lace and, of course, pearls.
Pearls glow with an iridescent luster and represent both purity of heart and mystery of spirit. Purity for its spiritual iridescence, mystery because the ancients didn’t know where pearls came from. The Greeks hypothesized that pearls were the hardened teardrops of Aphrodite, born of the sea. The Chinese suspected that pearls were petrified dragon brains. Arabs believed that pearls were solidified moonlight.
The actual explanation for the formation of pearls is just as fanciful. Unlike gemstones which are embedded in the earth through geological processes, June’s birthstone is the product of biology. To be precise, pearls are created by mollusks when an irritant is trapped inside its shell.
Much like humans develop hard layers of skin called calluses to protect us from irritation, pearl oysters coat the invading particle with a layer of nacre—a hard smooth substance. Over time, layer upon layer of nacre covers the irritant—the more layers, the more lustrous the pearl.
Round pearls are the most famous, but June’s birthstone comes in a variety of shapes. Beyond a simple strand of pearls, pearl beaded jewelry is very popular with brides. So-called ‘coin’ pearl beaded jewelry is made with flattened disk shape pearls. There are also irregularly shaped pearl beads known as ‘nugget pearls’ and even long ‘stick’ shaped pearls that make more natural beaded jewelry.
Though elegant bridal white is the color most frequently associated with June’s birthstone, pearls also come in pink, yellow, grey and black. Natural black pearls are the most valuable because of their rarity. Pearls are also valued by their shape—perfectly round ones being the most expensive.
Though beautiful, genuine pearl birthstone jewelry requires more care than other gemstones. Pearls can lose their iridescent luster if left in a dry environment, so it is recommended that you wear your pearl birthstone jewelry often to keep it moist with your own skin oil. On the other hand, you should avoid showering or otherwise soaking pearl jewelry in water.
Softer than other gemstones, pearls can be chipped and scratched or otherwise ruined if not treated delicately. In fact, one of the most famous stories about pearls centers on its destruction.
They say Cleopatra of Egypt once wagered Marc Antony that she could hold the most expensive banquet in history. To make good on her bet, she took one of her pearl earrings—one of the largest pearls in the known world—and dropped it into a cup of vinegar. When the pearl dissolved, she drank it as wine. He was apparently so impressed that he forsook his wife and took Cleopatra as a lover.
This story about Cleopatra was perhaps propaganda invented by her enemies to destroy her reputation. After all, with June’s birthstone representing purity and marriage, what could it say about Cleopatra that she was willing to destroy such a valuable pearl for Antony? True or not, the story painted Cleopatra as an ancient home wrecker which goes to show you the important symbolism and mysterious power of June’s birthstone—the ethereal pearl.
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