Posts Tagged ‘jewelry’
Diamond Skull by Damien Hirst
Posted on: October 11, 2011
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It is a platinum cast of a skull from an actual person that lived between 1720 and 1810. He was a 35 year old man from Europe. His teeth are still showing, but the rest of him is covered with 8,601 diamonds.The diamonds are also said to have been “ethically sourced”, whatever that means..Hirst’s diamond skull is on the market for about $100 million, which will be a good return on the artist’s investment as he spent about $20 million on putting the thing together. That’s an $80 million dollar idea! Not bad for an artist out of ideas.
“It works much better than I imagined. I was slightly worried that we’d end up with an Ali G ring.”
Damien Hirst Quote
“I wouldn’t mind if it happened to my skull after my death.”
Damien Hirst Quote
A lot of people feel very strongly about it, either negatively or positively, but that’s part of the job of an artist; to make people think or look at things in a different way. So, in the responses that it has provoked, it succeeds as a work of art.
Do I like it?.. Probably not, but that doesn’t really matter. It does make you think about a lot of things though.. life, death, ethics, precious jewels and the mining of them, money, art, beauty.. and on and on.
Agate(Chalcedony)
Posted on: October 6, 2011
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a catch all term that includes many well known varieties of cryptocrystalline quartz gemstones. They are found in many colors and color combinations, and in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black.Chalcedony includes carnelian, sard, plasma, prase, bloodstone, onyx, sardonyx, chrysoprase, thundereggs, agate, flint, chert, jasper, petrified wood, and petrified dinosaur bone just to name a few of the better known varieties.
Because of its abundance, durability, and beauty, chalcedony was, except for sticks, animal skins, bones, plain rocks, and possibly obsidian, the earliest raw material used by humankind. The earliest recorded use of chalcedony was for projectile points, knives, tools, and containers such as cups and bowls. Early man made weapons and tools from many varieties of chalcedony including agate, agatized coral, flint, jasper, and petrified wood.
The move from using certain items as weapons and tools, to using the same items for ceremonial and personal adornment is very easily made. It was only natural for early man to use his finest looking knife for special occasions or to attach a special lance point or arrowhead to his tunic. In fact, agate and petrified wood may have simply been elevated to gems from common and functional weapons or tools.
Agate is a variety of chalcedony with multi-colored curved or angular banding. Fire agate shows iridescent phenomena on a brown background: iris agate shows exceptional iridescence when light (especially pinpointed light) is shone through the stone. Landscape agate is chalcedony with a number of different mineral impurities making the stone resemble landscape. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are classically associated with volcanic rocks and can be common in certain metamorphic rocks
Legend:
The stone was given its name by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates. Colorful agates and other chalcedonies were obtained over 3,000 years ago from the Achates River, now called Dirillo, in Sicily
Formation and characteristics
Most agates occur as nodules in volcanic rocks or ancient lavas where they represent cavities originally produced by the disengagement ofvolatiles in the molten mass which were then filled, wholly or partially, by siliceous matter deposited in regular layers upon the walls. Such agates, when cut transversely, exhibit a succession of parallel lines, often of extreme tenuity, giving a banded appearance to the section. Such stones are known as banded agate, riband agate and striped agate.
In the formation of an ordinary agate, it is probable that waters containing silica in solution—derived, perhaps, from the decomposition of some of the silicates in the lava itself—percolated through the rock and deposited a siliceous coating on the interior of the vapour-vesicles. Variations in the character of the solution or in the conditions of deposition may cause a corresponding variation in the successive layers, so that bands of chalcedony often alternate with layers of crystalline quartz. Several vapour-vesicles may unite while the rock is still viscous, and thus form a large cavity which may become the home of an agate of exceptional size; thus a Braziliangeode lined with amethyst and weighing 35 tons was exhibited at the Düsseldorf Exhibition of 1902. Perhaps the most comprehensive review of agate chemistry is a recent text by Moxon cited below.
The first deposit on the wall of a cavity, forming the “skin” of the agate, is generally a dark greenish mineral substance, like celadonite,delessite or “green earth“, which are rich in iron probably derived from the decomposition of the augite in the enclosing volcanic rock. This green silicate may give rise by alteration to a brown iron oxide (limonite), producing a rusty appearance on the outside of the agate-nodule. The outer surface of an agate, freed from its matrix, is often pitted and rough, apparently in consequence of the removal of the original coating. The first layer spread over the wall of the cavity has been called the “priming”, and upon this base zeolitic minerals may be deposited.
Many agates are hollow, since deposition has not proceeded far enough to fill the cavity, and in such cases the last deposit commonly consists of quartz, often amethyst, having the apices of the crystals directed towards the free space so as to form a crystal-lined cavity, or geode.
On the disintegration of the matrix in which the agates are embedded, they are set free. The agates are extremely resistant to weathering and remain as nodules in the soil or are deposited as gravel in streams and shorelines.
Types of agate
A Mexican agate, showing only a single eye, has received the name of cyclops agate.Included matter of a green, golden, red, black or other color or combinations embedded in the chalcedony and disposed in filaments and other forms suggestive of vegetable growth, gives rise to dendritic or moss agate. Dendritic agates have fern like patterns in them formed due to the presence of manganese and iron oxides. Other types of included matter deposited during agate-building include sagenitic growths (radial mineral crystals) and chunks of entrapped detritus (such as sand, ash, or mud). Occasionally agate fills a void left by decomposed vegetative material such as a tree limb or root and is called limb cast agate due to its appearance.
Turritella agate is formed from silicified fossil Elimia tenera (erroneously consideredTurritella) shells. E. tenera are spiral marine gastropods having elongated, spiral shells composed of many whorls. Similarly, coral, petrified wood and other organic remains or porous rocks can also become agatized. Agatized coral is often referred to as Petoskey stone or agate.
Greek agate is a name given to pale white to tan colored agate found in Sicily back to 400 B.C. The Greeks used it for making jewelry and beads. Even though the stone had been around centuries and was known to both the Sumerians and the Egyptians, both who used the gem for decoration and for playing important parts in their religious ceremonies, any agate of this color from Sicily, once an ancient Greek colony, is called Greek agate.
Another type of agate is Brazilian agate, which is found as sizable geodes of layered nodules. These occur in brownish tones interlayered with white and gray. Quartz forms within these nodules, creating a striking specimen when cut opposite the layered growth axis. It is often dyed in various colors for ornamental purposes.
Certain stones, when examined in thin sections by transmitted light, show a diffraction spectrum due to the extreme delicacy of the successive bands, whence they are termed rainbow agates. Often agate coexists with layers or masses of opal, jasper or crystalline quartz due to ambient variations during the formation process.
Other forms of agate include Lake Superior agate, carnelian agate (usually exhibiting reddish hues), Botswana agate, Ellensburg blue agate, blue lace agate, plume agates, tube agate (with visible flow channels), fortification agate (which exhibit little or no layered structure), fire agate (which seems to glow internally like an opal) and Mexican crazy-lace agate (which exhibits an often brightly colored, complex banded pattern) also called Rodeo Agate and Rosetta Stone depending on who owned the mine at the time.
Andalusite
Posted on: October 5, 2011
Andalusite
Andalusite is best known for its strong pleochroism and its unusual color which is frequently a mixture of both red and green. It is not a color changing gem. It often shows two colors, (red and green) at the same time. Rough crystals will often show green in one direction and red in another. The color is difficult to match on any standard color chart.
Sourses: Andalusite is an attractive and unusual gemstone, first discovered in Andalusia,Southern Spain, after which it is named. It has some similarities with the more expensive alexandrite, as both are strongly pleochroic. It is suitable for use in jewellery as it is quite hard. The fact that it is seldom seen in jewelry is probably because it is quite rare, and most people, even in the jewellery industry, have never heard of it, let alone seen it. Gem quality Andalusite is found inAustralia,Brazil,Russia,Spain,Sri Lanka(Ceylon) and theUnited States. In addition to this, there are some Andalusite deposits in theUnited Kingdom, although the crystals found there are not of gem quality.
Evaluation :
Andalusite is rated at 6.5 – 7.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making it a durable gemstone, suitable for every day wear.
Andalusite is found in brown, brownish-green, gray, green, greenish-brown and red. Andalusite gemstones display pleochrism, meaning that a single stone displays different colorations, depending on the angle the stone is viewed at. In addition to this, one variety of Andalusite commonly displays a cross (crucifix), which is present due to natural inclusions. This variety of Andalusite (Chiastolite), is often set in a pendant and is particularly sought after in staunchly Catholic countries due to the symbolism of the cross.
Common Cuts :
The color displayed by an Andalusite stone is often dictated by the way it is cut. Andalusite is commonly cut into Emerald, Marquise, Oval, Round and Square shapes. Emerald, Marquise and Oval cuts tend to make the stone display one central color, with a differing color at each end, whereas Round and Square Cuts commonly create a mosaic effect, blending different colors together beautifully.
Routine Enhancements :
Whilst Andalusite can be heat-treated in order to improve color, this is rarely needed.
Luster is vitreous
Cleavage is good in two directions.
Fracture is splintery to subconchoidal.
Other Characteristics: dark inclusions produce cruciform shapes in the variety chiastolite. Index of refraction is 1.632-1.638.
Color
Andalusite is a gem that is capable of displaying different colors at the same time. This is different from the color changing gems like Alexandrite and the color changing garnets, because the different colors on Andalusite are displayed at the same time. This is called pleochroism, which is caused by the double refraction of light in a stone. When the two rays of light pass through the stone, they travel at both different angles & speeds, and display different colors of the spectrum. This allows a person to see different colors on the stone, when viewed from different angles, in the same light source. For the color changing stones like Alexandrite and color change garnets, it is necessary to have two different light sources to be able to see the color change.
Typical colors for andalusite are green, brown, red, greenish-brown, brownish-green. Its pleochroic colors are red, green and yellow.
Because of the pleochroism, the color of an andalusite can be affected considerably by the direction in which it is cut.
Our photograph is disappointing and deceptive. The actual stone is a pleasant greenish brown to red. We used flash lighting with a digital camera, followed by software adjustment of the lighting levels, and the effect was to make the stone appear quite a dull brownish color.
Star Andalusite or Chiastolite
An impure variety of andalusite known as chiastolite contains carbonaceous inclusions in a cruciform arrangement. These are cut as cabochons and polished for use as amulets in many countries, largely because of the symbolism of the cross.
Ametrine
Posted on: October 5, 2011
Ametrine is a Silicon Dioxide and is a member of the Quartz family. The unusual color variation in Ametrine is due to the presence of iron impurities in different oxidation states within the crystal structure
History:
The name Ametrine was coined for a member of the Quartz family which displays a combination of both Amethyst and Citrine.
Natural Ametrine first arrived in the market in 1980 when it was discovered at the Anhai mine inBolivia. This mine became well- known when a Spanish conquistador received it as a dowry when he married a princess from the Ayoreos tribe in the seventeenth century.
Ametrine is said to aid meditation, to calm and relieve tension, and dispel negativity . It is also believed to have all the metaphysical properties of both Amethyst and Citrine:
Amethyst has been thought to protect against intoxication and to help maintain a sober and serious mind. Amethyst opens and activates the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra. Amethyst can be used to fight a number of disorders including headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders, heart disorders, digestive system disorders, and has even been thought to help stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst also works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace
It has been said that Citrine helps to manifest your goals and keeps the wearer cheerful. In ancient times, Citrine was carried as protection against snake venom and evil / impure thoughts. Citrine does not absorb negative energies but rather dissipates and transmutes them, which is why this stone is good for clearing your aura. It attracts abundance, prosperity, and success, and because of this Citrine has been nicknamed the “success stone.” Citrine stimulates the solar plexas and third eye chakras, promoting stamina and activating intuition. It can also help to overcome sleep related problems such as insomnia and nightmares. Physically it is said to help with poor blood circulation, digestion, allergies, and an aid to curing life-threatening diseases.
Sourses:
Until very recently, the world’s only source of this bicolored natural quartz is the Anahi Mine located in the jungles ofBolivia. It is rumoured that the mines where first discovered by native Indians in the seventeenth century. The Bolivian government declared the land a state reserve and built a fortress near the mine entrance. Despite its remote location, ametrine (as well as natural amethyst and citrine) made its way across the border toBrazil. These goods were then sold as Brazilian products. This caused a change in the government inBoliviain 1989. The rights to the mine were sold, and during the past decade, these collectible gems became available on the domestic marketplace.
*Miners in the Brazilian state ofBahiaare finding small amounts of this combination amethyst/citrine.
Ametrine is among an elite group of gems, because as of now there is just one source of this treasure in the world. You should add an ametrine to your collection now, since its future availability is uncertain at best.
Medicine: Ametrine is very helpful in getting rid of depression. This leads to inner peace and tranquility.
Many believe that it contains the powers of amethyst and citrine in one stone, making it a very powerful money stone as well as an excellent via to higher psychic awareness and spiritual enlightenment.
Evaluation :
Ametrine is rated at 7 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness and is a durable gemstone that lacks cleavage. Ametrine combines the appeal of both the violet-purple Amethyst and the yellow-orange Citrine in one bi-colored gemstone. Ametrine gemstones can be found displaying an equal share of the Amethyst and Citrine as well as a blended color affect, displaying attractive shades of rosy gold and mauve. The most important aspects to consider when viewing an Ametrine is the depth and intensity of the colors and the distinctiveness of the separation. The creativity of the cut should also be taken into account.
Routine Enhancements :
Most of the Ametrine found on the market today is actually heat-treated Amethyst.
Availability :
Ametrine rarely occurs naturally and most of the Ametrine found on the market today is heat-treated Amethyst. For Ametrine to occur naturally, the iron impurities in the quartz have to be affected in different ways. For example, both sides of the stone must be subjected to two slightly different temperatures during the crystallization process of the Quartz for Ametrine to form. The only two known sources of natural Ametrine is the Anahi mine inBolivia and theRio Grande do Sul mine inBrazil. Although this gemstone is rare it is relatively inexpensive.
Cleaning :
Ametrine is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Though there is no special care required,
de Grisogono
Posted on: September 28, 2011
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de Grisogono 18K white gold–and–black diamond Lipstick SQ S13 watch with quartz movement on a black galuchat strap, $92,300
de Grisogono, NYC, 212.439.4220
CHARRIOL
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Charriol is a Swiss manufacturer of jewellery, watches, and other accessories. Charriol is one of the largest makers of wristwatches in the world. The company was founded in Geneva by Philippe Charriol, a French entrepreneur. It later relocated its headquarters to Geneva. The company competes with the likes of Rolex, Chopard, Cartier, and David Yurman.
Charriol was founded in 1983, when Philippe Charriol decided to launch the company all across the America, Asia, and Europe. His signature style, introduced first in watches and then in other jewelry items, is based on a twisted cable design used by the ancient Celts. Headquartered inGeneva, the brand has expanded throughout Asia, theUnited StatesandEurope. By mid-2009, the Charriol line could be found in 3,200 retailers, 485 upscale “Charriol Corners” stores, and 71 Charriol boutiques.
In 1989, he would go on to later open the first Charriol boutique in Geneva, followed by three others in Hong Kong.Following the success of his initial Celtic Collection, Charriol introduced a line of writing instruments and leather goods in 1989.
Charriol continued to expand throughout the decade, opening the company’s first U.S. boutique in 1994 and its first boutique in China in 1995. In 1999, the brand changed its name from Philippe Charriol to simply Charriol.
The Brand
- According to Luxury Bazaar, “The ‘Celtic’ concept and the brand owner’s philosophy toward life, ‘L’art de vivre la différence‘ translated as ‘the art of living the difference,’ were embraced by people who wanted to share the same experience and philosophy of life.”
“To create my special style, I work like an alchemist,” he says, “mingling seriousness with exuberance, I never tire in my insistence on the proper function and superb quality of all I create.”
- With a combination of personal charisma, design talent, and generous support of other artists, Philippe Charriol has gained great renown. Advocating a positive attitude towards life, he embraces each day with an optimistic state of mind, and is eager to share this belief with those around him.
In the first five years of the brand’s history, Phillipe Charriol had achieved a phenomenal growth. The brand has been growing on a heatlhy double-digit scale scale ever since.
TrademarkBattle
- Charriol has aggressively fought to protect his brand and threatened to sue anyone who used the Celtic twisted cable in their jewelry designs for trademark infringement. In June 2001, a federal judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that the cable design was ineligible for trademark protection. “That a ‘metallic nautical rope design as an integral feature of the goods’ could be a trademark to identify the source of bracelets, earrings and the like staggers the imagination,” wrote Judge Charles L. Brieant as he ruled in favor of plaintiffs Paul Morelli Design, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. The plaintiffs had filed the suit in 1999 after receiving “cease and desist” letters from Charriol.
Expansion
- Even though he lost the trademark lawsuit, Charriol continued to expand his line. In 2002, Charriol celebrated the brand’s 20th anniversary by launching three new collections. In 2007, Charriol expanded his market again by debuting the Celtic Classique collection, a less expensive line that ranges in price from $295 to $795.
Today, the brand has blossomed into an international luxury brand with multi-product collections that range from fine watches, jewelry, and leather goods to writing instruments and eyewear. It has strong market positioning in the Far East region, U.S.A., and Europe. The brand has penetrated into over 2,500 outlets and built up over 40 freestanding boutiques, known as Phillipe Charriol Boutiques.
These achievements are quite impressive for a brand with such a short history. The great success of the brand had been attributed to the suitable pricing, the impeccable “Celtic” design concept, the reliable quality and its coherent, consistent marketing communication program on a worldwide scale.
African Jade
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals:
- Nephrite consists of a microcrystaline interlocking fibrous matrix of the calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral series tremolite (calcium-magnesium)-ferroactinolite (calcium-magnesium-iron). The middle member of this series with an intermediate composition is called actinolite (the silky fibrous mineral form is one form of asbestos). The higher the iron content the greener the colour.
- Jadeite is a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene. The gem form of the mineral is a microcrystaline interlocking crystal matrix.
Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form (known in China as “mutton fat” jade) as well as in a variety of green colours, whereas jadeite shows more colour variations, including blue, lavender-mauve, pink, and emerald-green colours. Of the two, jadeite is rarer, documented in fewer than 12 places worldwide. Translucent emerald-green jadeite is the most prized variety, both historically and today. As “quetzal” jade, bright green jadeite from Guatemala was treasured by Mesoamerican cultures, and as “kingfisher” jade, vivid green rocks from Burma became the preferred stone of post-1800 Chinese imperial scholars and rulers. Burma (Myanmar) and Guatemala are the principal sources of modern gem jadeite, and Canada of modern lapidary nephrite. Nephrite jade was used mostly in pre-1800 China as well as in New Zealand, thePacificCoast andAtlanticCoasts of North America, Neolithic Europe, and south-eastAsia. In addition toMesoamerica, jadeite was used by Neolithic Japanese and European cultures.
Chemical Symbol:
African Jade is a complex Calcium Aluminum Silicate. Its bright green coloration is due to traces of chromium.
History :
African Jade is mined in South Africa, and for this reason alone receives its name. It is occasionally referred to as Transvaal Jade.
Medicine:
It is considered to bring good luck, wealth, relaxation, and can improve the wearers response during a crucial situation. African Jade is also thought to be an important aid in business relationships and can help in keeping long distance relationships intact.
African Jade is a gemstone of general healing abilities and is considered to specifically aid kidney and skin related disorders and diseases.
Common Cuts:
African Jade can be cut into a variety of shapes/cuts with oval, round, and cushion cuts being the most common. African Jade has also traditionally been used in tribal carvings and sculptures.
Routine Enhancements:
There are no known enhancements for Agrican Jade.
Evaluation:
African Jade is a tough, opaque stone that lacks cleavage and is rated at 6.5 to 7.5 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness. African Jade has a vitreous luster and is most often a forest green to a greyish green, but may also be multi-colored and display shades of pink and white.
Amber
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Chemical Make-up :
Amber is a mixture of Succinic acid, numerous resins and volatile oils. In addition to this, Amber also contains Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
Used by man even before the ice age, natural amber gemstone can be categorized as an organic gem material of vegetable origin. Amber is not a mineral, but time-hardened fossilized resin of the species of pine called Pinus Succinisera. These trees grew in forests around 45 million years ago, in the European main land known to us as the Baltic region today!
The early Germans called this Baltic amber by the name of Bernstein, due to the sweet smell it emitted when burnt. The Greeks called it Elektron due to its properties of developing static electricity when rubbed. Amber is known as Kerba in the local markets inIndia.
History:
Amber is one of the three organic gemstones and is actually made-up of the fossilized resin of pine trees from between twenty and sixty million years ago. Amber produces static electrivity when rubbed and for this reason Amber was known as elektron to the ancient Greeks, which translates very simply as “electron”, and refers to the negatively charged particles in electricity. In the Middle Ages, Amber was known as bernstein, or “burn stone” in Germany, as powdered Amber was commonly burnt as an incense.
Amber helps to remove blockages in the flow of energy throughout the body and therefore works as an aid to strengthening the body. Amber has traditionally been used to bring protection, strength, love, luck and healing to the wearer. Amber is an excellent healing stone as it takes negative energy and transforms it into positive energy. Amber also helps to calm stressed nerves and to bring about humour and joy as well as acting as a guard against impotency and as an aid to fertility. Amber opens the crown and solar plexus chakras, thereby helping to increase intellect and confidence.
Amber is a hydrocarbon (C10 H 16 O). It is a complex mixture of several resinous bodies, succinic acid, volatile oil and also contains some amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Its specific gravity is 1.08 and refractive index is 1.54. It`s hardness on Mohs scale is 2 to 2.5, and is sectile (i.e it can be sliced or shaved). The Burmese amber is said to be hardest and the Dominican, the softest.
Sources :
Gem quality amber gemstone is mainly found in the Baltic Sea region. The other regions where amber is found include Myanmar (Burma), Dominican Republic, Germany, Rumania, Sicily, North America, Russia and Malaysia. Some of the popular jewelry is comprised of Celtic amber jewelry and blue amber jewelry. However, a honey colored amber ring is always sought after by many buyers – especially if it is a carved amber ring. Amber stone rings and amber mala are also very popular. Due to the history of amber gemstone in the Baltic region, Baltic amber jewelry is very highly prized. Baltic amber jewelry like necklaces, pendents made out of amber beads fetch a good price in the market. There are many markets where wholesale Baltic amber jewelry is traded and sold worldwide. Amber jewelry is usually made using silver, rather than gold because it gives the stone a very unique look. Small and large stones are fashioned into silver pendants and sold all over the world. The markets are full of various kinds of jewelry items such as amber earrings, amber bracelets, amber bead necklaces, and even amber stud earrings. A small piece of amber stone can be fashioned into a delicate silver wire wrap amber pendant. Depending on the design and the color, a number of great looking custom jewelry items can be created out of amber stones. These can make for wonderful gift items.
The color of amber fossil varies from yellow to dark brown to almost black. Very rarely this gem may be found in green and blue-gray colors and hence green amber can be very rare. In addition, it is dyed in many colors like green, blue, pink etc. The color of this gem denotes the area from where it has originated. Baltic amber is yellow, Sicilian is reddish yellow, Rumanian is brown and Burmese is yellow to reddish-brown.
Evaluation :
Amber is rated at 1.5 – 2.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making Amber a very soft gemstone that may not immediately bw deemed suitable for jewelry purposes. However Amber is often used in all kinds of jewelry applications and providing that you take the correct precautions and wear your Amber with care, there is no reason why it should not form part of your jewelry collection.
Amber is found in a number of colors including, Black, Blue, Brown, Green,Orange, Red, White and Yellow, with rich golden Yellow being the color that most people associate with the gemstone Amber. The most valuable Amber is translucent and unlike other gemstones, inclusions actually enhance its rarity and beauty. These inlcusions are usually entrapped insects from thousands and thousands of years ago. The more complete the specimen of trapped insect / inclusion is, the more the value of the Amber increases.Amber is generally speaking a very affordable gemstone, but the very best examples can reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
Amber gemstone is usually cut as beads and cabochons. Many times it is just polished and used in its crude rough shape. Opaque gems of big sizes are mostly used in carvings. Gems with inclusions are mainly fashioned as cabochons. Amber beads are popular choice for use in necklaces and bracelets. Amber gemstone is usually sold by piece and not by weight.
Clarity:
Inclusions in amber gemstone actually serve to increase its value. Its transparency may vary from transparent to semi-translucent to opaque.
During the process of fossilization, a variety of flora and fauna tend to remain trapped in the amber resin and eventually become an integral part of the final gem i.e. amber. Flora like wood fragments, leaves, flowers, larvae, caterpillars, bees, flies, butter flies, spiders and even land snails and other plant parts and ferns are also found in.Identification of Amber from its Imitation
Natural Amber gemstone is easily distinguished from its plastic imitations. Natural Amber gemstone floats in saturated salt solution but plastics sink, as it has a very low specific gravity – near 1.08. Also if heated or a contact with hot point, plastics give off an acrid odour, in contrast to the resinous smell of amber. An amber imitation called amberdan (and sometimes as cultured amber) has properties fairly near natural amber. Its refractive index is about 1.56 (natural amber is 1.54) and its specific gravity is 1.23, also well above that of natural amber. The hot point gives an odor at once reminiscent of plastic and amber, suggesting a natural resin with a plastic binder.
Natural Amber gemstone is readily distinguished from more recent resins by the simple test. If it is dipped in ether and left for a few minutes, it is unaffected. While the recent resins soften.
Unlike natural amber gemstone, pressed amber is made by mixing bits of amber with linseed oil and compressing it. It is also softened by ether and has elongated bubbles and distinct flow structure. The bubbles in natural amber are spherical.
Azurite Malachite
Posted on: September 26, 2011
Chemical Symbol :
Azurite – Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Malachite – Cu2CO3(OH)2
Chemical Make-up :
Azurite-Malachite is made up of Azurite and Malachite banded together. Both gemstones are made up of basic copper carbonate minerals. The blue of azurite is exceptionally deep and clear, and for that reason the mineral has tended to be associated since antiquity with the deep blue color of low-humidity desert and winter skies. The modern English name of the mineral reflects this association, since both azurite and azure are derived via Arabic from the Persian lazhward (لاژورد), an area known for its deposits of another deep blue stone, lapis lazuli (“stone of azure”).
History:
There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Azurite, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Azurite is derived from either the Arabic word azul, or the Persian word lazhward, both of which translate to the color blue.
Malachite gets its name from the Greek word moloche, meaning mallow, which makes reference to Malachite’s green color.
Azurite-Malachite was previously said to help cure convulsions and to act as a local anaesthetic. Malachite was cited as a natural healer and Azurite helped the wearer to listen to themselves and to unlock previously hidden talents.
In some ancient civilizations Malachite was thought to be a protection from evil if worn as jewelry.
Malachite was a popular decorative stone in Czarist Russia, and was used to make the columns of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in Leningrad. Malachite also adorned many walls and even whole rooms of other religious and public buildings.
The European name Chessylite is from a famous Azurite locality inChessy,France.
Azurite-Malachite promotes wisdom, increases psychic awareness / ability by unblocking mental blocks and dissipating negativity. Azurite-Malachite enables the wearer to look inside themselves with greater ease and understanding. Azurite is associated with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras and considered an aid to meditation.
Sources :
There are known Azurite-Malachite deposits in Australia, Chile, England, France, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, United States (Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Utah), and Zaire.
Evaluation :
Azurite-Malachite is rated at 3.5 – 4 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, meaning that this gemstone is best suited to brooches, earrings and pendants, although it is often set in rings.
Cleaning :
Azurite-Malachite is a soft stone and particularly susceptible to acids, even in diluted form. The best way therefore to clean your Azurite Malachite is with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Always be sure to store your Azurite- Malachite jewelry away afrom and seperate to harder gems / jewelry which may scratch this softer stone.
Jewelry
Azurite is used occasionally as beads and as jewelry, and also as an ornamental stone. However, its softness and tendency to lose its deep blue color as it weathers limit such uses. Heating destroys azurite easily, so all mounting of azurite specimens must be done at room temperature. The intense color of azurite makes it a popular collector’s stone. However, bright light, heat, and open air all tend to reduce the intensity of its color over time. To help preserve the deep blue color of a pristine azurite specimen, collectors should use a cool, dark, sealed storage environment similar to that of its original natural setting.
Apatite
Posted on: September 26, 2011
Apatite is infrequently used as a gemstone. Transparent stones of clean color have been faceted,and chatoyant specimens have been cabochon cut. Chatoyant stones are known as cat’s-eye apatite. transparent green stones are known as asparagus stone, and blue stones have been called maroxite. Crystals of rutile may have grown in the crystal of apatite so when in the right light, the cut stone displays a cat’s eye effect.
Chemical Symbol :
Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl)
Chemical Make-up :
Apatite is made up of basic Fluoro-Calcium, Chloro-Calcium and Hydroxyl
Phosphate minerals.
History:
The word Apatite is derived from the Greek word apate, meaning to decieve. This was primarily due to the fact that Apatite was often mistaken for rarer, more valuable gemstones such as Beryl, Olivine and Peridot. Apatite falls into two categories, Chlor-Apetite (Chloro-Calcium), and Flour-Apetite (Flouro—Calcium).
Apatite enhances the wearers learning abilities, self-confidence and creativity. In addition to this, Apatite is an aid to achieving a deeper state of meditation and to increasing insightfulness. Apatite eases hypertension and decreases hunger, or “appetite”. In addition to this, Apatite is said to be a good gemstone for unblocking any of the chakras.
Care & Cleaning :
Apatite is particularly sensitive to abrasives, chemicals, heat, ammonia and acids. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamersshould also be avoided. Apatite is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Apatite
jewelry should be stored on its own in a lined jewelry box, away from harder jewelry, which may cause
scratches or abrasions.
Evaluation :
Apatite is rated at 5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. Apatite can be worn every day in brooches, earrings and pendants, but it is generally considered too soft to be worn daily in a ring.
Apatite can be found in many colors, including, blue, brown, colorless, green, pink, purple, red, violet and yellow. There is also a “Cat’s Eye” Apatite. Brown, green and yellow are the commonly occuring colors, with blue, colorless, pibk, red, violet, and the most recently discovered neon blue-green examples being the rarest and therefore most valuable Apatite colors.
When buying Apatite gemstones, the two most impotant factors to consider are color and clarity. Gemstones with good color saturation and few inclusions are inherently more valuable and command higher per Carat prices.
Sourses: There are known Apatite desposits in Algeria, Austria, Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Sweden, Tunisia and the United States (California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana).
Apatite is the most common phosphate mineral, and is the main source of the phosphorus required by plants. The bones and teeth of most animals, including humans, are composed of calcium phosphate, which is the same material as Apatite.
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