Rockin’ Rocks PT 2

Now that we have explored some background information about the natural evolution of gemstones, I will briefly discuss characteristics about the various types of gemstones anyone could accessorize their every day clothing with! Before choosing or purchasing a ring, necklace, bracelet or pendant your, budget is always a factor determining the authenticity, size and style of a piece.

There are three types of gems on the market consumers should be aware of if interested. Stimulated gemstones appear shiny and flawless, and usually are the cheapest formation of stone jewelry on the market because they are not made of raw minerals as discussed in part 1. Synthetic gemstones range in price and are made in laboratories with physical and chemical conditions simulating the environment of the natural process. These gems appear almost identical to natural gemstones but are still not considered genuine. Natural or raw gemstones made into jewelry tend to be the most expensive due to the authenticity and rarity of a stone. These are stones found in nature such as diamonds and opal, then manipulated and customized into jewelry. The quality of raw minerals exuded from genuine stones can be examined by following the 4 C’s and other distinctive characteristics.

A photo of my first gemstone pendant. Amazonite hanging form 14k gold rope chain.

The hardness of a raw stone is a critical characteristic observed when determining what is suitable for jewelry and is typically tested using the MOHs Scale The 4 Cs, color, clarity, carat and cut are commonly used to grade diamonds as well as gemstones too. Color is used to classify the hue gem belongs in, which can appear completely solid, transparent or saturated with many colors. Clarity can be tricky to grade because naturally authentic stones have inclusions but after processed into a custom pieces, fewer imperfections represent a quality piece. Carats are a significant factor because the price is heavily valued on the weight of stones. Lastly the cut of a stone can be achieved in many fashions and has a important role in the perceived value and style of an jewelry item. Check out this credible jewelry retailer providing further information for consumers ready to spend a pretty penny on enticing gems!

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