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Gemstones are classified into two categories, Precious and Semi-Precious, on the basis of their characteristics.
- Precious Stones
Gemstones which are highly valuable for their hardness and rarity, are known as Precious Stones. Precious Stones are generally expensive in comparison of Semi-Precious Stones.Precious stones include Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires.
- Semi-Precious Stones
Gemstones those are valued for their beauty and not covered under any one of the four ‘Precious Stones’, are known as Semi-Precious Stones. Semi-Precious Stones are available in all price ranges from low priced to high priced. Semi-Precious stones are Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Tanzanite, Topaz, Tourmaline etc.
A birthstone is nothing but a gemstone only, which is associated with the date of one’s birth and the wearing of such birthstone is considered to bring good luck and health. Certain gemstones are believed to have Supernatural powers and their relationship with planets. Birthstones, on the basis of calendar months, are described as under:
- January’s Birthstone – Garnet
- February’s Birthstone - Amethyst
- March’s Birthstone - Aquamarine
- April’s Birthstone - Diamond
- May’s Birthstone - Emerald
- June’s Birthstone - Pearl / Alexandrite / Moonstone
- July’s Birthstone - Ruby
- August’s Birthstone - Peridot / Sardonyx
- September’s Birthstone - Sapphire
- October’s Birthstone - Opal / Pink Tourmaline
- November’s Birthstone - Citrine / Yellow Topaz
- December’s Birthstone - Turquoise / Tanzanite / Zircon / Blue Topaz
A Precious Metal is a metal with rare metallic chemical element and due to that is of high economic value. Precious metals are less reactive than most elements, have high luster, and have higher melting points than other metals. Gold, Platinum and Silver are considered as p recious metals and used extensively in jewelry.
- Gold
Gold is an extraordinary and rare precious metal, with an unmatched combination of chemical and physical properties. Gold is the most non-reactive of all metals and it does not oxidize under ordinary conditions. No other metal is as malleable as gold. Pure gold is very soft and pliable, and alloys of different other metals are combined with pure gold to enhance its durability and strength, as well as creating a blush in the gold’s appearance with different color tones. 24 karat is 100 % pure gold, and it is more expensive and less durable than gold that is alloyed with other metals.
- Platinum
Platinum, an extremely rare and expensive metal, is a silvery gray precious metal often used for setting or mounting high quality diamonds and gemstones. Platinum is a strong, durable and dense metal which is valued for its white color and purity.
- Silver
Pure silver is very soft metal with its lustrous white color. Silver is used as jewelry metal well before the development of white gold alloys, and before platinum could be isolated. It is normally stable in pure air and water but tarnishes when exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide or sulfur.
Buying a perfect jewelry requires knowledge about Diamonds, Gemstone, Precious Metals and Settings & Finishing. Keep below points in mind while selecting jewelry for yourself or for your loved ones:
- Whenever you buy jewelry for your loved ones, always keep their personality and preferences in mind.
- When you decide to buy diamond or gemstone jewelry then you should always evaluate stones on 4Cs criteria.
- You should ensure that stones of your jewelry are properly polished and with perfect symmetry.
- You must ensure that there are no visible blemishes or imperfections on the diamonds, gemstones and on the metal.
- You should also check to make certain that fasteners, clasps and catches work properly and are secure.
- Beware of jewelry store lighting which usually consists of quartz or halogen bulbs.
- When buying gold jewelry, it is advisable to go for either 14 karat or 18 karat gold jewelry. You should never buy 24 karat gold jewelry because it is too soft, less durable and more expensive. You should also avoid buying less than 10 karat gold jewelry, as it appears dull.
While buying jewelry, you should not be in hurry or in pressure. You should buy it at your convenience and at your own pace. To learn more, click on Jewelry Buying Tips.
Wearing a ring on a particular finger represents some of the attributes of your personality. Here you can find what does wearing a ring on particular finger means:
- Thumb Ring is Poseiden (Individuality, Independence)
- Index finger Ring is zeus (Dominance, Power, Energy)
- Middle Finger Ring is Dionysus (Irreverence, Rebellion, Decadence)
- Ring finger is Aphrodite (Love, Romance, Connection)
- Pinky Ring is Ares (Conflict, Assertiveness, Competitiveness)
- No Rings is Hermes (Friendliness, Helpfulness, Adventure)
You can find everything you want to know about Diamonds, Color Stones, Precious Metals, Settings & Finishing and Jewelry in our comprehensive Education Center. Click on below links to learn more:
- Diamond Guide
- Gemstone Guide
- Precious Metal Guide
- Settings & Finishing Guide
- Jewelry Guide
- Jewelry Web Links