Know Your Precious Stones

Precious stones, also known as gemstones or gems, are so named because they range from somewhat to very rare, beautiful once polished, and are of a type that is appropriate for use in jewelry. Sometimes precious stones are extremely rare or highly sought after for fashion reasons and styles, while other times they are simply uncommon and are unique in appearance.

Throughout history some gemstones have also had special powers attributed to them such as healing powers, the ability to bring luck, and even the ability to ward of evil. Different precious or semi-precious stones also make up the common and historical birthstones. While you may not believe all the mystical data about the stones there is no doubt that gemstones make a beautiful and classic addition to your jewelry collection.

Diamonds - Lets face it, this one had to be at the top of the list. Diamonds are the most highly prized of the precious stones and have been for centuries. Diamond jewelry, especially diamond wedding rings, are at the top of the jewelry heap. Diamonds are the birthstone for the month of April, although quartz or cubic zirconia are often used as a less expensive option. Diamonds in their rough state are not at all like the cut, polished and set versions of the stones that we see in the jeweler's store window. Diamonds are the only one of the precious stones that has a formal and universally accepted grading system. Diamonds can be naturally occurring or man-made, clear or colored.

Ruby - This beautiful medium pink to blood red stone is the birthstone for July. The ruby is formed from the mineral corundum, also known as aluminum oxide, when it combines with chromium. Rubies are most highly prized for their size as well as their color, with the deep dark red varieties, being the most highly valued. All natural rubies (those that are not synthesized in a la), have natural impurities that look like needle-like projections from the outside to the center of the stone. Far from devaluing the ruby, these inclusions actually add to the value. Some rubies may have a star pattern or asterism that is emphasized by a shaping process which produces a smooth gem that is known as a cabochon. The ruby, surprisingly, is the second hardest of the precious stones, just slightly less durable than the diamond.

Emerald - May's birthstone, the emerald has always been popular for its dramatic green appearance when paired with gold. The emerald is produced when the mineral beryl is combined with chromium or vanadium in the earth. Emeralds, like rubies, have inclusions or imperfections within their depths that add to the overall value and unique presentation of each precious stone. The inner light and reflective ability of the emerald, known as its fire, adds the warm appearance to the gem. Clarity and color are used in pricing emeralds with the deeper green to greenish blue colors with lots of clarity and fire the most highly valued.

Sapphire - the final true precious stone is the beautiful blue sapphire. Sapphire is actually made from the same minerals as rubies, just with different ratios that produce the blue color. Sapphire is very hard and is used in many types of applications other than jewelry. Believe it or not there are many different colors of sapphires, although anything but the blue color is of less value, unless you happen to have a rare salmon or deep pink colored sapphire. There are purple, clear, yellow, green and even orange and brown sapphires that may be used in jewelry, although they are typically not common.

All other gemstones are known as semi-precious and should not be called precious, although you'll often see them mistakenly called so.