More Information On Gemstones

Gemological Article Of The Month

The Hobby Of Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Why would someone go to the trouble of collect loose gemstones? Well to begin with they've been sought for their beauty for many centuries. And just like natural diamonds their value increases over time. Many people love to find, collect and finish the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. This article will look at the hobby of collecting loose gemstones.

The first thing you need to do in starting the hobby of collecting gemstones the smart way is by getting adequate knowledge about them. By visiting a local library you can find a number of books to broaden your knowledge and that will let you make wise purchases from the beginning.

Color is a subjective idea but a very important part in evaluating a gemstone. The closer the color comes to its purer spectral value the more valuable it is. Traditional spectral colors include violent, blue, green,, orange and red. Colors that are darker or paler tend to be less valued.

The cut of the stone is extremely important and factors into appraisal of diamonds but gemstones as well. An excellent cut will highlight the pure color of the stone, diminishes its inclusions, and show off its symmetry and proportions. One excellent method to determine the precision in its cut is to check how well it reflects light on a consistent basis throughout the surface of the stone. But if a gem is cut too shallow, most of this light were refracted away instead of reflecting inside the gemstone. The gem appears washed out.

A third consideration is the clarity. This refers to the purity of the stone or the absence of internal inclusions, spots, or particles inside the crystal. Without a doubt, zero flaws are hard to find and make your stones very valuable.

Next to consider are weight and size. Save for pearls and corals, all gemstones are priced by the carat. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Be aware however, that weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can very. If you have a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats, you will find a similar sized ruby or sapphire is 1.20 carats.

Although gemstones are normally used for jewelry, they are a great hobby and pastime as well. Actually there are many interesting and attractive gemstones who that are too fragile or too large to be used in jewelry. Take each gemstone and think of it as a piece of art, a miniature sculpture to be treasured for its unusual nature and for the craftsmanship of the artisan who shaped it. And unlike some hobbies that require you to pay for your specimens you can find your raw materials through field trips In the US in Pennsylvania you can find Amethyst, Almandite Garnet and Pyrope Garnet, Beryl, Sunstone and Moonstone. And if you travel to Canada you will find nephrite jade in the Frances Lake area in the Yukon Territory or labradorite on the adjacent islands and coastal area of Labrador as well as the unique deep blue beryl in Canada's Yukon Territory. Think of gemstone collecting for the great hobby it is.

Buy loose Apatite gemstones or pear loose diamonds as well as a natural green diamond today in our store!

Gemstones For Sale

Hints About loose gemstone

The best chrysoprase is found in Australia (Queensland). Other places include:
Austria, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Russia, and USA (California). Chrysoprase is
used for spiritual protection. Chrysoprase was said said to be a "Victory Stone.
" In the 1800's, Chrysoprase was said to help thieves become invisible.
Buy cabochon Emerald loose gemstones today!

Poor Grade diamond: Diamonds in this category have very poor proportions and
show very little brilliance or scintillation. Expect to see "nail heads", where
the diamond is black in the center and "fish eyes" where the brilliance washes
out in the middle.
Buy Tanzanite loose gemstones today!

Some loose gemstone Stories

Vermeil Ring Earrings w/Black Onyx Accent

Hand hammered 23kt gold vermeil rings with tiny black onyx accents. Rings measure approximately 1/2". 14kt gold fill earwires. Also available in sterling silver and other stones.

Brushed Silver Diamond Pendant

Sterling silver diamond threaded on a fine chain. All sterling chain and findings. Necklace measures 16".

Mixed Sterling and Vermeil Disc Necklace

Handlinked brushed sterling and 23kt gold vermeil discs in various sizes. Necklace is 18" long with toggle clasp.


natural red diamond
buy loose diamonds online
natural colored diamonds | natural pink diamond