Posts Tagged ‘Refractive Index’

Is Your Gemstone Genuine?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

From solitaire engagement ring. Jewelry is big business and the real value of any Jewelry is dependent on the Gem that is part of it. With this in mind, how do buyers know or make sure that they are paying for the real thing? What are the qualities or characteristics to check or watch for to be sure that the Diamond is genuine?   

It takes training and the right equipment to determine if a Gemstone is genuine.  The term "genuine " means that the Gemstone doesn't only look as expected, it should also meet the physical and chemical characteristics unique to that Gemstone.  It takes training and the right equipment to determine if a Gem is genuine or not and there are testing laboratories to do this job. 

Before going any further, are treated Gems still genuine? A treated Gemstone, as long as its molecular structure isn't altered, can still be the real thing but it is no longer natural. Some Gemstones are treated to enhance their appearance and decorative value.  

What to Check

Yes, there are professionals to perform the tests that determine if a Gemstone is genuine or not but it is a valuable asset to any Diamond buyer to know the attributes to be tested. 
The following are the characteristics to check: 
1.0 Chemical composition and atomic structure
The atomic structure is what differentiates Diamond from other carbon based matter like graphite. The stone's hardness, and light reflection is dependent on the atomic structure. Gemstones usually have crystalline structures. 
2.0  Hardness and durability
Hardness is reported in a scale of 1 to 10, a method developed by Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist. The hardest are Gemstones at (10) and the softest is talc at (1). A Gem should have a hardness of no less than 7.
3.0 Other physical properties like the refractive index, dispersion and specific gravity.

Testing Laboratories

The following organizations provide certifications on the results of testing conducted. They also provide training and research services to their members. 

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
American Gemological Society (AGS) 
American Gem Trade Laboratory  of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). AGTA  the largest trade organization of  Gemstone traders
American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) 
European  Gemological Laboratory

The true value of any Gemstone shouldn't be determined by just the physical appearance. Advancements in science have produced synthetic "Gems" which cost just a fraction of the genuine Diamonds. Knowledge is the best protection  against paying for the price of the genuine item and getting a "fake".

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Old School Real Crystal Jewelry

Friday, January 1st, 2010

From diamond solitaire engagement rings in radiant cut. Crystal Jewellery has come a long way since the time when Daniel Swarovski I introduced his innovative cutting machine. It has made its way into the comforts of homes and offices giving each room and area a sparkling ambiance that makes the occupant longing for more. It has been part of a series of significant happenings and events in the lives of so many people.

It has walked the aisle so many times ravishing the crowd with its beauty that blends well with that of the bride. It surely has and continues to leave the market in shear awe. But surely the Jewelry cannot stand alone. Without the elegance of the Crystal your precious Jewellery is just an ordinary accessory. So with this in mind let's turn on the old school music and take a peak of how Genuine Crystals made their way in the lives of so many people.

It was around the second half of the 17th century when a man named George Ravenscroft who was a glass maker by profession paved the way for the birth of pure lead Crystals. Ravenscroft was looking for means to produce glassware that can boast of an improved clarity and luster. He succeeded upon creating a molten mixture that composed of lead oxide. In this manner he was able to alter the properties of glass drastically. 

Certain changes included higher glass clarity and the refractive index of the glass came blowing off the charts. He also noted that there was a remarkable increase in the weight of the glass and it became more malleable that an opportunity to mold it easier without breaking it presented itself.  This brought about an instant bloom in the fame of Ravencroft's glass. It easily spread in the markets of Europe and as far as that of America. 

Moving further back into ancient times, the purpose of Real Crystals was not only as accessories or jewelries. Crystals were associated with mystic powers and thus with the properties of healing all sorts of ailments and disorders. This is actually where the belief of Crystals being associated with meditation and inner balance. Real Crystals were placed in special areas of the house and were readily worn during times of special events such as quests and battles. 

Historians and archaeologists have concluded that Real Crystals were not only used for adornment purposes but more so inclined with that of the spiritual realm. A prehistoric monument proves how Real Crystals were used by early civilization in order to communicate with nature and the after life. This monument is a solar temple known to history as the New grange. This is actually a sacred passage in the Boyne Valley found in Ireland.

This grave was built way earlier than the pyramids. Its orientation was done so as to facilitate sun streams to enter through the long tunnel entrance which is estimated to be about seventy feet. One noticeable feature that presented Real Crystals was the white quartz that covered the roof. This was said to be made in honor of the White Goddess. 

Other historical fact showcased Crystals as common mediums utilized in healing and spiritual ceremonies that were done by the early settlers in South America. In the Far East, quartz Crystal balls were usually associated with the essence of a powerful mythological creature which is the dragon. Back in ancient India chakras or energy center said to be located in various areas around the body is also tagged with Crystals. This is where meditation methods of placing Real Crystals across the body trace its root. 

No matter how far Crystal Jewelry has reached in the modern day its old school background will surely be carved along with it as it continuously make longer and better strides.

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Diamond — A Gemstone Of Enjoy And Eternity

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Diamond is a common gemstone for all kinds of jewelry. Its incomparable hardness, tremendous luminosity and tremendous fire build it the most importantly priced of each gems. Diamond is through up of unadorned carbon, however, it a lot contains traces of impurities such for the reason that nitrogen. Diamond is formed deep beneath the earth’s surface, at extremely in height pressures and temperatures. Its name is obtained from the Greek word “adamas” explanation untamable or unconquerable. The name reflects enormously very well the gemstone’s memorable ability to withstand scratches. Diamond is the hardest simple issue well-known on earth. It is also recognized to be a good conductor of heat. This attribute makes it cool to the touch.

Diamond has a exceedingly in height refractive index for the reason that very well for the reason that elevated dispersion. These self of the diamond, which are supplementary better by skillful cutting techniques, contribute to the excellent luster and fire it is recognized to possess. A well-cut diamond optimizes this refracting ability to maximize its brilliance. Hence, a finely cut faceted diamond cut stone is really good-looking and outstandingly valuable. Furthermore, finished the development of bigger cutting and polishing methods, diamond is constantly improving its radiance as well because popularity.

Diamond’s characteristic and magnitude are determined by four factors, which are called the “four Cs”. They are color, clarity, cut and carat. Diamonds are institute in a selection of colors due to the presence of impurities. The pure white or pale diamond is the maximum of assistance and prominently priced. Decorated diamonds are called conjure diamonds. Their colors integrate yellow, brown, green, blue, pink and red. Pure, pale diamonds are unusual for the reason that maximum diamonds piece some trace of yellowish or brownish tint. The in excess of yellow a diamond, the a reduced amount of it is worth. The clarity rank of a diamond indicates how apparent the diamond is. It shows the extent of the presence of flaws in the diamond. The flaws are chiefly particularly tiny imperfections which be able to only be seen complete magnification. The flaws know how to be internal or external. The internal flaws are called inclusions even though the external ones are called blemishes. The clarity position is based on the number, size, visibility and location of these inclusions and blemishes of the stone. The cut of a diamond is having an important effect as it affects the shine of the diamond. There are multiple cutting styles the cutter be capable of want to use. The choice of cut depends on the definite diamond and how the cutter thinks that the brilliancy of the limestone be capable of be maximized. If a gemstone is well-cut, the loveliness and worth of the gemstone is increased. Cutting may affect the toughness of the stone. Some errors in cutting may increase the stone’s vulnerability to break. Carat is the unit of meaning used to rate the meaning of a diamond. Diamonds are sold by the carat. The larger the diamond, the more than costly it is. Diamonds are graded by the four C’s and these grades settle on the price of the diamond.

Diamonds mostly get nearer from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Australia, Russia, USA, Brazil and Canada. It is reported that only round 20 per cent of mined diamonds are usual to be worn for the reason that gemstones. The rest are old for extra industrial purposes. Diamonds are of assistance in other industries since of its attribute in hardness. They are second-hand in saws, dentist drills, surgical scalpels and because coatings for lenses. Due to its good warmth conductivity, it is too second-hand since warmth sinks in electronic industries.

According to history, diamonds were worn in suits of case for tremendous knights, and crowns of kings and queens. This gemstone was well thought-out because a symbol of courage and invincibility. Besides, diamond was recognized to have magical powers. It was believed that the wearer of this gemstone would be endowed together with superior strength, bravery and courage. In the past, diamonds were as well regarded for the reason that talismans that could enhance the enjoy of the husband for his wife. Nowadays, diamond is famous to correspond to love, loyalty and courage. Utmost commonly, diamond is believed to stand for eternity and love. Hence, multiple relations generally choose this gemstone for marriage ceremony and engagement rings.

Gemstones are careful beautiful, singular and durable. The prettiness of a gemstone is undiminished including time. A gemstone could shimmer since brightly numerous years from now. It has permanent consequence and is all right liked by many. Hence, lovely pieces of gemstone jewelry are formed and commonly worn for individual prettification since well as gifts for friends and treasured ones. Presenting these magnificent items as gifts is for ever and a day all right dear and cherished. Some folks good deal gems for the purpose of collecting them. They attain these gems fascinating and like having a collection of the pieces that they like.

Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. For the reason that such, a presentation of jewelry together with this gemstone makes a perfect well-designed anniversary contribution for persons who were born in that month. Diamond is too the centenary stone for the 10th and 60th year. A piece of jewelry counting this gemstone be capable of also be a magnificent centenary offering in these years. You will be amazed how this magnificent gemstone be able to be ready into mottled jewelry items such for the reason that rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, brooches and pendants. With such a broad diversity of items, you will never suffer any shortage of gift ideas.

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Synthetic Diamonds And How Real Diamond Gems Are Mined

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Brought to you by discount diamond rings.

The first synthetic Gems were produced by General Electric in 1954. A synthetic diamond is basically a rock that has the durability, refractive index and hardness of a natural diamond - but it is made by man. A synthetic diamond should not be confused with stimulant Gems, such as glass, cubic zirconia, or moissanite. 

Although the technology for synthetic Diamonds came into play in 1954, no synthetic Gems were ever seen on the market until the 1990's. This was due to the fact that it took many years for General Electric to produce a synthetic diamond that could compare with the quality of a natural diamond - and when they figured out how to do it, they found that it cost more to produce a synthetic diamond than it did to mine and cut natural Diamond Gems.

Finally, a small company by the name of Gemesis Corporation figured out a way to produce synthetic Diamonds that were of the same quality as natural Diamonds, at a cheaper price. Today, Gemesis produces synthetic white Diamond Gems, and colored Diamond Gems as well. These Diamond Gems sell for about 1/3 of the cost of a natural diamond, but there is a shortage of them, and they are hard to find. In fact, it seems that synthetic Gems are rarer than natural Diamond Gems!

We seldom think about how the Diamonds we wear came to us. Natural Gems, as opposed to synthetic Diamonds or fake Gems, are mined from the earth. There are currently two methods of mining Diamonds: Pipe Mining and Alluvial Mining.

When pipe mining is used, the Diamond Gems are extracted from the earth through volcanic pipes. These are not man-made pipes. These are natural pipes in the ground. Shanks are put into the ground next to the pipes, and tunnels are driven into the deepest parts of the pipe. The Gems are not sorted out at the mine. Instead, huge rocks that are full of Diamonds are brought out of the mine and moved to a screening plant for separation. 

The Alluvial mining method is done in riverbeds and on beaches. Walls are built to hold back the water and the sand on the bank or beach is moved with a bulldozer until the level of earth that Diamonds can be found in is reached. Again, the Diamond Gems are not sorted here. Instead, the sand that contains the Diamond Gems is bulldozed into trucks, and taken to screening plants.

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