Frequently Asked Questions about Garnets

Unless you are in the field of gemology, it is very unlikely you have heard of the gemstone Jasper. It is unfortunate, though, that so few people are familiar with this stone, as it is beautiful and has many advantages. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about jasper, which will hopefully assist you in becoming more knowledgeable about gemstone education. LEIBISH 29.62ct Tanzanite Gemstone 1. What is a jasper stone? First and foremost, many people want to know what a jasper stone actually is. Well, jasper is an opaque stone, a member of the quartz family, and a combination of several mineral phases, including chalcedony. As one of March’s birthstones, jasper is used to create various items, such as vases, and is also cut into gemstones to be used in jewelry pieces. 2. What color is jasper? Jasper is found in reds, yellows, greens, and browns, and occasionally, blues as well. The colors, though exceptionally beautiful, are all opaque, so they lack the gleam that other gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and even tourmalines tend to exude. The Red Jasper Gemstone 3. What does jasper look like? Green jasper is a type of jasper stone, which is of course green. This green variety is considered very desirable due to its unique and pure hue. Green jasper can range in shades from a very light sea green to a deeper olive or grass green. This type of jasper has been used throughout history and among different cultures for a variety of purposes including healing, bringing rain, and keeping away evil spirits. 4. How is jasper formed? Jasper is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz. It forms when silica-rich sediment or volcanic ash is compacted and mineralized over time. Impurities like iron oxides, clay, or organic materials create the diverse colors and patterns that make jasper so unique. 5. How to identify Jasper? Jasper can be identified by its opaque appearance and intricate patterns. Unlike other chalcedony, it does not allow light to pass through. Its colors range from red, green, yellow, and brown to multicolored varieties, often featuring swirls, bands, or speckles. 6. Where is Jasper Found? Jasper is found worldwide, with notable deposits in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Russia, the United States (particularly Oregon, Idaho, and Arizona), and Australia. 7. Is Jasper a Gemstone? Yes, jasper is a semi-precious gemstone. Its variety of colors and patterns make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items. LEIBISH Extraordinaire Belle Citron - Lemon Quartz Diamond Ring 8. What Type of Rock is Jasper? Jasper is a sedimentary rock that is also classified as a variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz. 9. How Many Types of Jasper Are There? There are countless types of jasper, with names reflecting their colors, patterns, or locations of origin. Popular varieties include Ocean Jasper, Brecciated Jasper, Picture Jasper, and Dalmatian Jasper. 10. How to Polish Jasper? Jasper is polished using a rock tumbler or by hand with progressively finer-grit sandpapers, followed by a polishing compound. After careful grinding and buffing, the stone’s surface becomes smooth and glossy. 11. How Much is Jasper Worth? The value of jasper depends on its type, color, pattern, and quality. Common jasper may cost $1-$5 per carat, while rare varieties can be more expensive, reaching up to $50 per carat or higher. 12. What is the Hardness of Jasper? Jasper has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it durable and suitable for various uses, including jewelry. Mohs Hardness Scale  13. Can Jasper Go in Water? Yes, jasper can go in water. However, prolonged exposure should be avoided to prevent damage to polished surfaces or patterns. 14. How to Cleanse Jasper? Jasper can be cleansed by rinsing it under running water, placing it in sunlight or moonlight, or using sage or sound vibrations for energy cleansing. 15. What are the Healing Properties of Green and Red Jasper? Green Jasper is believed to promote healing, balance, and emotional stability. Red Jasper symbolizes vitality, courage, and endurance and is said to stimulate motivation and physical strength. 16. How to Spot Fake Ocean Jasper? Authentic Ocean Jasper features intricate orb-like patterns and vibrant colors. Fakes often have unnatural, overly uniform patterns or are made of resin. 17. How Do I Care for My Jasper Jewelry? Clean jasper jewelry with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight. 18. What is the Difference Between Red and Green Jasper? The primary difference lies in their color and associated properties. Red jasper is linked to the root chakra, while green jasper connects to the heart chakra. 19. What is Dalmatian Jasper, and Where is it Found? Dalmatian Jasper, known for its spotted appearance resembling a Dalmatian dog, is primarily found in Chihuahua, Mexico. 20. Where Can I Buy High-Quality Jasper Stones? High-quality jasper can be purchased from reputable gemstone dealers or trusted online platforms. 21. What Are the Differences Between Jasper and Other Gemstones? Unlike most gemstones, jasper is opaque and known for its diverse patterns. It lacks the clarity of gems like quartz or topaz but is prized for its earthy, artistic appeal. LEIBISH 1.94 carat, Blue, Topaz, Pear Shape 22. Is Jasper Suitable for Everyday Wear in Jewelry? Yes, jasper’s durability and hardness make it suitable for everyday wear, especially in rings, bracelets, and pendants. 23. How Do I Choose the Right Jasper Stone for My Needs? Consider your preferences for color, pattern, and symbolic meanings. For instance, choose red jasper for energy and confidence or green jasper for calmness and emotional balance. Jasper is a gemstone of immense beauty and significance, perfect for collectors, jewelers, and those seeking spiritual benefits. The word Jasper comes from Old French and means a specked or spotted stone. Although jasper differs greatly from many individuals’ idea of a gemstone, it is a warm stone with plenty of character. If you are in the market for something different and a whole lot of color, consider making jasper your next gemstone purchase.  

Introduction to Herkimer Diamonds Those of us entranced with gemstones are attracted to the more unusual stones—those with relatively fewer collectors. They have a lesser known story that we can recount to friends. They can also become a statement stone for us—they are as unique as we are. So when you hear someone ask “what is a Herkimer diamond?", you’ll have the right answer after you’ve already become a specialized collector. LEIBISH 2.82 carat, Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond, Emerald Shape, VS2 Clarity What are Herkimer Diamonds? Because Herkimer diamonds (sometimes referred to as Herkimer crystal) are more of a collector’s stone, you’ll actually be seen as a gemstone expert if you have one. Herkimer diamonds, also referred to as Herkimer quartz or Herkimer crystals, are specific types of quartz crystals displaying a double-terminated configuration and polished-looking faces. Did someone ask, “What are Herkimer diamonds? “ These specific quartz crystals were found after being seen in exposed outcrops of dolomite in and around Herkimer County, New York. They were also discovered around the Mohawk River Valley, upstate New York, to the west of Schenectady, New York. Where are Herkimer Diamonds Found? Their name is catchy—and it draws many jewelry lovers to the crystal. But in all reality, they are not real diamonds at all. They adopted the moniker "diamond" in their name because of their colorlessness, clarity and well-formed faces (facets). The very first discovery sites for these distinct gem minerals were in the village of Middleville and in the city of Little Falls, upstate New York. Collectors were drawn to these unusual crystals and the name stuck. Map of Herkimer Diamond Locations In the late 18th century, geologists came upon several exposed dolomites amongst Herkimer County outcroppings and began mining there. This led to the "Herkimer diamond" moniker. But these unusual double-terminated quartz crystals can be found in other parts of the world. But only those from Herkimer County, New York can be called Herkimer diamonds. How to Find Herkimer Diamonds Fortunately, if you’re just a bit adventurous, you can travel to Herkimer County, New York, and go on a personal search for Herkimer Diamonds. Nowadays, there are a few mines in the region that provide public access (for an entry fee) to their property. They will also help visitors know what to look for when scouting around the grounds for a Herkimer crystal of their own. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must when looking around the mines. Some amateur rockhounds say it’s best to go in the spring (more mild weather) and after a good rain when the ground is softer and can reveal its hidden crystals. Be prepared to scavenge, which is the best part and don’t be too disappointed if you don’t find any crystals on the first time. Herkimer Diamond Properties and Uses Are they really diamonds? Of course, if one knows anything about genuine diamonds, it becomes easy to separate these two crystals. A quartz is a silica mineral with a Mohs hardness ranking of 7. A diamond, by contrast, is made of pure carbon and is the hardest known natural substance on Earth. Its Mohs ranking is 10. Nothing is harder. Mohs Hardness Scale  Of course, Herkimer crystals are colorless. They range from completely without any body color to slightly smoky and transparent. Many gemstone fans love to collect natural crystals that are without color—as the poor man’s diamond. But they have their own charm and unique history. Owing to their unique natural faces and the distinct double termination, they are often made into jewelry without any further polishing. They are quite dramatic. Those who ascribe to crystals as having unique traits associated with the metaphysical, healing arts and even meditation are drawn to Herkimer diamonds for their special appeal.Learn more about the Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut of Gemstones.  Herkimer Diamond Value and Worth Many amateur miners find Herkimer Diamonds to resell. Many public sales platforms on the internet display Herkimer crystals for sale. Small ones may be as low as $30 to $50, but large complex crystals can also be offered for $1,600 or more. It all depends on how unusual and how large the crystal is. It’s certainly not unheard of to pay over $1,000 just for the natural crystals (and clusters) found in the earth. For particularly beautiful specimens or Herkimer crystals set in fine jewelry, the sky’s the limit. It’s not uncommon to see such items start at $1,000. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of which crystals are rarer and more desirable to warrant the higher values. There are a number of factors that contribute to Herkimer diamonds being sought after. The completely colorless variety is often the most valuable. Those with distinct smooth faces and prominent double terminals on each end will be coveted. The size matters—and for collectors (not so much for jewelry application) the large crystal groups of several shapes together are worth more. LEIBISH 3ct Natural Colorless Diamond Still, they are much more affordable than natural diamonds of equal size, for example. Those can be 50 times as much for the same size. And likewise, Herkimer diamonds offer a beautiful choice as an unusual natural gemstone without some of the jaw dropping price tags of say Tanzanite or fine emerald. They are a smart, and sophisticated natural gemstone choice. They will always be a unique addition to a collector’s jewelry box. Their unusual natural configurations and their historic place of origin is what sets them apart from all other stones. Despite being a quartz material, they are easily recognizable by their stunning seemingly polished faces and chic form. LEIBISH 3ct Natural Brown Diamond Conclusion Quartz is said to be the most abundant natural material on Earth. The silica-based mineral is found throughout the earth. When it is found with different trace elements of color, it can take on certain colors, depending on the minerals inside. Herkimer diamonds are actually a form of quartz. In the case of Herkimer diamonds, these most unusual quartz crystals take their distinctive name from their crystal clear colorless formation—much like a high-quality diamond. A Herkimer crystal can also exhibit a transparent quality with a smoky tint. Moreover, their natural formation is quite captivating. They have a double termination configuration on either end of the crystal, with completely smooth faces all around the crystal. That makes them look like they have already been polished, but they haven’t. They come out of the ground with this look. It makes them great candidates for jewelry that doesn’t need additional polishing and shaping of the stone. They can be set just as they are found in the earth. While they are not true diamonds, Herkimer diamonds are a sought-after gemstone with a fascinating history and exceptional beauty. They are not common, which makes them even more coveted by jewelry fans. Someone will always ask, "What are you wearing, and what is a Herkimer diamond?" Jewelry collectors and those ascribing to the healing arts and metaphysical practices have all become fond of this completely natural gemstone. Its fan base is legion! 

Oftentimes, many in the gemstone sphere immediately give Carat, one of the 4 Cs, priority over the remaining three Cs: Cut, Color, and Clarity. This is, of course, because many people think bigger is better, and as carat refers to the weight by which gemstones as well as diamonds are measured, it just has to be the most important factor. But what is carat in gemstones?  This really could not be farther from the truth for so many reasons. Let's explore the meaning of a gemstone’s carat weight, its implications, and how to select the stone with the proper carat weight. The Carat Weight System Long ago, before there were all sorts of sophisticated tools available for individuals to measure stones accurately, there were precision scales on which the stones were set alongside carob seeds. This is how a gemstone’s weight was measured. The carat system came about this way and is still used today. Within each carat are one hundred points. Each point represents 1% of a carat, meaning a stone that weighs one and a half carat is a 1.50-carat stone or a stone of 150 points. Density and Weight Though diamonds and gemstones use the carat system, they are not equivalent in carat sizes. What does this mean? Well, although a diamond is a gemstone, it has different specifications than, say, a ruby and therefore stones of equivalent carat weight will have different visual sizes. For instance, rubies are denser than diamonds, so a 1-carat diamond will look bigger than a 1-carat ruby. LEIBISH Emerald jewelry with very similar carat weight and size of the center stones  Weight is Not Size Something many people fail to understand or to realize is that the carat weight of a stone is not the same thing as its size. Similar to the way in which the density of the stone plays a crucial role in its carat weight vs. its visual size, so stones with identical carat weights appear differently due to the way that they carry the weight. Stones with large crowns and short pavilions can appear large and yet equal in carat weight to stones with small crowns and deep pavilions, which appear less impressive than the former stones. The same works the other way around. Two stones that look identical in size can bear different carat weights if they are different types of gemstones and are formed differently. Gemstones should neither be too shallow nor too deep, but one can get a larger-looking stone for the same price as a smaller-looking one of the same carat weight, which will suit his or her needs without hurting one’s pocket too much. This can be achieved by looking for a stone of the desired carat weight with a large crown and table, thus giving off a large appearance. LEIBISH Emerald jewelry with very similar carat weight and size of the center stones Another important aspect to remember in regards to gemstone carat size is that a stone with a low carat weight does not necessarily mean that it will be less expensive. This is because larger gemstones, especially rubies, tend to have many inclusions. Smaller ones, more often than not, will have a higher clarity level, thus making them pricier. That is why it is necessary to factor in all this information when looking for a gemstone with the right carat weight.

Sparkling-tinted gem minerals are perennially popular throughout the world. From the humblest jewelry novice to the experienced royal families around the globe, gemstones are valuables worth collecting. But what are the precious gemstones? Is there a gemstone hierarchy? While these coveted stones go by several monikers, like a fine gem, precious stones, or jewel, they all refer to a natural mineral crystal that is beautiful, durable, and desirable. LEIBISH 6.01 carat, Violet, Tanzanite, Oval Shape A Brief Overview of Precious Stones Precious gemstones must be cut and polished to exploit their highest beauty. Lately, collectors also admire uncut gemstones in the rough crystal shape—as they come from the earth. Some precious stones get a cabochon finish— smoothly polished into a flat bottom and rounded top. Depending on the crystal, that polish can reveal a 4 or 6 rayed star effect. The source of these rays appearing atop cabochon cut stones are minute natural inclusions within the stone. With so many types of precious stones, we can only scrape the surface in trying to understand them. But let’s review the best gemstones. While modern jewelry fans are super enthusiastic about many precious gems, they may not be able to name a precious gem. A list of precious gemstones appears in ancient writings—from the scriptures written thousands of years ago. Also we find them referenced in books from the ancient Romans, like naturalist Pliny the Elder. He was fascinated by precious gemstones and wrote extensively on the subject. From early potentates of Asia and the Far East to modern regal families in Europe and Asia, gemstones have played a prominent role in royal ceremonies. Now that we know their deep history and cultural importance, let’s discover some characteristics of precious stones that separate them from simple rocks. The Six Precious Gemstones Diamond Of all the gemstones ever found, the most dazzling gem is the diamond. It is unique in the world of gems for its colorless condition (except for fancy color diamonds) and also that it consists of just one element. And that is carbon. No other gemstone boasts of being from a single element. Colorless diamonds were first discovered in India centuries back. Their unique characteristics set them apart from all other stones. They are the hardest known natural substances with a hardness ranking of 10 on the Mohs scale. LEIBISH Extraordinary White Diamond Bracelet and Earrings   Their other characteristics form what is called the 4Cs. It’s a universal language that expresses the quality components of diamonds so professionals can compare and contrast them against other diamonds. The 4Cs are Clarity, Color, Carat Weight, and Cut. Uniform methods of assessing each of these traits help jewelers and consumers understand their relative value. Clarity refers to the lack of or number of blemishes in the crystal. Color describes the absence or presence of body color in a diamond. Carat Weight is the uniform weight of a diamond—it doesn’t refer to the size. Cut is a bit more complex. It examines the quality of the cutting and polishing that the crystal displays. Uses in Jewelry Diamonds have been desirable gemstones for centuries. They are most often regarded as gemstones for jewelry use due to their beauty, rarity, and ‘goes-with-everything’ colorlessness. As consumers develop a better understanding of business ethics, both shoppers and vendors insist that diamonds have a verifiable paper trail going back to the source. That way, all parties are assured that the stones were ethically sourced and have been recovered by the most sustainable methods. Diamond suppliers also insist on fair working conditions for everyone along the supply chain. Sapphire Sapphire is an old gemstone and one of the most beloved of the rare colored gems. This stone is the next hardest stone to diamond, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale for hardness. So you know that a sapphire gemstone will look sparkling decades from now, just as it did on the day you acquired it. Centuries ago, aristocrats and royals fought over large sapphires for their crown jewels. Today, it’s almost the same thing, but feuding takes place on the bidding floor at great auction houses. LEIBISH Royal Blue Cushion Sapphire & Triangle Diamond Halo Ring   Famous Precious Stones The Star of India is a famous cabochon-cut star sapphire. This impressive 56.3-carat precious gem is the size of a golf ball! Historians say the most sought-after sapphires in the world are the now-extinct Kashmir sapphires found in the latter part of the 19th century high in the Himalayas. By the early part of the 20th century—they were all gone. Today, if a collector is looking for a Kashmir sapphire, they must seek out old stones that go to auction. Such Varieties If a stone is called a sapphire, it means the rich, saturated blue variety. But there is also another type of sapphire called a ‘fancy color sapphire’. These may be yellow, pink, green, black, orange, or violet. Fancy color sapphires are highly collectible and stunning. But for some collectors, only the rich cornflower or cobalt blue will do. This striking precious stone can cost a king’s ransom to acquire. Sapphires are a popular precious stone for rings. Princess Diana’s engagement ring was a sapphire. Sapphires also make stunning pendant necklaces and are perfectly suited for placement on tiaras. Ruby The color red is associated with power and vitality (like blood!) and, of course, passion. That’s why ruby gems have been adored for centuries. Rubies are from the mineral corundum, the same species as sapphire. In the case of ruby, its vibrant hue is due to trace amounts of chromium. And like sapphire, it’s a hard, precious stone, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. Fine rubies can be much rarer than diamonds and often more costly than diamonds of a similar grade and size. The finest rubies come from Burma, which is today called Myanmar. The best of these stones are the so-called “Pigeon Blood” red, a rich scarlet with blue undertones.  Because of their durability, rubies can be used for rings, earrings, and many other popular jewelry types. LEIBISH Burmese Marquise Ruby and Heart Diamond Three-Stone Halo Ring  Emerald There’s something refreshing about the crisp fresh emerald gemstone. This popular green stone has ancient roots, harkening back to early Egypt and other civilizations. We have the elements chromium, vanadium, and iron to thank for the emerald’s lively green hue.  Often, emerald crystals are embedded in hard, difficult-to-extract host rocks. So, concussive equipment is needed to extract the green sparkly bits. In doing so, the emerald stones incur cracks in the crystals. So, every emerald that is ‘clean’ and free from such inclusions is a rare, priceless treasure. Just because emeralds had a rough start, that doesn't mean they can’t receive the royal treatment in beautifying them later on for jewelry. It is a trade-accepted procedure for emeralds to be treated with oils and green resin fillers in inclusions so they look their best. This is disclosed, of course, and it’s a traditional practice when needed. LEIBISH Emerald Rosie's Bloom Collection Historical Background In ancient times, other green stones could be mistaken for emeralds. It has only been in recent times that sophisticated gemological instruments could make separations of similarly colored gemstones. In Cleopatra’s time, she loved emeralds so much she owned several ‘emerald mines’. It turns out, many of those ancient Egyptian mines produced peridot. Nowadays, we can identify an emerald from other stones. Emeralds are not as hard as diamonds, but they are suitable for earrings and necklaces—and with careful wearing—rings and bracelets.   Tanzanite Some precious stones are valued not only for their beauty and rarity but also for their difficulty in accessing them. Tanzanite is one such stone. Gem-quality blue-violet translucent tanzanite is found only in a small radius around the Manyara region of Tanzania. The transparent to translucent Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness ranking of 6-7, making it suitable for all jewelry types. Today, larger carat sizes are becoming more difficult to acquire since they have been mined for several years. Tanzanite is a relatively new discovery—having been found in the mid-20th century. It came to public attention in the late 1960s and thrilled jewelry fans with its unique color and exotic story of discovery. LEIBISH Tanzanite and Diamond Band Ring   While some people call Tanzanite a generational gemstone owing to its limited sourcing, others think it may be around for a while. Collectors are avidly gathering Tanzanite jewelry in all its forms so they can wear an entire collection. Rings are a popular jewelry type with Tanzanite, but the precious gemstone is equally suited for stud earrings, bracelets, and neckpieces. Aquamarine Those who flock to the cool light blue of aquamarine probably also appreciate the seas. After all, the name aquamarine means sea water. The many pastel blue shades of aquamarine look like the waters of the Caribbean and elsewhere in the tropics, where clear blue lagoons are found. This stone is a variety of beryl minerals. One of the unique features of aquamarine is its ability to change color when heat treated. Many aquamarines naturally display a prominent green tint. Since jewelry lovers often prefer the pale blue variety, this can be achieved through heat treatment. Some gemstone insiders say we should leave the crystals as nature intended and allow consumers to appreciate the many shades of this beautiful gemstone. LEIBISH Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Pendant Aquamarine is a popular gemstone. There’s something universally appealing about this pale blue precious stone, which is even popular in bridal jewelry these days. Other uses are bracelets and earrings, among the other jewelry types available. Precious -v- Semi-Precious Gemstones We’ve all heard the phrase “semi-precious gemstones” when talking about gems. But what’s the difference? Today, we’re discovering that many so-called semi-precious gems have enormous value—especially when certain rare varieties come to market. Garnet, tourmaline, kunzite, amethyst, spinel, topaz and zircon are popular semi-precious stones. Discovering Rarity & Value Paraiba tourmaline for example is a rare Windex blue variety of tourmaline. That species is normally plentiful. But with this unexpected color—prices go through the roof! LEIBISH 4.31 carat, Green, Tourmaline, Oval Shape The same is with Padparadscha sapphire. Fancy color sapphire sell at affordable prices—but when the peachy-pink Padparadscha variety appeared, the prices were phenomenal. The Dazzling History Historically speaking, precious gemstones have always been these four-- diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Traditionally speaking, the rest are semi-precious gems. But as we can see, when new varieties with rare colors turn up---they should be called precious gemstones too! The rarity of colored gemstones is closely tied to their popularity and driven by their beauty and availability. So the values go up and down as supplies become more or less plentiful and tastes change. Care for Precious Gemstones General Care Tips Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are the most durable gemstones, so their care is pretty straightforward. They can be cleaned at home using anything from warm soapy water with a soft toothbrush—to having the jeweler give them a deep cleaning in a professional ultra-sonic machine. These 3 gemstones are so hard that they can provide owners with a lifetime of enjoyment. There’s one exception to the ruby cleaning method if the ruby is a fracture-filled stone. These were sold abundantly over the last 15 years at major retailers. These stones have had solution injected to fill in natural fractures in the ruby. This filling can be destroyed in ultra-sonic cleaners or by a jeweler's torch. Gently cleaning with warm soapy water and a baby toothbrush is the only recommended method for cleaning fracture-filled ruby. Fragile Stone’s Care Fragile gems like emeralds are a precious gemstone too. They are softer stones and frequently oiled or filled with resin to make them more beautiful. While this is completely trade appropriate, extra care is needed to keep them looking their best. Minute particles can be safely removed with a micro-fiber cloth. Placing the emerald jewelry in a bowl of warm water with a mild soap helps loosen particles. Using a soft toothbrush, look for any remaining flecks of dirt and carefully brush it loose. Rinse the solution off with warm water, allowing it to air-dry on a clean cloth. Clean and Store To be sure your jewelry is free from scratches, store them away from each other in a jewelry tray with dividers. That way, your items won’t unintentionally brush against each other and get scratched. Some stones like Kunzite or Morganite are advised to be stored in a cool dark place to protect their color.   Incorporating Precious Gemstones in Jewelry Today we have access to gemstones from every corner of the globe. Whatever color and type you dream of can be found without too much trouble. Since more retailers are carrying precious gemstones now, the prices are attractive. Trends in Gemstone Jewelry Design Many brides today opt for a more personal engagement ring by using colored stones as the main stone in their ring or as an accent to their diamond. Also, look for artistic cuts rather than the classic round brilliant or oval cuts on gemstone jewelry. LEIBISH Mozambique No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby Three-stone Ring Customization Options and Personalizing Jewelry with Different Stones Artistic gemstone cutters create imaginative free-form shapes or use creative facet patterns to design one-of-a-kind precious gemstone jewelry. It’s another way to show one’s individuality while wearing jewelry. Stones available in larger rough crystals like quartz, sunstone, and various colors of garnets are favored by adventurous gemstone cutters today. Popular Combinations and Settings for Precious Gemstones Innovative jewelry designers approach the design process much like an artist does with their paint. In other words, look for original designs where the designer pairs unusual color combinations for a spectacular effect. One blend is the analogous color combination—using colors of gemstones found next to each other on the color wheel. Another trend is combining opaque and transparent precious gems on the same piece. A shimmering opal might be paired with a dramatic black spinel or a black diamond. The effect is memorable. LEIBISH Oval Sapphire & Marquise Diamond Two-Stone Ring   Conclusion Let’s recap what we’ve read. Precious gems and those classified as semi-precious stones are wildly popular with consumers today. They also have an ancient history of popularity. We know that because early writings tell us specifically about their importance in early civilizations. The good thing about modern harvesting of both precious gemstones and semi-precious gems is the concern for best practices all along the pipeline. Then consumers gain confidence that the stones they love are being produced ethically and responsibly. Part of good ownership is learning how to care for your gemstone jewelry according to its type. This ensures that the item will look beautiful for years to come. And, by digging deeply into the history behind each species, your appreciation for the gems will grow. Gemstone collecting is a wonderful vocation that showcases the owners' personal taste in a marvelous way.

Gemstones are stones that have been cut and polished in a way that deems them refined enough to be considered gemstones. Though gemstones can be completely void of color, like the popular colorless diamond, many people think of colorful stones when they hear the term gemstones. While green emeralds, red rubies, blue sapphires, and bluish-green aquamarine stones certainly have their fair share of color, other gemstones can be equally delightful with much more neutral hues such as light brown, otherwise known as champagne.Light brown diamonds can also be called champagne diamonds, and are in theory also champagne gemstones. For our intents and purposes we will exclude diamonds while talking about champagne gemstones as they get a category of their own. There are various semi-precious gemstones with stunning champagne coloring such as tourmaline and tanzanite. Here is a bit about these stones, their advantages, and disadvantages.   Champagne Tanzanite Gemstone: Uncommon but Fabulous Although tanzanite stones are known for their dazzling blue hue, this color is generally only achieved after going through heat treatment. In the rough, most tanzanite stones have a reddish brown to clear color. Smaller stones will give off a lighter color such as violet after being treated. Therefore it is rather unusual to come across champagne tanzanite stones but they do exist and are fabulous. Tanzanite ranks 6.5 on the Mohs scale of gem hardness. LEIBISH 5.01 carat, Champagne, Tanzanite, Oval Shape   The Diversity of Tourmaline Colors Unlike tanzanite, tourmaline stones are not known for just one color. There are several colors that fall into different categories. However, the brownish-black/black variety, schorl, is most abundant. It accounts for almost 95% of all tourmaline in nature.Other colors for tourmaline stones include pink, yellow, light blue, violet, green, champagne, and colorless. Champagne tourmaline is essentially light brown tourmaline, which falls into the dravite category (dark yellow to brownish black.) Tourmalines rank between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale of gem hardness.   Pros and Cons for Champagne Gemstones   As mentioned earlier, gemstones are generally known for their colors. Both tanzanite and tourmaline are actually more common in other colors besides champagne, so why choose champagne?Similar to champagne diamonds, which are among many different color diamonds, champagne gemstones offer both advantages and disadvantages. One plus would be the fact that champagne gemstones possess a neutral and natural color that blends with pretty much anything. They are also usually on the less expensive side.A minus could be their inability to match any skin tone. Like it or not, champagne gemstones look better against certain shades of skin. Lastly, champagne is somewhat of a dull color. The flip side is that it is natural but it won’t give you that pop of color as, say, an emerald nor will it shine brilliantly like a colorless diamond. Champagne gemstones, as many other gemstones, can be found in a wide range of shapes and sizes. While oval and round are most common, princess, cushion, radiant, heart, emerald, marquise, and asscher shapes are also possibilities.LEIBISH boasts exquisite champagne gemstones including a 5.01-carat oval champagne tanzanite stone and a 3.47-carat oval champagne tourmaline stone. Always check the certification of a stone before purchasing and make certain you are buying from a reputable establishment.

When one hears the term “gemstone”, he or she generally thinks of a diamond, a ruby, an emerald, or perhaps even a sapphire. However, the average person will not picture a tourmaline simply because this beautiful stone is not as well known as some other gems. Not only are tourmalines gorgeous, but they are also available in a wide range of colors, thus making it suitable for many types of personalities and skin tones. Naturally, there are many questions regarding tourmalines. Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about tourmalines. What is a Tourmaline? A tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that comes in more colors and color combination than any other gemstone, staying true to its name, which comes from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” meaning “mixed.”Due to the wide range of colors, tourmalines are often mistaken for many other gemstones. For instance, numerous stones found in the Russian Crown jewels from the 17rh century believed to be rubies are actually tourmalines.  Tourmalines are crystalline boron silicate minerals that contain various elements including iron, sodium, magnesium, potassium, aluminum, and lithium. Tourmalines originate from several locations worldwide. Green and Pink Tourmaline Diamond Pendant (3.9Ct TW)   What is tourmaline used for? Tourmalines are gemstones that are used in jewelry as well as in electronics. Green tourmaline is the most common type of tourmaline found, and is believed to strengthen the immune system of the wearer as well as to provide one with positive thoughts.Black tourmaline on the other hand can be used as a natural insecticide and can relieve one from arthritic pain as a result of its electromagnetic properties. There are no proven medical uses for this stone but nevertheless; many love it for its enchanting colors and vibes. There is something about colorful gemstones that draws people’s attention again and again. Tourmalines have a bit of an advantage since they offer such a large variety in terms of color, size, and price. Those looking for a red stone can be as satisfied as those in search of the perfect green gem. All in all, the tourmaline has much to offer and makes a fabulous gift. While tourmalines are mainly used for jewelry purposes in this day and age, there were and are, other uses as well. In the 19th century, chemists used tourmalines in their experiments. They found that by shining rays of light onto the surface of a polished, cut tourmaline, they were able to divide light.Tourmalines are believed to have a healing power and are used by some to detox the human body. Aside from aiding the detoxification process, tourmalines are used to improve one's alertness, relieve stress, and strengthen the immune system. LEIBISH Green Tourmaline and Diamond Drop Earrings   What color is a tourmaline? This fabulous stone is found in colors ranging from colorless to black and displays many shades from pastels to deep hues. More than one color can be found in a single stone making this gem truly remarkable. There are several known tourmaline varieties. These include rubellite, indicolite, chrome, bi-color, watermelon, canary, Paraiba, cat’s eye, and color change tourmaline.Rubellite varies from medium red to a deep red and is similar in color to a ruby. Like a ruby, it is quite rare and among the rarest forms of tourmaline.Indicolite, the deep blue to bluish green variety of tourmaline, is another rare type of tourmaline.Chrome tourmaline is green, but different than the regular green tourmaline. It owes its color to chromium found in the stone.Bi-color tourmalines are those that consist of several colors. There are many possible color combinations found in tourmalines.Watermelon tourmalines, like their names, are stones with a green skin and a red core. When cut into a slice, the stone resembles a watermelon piece.A canary tourmaline is a bright yellow stone that originates from Malawi.Paraibias are rare blue-green tourmalines that contain copper. They are usually found in very small sizes and demand high prices. LEIBISH Cushion Paraibias Tourmaline Double Halo Diamond Pendant Cat’s eye tourmalines are often found in green.Color change stones are tourmalines that change from green to red in incandescent light. Bluish-black to black tourmalines are a result of the iron present within the stone whereas stones with magnesium tend to be anywhere from yellow to brown. Tourmalines with high levels of lithium can be practically any color, including pink, red, yellow, green, and blue. An unusual and rather sought after type of tourmaline is the “watermelon tourmaline,” named for the unique natural blend of three colors, pink, white, and green, which appear in rings just like a watermelon. Stones with very clear borders between the colors demand especially hefty prices. LEIBISH incredible pair of 6.94 carat, Green Tourmaline Gemstones from Brazil, that would look amazing in a piece of jewelery    Where is tourmaline found? This colorful stone, which is one of October's birthstones, is found all around the globe. Significant deposits have been found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Burma (now Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Russia, the United States, as well as locations throughout Africa. A tourmaline can be just the right thing to spice up your jewelry piece or jewelry collection without causing too much damage to your bank account. Finding out all of the relevant information prior to your purchase can help you land the perfect tourmaline for you. "Where is black tourmaline found?" you might wonder. Well, black tourmaline, also known as schorl, is primarily found in regions where metamorphic rocks are abundant, such as Brazil, Afghanistan, and Africa. These formations offer the perfect geological conditions for the crystallization of tourmaline, resulting in its distinctive black hue. Popular Tourmaline Styles Tourmalines are beautiful gemstones, but they are not as well known as precious gemstones such as emeralds, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, or other gemstones like opals, turquoise, and amethysts. Nevertheless, these stones are truly stunning and look wonderful when set in various jewelry settings from earrings to bracelets to necklaces to rings. Since tourmalines are found in so many colors, they can create many different jewelry styles. Take a look at some of the most popular tourmaline jewelry styles around today!   Elegant When the colorful crystal stones are set upon gold or platinum they result in classic and sophisticated jewelry almost comparable to diamond jewelry. Though they are not colored diamonds, tourmalines display beautiful colors, turning a refined ring into a truly enchanting piece. Whether it is a pink heart-shaped tourmaline pendant necklace, a pair of green tourmaline stud earrings or a magnificent purple tourmaline ring, there are endless elegant tourmaline jewelry styles for every taste and budget. LEIBISH Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Solitaire Ring      Casual If you are a fan of colorful gemstones but do not relate to “fancy” jewelry styles, tourmaline jewelry offers a great range of more casual designs.  The stone can be cut and polished in many ways leaving the final result ranging from a glittering crystal stone to a flatter, wider, less shiny, and more earthy stone. Such styles can include large chunky necklaces consisting of single or multi colored tourmaline stones as well as a pendant necklace showcasing a very large tourmaline.The “watermelon” tourmalines, with an inner pink color and outer green color are perfect choices for more casual jewelry pieces. This type of gem looks terrific as a ring or a pendant.   Youthful Tourmalines make wonderful youthful jewelry pieces thanks to the wide color selection. Young people as well as older individuals in search of jewelry with a young vibe are often looking for jewels that display lots of color. It is cheerful, trendy, and makes a statement.By combining several tourmaline colors together you get a very youthful jewelry piece. It can be a multicolored flower pendant, consisting of the various colored tourmalines, a colorful beaded tourmaline necklace, or a bracelets set with a few different colored tourmalines. Pink and green make a great combination, as do rainbow colors. LEIBISH Emerald Pink Tourmaline Solitaire Pendant   Bohemian Many people love jewelry but do not appreciate the glamorous look of it all. Some prefer simple pieces that end up being either synthetic or very invaluable. However, “bohemian” styled tourmaline jewelry allows one to have a little from each world.Tourmalines are gemstones that can be quite valuable, and though they absolutely can be glamorous, they can also be used to create very earthy, modest, and carefree styles. Large tourmaline beaded necklaces, antique styled rings, chunky bracelets, and unique-shaped multi-colored tourmaline earrings are just a few examples.   Not every gemstone can suit so many styles and tastes like the tourmaline. Many of the beautiful colorful stones you may come across could actually be tourmalines and you would not have even known! It is a great option for fabulous jewelry pieces. 

Our marvelous planet has gifted us with many mesmerizing specimens, otherwise known as gemstones, which are rich in color, texture, and shine. Sapphire gemstones are among the most coveted precious gemstones, which is quite understandable given the rainbow of colors in which they come and the endless possibilities they present. Some of LEIBISH's Sapphire rings   What are Sapphires? Sapphires are One of the Four Precious Gemstones. The terms stones and gemstones are thrown around quite a bit, but for the most part, while almost all gemstones originate from some mineral (besides from rare exceptions like pearls), not every stone is a gemstone, which is used almost interchangeably with the term precious. This is because some are considered more precious than others and only a select few in the category of precious gemstones.  To be clear, the separation between precious and semi-precious is actually not used any longer. Still, many differentiate between the two groups.  A stone becomes a gem once it has been transformed from its rough mineral form into a cut and polished jewel. The most lavish gemstones on the planet, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, fall into what was called precious gemstones. All other gemstones are referred to as semi-precious. Some are far less valuable than precious gemstones while others can cost quite the pretty penny. Sapphires are the gemstone variety of the corundum mineral. The red sapphire variety is called a ruby. Sapphires are mined, and they are also manufactured for decorative purposes. These stones measure 9 on the Mohs scale in terms of hardness, making them the third hardest gemstone after diamonds and moissanite respectively. Diamonds rank 10 whereas moissanite ranks 9.5. They are therefore also used for non-decorative uses such as for infrared optical components. How Are Sapphires Formed?  Sapphires are formed under the earth’s surface over millions of years. They are the result of several processes, which include high temperatures and pressure. These are the ideal conditions for metamorphic processes in which sapphires are formed. When liquid magma found deep within the earth cools, it allows the minerals to crystalize. The finest and purest forms of corundum, otherwise known as sapphires, are these very minerals that have been recrystallized during this process that has taken millions of years. A sapphire is a mineral but it is not diamond even though a diamond is a mineral as well. They are both different types of minerals. Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is an aluminum oxide. Various elements found within the sapphires cause different hues. For example, iron causes blue, titanium causes yellow, and chromium causes purple. LEIBISH 8.54 ct deep blue sapphire   Where do Sapphires Come From? Sapphires are mined in locations around the globe but are mainly sourced from Cambodia, Colombia, India, and Kenya. Other areas include Afghanistan, Australia, Nepal, the United States, and Vietnam. The sapphires from the various regions differ from one another in terms of their chemical structure and appearance.   Sapphire Quality Assessment Most people know that a diamond is assessed based on four main categories better known as the 4Cs, which stand for color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These are used to assess colored gemstones albeit quite differently. For starters, while color, cut, clarity, and carat are all looked at in an equal manner when discussing colorless diamonds they are not dealt with in this fashion when grading sapphires. The main reason for this is that the color of a sapphire takes absolute precedence over everything else. We aren’t looking at the absence of color like we do with colorless diamonds but at the presence of color. This puts it at front and center in such a way that we don’t just look to see which color it is, but what secondary colors are present, how intense the color can be seen, and how dark or light the stone is. In official terms, the color, tone, and saturation of a sapphire take priority over all other aspects including clarity, carat, and cut.  Furthermore, while high-quality sapphires are preferred, the quality is not assessed in the same way it is for a diamond. Inclusions can be present within a sapphire and it can still be considered extremely valuable. It all depends on where the flaw is found, how visible it is, and whether or not it can be seen minimally compared to the overall color and appearance of the stone. Although a sapphire’s color is its most important feature, the cut is a close second. This is because the way in which a sapphire is cut affects its color directly. Therefore, the center of a sapphire must be cut in a way that it reflects light and color. When the center of the stone is dead and does not reflect light or color, it is known as a window. Sapphires with large windows will be sold for lower prices whereas stones without windows that have full color and light reflection will sell for a higher value.  Lastly, a sapphire can be found in larger sizes, but the bigger the stone, the smaller the chances of it being a quality gem. Thus, the larger and higher quality stone you come across the rarer, and the more expensive it will be. Are sapphires rare? Stones known on the market as sapphires are not incredibly rare, however, untreated sapphires of high quality are extremely hard to come by. This is because most sapphires that are mined are of such poor quality that they never enter the gem trade to begin with. Among those stones that do make it into the trade, most are treated in some way or another. Sapphire sources are limited because of several reasons. If the mine is not profitable enough, it won’t be mined altogether. Additionally, if the source is located in a controversial area, it will be avoided and thus becomes null. LEIBISH 3 Stone Sapphire Ring   Sapphire Meanings and History Sapphires were discovered thousands of years ago. They date all the way back to the First Temple, 957 BCE, as the sapphire was one of the twelve precious stones used in the High Priest’s breastplate. It is unknown who was the first person to discover sapphires. Today sapphires are mined in countries around the world. Some of these countries include Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Colombia, Nepal, Kenya, Australia, Vietnam, Tanzania, and the USA, as well as others. In addition to making beautiful additions to any piece of jewelry, sapphires are used to create high durability windows, wristwatch crystals and movement bearings, and can also be used for electronics.   Sapphires Prices  How much does a sapphire cost? A sapphire can cost anywhere from $20 a carat to $450 a carat to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It truly depends on the quality of the stone, whether or not it has been treated, its colors, its cut, its size, and its shape. A tiny yet high quality sapphire can cost ten times the price of a much larger stone. Therefore, each and every sapphire needs to be regarded and surveyed individually. Which sapphire is the most expensive? Deep blue sapphires of high quality tend to sell for the highest prices although flawless pink and yellow sapphires have been known to bring in quite the pretty penny as well. In terms of the most expensive sapphires ever sold at auction, there are several stones that saw prices in the millions. These include the Richelieu Sapphires, which sold for $8,358,520 and an unmounted Burmese sapphire that brought in $7,223,285.    LEIBISH 16.02 carat Oval Sapphire & Diamond Halo Multicolored Bracelet in 18K Gold   Sapphire Colors Known mostly for their blue variety, including the luxurious Royal blue sapphire, sapphires appear in an array of colors, including pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, colorless, and black. These stones make fabulous alternatives to their pricier color diamond counterparts, although some types of colored sapphires can be quite costly as well. That is one of the most attractive aspects of a sapphire; the many color choices. Color-Changing Sapphires Aside from the different colored sapphires, there are several unique types of sapphires that are singled out from the rest. One such type is the color-changing sapphire. Like its name suggests, this unusual sapphire displays different colors when it is exposed to natural lighting and artificial lighting. Which sapphire is the best, blue or yellow? The word sapphire and the color blue basically go hand in hand, so it is safe to say that blue sapphires are among the most popular varieties of sapphires. Having said that, yellow sapphires have become quite popular, especially since they are a cheaper alternative to the lovely yet pricey yellow diamond.   Different Types of Sapphires Genuine, unheated sapphires have the highest demand and, like diamonds, are found in nature. Synthetic Sapphires created in labs exist due to the rarity and high cost of real sapphires. Natural or rather unheated Sapphires are found in several colors, blue being the most recognized and popular color. Other colors include yellow, purple, orange, pink, brown, and green. There are also colorless sapphires, which can be used in place of diamonds due to their similarities. Sapphires displaying a combination of colors exist as well. What is a star sapphire? An additional special kind of sapphire is the star sapphire. As a result of the imperfections within the stone, the sapphire can display an asterism, which resembles a star, hence the name. Star sapphires are in a category of their own due to this unique feature. Such sapphires are incredibly rare and highly sought after. There are star rubies as well. LEIBISH Blue Sapphire   Sapphire Ruby Is a ruby a sapphire? The simple answer to this question is no. Though rubies are the red form of corundum, as sapphire is the blue form and padparadscha is the pinkish-orange form, they are known by different names. It is imperative to point out that two of sapphires and rubies share the exact same scientific structure. That means that a sapphire and ruby are actually the same type of stone. The only significant difference is that rubies have an exquisite red color. The ruby’s unique color was enough to make it defined as a gemstone of its own, but aside for the element that causes the red color, the two stones have the same gem structure. Only rubies with a strong red color are considered rubies while the lighter stones are known as pink sapphires.   Sapphire Birthstone The classic sapphire birthstone is blue, but the birthstone refers to all sapphires, leaving one to choose from an array of alluring sapphire colors. One with a sapphire birthstone can elect to wear a blue sapphire, green, yellow, brown, or pink. That is one of the most attractive aspects of a sapphire; the many color choices. Sapphire's set in yellow gold   There is no denying the incredible beauty of a sapphire, whether it is blue, yellow, or colorless. This highly durable substance available in a plethora of breathtaking colors makes for an irresistible jewel perfect for any piece or occasion. Like everything in life, there is always compromise and like everything else, different things appeal to different types of people. So unless you are adamant and insist on getting the largest, highest quality sapphire with the best color and are able to afford it for that matter, it is recommended to think carefully what matters most to you. Is it the size? The color? The shape? The quality? The larger a stone is, the more chances of it having inclusions. On the other hand, smaller stones are more likely to have fewer flaws. Therefore, if you want the best of both worlds you will need to be ready to pay the price. Other questions may involve the stone purchasing process, dos and don'ts, and what to look out for. Always make certain you are purchasing from a reputable business and try to take someone knowledgeable with you for backup.

The term zircon may seem familiar to many, but what most people actually think about a zircon, is something else entirely. So, what is zircon? Well, the diamond look-alike, which most people know of and have a love/hate relationship with, is not a zircon, but rather, a cubic zirconia; a cheap synthetic stone.A natural zircon, on the other hand, is also in fact similar to diamonds and comes in several colors, but it is much softer than a diamond and a cubic zirconia for that matter, and of course demands much lower prices than the real deal. Needless to say, there are plenty of questions regarding zircons, so here are the most frequently asked questions to help you understand them a bit more. What is zircon   What is zircon? A zircon is a type of mineral. It belongs to a group of minerals known as nesosilicates and has a tetragonal crystal system. The name zircon comes from Persia and means golden-colored. However, Zircons are actually found in several colors.   Is a cubic zirconia a mineral? A cubic zirconia is not a mineral. It is a form of zirconia dioxide and due to its similar appearance to diamonds; it is the main competitor for diamond substitutes. Recently, synthetic moissanite, an artificial version of a natural gemstone very similar in appearance to diamonds, has become yet another competing alternative to pricey diamonds.   What is the difference between white zirconia VS diamond? White zirconia is the white form of cubic zirconia, a synthetic stone. A diamond is a natural gemstone, found in deposits. Rough diamonds are cut and polished into the stunning faceted stones that we know and love.Asking what is the difference between white zirconia and diamonds is like asking the difference between genuine leather and faux leather. Despite the apparent visual similarities between the two, nothing about the very different items' compositions is alike, and this is seen clearly throughout time, a closer look, and through knowledgeable eyes. What is white zircon? A white zircon is a natural, white zircon. Natural zircons are found in several colors, including white. White zircons are among the more desirable types of zircons. Zircons of other colors can be treated with heat to become white, or blue, another popular zircon color. What is white zircon (Credit: Rudra Centre)   What is the color of zircon? Zircons can appear in a number of colors such as red, golden yellow, colorless, green, brown, and blue.   What is blue zircon? In addition to colorless zircons, blue zircons are one of the most desirable types of zircons. Various treatments can be applied to natural colored zircons to achieve this unique color, but zircons found naturally with a blue coloring are the most sought after.So, is blue zircon valuable? Absolutely. Zircons are confused with cubic zirconia so often that I answered frequently asked questions about both of these stones in this article. However, it is of utmost importance to differentiate between the two. The only similarity the two stones share is in their names. Everything else is pretty much day and night. LEIBISH 25.14 carat, Blue, Brazilian Zircon, Oval Shape Though zircons have a name of being a cheaper gemstone, some zircons can be quite costly. It is therefore imperative to find out everything possible about natural zircons before going out and buying one, lest you end up with what you thought was a really great-priced zircon but turned out to be a worthless cubic zirconia.Understanding what is zircon and its unique characteristics can help you make informed decisions when purchasing gemstones.

The most precious gemstone, the diamond, is graded based on the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. With colorless diamonds, every one of these specifications equally matters. When it comes to color diamonds, and colored gemstones for that matter, color takes precedence. After all, a gemstone’s color is truly what sets it apart from other stones. Gemstone color can be broken down into three categories: hue, tone, and saturation.The first factor, hue, refers to the specific color of the stone. It is preferable for a stone to have the purest hue possible. This means that any secondary color should either be nonexistent or minimal.The second factor, tone, describes the level at which the color is seen in the stone. A gemstone can be green, but it can be a very light shade of green or display an extremely deep green color.Lastly, the saturation of a stone is how strongly the stone’s color shows versus any possible gray or brown hues that may be present in the stone. There are some gemstones that can be found in completely different colors, so it is important to ensure that both the gemstone and the color are correct. For example, sapphires can be found in either pink, white, yellow, or the most familiar – blue. Ruby, aquamarine, and emerald can only be found in red, blue and green, respectively, but stones like tanzanite and tourmaline can be found in more than one color as well. LEIBISH 1.29 carat, Pink Sapphire, Emerald Shape   Vivid Hue: Exploring the Spectrum of Gemstone Colors Before the color of any gemstone, can be assessed, its color must first be established. A gemstone appraiser makes sure, for example, that the blue stone that he is looking at is a tourmaline and not a sapphire, or a tanzanite and not an aquamarine. A stone’s hue can be a pure primary color (red, blue, or yellow) or a secondary color, which is the result of primary colors mixing (orange, green, and purple.)A stone’s color can also be mixed with gray, white, or black, which results in the need for yet another grade. When there is gray in a stone, it is the saturation that needs to be graded. When there is white in a stone, it is the tint that needs to be defined. The presence of black in a stone can affect the tone.Most stones are more valuable when there is little tint, though there are some exceptions. LEIBISH Aquamarine and Sapphire stones It is the most desirable for a gemstone to possess a pure color, but more often than not, a stone also has secondary colors. For example, a very valuable ruby may display a pure blood red color, or otherwise they can range from pink to the darkest purple. A pure color can be one of the primary colors, red, blue, and yellow, while secondary colors are those created as a result of primary colors mixing, such as purple, green, and orange. LEIBISH Pinkish Red Marquise shaped Ruby and trilliant cut diamond 3 stone Ring   Tone and Tint: Understanding the Shades of Gemstones The amount of black or white color mixed into the primary color is what determines the tone of a gemstone. A stone will have a dark tone if there is a high percentage of black mixed in. A stone will be very light if there is white mixed in. A stone should not be too dark that you cannot tell what color it is, nor should it be too faint. 2 Sapphires in different tones of blue   That is why on the tone grading scale, the middle grades of medium-dark, medium, and light medium fetch the highest prices. Dark, Light, and Very Light tone gemstones are far less valuable. However, a stone is never graded based on its tone alone. It is the tone combined with the stone’s color that determines its worth. It is not ideal for a gemstone to be too dark or too light, although that may change the price of the stone in your favor. Enhancing Saturation: Maximizing Color Intensity in Gemstones While color is very much desirable in a colored gemstone, and it is preferred for stones to have some traces of black or white, it is very much not desirable for a stone to contain gray or brown color. The less gray and brown in a stone, the higher the saturation level. A stone containing zero gray or brown has yet to be discovered, but if were to be, it would be considered a stone with a 100% saturation. Gemstones with high color saturation are referred to as stones with vivid or strong saturation. The presence of gray in a stone contributes to the saturation level. It is less desirable for a stone to contain gray in it, therefore the less there is of the gray the higher the saturation. A stone with zero gray presence, which would in theory receive a 100% saturation grade, has never been found. A pure red ruby with no gray or brown coloring  A stone can potentially be pure, and free of other hues but it is never free of grey, white or black, and can therefore never receive the highest color grade. But the stone is not based on color alone, but rather, also on its tone. Color grades run 1 through 10. 1-2 is excellent, 3-4 is very good, 4-5 is good, 6-7 is fair, 8-9 is poor, and 9-10 is very poor. Gemstones must be in the 1-4 range with a Medium-Dark to Light –Medium tone to be considered high quality gemstones in terms of color.   Crystal Clear: Navigating Clarity in Gemstones The clarity in gemstones refers to the amount of inclusions in the stone.A gemstone that is Free of Inclusions is a stone that has inclusions that even under 10x magnification cannot be seen.Very Lightly Included stones may or may not have inclusions that can be detected by a professional with a lens.Lightly Included gems have inclusions that are detectable under 10x magnification, but not often with the unaided eye.Moderately Included stones possess inclusions that the naked eye can see but they do not dominate the gem. Heavily Included and Excessively Included stones have clear and visible inclusions that affect the stone’s appearance and in the case of the latter, the stones may not be durable. Part of a stone’s clarity is the brilliance it displays. This is related mostly to the way in which the stone was cut. LEIBISH Tanzanite Ring, Aquamarine Ring and Emerald Ring The depth of a stone is another aspect of gemstones and is related to clarity as well. The height of the stone divided by its minimum width is a stone’s depth. Ideally this should be between 60% and 80%, however this depends greatly on the rough shape of the gem. Stones that are under 50% are considered shallow and may find it hard to maintain saturation. On the other hand, stones over 90% might blackout if it has a dark tone. Precision Cuts: Evaluating Cutting Grades for Multicolored Gemstones The cutting grade for gemstones is just part of the overall grade it receives. The cutting grade is comprised of both the diamond’s brilliance and the diamond’s depth.The grade also includes the general quality and precision of the diamond’s cut and finish. If the cut has any flaws or weaknesses it will be mentioned in this grade. Though it is possible to look at the individual great for each and every aspect, you can keep it simple and look at the overall grade, which summarizes all of the diamond cut’s elements. This grade consists of five levels. These are Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Statistics show that 900 out of 1000 diamonds mined will fall into the Fair or Poor categories, while only 1 will receive the Excellent grade. LEIBISH Rosie's Bloom Collection   Weighty Matters: Unveiling the Significance of Gemstone Carat Weight People would generally assume that the bigger the better, and therefore more expensive. However, with gemstones, it is not so black and white.Though many times larger stones are more sought after and therefore far pricier than smaller stones, this isn’t always the case. There are some gemstones such as the ruby, which are often found in large sizes. However, it is extremely difficult to come across a ruby with high clarity. Therefore, a much smaller ruby with few inclusions will cost a pretty penny.Additionally, a stone’s weight does not necessarily reflect its visual appearance. What this means is that a rather heavy stone may be very deep, and much of its weight will not be seen when set in a jewelry setting. On the other hand, a much lighter stone could appear much larger simply because it is shallow but wide. Someone with a tight budget could benefit greatly from such a stone. Red Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Diamond 2 Stone Crossover Ring Nature has left us with many different types of gemstones, each with its own unique features. There are many aspects of a gemstone that need to be examined in order to assess its true worth.However, there are many different laboratories that produce these stones, and some have different grading systems.Additionally, each and every person has different taste. If it is a matter of selecting a gemstone for a jewelry piece, then one should go with the stone that speaks out to him or her. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Some gemstones are so closely associated with their top place of origin that the mere mention of their source conjures up visions of breathtaking beauty. Say Golconda diamonds for instance, and a vision of impossibly clear, colorless diamonds come to mind. Colombian emeralds evoke images of exciting vivid green crystals. Kashmir sapphires — specifically the kingdom of Kashmir and Jammu symbolizes the epitome of intense velvety blue stones unlike sapphire found anywhere else. And you can’t think of pink diamonds without the Argyle mine coming to mind. So, when you say ruby, you are probably thinking of Burmese ruby—especially from Mogok valley. Mogok, Myanmar. (Federico Barlocher)   Quality notwithstanding, there’s an understory woven throughout the history of Burmese ruby that elevates it to mythical status. It is irrefutably the world’s most valuable colored gem. Ancient Burmese warriors believed ruby safeguarded them in battle. Primeval folklore attributed mythical qualities like luck and protection to the shimmering stone. Ratnaraj, Sanskrit for ruby translates to ‘king of precious stones.’ They have been linked to royalty for eons, turning up in some of the most splendid crown jewels in the world.  In modern times, ruby’s blazing color captivated the imagination of Hollywood royalty and American socialites too.   What is a Ruby? Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Pure corundum is colorless. And trace amounts of other elements lend color to corundum. Titanium and iron produce blue, so it becomes a sapphire. We can thank chromium for that lipstick red hue we love in ruby. But this impurity in ruby can also create fluorescence which intensifies its red tint. Corundum is the 2nd hardest natural substance known—only thing harder is diamond. Hardness is not just a curious trait when it comes to gemstones. Hardness allows a stone to take a high polish that ramp up its light handling capabilities. We know the harder the stone, the more durable it is too. LEIBISH 5 carats, Pigeon Blood, Burma Ruby View our Ruby Collection.   Why Mogok? For those in the know, simply saying the word Mogok brings to mind the intense pigeon blood hue found only in rubies originating in a small slip of land high in the mountains of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The ancient town of Mogok may be just four miles long, but it boasts a reputation the world over for luscious red rubies that connoisseurs crave. These Burmese rubies are celebrated for their pure red hue, with just enough translucency in them to allow light to bounce around inside until it returns to the eye producing the magnificent color we adore. Top quality Mogok ruby is distinguished by a slightly purple hue to its vividly saturated red. Called pigeon blood red, the indescribable softness they display is the result of microscopic light-scattering ‘silk’ inclusions which diffuse light with velvety results. These traits make Mogok ruby the standard by which all other rubies are judged. We can thank Mogok mines for giving us over 90% of the best Burmese ruby ever produced. The King of Freedom, the largest Ruby Crystal ever found in Burma. (Federico Barlocher)   Color Dominates When it comes to ruby, color is the dominant driver. While it’s rare to find ruby that’s free of inclusions, their value is greatly impacted by the level of visibility produced by the inclusions. While these details are fine descriptors of Mogok ruby, most Myanmar mines are no longer producing gemmy stones. Nearly all Burmese ruby in the market today was extracted decades back, even 100 years ago. Though difficult to acquire, the little Burmese ruby coming out from Myanmar has not always been met with open arms. Some jewelers refuse to do business with Myanmar because its political leaders have made life difficult for its citizens, especially ethnic minorities living there.  Gem dealers insist that while Mogok rubies have that mythical mystique surrounding them, there’s simply no product to be had. With Mogok supplies nearly non-existent and consumer demand high, serious collectors head to auctions for authentic Mogok stones. But there’s another source for fine ruby today that is available to collectors. Mozambique ruby is nearly on par with Mogok ruby, some believe. Without Mogok’s romantic provenance, Mozambican ruby sells far below Burmese per carat prices. Mozambique ruby is a true 21st century stone offering the consumer a similar color and transparency to Mogok ruby. Their color is sometimes expressed as ‘pigeon blood’ to explain their closeness in hue to Mogok ruby. Still, sizes above 1 carat are rare. Connoisseurs may claim however, that only Mogok ruby will do. For that collector, the auction block is their most reliable source for stones.  Shop Ruby Jewelry here!

Aquamarine gemstones are semi-precious gemstones, a blue-green variety of the mineral beryl. While aquamarine stones are mined in locations all around the globe including Sri Lanka, the United States, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya, some of the finest gemstones are found in Brazil. In fact, it was in the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Menas Gerais, Brazil, where the original aquamarine gemstone possessing a unique deeply saturated blue hue was discovered. Thus, stones with such a color are now dubbed ‘Santa Maria,’ regardless of their origin. LEIBISH 1.23 carat, Santa Maria, Aquamarine, Oval Shape, Heat treatment   Aquamarine Attributes Although aquamarine stones are semi-precious gemstones, they rank between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Just to compare, diamonds rank 10 and sapphires and rubies rank 9. An aquamarine stone’s hardness can be compared to that of an emerald, which isn’t surprising because emeralds are also a variety of beryl. The Fe2+ ion is responsible for the blue color. Some aquamarine stones display a very blue color, referred to as Maxixe. This color is achieved due to the combinations of ions. When Fe2+, and Fe3+, which causes a deep yellow color, are both present in a stone, a darker blue is created.   The 4 Cs of the Santa Maria Aquamarine Gemstone Most gemstones are assessed using the 4 Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Color is of utmost importance for colored gemstones like aquamarine stones. Therefore, they are first categorized by the quality and type of color that they display, such as a Santa Maria blue. Clarity refers to the imperfections or the lack thereof, within a stone. For colorless stones it is ideal to be as clear and void of inclusions as possible. While it is still of great significance to showcase impressive clarity, color gemstones, particularly beryl, generally possess some sort of imperfection. Having said that, Santa Maria aquamarine gemstones are known for being ‘eye clean,’ meaning, inclusions cannot be detected by the unaided eye. In terms of cut, aquamarine stones need to be cut with sharp angles and symmetric patterns because of their reflective nature. This is why stones with a high clarity can still appear dull if they have a poor cut. Lastly, it is difficult to find a Santa Maria aquamarine in large carat sizes. Half a carat is about the largest size for an average stone. However, LEIBISH is fortunate enough to possess a 1.23-carat Santa Maria oval-shaped aquamarine gemstone. LEIBISH Multi-color Sapphire & Aquamarine Earrings TW 4.95cts   Sources for Aquamarine Gemstones Aquamarine can be found in most locations where regular beryl is unearthed. The original mine that gave birth to the Santa Maria aquamarine has been nearly exhausted of its aquamarine findings, which is why many of today’s Santa Maria aquamarine stones come from various African countries. Mining aquamarine is a lengthy and tiring process, which is part of what makes these gemstones so special. In addition to being a beautiful gemstone with a stunning color, the aquamarine gemstone is also the modern birthstone for March.  Some also have a custom to give this gem as a 19th wedding anniversary gift. There are even those who believe that aquamarine stones have the ability to cure ailments such as thyroid problems and swollen glands. Whether you are in the market for a Santa Maria aquamarine gemstone in order to introduce something unique into your collection, you are looking for a meaningful birthday or wedding anniversary gift, or you would like to try your hand at an unconventional method of healing chronic pain, you will be pleased with the many benefits of the aquamarine stone and its unparalleled beauty.

As much as diamonds truly are a spectacular specimen, they are a perfect example of how supply and demand works, as well as marketing in general. Diamonds are certainly hard to come by, and are marketed as such. However, there are plenty of other commodities, and gemstones in particular that are just as rare as diamonds if not rarer.  Tanzanite happens to be a semi-precious gemstone that is far rarer than diamonds and yet is valued far less than the hardest substance known to man. While other factors play a part when determining the overall worth of a stone such as appearance and durability, one would think that the element of rarity would have more of an effect on the price of the stone. This reality has an upside as well as a downside, depending on how you look at it. Diamonds may be easier to come across, but they come at a steep price. Tanzanite on the other hand, although not quite diamonds, are far cheaper yet more difficult to hunt down. Here is a short comparison between these two intriguing gemstones. LEIBISH Tanzanite Cushion & Marquise Diamond Ring (3.37Ct TW)   Diamonds in a Nutshell Found in many parts of the world, diamonds consist of a perfect internal structure that results in an extremely durable stone that is also capable of giving off an incredible and unparalleled shine. Their unusual sparkle and hardness is what has dubbed them as a girl’s best friend and is the stone of choice for brides-to-be all across the globe. There are four main factors to consider when looking for a diamond: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. These are known as the 4 Cs. In colorless diamonds, all four elements are of equal importance whereas color takes precedence when it comes to color diamonds.   Tanzanite in a Nutshell Unlike most gemstones, tanzanite was only discovered some forty or so years ago in Tanzania. The name tanzanite was given to the mineral zoisite, which is found in a number of hues, in order to market it. It was Tiffany’s that had this brilliant idea and now it is the name used to refer to the blue, bluish purple, and bluish violet varieties. Much like rubies, which are actually red sapphires, the name tanzanite is reserved for these colors alone although some will refer to some of the other colors as colorless tanzanite, gray tanzanite, yellow tanzanite, and so on and so forth. The rough stone often has more of a brownish red color, and only after heat treatment do many tanzanite stones transform into the blue gemstones many of us would recognize. Stones’ colors are often affected by elements found within the mineral. In the case of tanzanite, it is small traces of vanadium in the zoisite’s structure that causes the blue coloring. When such stone are heated to 600 degrees Celsius for thirty minutes, the blue coloring can come forth more. For this reason, almost all blue tanzanite on the market has been heat-treated. Those that are found with such a color naturally demand extremely high prices. In terms of durability, tanzanite ranks 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, as opposed to diamonds, which rank 10. LEIBISH Tanzanite Pear Side Stone Ring (2.74Ct TW)   Why Diamonds? Diamonds should be sought after first and foremost for their durability. The second reason, which is equally important, is its one-of-a-kind shine. While this is less relevant in color diamond it is still important because of the structure of the stone. It will not exude the radiance that colorless diamonds, particularly brilliant-cut stones, are known for, but it will still display an overall dazzle that is incomparable to any other stone.   Why Tanzanite? One of the arguments made in favor of diamonds is that they are special specimen for having been on our planet for so long and having had to endure such conditions to become what they are. In all fairness, many minerals have been formed in similar fashions overtime, albeit with different chemical makeups. Tanzanite is a rather recent player in the gemstone industry and yet it has so much to offer. Known mainly for the blue variety, which is a strong contender with blue sapphires and maybe even blue diamonds, its colorless variety has a place in the competition with colorless diamonds and other colorless gemstones as well. The most attractive feature of a tanzanite stone is its color. Needless to say, the presentation of a piece of tanzanite jewelry is phenomenal. Pair that with the low price of approximately $425 for a 1-carat stone and you’ve got yourself a great deal. LEIBISH 2.58 carat, Violet, Tanzanite, Heart Shape   The Bottom Line When it comes down to comparing a diamond with a tanzanite stone, it is hard to come away with a winner. The reason for this is that despite the common ground between the two stones, they are truly worlds apart. Diamonds are on top of the gemstone hierarchy whereas tanzanite is somewhere down below. It’s not just that it is so much less durable than a diamond and that it does not offer the brilliance, sparkle, or clarity of a diamond; it’s everything combined. Having said that, if you are looking for a stone with an awesome color that won’t break the bank, tanzanite definitely has one on diamonds, which will have a much harder time filling these specific needs.

The thing that most people find the most shocking about rubies and sapphires when learning about them for the first time is that they are both from the same mineral. In fact, aside from their coloring, they are essentially the same stone. Both rubies and sapphires are varieties of the mineral corundum. This mineral is found in an array of colors but is mostly known for its blue hue. Pink, orange, yellow, green, and purple sapphires exist as well.   Red Sapphires Red sapphires would exist too except they were given their very own category, rubies. The color is what sets each of these stones apart, caused by the particular internal structure of the mineral. Let us take a closer look at these two gemstones and at what sets them apart from one another. LEIBISH ruby and a white diamond   Sapphires and Rubies - Lets Talk Science The Al2O3 Crystal Crystals of pure Al2O3 are known as corundum. When in gem form, they are called colorless sapphires. The structure of this mineral consists of six oxygen atoms that surround every aluminum atom, creating a somewhat distorted octahedron. Though there are three oxygen atoms above the aluminum atom and three below, they are placed a little differently. The bottom atoms are set slightly further apart from one another than the atoms above. This is how half of the aluminum atoms are arranged. The other half is exactly the opposite. The aluminum atom is a positive ion surrounded by six negative ions. At the same time, the surrounding negative oxygen atoms receive two electrons thus ensuring there are no unoccupied energy levels. This arrangement means that every two aluminum atoms give six electrons and every three oxygen atoms get six electrons altogether in order to produce Al2O3. This allows for a crystal field to be created. This is the case for pure corundum; when the electrons are paired differently and when atoms are replaced, the makeup of the crystal changes. Click Through for more information on Sapphires LEIBISH 3.69 carat, Blue, Sapphire, Cushion Shape   Sapphires vs Rubies With pure corundum, there is no absorption of light, thus no color. When one in every hundred aluminum atoms is replaced by a chromium atom, it must donate three electrons like the oxygen atoms in order to become Cr3+ and replace Al3+. This is so that the charge stays the same. There are no partially filled orbitals or energy levels in Al3+ but there are in Cr3+. These are the very electrons that can be triggered and can lead to the absorption of light, which essentially creates the color in rubies. Traces of iron, titanium, chromium, copper, and magnesium are what upset the otherwise “perfect” makeup of pure corundum and lead to the blue color of sapphires. The cause for the different colors of corundum, thus creating sapphires and rubies, is extremely scientific yet unbeknownst to the average gemstone customer. Interestingly enough, color diamonds work similarly with various elements leading to different color diamonds. The presence of nitrogen in diamonds, for instance, is what causes yellow diamonds, and boron leads to blue diamonds. Science is fascinating and confusing, but who knew it could be so beautiful?   Shop Our Collection of Gemstones and Gemstone Jewelry Today!

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