Gemstones

Jasper is a kind of gemstone or quartz that, unlike other types of quartz, has minute quartz crystals joined and layered together. The gem contains mineral oxides and organic materials that give it…

A trommel is a device used for sifting a variety of materials such as gemstones, gold or garden mulch, sorting them into several sizes. The trommel is primarily a cylinder that turns slowly allowing…

Gemstones are small polished pieces of certain rocks and minerals which yield a beautiful luster after tumbling. Some rocks that produce jewelry-quality gemstones are: chalcedony, opal, rose quartz,…

Emeralds are among the most precious gemstones in the world. They can be natural or synthetic. Synthetic gemstones are stones and that have been made in a laboratory and are typically not valued as…

Gemstones sewn onto a fabric make a unique style statement, uplifting it from plain to posh. Add glitter to a plain top with crystals, fix gemstone buttons to a dress or embellish a fabric handbag…

When it comes to on-trend gems in the fall of 2011, diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, but you don’t need a bank loan to afford the season’s most popular stones. The market…

Jewelry is not the only way to wear semiprecious gemstones. Bead them onto clothing for a unique, one-of-kind look. Popular semiprecious stones for beading are peridot, citrine, amethyst, Malachite,…

Blue topaz gems, often referred to as coastal blue topaz gems due to their pale aquatic color, are used in the creation of rings, necklaces and an array of other fine jewelry. In addition to being the…

Gemstones are found in various river basins around the world. The water flow brings the gemstones from the bottom of the river to the riverbeds. Many people pan for gemstones such as rubies or…

Whether you have recently obtained gemstones from your deceased parent's estate or you have acquired your own collection of gems over the years, selling gemstones for the maximum rate of profit is a…

Aside from being popular gifts, birthstones are traditionally viewed as sources of mystical powers -- such as good luck and health -- for their wearers. Ancient cultures believed certain stones…

Emeralds are a green variety of the stone called beryl. They are the most valuable and well-known green gemstone in the world and are used to make precious jewelry. Some people also use emerald…

A diamond is forever, and fakes and forgeries have been around for nearly as long. Identifying gemstones is a challenging process that requires many years of training to execute properly. Tests for…

Most gemstones, including emeralds, are treated in some way between their discovery in a mine and their purchase by a consumer. Emeralds are treated with oil in order to improve clarity by filling any…

Having a distress beacon on your boat can seem like overkill, especially if you only sail in familiar waters or hike local trails, but it can make the difference between life and a slow death. You can…

Minerals and metals are found in abundance throughout the earth's surface in a variety of climates, landforms and geological formations, created by volcanic activity in the geologically distant past.…

Gemstones are mined around the world in what's called "rough" condition. Highly trained gemstone cutters use specialized facet cutting tools to make the gems symmetrical. Along with symmetry, the…

The compass has long been used to help travelers find their way, and over the years many professionals from soldiers to sailors have found the device an invaluable aid. These days compasses also have…

Gemstone facet cutting is the art of transforming a rough, misshaped gem to a refined condition and preparing it for sale to end-use consumers. A specialized set of facet cutting tools, along with a…

Creating your own jewelry doesn't have to be limited to adding store bought beads to some string. You can set your own gems, semi-precious stones or crystals with the use of snap-in settings. Known by…

Flush-setting is related to the ancient tradition of bezel setting gems. Instead of wrapping wire around the gem, the setting is bored into the metal. This creates a snug hole for the gem to sit in,…

Cabochons are oval-shaped stones with a convex outer surface that is polished to a high luster. They are smooth rather than faceted, flat on one side, and usually small--about 1/2 inch to 2 or 3…

Making your own jewelry involves much more than simply beading cord with different charms and bead varieties. In fact, you can experiment with using fine gemstones, bezels and cabochon findings.…

Kennebunkport, a seaside town in southern Maine, is the home of former President George H. W. Bush. It attracts a varied assortment of visitors, including outdoor types who love to hike, bike and…

Garnet, typically known as the deep-red birthstone of January, actually ranges in color from orange to green. Garnet shows the widest color array of any mineral, appearing in every color but blue. Not…

Most first grade boys are curious about a whole range of things, and have many different hobbies to reflect these interests. It is rare to find a boy of this age who is interested in one activity…

A bezel is a type of jewelry setting designed to hold gemstones in place. Making a bezel is somewhat challenging, as the bezel must fit a stone exactly, and setting the stone can be difficult, as…

Unscrupulous salespeople have devised many ways to trick the unsuspecting purchaser into buying glass or synthetic material disguised as a precious or semiprecious stone. Fortunately, the shopper who…

Onyx is a well-known and popular stone that has been polished, collected and utilized since ancient times, even being referenced several times in the Bible. Its shiny black color provides good color…

Wire wrapping is an advanced jewelry-making technique, but wrapping pendants and making rings are some of the first projects beginners learn. The technique gleaned from these small projects will stay…

Humans have been carving gemstone for hundreds of thousands of years. The first techniques used involved using stones to chip or etch other stones. As technology advanced, equipment became more…

Gemstone jewelry can be made at home at a fraction of the cost of buying it at a store. Whether you like rose quartz or emeralds, there are projects you can make, no matter your level of experience.…

Yarn hobbies let you learn firsthand how a single strand of material can be tied, knotted or sewn to create a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing, accessory or decoration. Yarn is simply several strands…

The Urim and Thummim are the subject of debate among religious scholars. They are referenced in the Book of Samuel in the Bible as crucial to the process of divination, but it is not clear whether…

There are literally thousands of types of rocks on Earth that have been in existence and changing form for billions of years in some cases. Although the number of elements that make up most rocks are…

Rubies are known for their deep red color and sparkling natural luster and are one of the most precious and rare gemstones in the world. Red quartz crystals, on the other hand, are common and not…

Wire-wrapped jewelry is a common technique that jewelry crafters use to mount larger stones as pendants and large charms. This technique can be used for all kinds of rock or gem shapes and sizes, and…

Ranging from light pink to blood red, natural rubies are second in value only to diamonds. A member of the beryl family, the value and rarity of rubies has caused the market to be flooded with…

"Gem Tower Defense" is a free Flash game. The objective is to kill monsters before they reach the end of the path. Players line the path with gems, which shoot energy bolts at the monsters. Monsters…

In 1652, Thomas Nicols described a fine ruby in his "Lapidary or the History of Precious Stones," as a gem that emulated "the bright shining of a flame or fire." Indeed, rubies emit light, or are…

An artist who cuts, polishes or engraves on stones, minerals and gemstones is referred to as a lapidary. A lapidary works for pleasure and/or money, producing works of art worth much more than the…

Wire-wrapped pendants are made by wrapping jewelry wire around a stone pendant and bending it into an eye-catching design. The wire holds the stone pendant in place without the need of a "claw" or…

Whether you realize it or not, you have a hobby. The Oxford American Dictionary defines a hobby as any activity a person performs regularly in their leisure time. Your hobby may not be as fascinating…

Aquamarine shares a gemological kinship with green emerald, pink morganite and golden heliodor. Just as "emerald" means both a color and a stone, "aquamarine" describes a vivid blue-green shade as…

There are many great rock collecting locations around the world, and some of the best are in North Carolina, specifically western North Carolina. Franklin, located about 70 miles west of Asheville, is…

Learning the crafting technique of wrapping wire around your jewelry is a viable and free option for customizing it to your desires. It also provides you with an alternative to simply placing the…

Gemstone pendants can adorn a necklace, bracelet or earrings. Once you have made a gemstone pendant you can use it however you like. This craft is easy to accomplish -- even for beginner jewelry…

For jewelry crafters, a wire wrap is a an alternative setting for stones, crystals and minerals like quartz. Wire wraps allow for customization and personalized design and setting. Quartz, a mineral…

Garnets come in almost all colors of the rainbow. Pomegranate-shaded red Bohemian, golden spessartite, violet-orange almandine, ruby-red pyrope, plum to pink rhodolite, lemony green to brown…

Wire-wrapped jewelry offers endless design possibilities. Wire is a relatively inexpensive means of securing gemstones into pendants, earrings or bracelets, and its malleability makes it perfect for…

Jewelry is used by men and women alike as a means of personal expression. But how personal can jewelry purchased from a a store really be? If you are wearing a store bought necklace you are likely to…

Wire wrapping is a way to create a setting for a semiprecious gemstone when making jewelry. Jewelry wire comes in many shapes and gauges. The gauge is the thickness of the wire, which varies from the…

Amulets have been worn throughout history as a talisman to protect against negative spirits. All gemstones have their own symbolism, many offering protection and good luck. Making a wire-wrapped…

Being a "rockhound" is a favored past-time for some people. They simply like the act of rooting around and finding a beautiful stone or fossil. Some make money from their adventures, while others just…

Gemstones are minerals, formed from repeating patterns of individual elements or simple molecules. These stones form naturally inside the Earth in a variety of ways, and later come to the surface…

Mining gemstones is a unconventional pastime and a memorable family activity, whether mining is simply a vacation-time exploration or a hobby. With proper preparation, gemstone mining can be a daylong…

Gemstones are a beautiful addition to a piece of jewelery or household display. With around 135 different types of gemstone, it might be difficult to identify specific pieces. You will need to check…

Wire wrapping is an easy and expressive way to create beautiful, unique jewelry. And when you incorporate the use of briolette gemstones into your wire wrapping, much of the difficulty of creating a…

Gemstone points are shaped gemstones carved with cylindrical or faceted shapes and pointed tips, often sold as decorations or massage points. Such carvings also make good pendants when hung with their…

Garnet, known as the January birthstone, is a naturally occurring mineral gemstone that derives its name from the Latin word for seed or grain, "granatus". The color of garnet can range from light…

The ruby gemstone is actually a colorless gemstone called the corundum that has iron and chromium impurities. The results can be stunning. Depending on the amount of impurities in the corundum, bright…

Gemstones go through a number of phases before they reach the jeweler's display. An important one is the rough cut, a step after mining but before the final cut.

Precious gemstones are attractive minerals admired for their beauty and rarity. Throughout history, gems have been used as status symbols of wealth, power or religious affiliation. The ancient…

In "Rocks, Gems, and Minerals," Herbert Spencer Zim defines semi-precious gemstones as those other than diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, which are the most highly valued rocks. While not as…

Ammolite is one of the world's rarest gemstones, highly prized for its opal-like iridescence and vibrant colors. There is no universally recognized system for grading ammolite, but some standards do…

According to Valuable Stones, while more than 3,000 minerals exist, people only use about 50 as gemstones. While imitation gemstones look like those found in nature, they don't have the physical…

Garnet is quite common in the state of Maine. No matter, if you are a seasoned rock hound or someone who would like to get a first taste of mineral prospecting, you will be able to bring home some…

Buying loose gemstones can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with considerations that affect the price or value of the stone. In general, factors that determine the quality and price of a…

Discovered in Mali, Africa in late 1994, the Mali stone is a gemstone that forms with a rare composition of the Andradite garnet. It's available in a wide range of colors as well as the Grossular…

Discovered near Danbury, Conn., in 1839, danburite is now mined as a gemstone in Burma, Japan, Madagascar and Mexico. The gem is said to surpass quartz in brilliance and rival topaz as a stone made…

Rock hounds seek treasures around the world in the form of gems and minerals. Some go to rock shops, metaphysical stores or annual shows that features collections from sellers. While anyone could…

If you own loose gemstones, they are likely collecting dust in the back of your jewelry box. Whether you have a small diamond or a large sapphire, you can turn those loose gemstones into additional…

Gemstones are characterized as precious, such as diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire; and semi-precious, such as lapis lazuli, bloodstone, amethyst and garnet. The term "cabochon" refers to thea…

The tools you need for your gemstone hobby depend on what type of activity you are interested in. Some “rock hounds” or gem hunters enjoy the search for stones in their natural…

Throughout history the garnet has been a highly-prized gemstone. Garnets were used by some of the earliest jewelers and are even mentioned in the Bible. As well as the familiar deep red of almandine…

People often use the terms gemstone and crystal synonymously, when in fact the two words have very different definitions. Not all gemstones form crystalline shapes and not all crystals are gemstones.…

Gemstones are often used by alternative healers all over the world to invoke certain mental or physical changes within a person. Black onyx is a popular stone that has many meanings. Dating back to…

When you are thinking of getting a sentimental gift for a loved one and cannot find anything in the stores, wired jewelry can be a thoughtful gift for any special occasion. You can hand out your wired…

Hematite is an opaque mineral found in various parts of the world. The largest pieces have been found in Brazil, according to the Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom website. In its natural form, hematite…

North Carolina is the home of popular gem mines that attract visitors who have the hope of finding a gemstone of their own. Several counties in the state have mines where visitors can pay to search…

Druzy crystals are gemstones with a specific shape, texture, and appearance that make them appealing to the eye. Though they may appear otherwise, druzy crystals are not synthetic. They are often…

Gemstone beads come in an abundance of colors, shapes and sizes. Gemstone beads are used to create necklaces and other jewelry items, as well as exquisite pieces of art. When selecting the most…

Rubies have been used in art and jewelry for hundreds of years. There are several gemstones that come close to the distinctive red hue of the ruby, so testing may be needed to make sure that you are…

Aquamarine, named for its blue-green coloring, is a gem-quality variety of the mineral beryl. The word "aquamarine" means water of the sea. The stone is popular for making jewelry, and the crystal is…

Aquamarine, a gemstone of the Beryl family, possesses moderate hardness at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Much beloved for its ocean-blue color, impeccable transparency, and flexible pairing potential,…

Gemstone shaping is an important skill that every jewelry maker eventually must learn. Usually, beginning jewelry makers use pre-carved stones so that they can focus on the metalworking techniques.…

Using of a dichroscope is the easiest way to identify a rough gemstone. The dichroscope looks like a longer version of a jeweler's loupe and uses internal prisms to separate white light into its…

Precious coral, with its deep red-pink color, is often used in jewelry. Coral is not a stone; it is the shell of an aquatic organism that forms massive colonies undersea. Coral's brilliant hues and…

The exotic ruby rates 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The only stone harder is diamond. Ruby's durability matched with its rich color makes it one of the most popular, and rare, gemstones for…

Aquamarine is a popular gemstone from the beryl family of minerals. It is closely related to the emerald, which is also a member of the beryl group. Brazil is the largest producer of aquamarine,…

The symbol of beauty, honesty and loyalty, the aquamarine is a popular gemstone that is best known for its radiant blue color. These gems are faceted when used for fine jewelry, giving the aquamarine…

Gemstones are gifts from the earth that have long been prized for their color, clarity, hardness, and symbolic meanings. The kaleidoscope of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies come in a variety…

The idea behind wire jewelry is to create beautiful items out of simple lines studded with beads and stones. Even if you're an amateur jeweler, you'll find that you can easily make aesthetically…

Paraiba tourmaline fetches a steep price because of its beauty and rarity. Originally found underneath a hill in an old mine, the source of Paraiba tourmaline has been exhausted, according to the…

Gemstones come in an array of shapes, sizes, colors and cuts. Natural treasures from the earth, gemstones lend their vibrant hues and sparkle to all types of jewelry. Typically, gemstones are set…

Gemstones are treasured gifts from the earth that come in a rainbow-like spectrum of hues and a broad assortment of shapes and sizes. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and diamonds are just some of the…

A wire wrap is one of the most creative ways to contain an oddly shaped gemstone that you intend to use as a jewelry component. Because wire is such a flexible medium, you can contain the gemstone in…

A wire wrap is one of the most creative ways to contain a faceted gemstone that you intend to use as a jewelry component. Because wire is such a flexible medium, it enables you contain the gemstone in…

There is a market for synthetic gemstones, particularly in jewelry. For example, synthetic corundum can be used in place of rubies for jewelry, and synthetic blue opal is used in place of natural blue…

One way to turn gorgeous gemstones into wearable pendants is the copper foil method. With this technique, a pliable, sticky strip of copper foil is wrapped around the perimeter of a gemstone, coated…

Faceted gemstones are popular centerpieces for pendants and other types of jewelry, and they can be used to create one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. Some faceted gemstone jewelry uses "claws" to…

Hunting for gemstones can be a fun hobby. Some gems and minerals work their way to the surface of the earth over time. At its simplest level, gemstone hunting consists of taking a walk through areas…

Loose gemstones offer customers the ability to design their own unique and beautiful ring. By choosing the cut and color for the gemstone, as well as the ring setting, you're sure to create something…

Loose gemstones are collected by precious stone enthusiasts and jewelry makers alike. Because some gemstones are susceptible to scratches, you need to store them properly. The most important concept…

Many people think of gems as shiny, beautiful pieces, but this can be only attributed to the polished stones that are finely cut by jewelers. When it comes to the natural raw gemstones, you need a…

Apatite is a little known gemstone rarely found in jewelry stores, but highly prized by collectors because of its variety of colors and forms.

Gemstones are real treasures that have fascinated people for centuries. However, the visions some may have of laborers working diligently in deep mines studded with gem crystals is far from reality.…

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used crystals and gemstones in jewelry and as raw stones for religious and metaphysical purposes. Today you can find a variety of crystals and…

Gemstone IV is an online text-based roleplaying game that charges a monthly rate. In order to play you must download one of the front-end clients that offer some visualization for the text output.…

Rocks are one of the most amazing historical representations of our planet. Some rocks are valuable, such as lapis lazuli, amber and jet. But it is actually pieces of mineral that become attractive…

When you want to find gemstones in the United States, it helps to have a basic understanding of where to find them. While you could spend hours sifting dirt in the hopes of uncovering a garnet, you…

There are several gemstones that are always blue or contain blue shades. Some of these gems are birthstones, associated with a certain month of the year and an appropriate gift for those born in that…

Since ancient times, rubies have been considered one of the most precious gemstones. They are sought after for their beauty and vibrant red color. Ruby is a variety of the mineral conundrum, which…

Natural gemstones, when mined, are not always as colorful as they appear in a jeweler's case or shop. In order to bring about the intensity of a gemstone's color, enhancements need to be made. These…

The creation of gem jewelry, often thought to be a practice reserved for trained jewelry makers with specialized tools, can actually be a rewarding and successful home DIY craft. There are a variety…

Gemstones make for beautifully colorful, funky and eye-catching jewelry. If you enjoy wearing unique accessories or are looking for a new hobby, fashioning your own setting for your gemstone rings,…

The type of gemstone cutting wheel you buy depends on the type of stone you will be working with. For example, if you are interested in carving cabochons from opal or moonstone, then you will not need…

Gemstones are often cut into objects and jewelry for the aesthetic value they provide. Sawing, grinding, sanding, lapping, polishing, drilling and tumbling are all methods used for cutting gemstones.…

Few items can enhance the natural beauty of gemstones like an elegant setting. Craft enthusiasts who enjoy making jewelry are often searching for new ways to display the many and varied stones that…

The study of geology reveals the history of the earth. Curious "rock hounds" enjoy the beauty of natural rock formations and collecting interesting and beautiful specimens. These include a treasure…

Prospecting was once a huge business in the United States. In the Old West, gold diggers literally drove economies and sprung several cities into existence. Unfortunately, when the gold rush dried up,…