Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Gemstones Utilized In Wonderful Heart Jewelry

By Betsy Johnson

We all know that jewelry can come in various shapes, types, and forms. No exception to this rule: Beautiful Heart Jewelry. Gemstones are a welcome addition to many jewelry designs, but do you know all the various types of gemstones that can be utilized? In this short, brief article we will be focusing on the different types of gemstones that are most often used in the production of fine jewelry.

Amber is an ancient gemstone that is composed of compressed tree resin. In fact, it has to harden over 1 million years before it can officially be classified as amber. The Baltic States (such as Lithuania) are leading producers of the world's fine resin. Some amber can be up to 120 million years old.

Do you know the most prized gemstone in the quartz family? The answer is amethyst. This has been the case for many years. Amethyst is valued for its "purple hue" (which can range from light to dark).

Emeralds are known for their fine green to bluish green color. Some historians believe that the Ancient Egyptians mined emeralds as far back as 3500 B.C.

The most popular color for the gemstone Jade is "green", but it can come in other colors as well. It has a nickname: "The Stone of Heaven", and it has been closely linked to Asian tradition, culture, and history.

The gemstone jasper can come in a variety of colors. It is a member of the chalcedony family. Known for its very interesting and elaborate patterns, one of the most popular forms of this gemstone is the "picture jasper" (which is specifically known for it's beige's and browns and swirls).

Do you know which gemstone is called the "king of precious stones" in the Sanskrit language (i.e.: "ratnaraj")? The answer is ruby. Known for its intense red color, it is amongst the most highly valued of precious gemstones.

Sapphires are amongst the most popular of gemstones in the United States. The "blue sapphire" tops the list. Known for its medium to deep blue color, and its strong saturation, it is much more affordable than ruby, emerald, or "regular sapphires".

The world's largest turquoise producing region is in the southwest United States. In fact, turquoise is found in only a few places on earth. It is prized for its attractive color (medium blue or greenish blue) and its ancient heritage. It is very popular in some modern sleek designs.

Do you know what an organic gemstone is? It is a gemstone that is produced by living organisms. Examples of these gemstones are pearls, corals, and amber. Inorganic gemstones are those gemstones that are composed of minerals. Examples of these gemstones are diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.

We hope that you enjoyed this brief tour into the world of gemstones that are most often utilized in the creation of jewelry. Heart jewelry uses these gemstones very heavily. Beautiful and colorful, these gemstones can add significant value to a piece of jewelry.

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