Everything Jewelry & Gemstones

2009-07-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

What you should know when buying a Diamond Ring

Diamond information for couples interested in buying a diamond engagement ring. At a point in nearly every man's life, there comes a time when his heart knows it's time to buy a diamond engagement ring for the woman he loves. Only then will you feel comfortable buying a diamond engagement ring. There are many things to consider when learning how to buy a diamond, you should never rush into buying a diamond without first doing a little research as to how the diamonds are priced. Buying a diamond is no different, except most of know us very little about diamonds. Buying a diamond ring is often an emotional - not to mention expensive - experience. Buying a diamond ring can be a huge investment and you want to get one with the perfect diamond in it, so you may be intimidated if you are a first time buyer. Buying a diamond means investing in a piece for forever. Every individual buying a diamond seeks out the best they can afford. When buying a diamond, consider your budget and where the stone will be worn to help determine the ideal carat size.

Diamond Ring: The Four C's of Buying a Diamond

The Four C's of Buying a Diamond, to determine the best price for your ring, you need to be familiar with the four C's. The four C's of cut, color, clarity, and carat are explained.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow and the diamond color scale is based on the amount of yellow present in a diamond. It’s the absence of color that adds value to the diamond. Diamond color is graded according to the GIA Grading Scale. Grades are based on the amount of yellow that is visible when viewed facedown through the pavilion using the GIA Diamond Lite. The color scale ranges from D (colourless) to Z (yellow tinge). See chart at Jewels by Truros.

Diamond Cut

To achieve the maximum reflection of light that causes a diamond to sparkle requires a diamond to have an Ideal/Excellent cut grade. Ideal cut diamonds are graded as such because they fall within the ideal cut grade parameters specified by the diamond grading labs. The better cut grades are likely to display more fire and brilliance and since their appearance is more desirable, they are priced accordingly. The GIA and EGL have only extended ideal/excellent cut grade parameters to round brilliant stones at this time. Determining a diamond's cut grade, however, goes beyond simple measurements of width and depth. Diamond Cut is perhaps the most important of the four Cs.

Diamond Clarity

A diamond's clarity is determined by the number, nature, position, size and colour of internal characteristics called "inclusions" and surface features called "blemishes". These show themselves as the various characteristics which make up the clarity of a diamond, included crystals, feathers, clouds etc. These characteristics are sometimes not visible to the naked eye and they are what make each diamond unique. This clarity grade becomes more important as the diamond size increases. The clarity scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America GIA to quantify these imperfections. See chart at Jewels by Truros.

Diamond Carat

It is a common misconception that carats refer to the size of a diamond. In reality, a carat is the standard unit of weight by which diamonds are measured. Since a carat is a measure of weight, not size, one diamond of the same carat weight may look bigger than another depending on the cut. A premium cut diamond may actually appear bigger than many diamonds of a higher carat weight.

Diamond Shape

Stones come in different shapes, the following are the most popular - Round, Oval, Marquise, Pear, Emerald, Heart, Princess, and Radiant.

Round

A round brilliant is a great choice if you want the most sparkle and the most enduring classic shape round-brilliant diamonds are the only shape to have this ideal proportion defined. Brilliant cut diamonds have facets that are shaped like triangles and kites. Today's round brilliant diamond has a total of fifty-eight facets, but you'll see varying facet numbers in vintage brilliant cut diamonds. Even though Round Brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive in the market, they make up the overwhelming majority of diamonds found in engagement rings, and are popular as stud earrings and pendants.

Oval

The elongated shape of Oval diamonds gives a very flattering effect to your finger when worn in a ring, and is found in some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings. Unlike round cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds have an elongated shape, which makes the diamond appear larger in carat weight. Oval cut diamonds are essentially elongated round cut diamonds. Many women with smaller hands or shorter fingers prefer the look of oval cut diamonds and pear shaped diamonds because they truly slenderize and elongate the fingers on the hand.

Marquise

While marquise diamonds are not as popular as round cut diamonds or princess cut diamonds, they are still quite sophisticated and elegant. A marquise cut diamond has a uniquely beautiful shape that is favoured by many women, but a small percentage of brilliance will be sacrificed for the beauty of this uniquely diamond shape. Compared to the round cuts, the marquise diamonds are not as popular these days. In addition, the shape of the marquise diamond almost makes the stone appear larger than it is. The Marquise shape was created for Louis the XIV and is has become a timeless classic.

Pear

The pear shape is a stunningly feminine diamond shape with a rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other. Due to their elongated shape, pear cut diamonds are known for their slenderizing effect. .The Pear cut allows a range of cutting styles, so that the teardrop shape can be wider, slimmer, or cut to Ideal proportions, based on your choice and preferences. Pear shaped diamonds have a rounded end and a single point. While pear shaped diamonds are not as traditional as round cut diamonds, or as trendy as princess cut diamonds, they are still coveted by many people.

Emerald

The emerald-cut diamond is among the most classic of diamond shapes that is distinguished by bevelled corners and step facets, emerald cut diamonds are more transparent than other shapes, resulting in the need for higher standards of clarity. The emerald cut can be one of the least expensive to cut because its shape is most like the natural shape of the rough diamond crystal. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire dispersion than the other brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. The trim lines of Emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest of ring designs.

Heart

The heart-shaped diamond is the most romantic of diamond shapes and a symbol of love and affection, the heart cut diamond is an excellent choice for an anniversary or engagement ring. It is a tender gesture to make to someone special. A quality heart-shaped diamond is lovely and distinctive, with an even shape and well-defined outline. They are the ultimate symbol of romance, and more and more people are choosing heart cut diamonds for engagement and anniversary rings. Heart Shaped Diamonds are rarer and more expensive as it takes a large piece of diamond rough to shape cut and polish to something that is the ultimate symbol of love “the heart”

Princess

A modern innovation, the princess shape dazzles and sparkles with its starburst facet pattern, while still leaving the crown of the diamond flat and open. The princess cut is stunning set as a solitaire it is a modern classic of clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. Its sharp corners are usually contained in a four-pronged or bezel set in wedding rings. You will also find Princess cut diamonds are often channelled into the wedding band itself. Princess Cut Diamonds are for those people who love the sparkle and brilliance associated with round cut diamonds, but prefer the shape of a square. While the round brilliant solitaire seems to be the most popular shape right now for engagement rings, many people are deviating from this trend and going with princess cut diamonds.

Radiant

The radiant cut was first patented in the late 1970’s by Henry Grossbard, with its angular shape and brilliant cut facets it makes a scintillating alternative to other cuts such as the Emerald cut. The radiant shaped diamond can be considered a modified brilliant diamond that is closely related to the princess cut diamond because of its square shape. High quality Radiant cut diamonds combine the fire and sparkle of Emerald and Round cuts.

Now you know the different shapes of diamonds that you can purchase and which shape will accentuate individual fingers or provide brilliant sparkle we can now move on to the ring.

There are many different metals used for rings today which can be grouped into two, precious and non -precious, those in the precious group including silver, gold, and platinum, while those in the non-precious group can include brass, copper ad nickel. Most rings today are made of gold or platinum so we will focus our discussion on these two precious metals.

Gold

Gold comes in various colours that can reflect the carat value of the carat of yellow gold with 10k, 14k and 18k being the most popular. Did you know that you can get Rose Gold, white gold and yellow gold and that white gold is more a silver color than white? Until recently white gold was yellow gold with as much of the yellow gold removed as possible, however it was still not a true white color. To give you that white (silver) brilliance the rings are plated with Rhodium or palladium.

Platinum

Platinum became very popular for its natural white (silver) color and durability. Customers that buy white gold rings that have rhodium plating will have to have the ring re-plated every few years if it’s worn regularly, aas the rhodium wears off. With platinum the color stays the same no mater how often you wear it. Platinum is about twice the price of 14K Gold and can push the price of the setting and diamond out of the range of some customers.

Ring Mounts

There are thousands of different settings available for you to choose from; they come in all shapes and sizes, from solitaires to multi stone rings. Your choice is a personal one; however you should consider when you are going to be wearing your ring. If you plan to wear it daily then pick something with a low profile that protects the diamond and setting from getting damaged if you accidentally catch it against something. This could lead to the diamond coming loose and having to be reset, to forcing the diamond out of the mounting and breaking it.

On the other hand, if you are only going to wear the ring for special occasions then purchase a mount that holds the diamond high so that it’s well displayed and allow the light to enter unobstructed from the top and show the scintillating fire and brilliance.

Remember that if you are purchasing a high quality diamond for your ring, having other diamonds around it will detract from your centre diamond. If on the other hand you are purchasing a smaller centre diamond adding smaller ones around the outside will make the centre one look larger

Engagement sets are also very popular, with couples purchasing the engagement ring and then going back and purchasing the wedding band from the set, for that special day.

Please visit us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and can be contacted at Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation.

Diamonds sparkle and display brilliance, but so do diamond simulants. How to tell the difference.

2007-01-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

Most people have heard of synthetic diamonds, these have the same chemical compounds and crystal structures as natural diamonds. Diamond Simulants on the other hand do not have any of the diamond’s chemical or physical properties and are made from a wide variety of materials. Sometimes it is easy to tell the difference; other times it requires gemological testing equipment and a trained eye to pick out the simulants from natural diamonds

So what are some of the tell tale signs to look for that tell you if have a simulant in your hand and not a real diamond? We know that a diamond is the hardest natural gemstone and has a 10 rating on the Mohr’s scale. As most simulants are made from other materials they will be softer than a diamond. Diamonds will have sharp facets and a superior polish while simulants will have polish lines, less lustre and more rounded facets that sometimes can be seen with the unaided eye or through a jeweller’s loupe.

Another way to tell if you are looking at a round brilliant cut diamond, or a round brilliant cut diamond simulant is to try the ‘see through effect’. Place a diamond table (the top flat surface of the diamond) down on a printed page and look through the pavilion, if you can read or see any of the type face through the gemstone then you are not looking at a diamond but either a simulant or synthetic diamond. While this test will not confirm you have a diamond, as there are some simulants and synthetics that have no see through, you will be able to eliminate the ones that do show see through.

Today, most jewellers and gemologists use a thermal testing device to tell if the diamond is natural or not. The person who is examining the diamond touches it with a probe that is connected to a meter that applies a small amount of heat to the diamond and measures how quickly the heat is drawn away. The gauge display usually consisted of a red and green zone. If the gauge stays in the green zone it is a diamond, it continues moving to the red zone, it is a simulant or synthetic diamond.

There are many other tests that require laboratory equipment to make a determination. If you suspect a stone is not what it appears to be, take it to a gemologist or send to a gemstone-testing laboratory such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or EGL (European Gemological Laboratories) to have it tested.

Lets take a look at some of the simulants that are around today, and have been around for sometime. Glass has been used since the early 1700’s to simulate diamonds and is still used extensively today in fashion jewelry. Colored Foil was also used to produce color in glass simulants; it was attached to the back of the glass giving the glass color when mounted in rings or pendants.

Zircon is a colorful or colorless natural gemstone that has been used for many years as a diamond simulant, following these we have some more modern simulates such as Synthetic Rutile both of these are doubly refractive, a tell tale they are not diamonds. Strontium Titanate and YAG (yttrium aluminium garnet) are both singularly refractive the same as diamonds and can be mistaken for diamonds if not correctly identified using gemological equipment.

The last two are the most popular simulants of them all, Synthetic Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and Synthetic Moissanite both are used extensively in the jewelry trade. CZ is used extensively in less expensive jewelry and comes in a variety of colors and quite durable (8.25 Mohr’s). Synthetic Moissanite (9.25 Mohr’s) has had a unique appeal in the jewelry industry, and is marketed as a gemstone in its own right as well as being used as a diamond simulant.

Simulants provide inexpensive alternatives to diamonds and will continue to be part of the jewelry industry. Now you know what simulants are you will be able to make an informed decision if you decide to include them in your jewelry collection. If you have some expensive diamond jewelry and don’t want to risk wearing them daily, you can have a diamond simulant in a similar setting providing you with a risk free alternative to wear daily.

Please visit us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and can be contacted at Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation.

Natural or Enhanced Colored Diamonds read this article and find out the difference

2006-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Everyone is familiar with the colorless diamonds that we see everyday in wedding, and anniversary rings. They are usually full of fire, brilliance and sparkle as the light hits the diamond at different angles, but did you know there are many other colors that diamonds can come in. Some of these are natural and usually very expensive, others have been treated to bring out spectacular colors from Blues to Greens to Pinks, Reds, Yellows, and Purple.

The diamonds that have colors that fall outside of the grading standard D-Z color range are called Fancy Colored Diamonds. Let us look at the D-Z color range, these are graded through the pavilion (face down) as this is a universally accepted grading system that measures the absence of color (yellow) in a diamond.

D-F____________Colorless
G-J____________Near Colorless
K-M____________Faint Yellow Color
N-R____________Very Light Yellow Color
S-Z____________Light Yellow Color

The most prized and most valuable are the Colorless (D-F), with most commercial diamonds that you will find in jewelry stores fall into the G-H-I range. When you look at diamonds in this range, face up; it will look colorless to you.

Colored diamonds are now a very important part of the Jewellery business as they offer something different, but are still the hardest gemstone known to man and therefore wear exceptionally well. There are both natural and color enhanced (treated) diamonds that you will see in jewellery. Natural Colored diamonds other than Brown, Black or Grey are rare and usually are very expensive with a Fancy Vivid Pink being the most valuable. Colored diamonds are graded face up using Hue, Tone, Saturation and Depth of Color and grading ranges from Faint to Fancy Deep.

One of the most famous Natural Colored Diamonds is the "The Hope", a Fancy Deep greyish Blue that weighs in at 45.52 carats. The diamond has a long history from the 17th century and has been owned by many famous people including Louise XIV, Henry Philip Hope, Evalyn Walsh McLean and Harry Winston who in 1958 donated it to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. where is on public display today.

For most of us the cost of Natural Colored Diamonds can be prohibitive, however, we can still purchase treated diamonds that show stunning colors. The most common and stable of these treatments today is irradiation, as it penetrates the diamond and is usually permanent. The only caution is to make sure that the goldsmith that does any repairs on the ring knows the diamond is treated, as heat from a soldering torch can impact the color. Irradiation is safe, as today’s process makes sure there is no residual radiation left in the diamond. This process was first used back in 1904 and today enhanced diamonds are a cost effect way to get the beautiful colors in diamonds, without buying natural colored diamonds.

You will see today many colored diamonds offered in jewellers, and it is incumbent upon the seller to inform his customer that he is purchasing enhanced diamonds. You will find colors like, blue, green, purple, pink, yellows, browns, and reds all waiting for you to add them to your jewellery collection.

Maybe, your next ring or pair of earrings will be Ocean Blue Diamonds, and you will be the envy of all your friends.

Please visit us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and can be contacted at Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation.

Buying an Emerald. What you should know before you make your purchase.

2006-11-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

They say there is nothing in the world like a landscape of Emerald Green, take Ireland or as many know it, the Emerald Isle. The lush green landscape is used synonymously with an Emerald to tell people of its beautiful Green Color.

Egypt was the major source for Emeralds until the 16th Century, then the Spanish heard of the Emerald mines in South America. The Incas gave offerings of Emeralds to their gods, and tried to keep the mines a secret from the Spanish invaders. However, the Spanish did locate these mines and ship these rare and beautiful gemstones back to Europe. Today it is still one of the most desired of the green gemstones in the world, and flawless Emeralds can sometimes commend higher prices than flawless diamonds.

So what does impact the value of an Emerald? Color and Clarity are two of most important factors when looking at an Emerald.

Color. The most prized color for Emerald is a bluish Green to Green, with a strong Saturation and medium tone. Emeralds are a variety of Beryl; there are many other different varieties of Green Beryl that sometimes are called Emeralds incorrectly. A seller who is a gemologist will be able to make sure that you are purchasing an Emerald and not Green Beryl. Below are some of the trade terms you will hear when you are looking for an Emerald, as with all trade terms they are either over used or sometimes incorrectly used.

The term Columbian is used to describe the most valuable and rare color of Emerald, bluish green to green with strong or vivid saturation.

The term Zambian is used to describe Emeralds that have a darker and more bluish color than Columbian and usually have a greater clarity.

The term Sandawana is used to describe smaller brighter intense green Emeralds that originate in the Sandawana district.

The term Brazilian is used for Emeralds that are lighter in color and have a low saturation; you will see a lot of these available in jewelry stores.

The above terms can only be used as a guideline as it is possible to find higher quality Emeralds in Brazil or any of the other locations, however they are not as readily available in the quantity and quality of the Emeralds from Columbia. In your quest for your Emerald you might find your seller calling a bluish Green Emerald that comes from Brazil, a Columbian Emerald and that is incorrect.

Clarity in Emeralds have a greater propensity for inclusion than a lot of other gemstones that are sold or made into Jewelry, and flawless Emeralds are very rare and expensive. So do not be concerned if you are being shown Emeralds with inclusions, as they are very common. It is important that the inclusions in the Emerald you are looking at does not distract from its beauty to you. The industry and gemologists use the following clarity terms for Emerald inclusions; Slightly, Moderately or Heavily Included, these levels of inclusions characteristics can be best described as following

Lightly Include, Noticeable inclusions that are apparent to the unaided eye.

Moderately Included, Obvious inclusions very apparent to the unaided eye

Heavily Include, Obvious and can have a negative effect on the appearance and durability

Treatments. It is important that you are aware of the treatments any gemstone has, but in particular Emeralds as they often have fracture filling or dying to make them more pleasing to the eye of the customer. In 1997, the Dateline TV Show produced a segment of their show on how established jewellers were selling fracture filled Emeralds to clients and not disclosing any treatments. Some of the confusion was due to jewellers not being gemologists and taking the word of their suppliers other times it was a case of the selling not disclosing the facts to the buyer. Since that time we have seen a greater push by regulators to have sellers fully disclose treatments.

Fracture Filling is the most common treatment used on Emeralds and is achieved by using various oils in the fractures that reach the surface of the gemstone. Another method is to use resins, which are a more permanent way of filling fractures compared to oils that can evaporate or change color over time.

A seller who is a gemologist will be able to identify treatments to Emeralds for you. The majority of sellers will inform you of any treatment based on their knowledge, if your seller is a gemologist then you know they have the training and skill to be able to identify such treatments.

Emeralds will still be one of the most desired gemstones available today, and with the information above you will be able to make a better decision on who you purchase your Emerald from, what treatments it might have and know where the most valuable emeralds come from.

Please visit us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and can be contacted at Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation.

Blue Sapphires, what you need to know before you buy.

2006-10-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Most people think of the color blue when they hear the word Sapphire, when in fact Sapphires do come in many different colors. The only color that should be associated with the use of the word Sapphire without any other descriptor is blue, if the Sapphire is another color then that color should be used to denote the type of Sapphire you are looking at. For example, you see a pink Sapphire and the seller calls it a Sapphire and not a Pink Sapphire they are not correctly naming the gemstone. You will also hear the term fancy Sapphires, which is a reference to all Sapphires that are not blue in Color.

This article will deal with Blue Sapphires and any reference in my article using the term Sapphire by itself denotes the color blue. When you are looking at Sapphires you might hear the following terms in reference to them, Kashmir, Burmese, Sri Lanka and Ceylon, Pailin, Cambodian, and Australian. All of these terms are used to describe color and quality. Be careful when someone offers you a Sapphire using any of these terms, make sure that the Sapphire actually came from that source. It not unusual for sellers to reference their gemstones as Kashmir Sapphires when they may have come from Thailand or Australia, as these do not command the same type of prices. Lets take a look at the difference of each term so you will know what questions to ask your seller.

Kashmir, This Sapphire has violetish blue to pure blue hue with a strong saturation, you will hear it described as having a velvety lustre and softness, this is caused by minute inclusions. Kashmir Sapphires are the most prized and the finest quality Sapphires available. This Sapphires color has also been called a cornflower blue, but that term has been over used to describe many different blues.

Burmese, It is close to the color of the Kashmir above with a subtle difference in the saturation and sometimes a darker tone, and could be described as a Royal Blue. It differs from the Kashmir, as it does not have that velvety lustre. Burmese make up the second most desired and finest quality of Sapphires available.

Ceylon and Sri Lanka, have a violetish blue to blue hue but are lighter in tone, this will provide the person viewing a gemstone with more sparkle and brilliance than the previous two Sapphires.

Pailin and Cambodian, are a violetish blue to greenish blue in hue, this distinctive color is very appealing to a lot of people, and you will find it in a large amount of jewelry that is being sold in jewellery stores.

Australian, you will find a lot of these Sapphires in lower cost jewellery as they have a very dark tone and look inky, you will hear the term inky blue used in reference to Australian Sapphires. With this very dark tone there is little brilliance, if any, for the eye to see and hence the value tends to be lower than the others described.

Sapphires are one of the most desired gemstones outside of diamonds, and the United States is still the largest purchaser of Sapphires and Sapphire jewelry. Which is interesting as American does have its own Sapphire mines in Montana; probably the best known is Yogo Clutch in central Montana.

When you look for you next Sapphire, make sure you know where is was mined and use the above information to help you either place a value on it, or provide you with the knowledge to pick the right color of Sapphire by knowing its origin.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Buying a Ruby then read this guide

2006-10-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

Buying a Ruby then read this guide?

When you hear people talk about the King of Precious Gemstones it is the Ruby. In the ancient language of Sanskrit the Ruby is called ratnaraj, which translated means the King of Precious Stones. Rubies have been significant in history as a prized and valuable gemstone. Over the centuries and presently today it is still one of the most precious gemstones, not only due to its beauty, but also its durability. Ruby is a 9 on the Mohr scale, which makes it well suited for daily wear.

There are considerable variations in a Rubies, Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Size that can impact cost. Prices can range from the 15.97 Carat sold at an international auction for $3,633,000 in 1988 to everyday prices you will see in most jewelry shops and on-line gemstone stores. Like most gemstones it’s the size and quality that dictate the value and ultimately the price you pay.

Lets take a look at the Color, Cut, Clarity and Proportions and see how they impact the value of this gemstone.

Color. The color of Rubies can range from orangey red to purplish red. The most valuable Ruby is a vibrant red to a slightly purplish red hue. The saturation of the color is equally important, as the most valuable Ruby will have a vivid saturation. Another consideration is tone as it should be medium to medium dark, if it’s too dark then it will impact the gemstones brilliance. If the gemstone is too light it will look pink and then it cannot be called a Ruby, and must be classified as a Pink Sapphire. Most sellers would like borderline colors of pink/red to be classed as Rubies as they are more valuable. If you are purchasing a more expensive Ruby its important to have it graded by a reputable laboratory, such as GIA or EGL to have the color authenticated against color master stones.

Cut. Today fine quality Rubies over 1 carat are rare, but commercial quality Rubies are readily available. The most common cuts for Rubies are Ovals and Cushions with brilliant cut crowns and step cut pavilions. You will find Round, Trillion, Emerald and Pear in smaller sizes but they are rare in larger sizes with higher qualities. Cutters will try to cut the gemstone to minimize the orangey red color, due to the Pleochroism (different colors of the gemstone depending on which way it is observed) to increase the value.

Clarity. Most Rubies contain some inclusions as flawless Rubies are very rare, expensive and usually belong to collectors. Some of the inclusions you might see are silk, needles, included crystals, fingerprints, growth and color zoning, and color banding. There are different grading scales available throughout the world but the most commonly used one is from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The gemstones are graded into 3 Types and each Type has the following grades Eye Clean, Slightly Included, Moderately Include, Heavily Included and Severely Included. Corundum is a Type 2 and if you have the opportunity to purchase one that has a clarity rating of Eye-clean you will have the highest clarity available.

Proportions. Symmetry in any gemstone is important as you will find many commercial Rubies will have variations in its symmetry when looking face up. These include out of round, uneven lobes in Heart shapes, uneven wings in Marquise cut, uneven shoulders in Ovals. The other area of focus is the pavilion, as cutters will add weight with a resulting pavilion bulge, but this adds nothing to the beauty of the Ruby. Brilliance can be affected by shallow pavilion causing large windows or by offset pavilions. The other important grading characteristic that is important is finish; you should not be able to see polishing lines, scratches, pits or abrasions on the Rubies surface.

When purchasing a Ruby you can use these guidelines for your purchase, but as with all gemstone purchases you will probably have to balance carat, clarity, cut, and color to meet a price point you are willing to pay.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in the Jewelry and the Real Estate Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Synthetic Gemstones and Imitations. What you need to know.

2006-10-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

In the 18th Century the chemical make up and structure of gemstones became of interest in those who wanted to create these beautiful gemstones. By the end of the 19th Century scientists were duplicating crystals with appearance and physical properties of their natural counterparts. Laboratories grew up devoted to synthesizing some of the most common and valuable gemstones we see today.

Many consumers today purchase synthetic gemstones as part of their jewelry collection, as they are low cost and the quality of some synthetics are excellent. The challenge comes when synthetic gemstones are either deliberately or through lack of knowledge sold as natural gemstones. This article will discuss some of the more common varieties of synthetic gemstones, so that you can be aware they do exist. Most will require a gemologist or a laboratory to be able to detect if the gemstone is real or synthesized. If you are not sure have the gemstone authenticated by a gemologist or a reputable grading laboratory like GIA or EGL, two of the worlds leading authority on gemstones.

There are many different ways to synthesize gemstones and as the processes are very technical I will just mention some of them by name only. These are Flame Fusion, Pulling, Floating Zone, Skull Melt, Flux Growth, and Hydrothermal Growth. These processes can produce synthetic gemstones such as Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Alexandrite, Cubic Zirconia, Emeralds, Amethyst, Opal, Turquoise, Lapis and many others.

One of the key developments of synthetic Ruby was to accelerate the growth and reduce the cost of components for Lasers. Today, nearly all ruby lasers use synthetic Ruby. These lasers are used in everything from your supermarket scanner to Medical Diagnostic Tools.

From Synthetic to imitations, these can be either man made or other natural gemstones. For example Red Spinel can imitate Red Ruby, Amethyst can imitate Tanzanite, Garnet can imitate Ruby. Most people will associate color with a gemstone and make an assumption that if is has a rich red Ruby color it is Ruby.

In the previous paragraph we discussed how laboratories can product synthetic versions of the real gemstone. It is also common to see synthetic gemstones used to imitate other natural gemstones. Synthetic Sapphire has been used to imitate Tanzanite by changing its color in the synthesizing process. Glass is probably the largest imitator of them all, as it can imitate most gemstone colors and is very cheap to produce. You will also see a lot of plastics used to imitate, Turquoise, Malachite, Peal, Amber, Jade etc.

One other set of imitations are assembled stones, these assembled gemstones use combinations of natural and synthetic material, to produce the desired effect. This process involves making gemstones of 2 or 3 different materials and cementing them together. An example might be a Sapphire and Synthetic Ruby Doublet, where the crown is Natural Sapphire and the pavilion is synthetic Ruby. To the unaided eye it looks like the natural gemstone but to a trained eye the assembled stone will soon reveal its secrets.

Should you buy Synthetic or Imitation gemstones? Absolutely, as they offer good value and you can assemble a colourful collection of them to match your mood and accessories at a very low cost.

Just make sure that you are aware that when you purchase a natural gemstone that you do not receive an imitation or a synthesized version.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Gemstone Treatments and Disclosure

2006-10-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

When you purchase your next gemstone be sure to ask if the gemstone has had any treatments, as this can affect the value and durability of the gemstone. A good jeweller will automatically make this disclosure as part of the sale.

If you are purchasing a high-value gemstone such as Ruby, Emerald or Sapphire make sure it has a certificate from a laboratory that has the expensive equipment required to be able to detect some of these treatment. Most jewellers and gemologists have equipment that can detect certain levels of treatment, but it is only the laboratory equipped grading companies such as Gemological Institute of America and European Gemological Laboratory that can detect all the treatments available.

There are 10 major gem treatments that require disclosure from the seller to the buyer.

Bleaching, Cavity Filling, Colorless Impregnation, Dying, Fracture Filling, Heat Treatment, Irradiation, Sugar & Smoke Treatment, Surface Diffusion, Surface Modifiers. In this article we will look at 5 of them.

Cavity Filling. This type of treatment refers to those gemstones that have defects on the surface of the gemstone; these cavities and surface reaching fractures reduce the appearance and value of the gemstone. To enhance the value these imperfections are filled with different resins, plastic or glass, which improves the appearance and increases the gemstone weight. Due to the different Reflective Index of the filler material most gemologist can detect the fillers.

Dying. Is used to enhance the color of gemstones such as Chalcedony, Lapis, Jadeite, Cultured Pearl and Turquoise. These gemstones have one thing in common they are all porous, which enables the dye to reach just below the surface. To assist in having the dye penetrate, some gemstones are heated and then cooled quickly by quenching in water, this causes minute surface cracks into which the dye will flow. The more color a gemstone has the more appealing to the consumers.

Heat Treatment. This is the most common among treatments and is used extensively on corundum (Sapphire, Ruby) to enhance the color of the gemstone. Heat can also be used to remove internal blemishes, or color centres to improve the gemstones color consistency. Most gemstones that are heated result in enhancing or changing the color are stable, however they are still enhancement and should be disclosed.

Irradiation. You will find this treatment in some colored gemstones and colored Diamonds. This process began in the early 1990s and is used widely today, there are minimal traces of radiation in the gemstone but its never harmful if the correct procedures have been followed. The challenge in gemstones is the lack of stability and its sensitivity to heat once the process has been completed. Therefore it is important that you know the gemstone has been irradiated, if you ever have a jewellery item repaired make sure the stone is removed, as the heat will change the color. Most colored Diamonds are made affordable by irradiating the natural browns and yellow, which can turn them into blue, green and red colors making them more attractive and increasing their value. The process in diamonds is more stable but is still susceptible to changes with heat.

Surface Diffusion. This treatment is becoming more common today with the enhancement of more valuable gemstones such as corundum. The gemstone is heated just below melting point, and then chemicals are used to penetrate the surface to become part of the crystal structure. This process is also used to produce stars (asterism) in some gemstones, again increasing value.

Disclosure. It is not only unethical, it is also against the law to sell a natural gemstone that has been treated and not disclose the treatment. If a jeweller or gemologist does not know if a gemstone has had a treatment then he should assume it has and disclose it, or send to a laboratory to confirm one way or another. All treatments must be disclosed at the time of sale to the consumer. Unfortunately, today there are a lot of treated gemstones being sold as natural.

The reason sellers fail to disclose falls into four main categories:

Ignorance, they believe their suppliers, who mostly live in countries where these rules are not adhered to or do not exist.
Competitive Pressure, they feel they will be disadvantaged in a sale if their competitors do not disclose.
Resistance, they do not believe in the rules and do what they think is right.
Calculated Risk, If they don’t disclose how often will they get caught and if they are caught they can probably make the problem go away by refunding or replacing the item.

A reputable seller will always offer disclosure, but its not a perfect world.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Real Estate and the Jewelry Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Color Change or Color Shift Gemstones, not knowing the difference can cost you money.

2006-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Color Change or Color Shift Gemstones, not knowing the difference can cost you money.

One of the most exciting and interesting gemstones you can buy is one that has color change, Alexandrite is most recognised of these gemstones as it has a dramatic color change depending on your light source. Today there are a lot of color shift gemstones, being sold as color change. Usually a color change gemstone commands a premium price, so how can you be sure you are getting color change and not color shift?

All of a gemstones color (hue, tone and saturation) is dependent on two things, how the gemstone is cut and the most important component light. It is the type of light and direction of the light that produces the brilliance and fire in a well-cut diamond or the beautiful color in gemstones.

The color you see in a gemstone is the result of the light that returns to your eyes after bouncing off the gemstones crystal structure. Now we know what causes color but what makes it a color change or color shift gemstone?

The element chromium that allows equal amounts of red and green light to pass through it causes color change in Alexandrite. Because of this balance of red and green, if you view Alexandrite under incandescent light (rich in red) the gemstone looks like a red Ruby. If you then take the gemstone and hold it under an incandescent light (rich in blue/green) the Alexandrite looks more like an Emerald Green. This is color change.

Color shift is representative of colors that can change in the different or the same light source, a good example of this would be Tanzanite that will shift from blue to violet/purple by tilting the gemstone in the same light source. You will find a reasonable amount of gemstones will have this effect especially the ones with rich colors,

The best explanation of the difference I have used for deciding what is color change and what is color shift, is for those that have seen or have access to color grading wheel which is a chart that designates all of the colors of gemstones for grading gemstones. GIA calls it the hue wheel and it shows all of the color hues from Blue, to Green, to Yellow, to Orange, to Red, to Purple, to Violet (32 hues in all). If a color change moves from Red to the next color on the wheel (orange) then this is called a Color Shift. If the color moves from Red to Green, which is on the other side of the wheel, then this is called Color Change.

Some of the major natural Color Change gemstones are Sapphire, Ruby, Alexandrite, Spinel, and Garnet. Also be aware, today there are a lot of coated or diffused gemstones that will also show color change.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in the Jewelry and the Real Estate Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Caring for and Cleaning your Gemstone Jewelry

2006-09-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Most gemstones become dull after wearing as residues from your hands, cosmetics and soap build up on them and take away the fire, brilliance and color. If you wear your gemstone jewelry daily then you will need to clean it more often, most gemstones can be cleaned at home with every day cleaning solutions, however some will require an ultra sonic cleaner. If you do not have a small home ultrasonic cleaner you can take your gemstones jewelry to a jeweller who will be able to clean your gemstones for you.

One other important point to remember is if you wear your gemstone jewelry daily you should have your gemstone mounting checked and re-tighten if necessary as gemstones can come loose and fallout.

The following is a list of gemstones, their wear characteristics and how to clean them

Alexandrite
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Alexandrite is rated “excellent” for everyday wear. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Emerald
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Emerald is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Peridot
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Peridot is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Amethyst
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Amethyst is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Garnet
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Garnet is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Quartz, Smoky
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Smoky Quartz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Ametrine
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Ametrine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of
mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Iolite
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Iolite is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Ruby
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Rubies are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Aquamarine
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Aquamarine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Jade - Nephrite
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Jade is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Sapphire
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Sapphires are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Bloodstone
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Bloodstone is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Lapis
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Lapis is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Tanzanite
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Tanzanite is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Cameo
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Cameos are quite fragile and are not for everyday wear and special care should be taken wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.

Tiger's Eye
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Tiger’s Eye is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Carnelian
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Carnelian is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Moonstone
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Moonstone is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Topaz, Precious
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Precious Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Chalcedony - Blue and Lavender
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Chalcedony is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Onyx
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Onyx is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Topaz, Blue and White
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Blue and White Topaz is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Chrysoprase
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Chrysoprase is rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Opal
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Take care when wearing Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Topaz, Diffused (coated)
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Diffused Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid contact with chemicals. Re-cutting is not
recommended. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Citrine
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Citrine is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Opal, Mexican Fire
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Take care when wearing Fire Opal. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Tourmaline
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Tourmaline is rated “fair to good” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Coral
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Coral is not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.

Pearl
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Pearls are not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. Avoid contact with chemicals, especially perfumes, perspiration and hair sprays. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth.

Turquoise
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Turquoise is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals, and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Zircon, Blue
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Blue Zircon is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat that may cause color to fade. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in the Jewelry and the Real Estate Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

What is Phenomena in Gemstones and how does it impact value.

2006-09-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Phenomena and Value

Have you ever wondered why some gemstones show different and sometimes dazzling effects (phenomena)?

These gemstones, and there are many of them, show phenomena as light interacts with their structure, Opal, Moonstone, Alexandrite, Star Sapphire and Ruby are just a few. These spectacular gemstones phenomena colors seem to dance both on the outside and inside of the gemstone basic color. It is fair to say that the stronger the phenomena the more valuable the gemstone is.

Lets take a look at five of the more common gemstones with Phenomena

Opal

This gemstone is known for its play-of-color, so what is play of color, it can be described as a shifting flash of rainbow colors. Most gemstones are crystals but Opal is made up of spheres of Silica, the size of the spheres, their alignment and the way light interacts with them provides the shifting color the eyes see.

The value of an Opal is dependant on the color and the strength of play-of-color, today the most prized and valuable Opals have a black body color, with large and distinct patches of many bright and intense colors that are called Harlequin. The more common Opal sold today in jewelry stores is the White Opal, it's cost is lower and you still see this play-of-color although it lacks the intensity of the black opal with a Harlequin patchwork of bright colors.

Moonstone

This gemstone will show a Phenomena called Adularescence, and can best be described as billowing color that is different from the body color and seems to float across the moonstone. It is a very striking effect. Moonstone is the only natural gemstone to display adularescence and relatively inexpensive, the next time you are looking for an interesting gemstone take a look at this phenomena in this gemstone

Value is based on the body color, which should be light blue with a bright blue adularescence, this is followed in value by a white body color with a blue adularescence, and finally by Moonstone with either a grey or white body color.

Alexandrite

This gemstone is know for its dramatic color change, which depending on the change in light, can change the color of the gemstone from green to brown, blue to red, and many other combinations. While there are other natural gemstones that have color change such as Garnet, Sapphire, Ruby, Spinel, this gemstone has come to be known for its dramatic changes and you will sometimes hear the term “alexandrite effect”

The more valuable color change Alexandrite will change colors from green to a purplish red with a medium saturation in both hues. If you want a color change gemstone and don’t want to pay the prices that Alexandrite command look at a color change garnet, its relatively inexpensive and provides a distinct color change for you to see and admire.

Star Ruby, Star Sapphire

Some gemstones have a phenomena call asterism, which produces a star on the face of the gemstone when the light hits the surface. There are quite a few gemstones with Asterism but you will probably hear more about Star Sapphires and Rubies. Most Gemstones with asterism will either show a 4 or 6 ray star this is due to the crystal structure of the gemstone.

Value is determined by the quality of the star rays as they should be straight and reach all the way across the gemstone. Most Gemstones with Asterism are cut as cabochons with high domes to distinctly show the star. Star Ruby, Sapphire and Garnets are the most expensive, but if you are looking at something less costly look at the Black Star Sapphires.

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Jewelry and the Real Estate Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Buying Jewelry for that Special Person in your Life

2006-09-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Buying Jewelry for that Special Person in your Life.

You don’t know what to buy and where to start, but you do know it has to be something special for that someone special in your life. Most times the confusion comes from not knowing some of the basics about the person you are buying for.

1. To give a gift of jewelry that they will always remember you need to know what they like and more importantly what they don’t like. If the gift is for a special occasion then see what is traditionally given at that time, and ask yourself if your special person would really like that. If her birthday is in July but she does not like red then don’t buy her the birthstone for July, which is Ruby. Maybe a jewelry setting with another color of gemstone or even a diamond would be a wiser decision

2. Will she want to wear it every day, if yes then make it practical, buying an expensive Gemstone or Diamond Ring with a delicate or high mounting is not a good idea, as it can get caught or knocked and damaged.

3. Knowing what colours she likes to wear can help you in deciding what color of gemstone would match her wardrobe, especially if its earrings or a necklace. Know her skin tone or dominant make up color as different colors of gold look better on different skin tones or make-up colours.

4. You will need to know the size of her finger if you are purchasing it as a surprise present. If you can “borrow” one of the rings she wears, you can take it to a jeweller who will be able to tell you the size. This way when you purchase your ring you can make sure it will fit correctly and she can wear it immediately.

5. If your special person has thin fingers then buy her a wider setting or smaller gemstone, as larger gemstones on thin settings will have tendency to twist and turn. If you are set on a larger stone then have the jeweller modify the ring with the addition of 2 small spheres of gold soldered at 8 and 4 o’clock on the inside of ring shank. This will allow the ring to slip over the knuckle but provide a tighter fit around the finger keeping the gemstone on top for everyone to see.

6. Earrings are an excellent choice, but it is important to know if she has pierced ears or prefers clip-on mountings. Does she like long dangly earrings or does she prefer studs.

The following information will help you with special occasions and what is tradionally purchased, but the most important thing to remember is her tastes in jewellery and color. Buying her a Sapphire Ring instead of a Ruby Ring on her birthday in December because she does not like red, is the right thing to do…………….tradition has its role but should not be the ultimate decision.

Month__________________Birthstones

January_________________Garnet
February________________ Amethyst
March__________________ Bloodstone, Aquamarine
April___________________ Diamond
May___________________ Emerald
June___________________ Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
July____________________Ruby
August__________________Peridot, Sardonyx
September_______________Sapphire
October_________________Opal, Pink Tourmaline
November_______________ Topaz, Citrine
December________________Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite

Anniversary Year_________GemStone

1st_____________________Peridot
2nd____________________Red Garnet
3rd____________________Jade, Pearl
4th____________________Blue Zircon, Topaz, Amethyst
5th____________________Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire
6th____________________Turquoise, Amethyst
7th____________________Yellow Sapphire
8th____________________Tanzanite, Tourmaline
9th____________________Amethyst, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye
10th___________________Blue Sapphire
11th___________________Citrine, Turquoise
12th___________________Opal, Jade
13th___________________Moonstone, Citrine
14th___________________Agate, Opal
15th___________________Rhodolite Garnet, Ruby
16th___________________Red Spinel, Peridot, Aquamarine
17th___________________Carnelian
18th___________________Aquamarine, Opal
19th___________________Garnet, Topaz, Aquamarine
20th___________________Yellow Diamond, Emerald
25th___________________Tsavorite Garnet
30th___________________Pearl
35th___________________Emerald, Coral
40th___________________Ruby
45th___________________Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite, Sapphire
50th___________________Imperial Topaz
55th___________________Alexandrite, Emerald
60th___________________Star Ruby
65th___________________Blue Spinel
70th___________________Smoky Quartz
75th___________________Diamond

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Real Estate and the Jewelry Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.

Buying Gemstones or Jewelry On-Line, Great Deals or Buyer Beware

2006-09-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today as more customers are looking at making purchases on-line and as this trend continues to grow we are seeing many customers who are pleased with their decision and some that are not. One of the larger on-line growth segments has been in the jewelry and gemstone market, with excellent opportunities to purchase items at heavy discounts when compared to regular retail stores.

I believe there is room for both and we are now seeing more traditional stores open their own web presence to promote the items in their stores, or from their on-line catalogues. This has resulted in a significant reduction in prices of items like diamonds where consumers have traditionally paid a full retail price.

The challenge for most consumers today is to make sure they are truly receiving what they paid for, as most consumers do not have the knowledge or equipment to be able test stones and gold, to make sure what is advertised is what is received.

Some of the on-line jewelry & gemstone websites have trained staff that are Graduate Gemologists and have reputations to protect, which in turn offers the consumer stronger protection. Suppliers also have a role to play in making sure that the sales channel is receiving their goods as advertised, sometimes reputable resellers purchase gemstones lots, and either do not have the time or take the time to check out what they are receiving is what they advertise. They in turn can inadvertently sell consumers Quartz for Topaz, or synthetic for natural gemstones etc.

So how do you as a consumer protect yourself when purchasing gemstones or jewelry on-line? Here are my Top 10 Tips

1. If you are looking for jewelry or gemstone items of high value then try to make sure that they come with a Grading and Appraisal Certificate
2. Check that the seller has knowledgeable staff on-site that are Graduate Gemologists
3. Check to see if there are customer testimonials or Customer Feedback, something companies like eBay do very well
4. Make sure they have a money back guarantee policy for returning items
5. If you are purchasing Diamonds and want to know how to, then go to http://www.howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu/menu.htm. Gemological institute of American is a non-profit organization that is recognised worldwide in diamond appraisal and grading, but also developed most of the grading systems used today. If you are purchasing Gemstones and want to know how to then go to http://www.howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu/menu.htm. Gemological Institute of American is a non-profit organization that is recognised worldwide in gemstone appraisal and grading.
6. Make sure that they offer a secure payment system either on their site or preferably at sites like PayPal, etc. and use your credit card if possible, as you can always work with the credit card companies on getting their help for a refund if you cannot get satisfaction from the seller
7. Make sure that the item description and grading is clearly marked on the sales receipt.
8. Ask about any treatments that the gemstone has had; also make sure you are purchasing solid gold and not gold plating.
9. Word of mouth, Listen to your friends who had excellent experiences with an on-line jewelry or gemstone store.
10. If you purchase jewelry or gemstones on line and do not think that you have received what you paid for, take it to an independent appraiser, many can be found in the Yellow-Pages or on-line. Do not take it to a local jeweller unless they have a resident Graduate Gemologist, as sellers will generally not take items back that have been appraised by a jeweller who is not a Gemologist.

The old saying of “if it’s too good to be true it usually isn’t” still holds credence for Web purchases.

Purchasing on-line is safe if you take a small amount of time to educate yourself on what you are buying, so that you know the questions to ask, and know who you are buying from. Reputable sellers will take time to answer your questions and e-mails and will not push you into a sale, plus they will offer you a full refund money back guarantee.

Please visit us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and owner of Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation. Truros Corporation has interests in Real Estate and the Jewelry Industry. For more information you can reach Derek at Jewels by Truros.