October Birthstone - Opal & Pink Tourmaline

October Birthstone Opal

Birthstone: Opal
Moh's hardness: 5 1/2- 6 1/2
Specific Gravity: 2.50
Color: All colors, partially play-of-color Chemical Composition: SiO2, nH2O, hydrous silcon dioxide

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The Opal treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent rainbow following a summer rain. The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One Legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.

Opal dates back to prehistoric times. It is a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the hot springs dried up, layers of the silica combined with water, were deposited into cracks and cavities of bedrock, forming Opal. This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking or loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.

A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. The powerful energy radiating from this fiery gemstone will surely illuminate any occasion.

October Alternate Birthstone: Pink Tourmaline

Birthstone: Pink Tourmaline
Moh's hardness: 7-71/2
Specific Gravity: 3.32
Color: Pink

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Pink Tourmaline has the seemingly magical property of pyroelectricity.
Scientifically speaking, this means that when heated, the gem takes on a static electric charge, making it capable of attracting lightweight objects. No wonder this gemstone was revered for it's mystical properties centuries ago. Considered the "stone of the muse," it is believed to stimulate the creative process of it's wearer.

Pink varieties of Tourmaline range in color from pastel pink to ruby red and are mined in Brazil, Afghanistan, Burma, and India. A gift of this stone is symbolic of hope.

Facts you should know about GOLD

Gold, recognizable by its yellowish cast, is one of the oldest metals used by humans. As far back as the Neolithic period, humans have collected gold from stream beds, and the actual mining of gold can be traced as far back as 3500 B.C., when early Egyptians (the Sumerian culture of Mesopotamia) used mined gold to craft elaborate jewelry, religious artifacts, and utensils such as goblets.

Golds aesthetic properties combined with its physical properties have long made it a valuable metal. Throughout history, gold has often been the cause of both conflict and adventure, the destruction of both the Aztec and Inca civilizations, for instance, and the early American gold rushes to Georgia, California, and Alaska.

About 65 percent of processed gold is used in the arts industry, mainly to make jewelry. Besides jewelry, gold is also used int the electrical, electronic, and ceramics industries. These industrial applications have grown in recent years and now occupy an estimated 25 percent of the gold market. The remaining percentage of mined gold is used to make a type of ruby colored glass called purple of Cassius, which is applied to office building windows to reduce the heat in the summer, and to mirrors used in space and in electroscopy so that they reflect the infrared spectrum.

Golds one drawback for use in industry is that it is a relatively soft metal. To combat this weakness, gold is usually alloyed with another member of the metal family such as silver, copper, platinum, or nickel. Gold alloys are measured by karats. A karat is a unit of equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy. Thus,24 karat (24k) gold is pure gold, while 18 karat (18K) is 18 parts pure gold to 6 parts other metal, 14 karat (14k)is 14 parts pure gold to 10 parts other metal, and 10 karat (10K) is 10 parts pure gold to 14 parts other metal. The less gold in jewelry the stronger the piece of jewelry is.

June Birthstones - Pearl & Alexandrite

Pearl & Alexandrite Education - June Birthstone

Birthstone: Pearl
Moh's hardness: 2 1/2 - 4 1/2
Color: White, pink, silver, cream, golden- colored, green, blue, black
Chemical Composition: Calcium carbonate,organic substances and water.

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From one of the humblest of life forms, the mollusk, comes the Pearl, a gem of unsurpassed beauty and elegance. Ancient civilizations had many stories to explain the origin of June's birthstone, such as the Greek belief was that Pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the goddess of love shook from her eyes. According to Arab legend, pearls were formed when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the beautiful moon and then swallowed moonlit dewdrops, and the Ancient Chinese thought that these gems originated from the brains of dragons.

The scientific explanation for natural pearls is almost as mystifying as folklore.
When an irritant, such as a small parasite or a fish lodges in the flesh of the oyster, mussel, or clam, a protective substance called "nacre" is produced.
Over years, layer upon layer of shimmering nacre coats the intruder, creating a lustrous pearl. Natural pearls are relatively rare, so a process evolved in which a piece of shell or bead was placed inside the mollusk to stimulate the production of nacre. This results in a cultured pearl, which accounts for about 90 percent of the pearl industry.

Pearls have been a passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground up and used in cosmetics and as medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac. These gems have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and where said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.

June Birthstone Alternate: Alexandrite

Birthstone: Alexandrite
Moh's hardness: 8 1/2
Specific Gravity: 3.78
Color: Color changing stone from, green
to red, blue-green, to purplish-red
Chemical Composition: BeAl2o4 beryllium
aluminum oxide

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Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones. It is named after the Russian tsar Alexander II (1818-1881) the very first crystals having been discovered in April 1834 in the emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in the Urals.
The discovery was made on the day the future tsar came of age. Although Alexandrite is a relatively young gemstone, it certainly has a noble history.
Since it shows both red and green, the principal colors of old Imperial Russia, it inevitably became the national stone of tsarist Russia.

Beautiful Alexandrite in top quality, however, is very rare indeed and hardly ever used in modern jewelry. In antique Russian jewelry you may come across it with a little luck, since Russian master jewelers loved this stone. Tiffany's master gemologist George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932) was also fascinated by Alexandrite, and the jeweler's firm produced some beautiful series of rings and platinum ensembles at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Smaller Alexandrites were occasionally also used in Victorian jewelry from England.

The most sensational feature about this stone, however is its surprising ability to change color. Green or bluish-green in daylight, Alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities.

Alexandrite is very scarce, this is due to its chemical composition. It is basically Chrysoberyl, a mineral consisting of colorless or yellow transparent Chrysoberyl.

Emerald Education - May Birthstone

May Birthstone Emerald

Birthstone: Emerald
Moh's hardness: 7.5-8
Specific Gravity: 2.78
Color: Emerald green, green, slightly
yellowish-green
Chemical Composition: Al2,Be3,Si6,O18,
aluminum beryllium sillcate

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The name Emerald derives from Greek smaragdos. It means "green stone" and, in ancient times, referred not only to Emeralds but also probably to most green stones.

Emerald is the most precious stone in the beryl group. Often the Emerald is clouded by inclusions. These are not necessarily classified as faults, but are evidence as to the genuineness of the stone as compared with synthetic and other imitations. The experts refers to these inclusions as jardin ( French---garden)

Emeralds are always green, if the stone has too much blue in it, then it is Aquamarine. Pink beryl is Morganite, yellow beryl is Golden Beryl, yellow-green beryl is Heliodor. There is also a rare red beryl. An Emerald of the right shade of green can be more valuable than a Diamond.

Folklore has it that Emerald can help heal the physical heart as well as love. Emerald will help backaches when worn on the index finger of the left hand. Some cultures thought the Emerald would heal any disease of the eye, and others thought that the Emerald was a stone of great harmony, wisdom and love. Giving your lover an Emerald will bring the lover closer if the givers motives are pure love.

April Birthstone - Diamond

April Birthstone Diamond

Birthstone: Diamond
Moh's hardness: 10
Specific Gravity: 4.1
Color: Colorless, yellow,orange, brown, black
rarely red, blue, green, pink and purple
Chemical Composition: C, crystallized carbon

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Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. They are more brilliant than any other natural gem. Their fire, durability, and rarity make them the most prized of gems.

The most popular diamonds are colorless. However, most diamonds have a light tint, usually yellowish or brownish. Yellow diamonds as of recently have gained popularity and are commonly available. Perfectly clear diamonds are much more valuable than tinted diamonds. Very rarely, diamond occurs in deep hues of red, blue, and green. Such diamonds, known as "fancies", are extremely valuable.

Only 20 percent of mined diamonds are used in jewelry, as most are unsuitable.
A flawless diamond is exceptional, even diamonds used as gems contain flaws.
A grading system instituted by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), was implemented to evaluate diamonds based on their clarity. Three additional evaluation systems were devised by the GIA. This leads to the four attributes, known as "the four C's", in which diamonds are evaluated. The four C's are, Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat weight.

Many gems resemble diamond. However, only few have a luster and fire similar to diamond. The closest to the Diamond is the created Moissanite.

Amethyst Education - February Birthstone

February Birthstone Amethyst

Birthstone: Amethyst
Moh's hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Color: Various shades of Purple
Chemical Composition: Si02, silicon dioxide

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Amethyst is the purple variety of the quartz family, and the most valued member of of the quartz family. It must be purple to be Amethyst, but it can display a range of shades including deep purple, light lilac, lavender, and mauve. Top quality Amethyst is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes. It's purple color made it a stone of royalty for many thousands of years.

Amethyst can occur as crystals that are six sided on either end. It also forms as drusy which are crystalline crusts covering the host rock. It is found inside geodes and in allucial deposits all around the world and occurs in both crystalline or massive forms.
When manganese is present in clear quartz Amethyst is produced, while the amount of iron contained in the specimen accounts for the depth of purple.

Most Amethyst gemstones on the marked today are heat treated to produce a deeper color. Heat treating is permanent and these stones will not fade over time. Unless otherwise stated assume that any Amethyst you purchase today has been heat treated to increase the depth of color. Also note that most Citrine available on the market today is actually heat treated Amethyst.

Folklore has it that Amethyst has been used to guard against drunkenness and is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction. It has been used for hearing disorders, insomnia, headaches and other pain. Some sources suggest it is used to stabilize mental disorders.

Citrine Education - November Birthstone

Birthstone: November
Moh's hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Color: Light yellow to dark yellow
golden brown, brownish red
Chemical Composition: SI02,silicon dioxide Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553

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The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon.
Citrine is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of Sunflowers, it is one of the more rare forms of quartz. This gemstone ranges in color from the palest yellow to a dark amber named Madeira because of its resemblance to the red wine.

The Romans were thought to be the first to wear the yellow quartz, crafting it into cabochon, or highly polished but unfaceted cuts of stone set into jewelry. Citrine became more popular during the Romantic Period, when artisans often favored these warm colored gems to enhance gold jewelry.

Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers.
Folklore has been said that Citrine is believed to help the heart, kidney, digestive tract, liver and muscles. It was also said that Citrine promotes creativity, helps personal clarity and eliminates self destructive tendencies .

Most Citrine is heat treated to bring out the color. Natural colored Citrines are found in Brazil, Madagascar,Spain and Scotland. Well colored Citrine are used as stones for rings and pendants, less attractive stones are made into necklaces or ornaments.

Garnet Education - January's Birthstone

Birthstone: January
Moh's hardness: 61/2-71/2
Specitic Gravity: 3.36-4.20
Color: red,orange,brown,green,yellow
Chemical Composition: Mg3,Al2,(Si04)3,
magnesium aluminium silicate Refractive Index: 1.720-1.756

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Garnet is a naturally occuring gemstone. Its name comes from Latin Granatus meaning seed, because it often resembles small round seeds when found in its matrix rock.

Rather than a single gemstone, garnet is a family of related minerals, some of which occur as gemstones. Each has a common crystal structure, and similar chemical composition. The popular understanding of garnet is as an inexpensive dark red stone. Because it is realtively common, it is often thought of as "only garnet", and being inferior.

Not known to the general public as a rule, there are 3 rarer kinds of Garnet that are outstanding. Tsavorite Garnet, is a bright beautiful green, sometimes mistaken for fine Emerald. It's color being induced by the presence of Chromium. This is one of my favorite stones. The next Topazolite, a name used for a variety of garnet with a with a topaz-yellow or an olive green color, and the final is Magnetism, is a type of Garnet, particularly the reddish "African" garnets, which are usually found in close association with diamonds, showing distinct magnetism.

December Birthstones - Blue Topaz, Tanzanite & Turquoise

Decembers Birthstones Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, & Turquoise

Birthstone: Blue Topaz
Moh's hardness: 8
Specific Gravity: 3.57
Color: Blue
Chemical Composition: Al2,Si04,(F0H)2,fluor containing aluminum silicate

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Blue Topaz is derived from the Sanskirt word "tapas" meaning fire. Blue Topaz is the hardest of the silicate minerals. While pure Topaz is colorless, the blue hue is created when Topaz is heated, whether the heat source is natural or engineered by man. The three shades of Blue Topaz are Sky, Swiss, and London Blue. The latter is the deepest blue and often used as a less expensive substitute for Sapphire.

Topaz is found primarily in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Pakistan, China, and the United States.

A gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love and fidelity. Luckily, this cool blue gemstone has no legendary power to put out the burning flame of love.

Birthstone: Tanzanite
Moh's hardness: 61/2-7
Specific Gravity: 3.35
Color: Sapphire Blue, Amethyst, Violet
Chemical Composition: Ca2,Al3,Si04,30H, calcium aluminum silicate
Refractive Index: 1.691-1.700

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Tanzanite was first found in the late 1960's at what remains the sole source, a hilly area called Merelani in Tanzania. So unlike many other gemstones, it does not carry a mystical ancient history. The name was changed from "blue zoisite" to Tanzanite by Tiffany & Company. This gemstone was introduced in the world market in the year 1969.

The Tanzanite gemstone shows a trichroic effect that is a 3 color visibility when viewed from different angles. The three color effects are blue, purple, and bronze. Legend has it that, the first pieces of Tanzanite was collected by the Masai herders when they noticed lightning strike some brownish ziosite crystals. The lightning is supposed to have changed the crystal to a beautiful blue color.

Tanzanite is almost always heat treated. The natural color of Tanzanite is brownish and this is how most rough Tanzanite appears. Heating of Tanzanite results in color change that ranges from Blue to Purple. Color enhancement using heat treatment is a widely accepted treatment for the Tanzanite gemstone.

Birthstone: Turquoise
Moh's hardness: 5-6
Specific Gravity: 2.84
Color: Sky-blue, blue-green, apple-green
Chemical Composition: CuAl6, P04,40h 8 4H20; a copper containing basic aluminum phosphate
Refractive Index: 1.610-1.650

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Turquoise with its blue hue is among the oldest known gemstones. Turquoise was obtained from the Sinai Peninsula before the 4th millennium BC in one of the world’s first important hard rock mining operations. Turquoise started being used before 4000 BC. Turquoise was a important ornamental mineral for jewelry and other objects by ancient Egyptians. It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans.

The name Turquoise means "Turkish stone" because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. Pure blue color is rare, mostly turquoise interspersed with brown, dark gray or black veins of other minerals or the host rock. Such stones are called turquoise matrix.

Turquoise is said to be a guard against all diseases. It assists in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening. Turquoise is also believed to bring the wearer happiness and good fortune.

Anniversary Jewelry Gift Ideas

Anniversary Jewelry Gift List

Year 1 ----Gold Jewelry or Fresh Water Pearl Jewelry
Year 2-----Garnet or Rose Quartz Jewelry
Year 3-----Pearl or Crystal Jewelry
Year 4-----Blue Topaz or Amethyst Jewelry
Year 5-----Sapphire or Turquoise Jewelry
Year 6-----Amethyst or Garnet Jewelry
Year 7-----Onyx, Cooper, or Lapis Jewelry
Year 8-----Tourmaline, or Bronze Jewelry
Year 9-----Lapis Lazull or Tiger Eye Jewelry
Year 10----Diamond or Onyx Jewelry
Year 11----Turquoise or Hematite Jewelry
Year 12----Jade or Agate Jewelry
Year 13----Citrine, Malachite or Moonstone Jewelry
Year 14----Opal, Ivory or Moss Agate Jewelry
Year 15----Ruby or Crystal Jewelry
Year 16----Peridot or Aquamarine Jewelry
Year 17----Amethyst or Citrine Jewelry
Year 18----Chrysoberyl or Opal Jewelry
Year 19----Topaz or Aquamarine Jewelry
Year 20----Emerald or Platinum Jewelry
Year 21----Iolite Jewelry
Year 22----Spinel Jewelry
Year 23----Imperial Topaz or Sapphire Jewelry
Year 24----Tanzanite Jewelry
Year 25----Sterling Silver Jewelry
Year 30----Pearl Jewelry
Year 40----Ruby Jewelry
Year 50----Solid Gold Jewelry
Year 60----Diamond Jewelry
Year 75----BIG Diamonds

Colored Diamonds - A Fall Trend

The new wave in the jewelry industry and the fashion world is Colored Diamonds, which have become extremely popular over the last 3 years. In light of the growing interest in color diamonds it is important to clear the confusion between treated and natural color diamonds.

Technological developments now allow us to create diamonds of almost any color, either completely artificially or from natural Diamonds whose color is unattractive not clearly defined, yellowish, brownish etc. Such stones can be manufactured at will, resulting in the production of goods that are the exact contrary of what they are substituting for, diamonds by definition are unique, rare, and exceptional.

A natural Colored Diamond is unique. It is a product of nature, shaped by millions of years of crystallization. Its color is the product of chance and not two natural color diamonds can be identical, it is this uniqueness, this rareness that gives them all their value, and a high price tag. Natural Colored Diamonds are considered like any authentic work of art.

Diamonds that are treated to bring out there basic color on the other hand, still have a exquisite look and are unique on their own, with a much more affordable price tag to the consumer. The Colored Diamond Jewelry that OldCities offers has treated Diamonds. Please feel free to look at our fine collection, and let us know if you have any questions, 360-668-2658.

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Ruby Eduction - July's Birthstone

Birthstone: July
Moh's hardness: 9
Specific Gravity: 3.97-4.05
Color: Varying red
Chemical Composition: Al2O3 aluminum oxide
Refractive Index: 1.762-1.778

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Two color varieties of curndum are used for making jewelry, the red ruby and the sapphire. Common corundums i.e. those not of gemstone quality serve as cutting and polishing material. The well-known polishing material emery is mainly fine-grain corundum, to which magnetite, hematite and quartz are added. The name corundum has its origin in India and probably referred to ruby.

Ruby is named because of its red color. It was not until about 1800 that ruby, as well as sapphire, was recognized as belonging to the corundum species. Before that date, red spinel and the red garnet were also designated as ruby.

The red color varies within each individual deposit, so it is not possible to determine the source area from the color. The designation "Burma ruby" or Siam ruby" are therefore strictly erroneous and refer more to quality than origin. The most desirable color is the so-called "pigeons blood", pure red with a hint of blue. The distribution of color is often uneven, in stripes and spots. The substance that provides the color is chromium and in the case of brownish tones, iron is present as well. AS a rough stone ruby appears dull and greasy but when cut the luster can approach that of a diamond. Heat treatment is commonly used to improve the color.

Ruby is the hardest material after diamond. Inclusions are common. They are not always indicative of lower quality, but show the difference between natural and synthetic stones. The type of inclusion {minerals, growth structures, canals, or other cavaties} often indicates the source area.

Sapphire Education - Septembers Birthstone

Birthstone: September
Moh's hardness: 9
Specific Gravity: 3.95-4.03
Color: Blue in various tones, colorless, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, black
Chemical Composition: Al2O3 aluminum oxide
Refractive Index: 1.762-1.788

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The name sapphire {greek means blue} used to be applied to various stones. In antiquity and as late as the Middle Ages, the name sapphire was understood to mean what is today described as lapis lazuli. Around 1800 it was recognized that sapphire and ruby are gem varieties of corundum. At first the blue variety was called sapphire and corundums of other colors {with the exception of red} were given special, misleading names, such as "oriental peridot" for the green variety or "oriental topaz" for the yellow type.

Today corundums of gemstone quality of all colors except red are called sapphire. Red varieties are called rubies. The various colors of sapphire are qualified by description, e.g. green sapphire or yellow sapphire. Colorless sapphire is called leuko-sapphire {greek means white}, pinkish orange sapphire Padparadscha.

There is no definite demarcation between ruby and sapphire. Light red, pink or violet corundums are usually called sapphires, as in this way they have individual values in comparison with other colors. If they were grouped as rubies, they would be stones of inferior quality. The coloring agents in blue sapphire are iron and titanium; and in violet stones, vanadium. A small iron content results in yellow and green tones; chromium produces pink, iron and vanadium orange tones. The most desired color is a pure cornflower-blue. In artificial incandescent light, some sapphires can appear to be ink-colored or black-blue.

Through heat treatment at temperatures of about 3100-3300 degrees F {1700-1800 degrees C}, some cloudy sapphires, non distinct in color, can change to a bright blue permanent color.

Hardness is the] same as ruby and also differs clearly in different directions {an important factor in cutting. There is no fluorescence characteristics for all sapphires. Inclusions of rutile needles result in a silky shine; oriented, i.e. aligned, needles cause a six-rayed star sapphire.

Onyx - August's Alternate Birthstone

Onyx: comes in many forms, from sardonyx, to cameo's, to intaglio's, to cabochons, and many more forms.

Birthstone: August
Moh's hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.65 - 2.66
Color: Black, white, green, brown, red
Chemical Composition: SiO2 - Silicon Dioxide
Refractive Index: 1.543 - 1.552 to 1.545 - 1.554

Onyx is a layer stone with the combination of a black base and white upper layer also called true onyx or Arabic onyx. In cabochons and beads, black and white layers may alternate. On the other hand, onyx is also a name sometimes used for unicolored chalcedony. This must not be confused with onyx marble, which in short is also called onyx. The name onyx has its origin in the Greek language and means "fingernail" probably because of its weak transparency.

Onyx Intaglio: name for engraving with negative image into that stone, as used for seals.

Onyx Cameo: name for a relief which is cut so that it is raised, usually the bottom layer being a dark color while the relief being carved out of the white layer on top.

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Peridot Gemstone Education - August's Birthstone

PERIDOT also called Chrysolite and Olivine

Birthstone: August
Moh's hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.28-3.48
Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, brownish
Chemical Composition: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Refractive Index: 1.650-1.703

Peridot is the best known gem variety of olivine, a species name for a series of magnesium-iron rich silicate minerals. This bright yellow-green to green to a brownish colored gemstone has caught the fancy of humans for thousands of years. Some historians even think that at least some of the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot! Much of its recent popularity can be explained by its currently being recognized as the birthstone for the month of August, people wear the stone because it is supposed to bring the wearer success, peace, and good luck.

The United States was for many years the largest producer of peridot, the value of production in 1993 was estimated to be about $1.5 million, according to the USBM. Now a days, the United States is getting major Competition from China and Pakistan for the title of world's largest producer. Arizona and New Mexico produce the largest supply of peridots in the US.

Historically important deposit was on the Red Sea volcanic island Zabargad (St. John), 188 miles east of Aswan Egypt; it was mined for 3500 years but forgotten for many centuries and rediscovered only around 1900. Most of the earliest known peridot gems came from this location and small amounts of material are still being produced from there today. Later, very large, fine-quality peridot was produced from deposits in Myanmar (formerly Burma). These deposits were well known for their 20- to 40-carat cut stones of superb color and clarity, but since the socialist government came to power, the supply of Burmese peridot has been curtailed to such a point as to no longer be a factor in the industry. One can only guess as to whether the deposits are mined out, or if government policies have resulted in the shortage of material.

Diamond Eduction - 4 C's of Diamonds

Things to know when buying Diamonds, first we'll start with the 4 C's of diamonds (clarity, cut, color, carat) and then finishing with some other diamond facts. For more information and diagrams on the 4 C's of diamonds check out our ebay store diamond page: http://stores.ebay.com/OldCities-Estate-Jewelry/Diamond-Information.html.

THE 4 C's of Diamonds!

Cut - the most important of the 4

Cut refers to the shape of the stone and also gives of the brilliance of the stone. Diamonds can come in all different shapes from round, princess, emerald, pear, etc. You can also find diamonds uncut or rough, these diamonds are older and have much value, but little brilliance or luster. To grade the cut of a diamond you look at the shape of the cut, proportions and symmetry as well as outer marks, these are all taken into consideration. The brilliance of a diamond comes from the underneath table, how many facets there are, how they are cut and how the light hits off of each of those facets, this is what makes the diamond sparkle.

Color - How colorless is the diamond?

Diamond color is hard to judge by the naked eye, most use what is called a loop. Color is graded using the alphabet staring at D (best in color or colorless) all the way down to Z (a yellow diamond). Diamonds also come in what they call fancy colors: green, red, blue, purple and yellow, while also coming in brown and black. These stones are generally graded differently.

Clarity - How clear is the diamond?

Clarity refers to the internal/external flaws or inclusions the diamond has. Clarity starts as LR which is internally flawless or inclusion free when looking through a 10 X magnification, all clarity is judged with some sort of magnifier, never done by the naked eye, the naked eye misses many inclusions. If the stone has very few or minor inclusions it is graded VVS, VS is very small inclusions, going to SI small inclusions, to I distinct inclusions and rounding out at PI very large inclusions. To get the clarity of a diamond the best way to do it would to be to go to your local jeweler and ask.

Carat - How big is the diamond?

Carat weight is determined by the width, height, depth, stone shape and stones specific gravity.

OTHER DIAMOND FACTS:

Chemical composition -- Almost pure carbon, crystallized under extremes of heat and pressure.

Color -- Colorless to yellow, brown, orange, blue, green, pink, black. Most diamonds are slightly yellowish, and in this general color range, those most approaching absolute lack of color are most prized. However, brightly colored diamonds are much rarer and more expensive.

Optics -- R.I. 2.417. Dispersion 0.044 (high).

Durability -- Hardness 10 on Mohs scale. The hardest natural substance. Diamonds can be cut and polished only with other diamonds, and only because of slight directional differences in hardness and a perfect octahedral cleavage. While diamonds are tough, they can be chipped along sharp girdles or facet edges. Diamonds are also highly heat resistant, but they can be burned if subjected to prolonged high heat.

Crystal structure -- Isometric (cubic).

Specific Gravity -- 3.515.

Sources -- The major sources include southern Africa, Australia, and Siberia. In North America, the best known source is at Murfreesboro, Arkansas, although it has not been commercially developed. Significant deposits have been found recently in Canada.

Is your Tanzanite Coated?

A recent article was released about tanzanite, we thought we would share. Rest assured that ALL tanzanite sold at OldCities.com has been tested and is 100% natural and has not been coated. We are merely sharing the article to make you aware of this new process people are using to up the value of a tanzanite.

ARTICLE POSTED MAY 27, 2008
Two gemological labs that specialize in colored-gemstone identification have identified a new, non-permanent type of tanzanite treatment that requires disclosure at the point of sale.

The American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC) and American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) recently received faceted tanzanite samples that were later determined to have been coated.

Evan Caplan of Omi Gems sent samples to several labs after a light repolishing of a few stones resulted in a noticeable loss of color.

"Until now, we had not identified a coating on tanzanite to improve its color," AGTA-GTC Director Lore Kiefert said in a release issued on Friday.

The treatment is not immediately obvious, but careful examination with a microscope and in immersion provided clear indications of the coating in most instances, said Christopher Smith, vice president and chief gemologist of AGL.

"This was evidenced by abrasions along facet junctions and at the culet where the coating had worn off, as well as a subtle iridescence when viewing the surface with reflected light," Smith said.

Advanced analytical testing pinpointed that the coating contained cobalt.

"The most reliable means to substantiate the presence of the coating is the use of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy," Kiefert said, adding that the cobalt is readily detected through that particular analytical technique.

Although the gemstone industry has become very familiar with the practice of heating tanzanite to achieve the best violet to blue color, the color-enhancing coating on tanzanite has not been seen before.

The majority of the tanzanite sample was composed of smaller calibrated stones. Fine color tanzanite in this size range is rarely sent to a lab and therefore would ordinarily avoid detection unless closely scrutinized.

"This is just another reminder that each and every gemstone should be fully examined to determine whether or not it has been treated," Smith said. "Today, it is not uncommon to see stones that have been treated using multiple or compound techniques to achieve a particular result."

Both Kiefert and Smith emphasized that any treatment used to modify the color of a gem should be disclosed. Coatings, in particular, are not considered permanent and in the United States are required by Federal Trade Commission guidelines to be properly disclosed at the point of sale.

OldCities Jewelry & Small Product Photography

OldCities Fine Estate & Antique Jewelry is now offering product photography. We specialize in jewelry, but have a brilliant photographer who can photo whatever product you need. We are located in the Seattle area, but are willing to travel or ship items back and forth. We have been selling jewelry online now for about 10 years, please feel free and check out a few of our jewelry photography examples.

http://oldcities.com/photography-portfolio.htm

Please feel free and contact us at anytime to discuss photographing your products. Make sure and include the type of products, how many you have and the time frame in which you need them.

CONTACT CaraLee -
Website: www.oldcities.com
eMail: caralee@oldcities.com

ABOUT OLDCITIES PHOTOGRAPHY
OldCities has been selling jewelry online for over 6 years now, within that time we have developed amazing product photographs that give online customers confidence when purchasing knowing exactly what they are getting by our crisp, clear, beautiful photos. OldCities photographs are comprised of an object or multiple objects shot on a plain background, usually white or a background of your choice. There are little or no accompanying props involved in a product shot – it is simply a well-comprised and dramatically–lit photo of the object.

PRICING GUIDELINES (may very, but this is a starting point)
Photo + Photo Shopping + Logo Stamp on Photo
1-25 items $25.00 each
10-25 items $20.00 each
25-100+ items $15.00 each

Photo Only
1-25 items $20.00 each
10-25 items $15.00 each
25-100+ items $10.00 each

A one-time setup fee of $75 will be charged, this fee will cover setting up lights, logo setup, archive creation, location shooting & traveling, etc. Once this fee is paid once we will then keep all your information on file and you will only pay per item from there on out. A travel or shipping fee may be added, but that is to be discussed before hand.

SERVICES INCLUDE
- Photograph of Product
- Web optimized image @ 72dpi (if a higher dpi is wanted, we can do that too)
- DVD or CD with jpeg images along with original shots
- All Photos’ are archived at OldCities.com
- Cropping/Photo shopping images to specific Sizes
- Adding company logo to all/some Photos if wanted

TIMELINE
-This will all depend on how many items you have, if we are photo shopping them ourselves, etc. However, we will let you know an exact timeline when we know the amount of items.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
- PayPal
- All Major Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover)
- Check/Money Order (Made out to OldCities)

COPYRIGHT
-You will own all rights to all photos we take of your items. With your permission we may ask to use one or 2 of the photos we take of your products be used in our portfolio.

Gold Prices

Keep up with the latest gold and precious metals prices. As the economy slips, gold prices sore!

Keep Track Daily
http://www.kitco.com/market/

July Birthstone - RUBY

Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion. Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner!

Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby was tossed into it. Ground to powder and placed on the tongue, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion.

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the most prized gems are a true red in color. Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable.

The history of Ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago. The most beautiful crystals are thought to be from Burma, but quality Rubies are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States.

It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. With its hardness and durability, it is a perfect engagement gem. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too!

March Birthstone - Aquamarine & Bloodstone

March Birthstone - Aquamarine

If you can picture the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean, you will understand why the birthstone for March is named Aquamarine. Derived from the Roman word "Aqua", meaning water, and "mare", meaning sea, this pale blue gem does indeed resemble the color of seawater. The ancient Romans Believed that the Aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

The association with water led to the belief that the Aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which the gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning and to aid in fortune telling.

The Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. Beryl is a mineral that crystallizes within large grained igneous rocks on the earth's crust. It varies in color from clear to vibrantly colored gemstones such as the Emerald. Beryl was used as far back as 2,000 year ago to correct vision, and it continues to be used today in the manufacture of eyeglasses. It is a very hard mineral, making the Aquamarine a durable gemstone for use in jewelry.

Aquamarines varies in color from blue-green to a light sky blue, but gems containing green are often heat-treated to remove this less desirable color. The majority of Aquamarines, unlike other gemstones, are flawless. It is a relatively abundant gem, the largest deposits being in Brazil, but other sources of Aquamarines are in China, India, Australia, Africa and the United States.

A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. Some people even say that the Aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage, so if you want to bring back that spark in your partner's eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift!


Alternate Birthstone - Bloodstone

An alternate birthstone for March is Bloodstone, a dark green opaque quartz flecked with red spots. The name Bloodstone derives from the legendary belief that the red coloration resulted from the blood of Christ spilling onto green jasper during the crucifixion. For this reason, too, the stone has been called "martyr's stone". Bloodstone is mined in India, Brazil, Uruguay, Australia and the United States. Ideal for craving into cameos and beads, this stone symbolizes courage.

March 08