Diamonds are not the only gems you want to be careful buying. Diamonds, at least, have standards of quality in the four Cs, but there are no similar standards for colored gemstones.
However, you can learn a lot by looking around and asking questions.
In buying any gems, ask the jeweler to explain any term you do not understand. Beware of any term used with a gem other than “genuine.”
Remember, a balas ruby is no more a ruby than an evening emerald is an emerald. The more expensive the gem, the more important it may be for you to ask about a GIA certificate.
In many fine jewelry stores, there is a certified gemologist on the staff. A certified gemologist has been trained in gem detection and has been certified by either the American Gem Society or the GIA after passing courses and stiff examinations.
He or she is qualified to certify gems, although the certificate will not be issued by the GIA. In cases of doubt, however, the facilities of the GIA are available to these jewelers and to you.
Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are not the only gems, which you should insist on a guarantee of authenticity. You also want one for smoky and yellow topaz, since too much quartz and citrine is sold as the more valuable topaz.
The same verification should be a condition of your buying rhodolite or grossular garnets. Both gems are far rarer and more expensive than ordinary garnets.
When I’ve already been up too long checking out on-line bead sources, I groan with dismay and with pleasure, when I come to the agate page. How can there possibly be such variety! Lace agate, moss agate, Indian agate, Botswana agate…
Another this that I love are the fossils in the fossil coral. This strand I have in my hands is more intriguing than many geography lessons. What tiny creatures are preserved in these stones?
Plus I love shells. What fascinating housing they once provided. I certainly hope they aren’t being scooped up to the point of extinction just so I can have a great strand of four- sided brown kaccols.
I love the jades. They are not only the moss green that I remember from pendants in Chinese import stores, but “peridot jade,” “olive jade,” and “golden jade” are how my invoice describes them.
While I rarely wear green in the winter, the hues remind me of the green of gardening, which I’m missing in Wisconsin’s blustery winter wonderland, with record- setting December snowfalls.So, I boldly and unambiguously proclaim that my favorite beads are the semi- precious stones.
Until… I pick up the Miyuki 6s that I have in 6 tones and shades of turquoise, the pinks, and the greens.Until…I run my fingers through a pile of faceted rondelles. I would play all day in the dishes of beads at the bead stores, or in my own “bead store.”Until…I admire the swirls and striations on hand made lampwork. Such artistry and skill, something I have not yet tried.
And then, I admit that I am fickle. My favorite is whatever I’m holding in my hands at the moment, whatever I’m at and appreciating right then. So, I do play favorites. But each bead gets a turn and will be admired and awed over, until…
P.S. Jewelry is great for wedding. If you need some nice wedding favours ideas - watch this video and read posts on this blog.
