Judging custom wedding rings is to a large degree, admittedly, a subjective affair. You either like the look or you don’t.

But when adding in factors of cost, durability and the like, it’s helpful to be aware of some objective criteria used by the pros. You’ll want your personalized ring choice to be a good one. Fine personalized jewelry is not something you want to buy uninformed whether it is a ladies diamond ring or men’s crystal jewellery

WEIGHT

It is often misunderstood that, while diamonds are measured in carats, gold is measured in karats. It’s a measure not of size or weight, but of purity. A 14kt gold ring contains 14/24 pure gold, or about 58%. The purity of platinum (denoted Plat or Pt) is measured on a scale from roughly 900-950 out of 1,000. This translates to a 950PT wedding ring being 95% pure platinum.

Note that the remainder is often comprised of chemically similar though equally valuable metals. While lower numbers can be found, they won’t be found in fine jewelry wedding rings.

A diamond, by contrast, is measured in carats (ct), ranging from near zero and up. 1 carat = 200 mg, a measure of mass. Anything less than about 1/8th of a carat (sometimes 1/4 ct, by some experts) is considered a ‘chip’. Partly, the reason is the difficulty of faceting and polishing such a small stone in order to bring out a diamond’s effects.

Note that technically, a ‘chip’ is any diamond which isn’t fully faceted or properly shaped. They can result from accidents or the crystal structure that makes cutting and polishing nearly impossible. But the smaller the stone, the more difficult this becomes. So, most chips are in the range stated.

The Cullnan diamond, weighing in at about 3106 carats, is the biggest individual gem-quality diamond ever discovered. It was cut down into the egg-shaped stone that sits in the scepter of England, itself about 525 carats.

But there are many other factors that influence the cost and look of a fine diamond intended to sit in an engagement ring or wedding band.

CLARITY

A diamond is judged by professionals on how ‘clear’ it is, and the stone is then placed into a category.

FL, IF Flawless, or Internally Flawless represents the highest grade in this area. Such stones are extremely rare and hence invariably very expensive.

VVS1, VVS2 These ratings represent a diamond which is only ‘very very slightly included’. ‘Included’ means, essentially, occluded or cloudy. Inclusions of non-diamond material or structure are responsible for lack of perfect clarity. These stones are acutally of very high quality despite this rather foreboding word. The flaws can only barely be seen under 10x magnification.

VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included ratings represent high quality stones. No flaw is visible to the naked eye.

SI1, SI2 Slightly Included gems contains flaws that are visible under 10x magnification and may just barely be seen by those with very sharp eyes. Beyond having good eyesight, though, one needs to know what to look for. Generally, non-experts won’t notice much of anything.

I1, I2, I3 These are mediocre quality stones that may still look very nice. But they have visible flaws when one looks closely that will reduce the brilliance of the stone’s appearance.

COLOR

Beyond the degree of clarity, diamonds – though usually thought of as clear or ‘white’ – can come in any of hundreds of colors. Fashions change and in one era what might be considered a flaw will be highly valued by the next generation. The color is produced by small ‘impurities’ mixed into the carbon structure that makes up diamond.

A 200-carat blue diamond in the Smithsonian (the Hope Diamond), for example, is valued not only for its unusually large size. Its rare and pure color is also a significant factor.

Blue, pink and yellow are among the most common colors found in ring stones.

D stones are completely colorless and correspondingly rare.

E diamonds are also considered colorless. Any impurities are in trace amounts detectable only by experts with special tools. Still very rare.

F are also graded colorless, but a slight color may be seen by an expert.

G-H are near colorless. Non-experts can detect some shading if they look closely, but these can still be high quality diamonds.

I-J Near colorless diamonds in which the color is slightly detectable. Still a very good value.

K-M are stones in which the color is highly noticeable. Observe, though, that these ratings are for diamonds that are ranked according to how little color they have. Hence, a pure yellow diamond may still be thought of as very attractive.

What’s important is to have the color be uniform. Most people still consider even a small spot of color to be a flaw. Of course, that too is simply a matter of taste and some future trendsetter may decide such diamonds are worth even more.

CUT

One factor that is difficult to rank in terms of price or quality is how the stone is cut. This is due to the fact that detemining the "best" cut is really a matter of personal preference. The different cuts – round, oval, square, princess – are all equally beautiful and choice simply depends on personal preference. Other common shapes are the Marquise (a type of elongated stone), the Pear, Emerald cut, Trilliant (a wedge shape), Radiant, Cushion and Heart shaped.

Diamond experts have much more specific criteria and will evaluate the different angles and the facet numbers. The Radiant, for example, has 70 facets while the Trilliant has 25 on the crown and 19 on the pavilion. But these details need not concern wedding ring buyers.

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Turquoise is a gorgeous gemstone that looks so good in silver turquoise jewelry.

      >>  See natural turquoise silver jewellery here

Scientifically it’s a blend of phosphates and aluminum with some traces of copper oxide, from which it gets its blue color, and iron, zinc, calcium and manganese oxide.

The green color arises from the iron or aluminum and and zinc gives it a yellow color. The most common color is green for turquoise gemstones, and indeed blue gems very often turn green if exposed to sunlight for any length of time.

Different combinations of these elements give turquoise its array of colors, with the most valued being those with an intense blue color and yellow colored gemstones having the lowest value. The finest quality stones, for instance Persian turquoise, don’t usually fade and keep their gorgeous blue color indefinitely.

Some stones have a major color with a spider web pattern of different colored lines marking the surface. The cause of this is uneven distribution of the various elements present in the precious stone and the marks can be brown, yellow or black in several different patterns. However unmarked gems are more sought after than gems with a spider web matrix although turquoise precious stones of intense blue color, even though they have a spider web matrix, are more sought after than yellow or green pure gemstones. Natural stones of a pure color, i.e. those which are not marked with spider web matrix, are much rarer and are very highly valued.

Turquoise Treatments

Less than 10% of the turquoise used in jewelry is the naturally occurring, best quality stone. Over 85% is treated from soft, rough turquoise so that it is hard enough to be used. This procedure also improves stability and boosts the gem’s color. Turquoise from some countries, China for example, is too soft and must be treated. In spite of this the process yields beautiful gems, which, though less prized than unprocessed stones, nevertheless make superb jewelry.

Treatments enhance the color of the gemstones as well as making them tougher which gives them a longer life. A treatment method used to boost the color involves injecting a dye in epoxy resin into the gemstone. The color is more stable and will not fade. Turquoise from China is hardened by injecting liquid plastic into the stone. An alternative approach is to inject epoxy resin alone that will stabilise the gem but won’t change the color.

Synthetic turquoise can be made from powdered turquoise in liquid plastic. This kind of turquoise is naturally very cheap. These imitation gems may be sold as natural turquoise and are often waxed or coated in plastic.

Care of Turquoise Gems

Turquoise is porous and soft so must be looked after carefully. It must never be worn when it can become scratched and ought to be protected from any impact always. On no account wear turquoise jewelry when washing the car or gardening! Keep turquoise jewelry in a box that is lined with soft material and do not store with other, harder gems which might damage the stones. Turquoise gems can absorb liquids so keep them away from hot water, oils, chemicals and even perfumes and cosmetics. These may be absorbed by the gem which will become dull and may change color. You can clean turquoise using very mild soapy water and drying carefully with a soft cloth. Ensure it is completely dry before storing it away and on no account use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners as they may cause cracking of the gem.

In Conclusion

Turquoise is a lovely, eye-catching stone which is rare and sought after. Even though there are several disadvantages in that it must be carefully looked after and a number of the blue stones can fade to green over time, it makes fantastic silver turquoise jewelry as the attractive blue color goes perfectly with the silver.

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Everything is basically energy at one level or another. This world is made up of a shared field of energy.

Even our emotions are energy vibrating at a certain frequency. Rocks have an energy that vibrate at a different frequency. So it isn’t surprising that ‘meanings’, which are basically thought vibratons, end up having some connection with other forms of energy vibration like the ever beautiful collection of semi precious stones and handmade silver crystal jewellery that we all admire so much.

I’d like to share with you today some of the meanings that have been associated with these precious crystals over time:

Agate – helps to awaken your inherent talents, increases creativity and stimulates intellectual as well as analytical abilities. This stone gives you the confidence to be the best you can be in achieving success by instilling courage and dispelling fears in the wearer.

Amber – Amber absorbs negative energies and transforms them into positive forces that stimulate the body to heal itself. It can also help counteract suicidal or depressive tendencies.

Amethyst – has the power to calm the mind and emotions, creating a sense of peace. Amethyst also stimulates the intellectual and creative side of you. Amethysts are very powerful for people who suffer sleepless nights or for those with disturbing dreams and nightmares.

Ametrine – is an extremely energetic quartz of courage and harmony that contains both Amethyst and Citrine. Ametrine expels prejudice, stimulates creativity, strengthens concentration, promotes optimism and aids thinking things through.

Aquamarine – This beautiful crystal is reputedly able to dampen fears and gives its wearer a sense of confidence. It promotes communication and helps one to express oneselves. It is beneficial to wear it to examinations or while meditating.

Aventurine – This crystal promotes clarity of mind and self confidence thus reinforces decisiveness and amplifies leadership qualities. Aventurine helps you to focus and find creative solutions when you’re feeling overwhelmed by problems.

Bloodstone – believed to have great magical and protective properties, possessing the ability to banish evil, keep out undesirable influences and dispel negativity. As its name suggests, Bloodstone is an excellent blood cleanser.

Carnelian – promotes happiness, creativity, steadfastness, confidence, courage, analytical power and assertiveness, and helps one to achieve greater success in career and personal matters.

Charoite – Charoite transmutes negativity and cleanses the aura. It bestows drive and vigor and is able to reduce stress and worry, bringing about a relaxed attitude. Charoite is also used to overcome obsessions and compulsions.

Clear Quartz – has very strong powers of protection against anyone who doesn’t mean you well. Clear Quartz is a pure and powerful energy source which has the ability to transmit and receive energy.

Garnet – is also known as the stone of health, passion and romantic love. It enhances one’s sexuality, sensuality and intimacy. Garnet also helps one to effectively deal with high stress, sadness, depression and critical situations.

Hematite – In physical healing, crystal healers credit Hematite with the ability to stimulate iron absorption, which in turn improves oxygen supply to the body and blood circulation.

Jade – is a desired stone prized for thousands of year in China for its protective powers and healing qualities. It is also said to stimulate creativity and mental agility, and enhance one’s health. Jade is regarded as a symbol of the good and the beautiful.

Jasper – The powerful Jasper crystal is a stone that cools, soothes and calms the mind and nerves, hence reduces stress and brings tranquility. It enhances one’s ability to relax and heal if necessary.

Lapis Lazuli – helps make one feel more empowered and cultivate a more fearless, adventuresome spirit and encourages taking charge of life. It also stimulates the higher faculties of the mind, bringing objectivity and clarity.

Moonstone – or Moonstone is most a great stone used to alleviate period pains, reduce emotional turbulence during menopause and enhances fertility. Moonstone helps bring out the best feminine qualities in a woman, provides emotional balance and enhances her sensitivity and intuition.

Obsidian – is perfect to boost your personal self-esteem and confidence. Obsidian is a very protective stone and is excellent for blocking out and dissolving negative energies, thus protecting you against evil intentions.

Onyx – is believed to be a powerful protection stone that absorbs negative forces and influences and transforms them into positive ones. Onyx is also said to have been helpful to people who are trying to move on after a bad relationships or let go of past attachments.

Peridot – is a helpful stone used to ‘open’ the heart and let go of “old baggage” such as people or the past, and to assist one to admit mistakes and move on. Peridot is also reputed to be a great stone to alleviate jealousy, anger, resentment and spite.

Prehnite – is a stone of unconditional love and the crystal to heal the healer. Prehnite enhances precognition and inner knowing. It is a stone that enables you always to be prepared, no matter what.

Rhodochrosite – is a crystal that represents selfless love and compassion, excellent for the heart and relationships. It is also a helpful stone used to remove denial, lift depressed mood, promote positive attitude, self-worth and acknowledgement of painful feelings.

Rose Quartz – Widely known as the ‘Love Stone’, Rose Quartz is most favored for its ability in speeding up the process for those seeking true love, mending broken relationships and jazzing up your existing romance life.

Ruby – is a very energetic stone that imparts vigor to life, fires enthusiasm, encourages passion for life and motivates one in achieving goals. Like citrine, it is also a stone of abundance that has the power to help prevent financial losses

Rutilated Quartz – is said to be the most energizing and uplifiting stone with anti-depressive effect. Rutilated Quartz is believed to relieve loneliness, attract love and stabilize relationships. It is also used to bring new hope, relieve guilt, aid sleep, assist decision making and enhance creativity.

Sapphire – is known as the wisdom stone. Blue sapphire is traditionally associated with love and purity. It focuses and calms the mind and releases unwanted thoughts and mental tension. Place on the throat, sapphire releases frustration and facilitates self-expression.

Smoky quartz – is a good stone to overcome lethargy. It encourages concentration and pragmatism. It is also an excellent stone used to absorb electromagnetic smog (detectable electromagnetic field that can be very harmful to sensitive people).

Sodalite – is a stone that instills a drive for truth and an urge toward idealism, making it possible to remain true to yourself and stand up for your beliefs. Sodalite clears electromagnetic pollution and can be placed on computers to block their emanations

Tiger’s Eye – gives out energy that encourages your passion for life to blossom and stimulates your willpower and the desire for success. Tiger’s Eye also promotes self confidence, self esteem, integrity, positive outlook on life as well as arms you with strength, courage and determination.

Turquoise – gives you tranquility refreshment and pushes you through with resourcefulness and enhances communication. It creates self awareness and promotes foresight.
Turquoise is reputed to be responsible for faithfulness and reliable relationships.

Watermelon Tourmaline – is a crystal particularly effective in promoting self-love and opening one’s heart up to accept love. It increases happiness, serenity, compassion, tolerance and understanding in its wearer.

Zoisite – is a crystal that has the ability to transmute negative energies into positive ones. It is also a helpful stone used to dispel lethargy and promote expression of repressed feelings and emotions. Mentally, Zoisite increases creativity and focus.

Author: Jenny Lin Mei Fun. Jenny Lin is the author of Ideal Crystal Store, an online store offering crystal bracelets, necklaces, pendants, balls and decor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Lin_Mei_Fun

Turquoise: The Healing Stone

As a healing stone, Turquoise is among the most powerful of the crystal healing stones. Its energy can benefit the whole body, with special strengths in healing ailments of the immune, respiratory, waste and skeletal systems. 

Blue tiger eye, hawks eye stones, crystal healing

These are beautiful blue tiger eye tumbled stones blue tiger eye is also known as hawks eye. Most of them have some golden tiger eye with streaks of blue, I think it makes a wonderful contrast to the deep blue.

Crystal clarity

I’d just discovered crystal healing, and met a magical lady who had started out as a geologist and then discovered the energetic and spiritual properties of the stones. She had shown me her crystals and, simply by holding them

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The blue beryl aquamarine has an interesting set of mystic properties associated with it. Since ancient times this gemstone was believed to possess some metaphysical properties that make these gems truly special.

The history of aquamarine brings forth the fact that it has been considered the lucky talisman of sailors of older era. Because of its sea water color, sea voyagers had considered it as lucky gemstone that ensured safe and prosperous journeys over stormy seas.

Mystic Lore: A set of mystic lore hovers around this clear and transparent bluish crystal. One such mystic lore is that it is believed to be the best stone for the fifth chakra of human body identified by the energy center at the throat. An interesting revelation is that exotic aquamarine stones are supposed to increase one`s communication skills and personality.

This gem is said to instill cooling and calming effect on its wearers.

It is said to offer soothing effect on sunburns and even on fevers. If you are wearing this gem then your tempers are believed to diminish. And you are told to  expect your intellectual abilities to be enhanced further.

A stone of serenity and courage that is what this gemstone is said to be. Lovely and gentle gems, aquamarines are believed to posses healing powers that considerably reduce dependency on drugs.

Beads made from these gems have been found in ancient Egyptian mummy pits. In the east the popularity of aquamarine gems is immensely high since the olden times. In this part of the world it is said to be the “Stone of the Seer and Mystic”. It is considered to be the symbol of peace and is given a meaning of  imparting purity to the wearer.

Mystical Properties

The mystical properties of aquamarine have been felt from very olden days. History and ancient literature mention the popularity of this gemstone that prevailed during that age.

The strongest energies of these gems are believed to be in the field of opening up the psychic. Are you very sensitive to the vibrations and the thoughts of other people? Then maybe this is the gemstone for you. Wear an aquamarine ring or pendant with smoky quartz and it will ease out the sharpness of the incoming impressions. In addition, the quartz help you get grounded in the physical world.

Attributed Properties

Element: Water
Energy: Receptive  Peace, Courage, Purification and linked with  Psychic abilities.

It was believed to be the preferred stone of ancient times. The reason for this is quite obvious; the color of this gem is that of the water of the sea. This blue beryl has been associated with sea and water all along.

This lovely and glorious stone is worn as a symbol of psychic powers. If you hold this gem or wear a jewel made from these gems then it is claimed that your mind will become more conscious and receptive although ultimately it is believed by many that all powers come from the One creator who created these stones and vibrations in the first place.

Glamorous aquamarine stone are not only pleasant and beautiful to the eye but also they are a delight and joy to the wearer.

Author: Mithun Rao

Mithun Rao, a jewelry professional, holds degree in gemology and jewelry design from Mumbai and has spent 10 years in the industry (including running his own jewelry shop). With an obsession for gems and precious stones, he also shares a passion for music, painting and wishes to explore new places, and understand new cultures. He owns and manages the site gehnabazaar.com. To know more about aquamarine gem please click on the link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mithun_Rao

Handcrafted Silver Earrings with Flawless Aquamarine Trillions and

Unique Qualities. Ice-blue Aquamarine trillion facets cut to perfection, set in handcrafted silver with African Amethyst brilliants. This celtic inspired design is surprisingly light because of the thin gauge of silver used.

Aquamarine: Gem Of The Sea

But most of the gemstones available in the market today come from Brazil. Aquamarine is found in a range of blue shades, from pale pastel to greenish-blue to deep blue. Deeper colors are unusual in smaller sizes

All About Gemstones

According to legend, aquamarine was the treasure of mermaids and had the power to keep sailors safe at sea. It was also thought to possess a number of other mystical properties

Petroglyphs: March Stone: Astonishing Aquamarine

Aquamarines are mined in a number of exotic places including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique, but most of the gemstones available today come from Brazil. 

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