GEMSTONES
What is a gemstone?
Most gemstones are minerals. They have been chosen for their beauty and perhaps most importantly, for their durability. Finally, they are cut and polished for use as human adornment.
The exceptions are organic materials such as amber, pearls, and coral. There are about 3,000 gems that are admired and cut for their beauty, but only about 100 show up in jewelry because the rest are simply too delicate to wear.
Today many stones such as agates, jaspers, turquoise, crystals, and others, including fossils are being used in high fashion jewelry. Many of these stones have unique properties that no other stones have. They are sought after because of their special characteristics. Although most of these stones are opaque, many are semi-transparent or translucent.
The allure of gemstones is color and light. The allure of organics is their rich colors and unique design patterns. In the 1930s three main colored gemstones were recognized and used in jewelry; rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Today, those restrictions have disappeared partly because of advanced mining technology. We have so many more choices as new gemstones are being discovered in sometimes difficult to reach locations. It is true that many gems are very rare and become price restrictive for both jewelers and customers. Other gemstones are entering the market at more affordable prices, offering all of us, including collectors more choices of gems and stones.
New finish techniques for the cutting and polishing of gems have also been developed. Creative faceting cuts are being explored. Highly prized and valuable gemstones are also being cut from the backside and often sculpted with realistic scenes and animals.
Personally, I love all stones for their uniqueness and individual beauty. When selecting gemstones, including diamonds, for my customers, I take select only finely cut stones to assure their beautiful brilliance of light and color. I travel to gem shows to search out new finds and stones for their rarity, quality of cutting, color, and design interest. I hope to offer my customers a true work of art and a piece that is unlike any other by incorporating such unique stones. And so often, ones rarely heard of.
Finally, I love to design and make jewelry that is unique, comfortable to wear, and affordable for all my customers with the hope in mind they will enjoy wearing it for years to come.
