Using a diamond clarity chart can be one of the most useful and easy ways to determine diamond clarity, and therefore, how much you should pay for a diamond. When it comes to buying diamonds, most people would prefer to buy the best diamond that they can afford. Diamonds are graded by jewelers using many different criteria to determine what that particular diamond this worth. One of the most important criteria used to determine how much a diamond is worth is its clarity. The diamond clarity can determine anywhere from 20-30% of the value of the diamond!

Diamond Clarity Decoded

When you buy a diamond, there should be a clarity grade assigned to it by a gem lab such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Those grades can be confusing to someone not familiar with jewelry trade lingo. So your diamond has a clarity grade of F1. An F? Your diamond has flunked the grading test? Not at all! Actually, if your diamond has been graded F1, it is the clearest of the clear in the diamond world.

All diamonds have flaws, or inclusions inside. These inclusions are the result of naturally occurring bubbles, cracks and organic matter. The natural process of carbon being compressed and heated over time (lots of time!!) creates the beautiful mineral we know as diamonds. Sometimes a small speck of carbon will not completely be transformed into diamond material. When a diamond is cut, lapidaries (gem and mineral cutting professionals) try to maximize the size of the diamond  cut from rough material while also removing those parts of the diamond containing inclusions. Any inclusions remaining in the finished diamond must be accounted for and documented when grading the overall value of the diamond.

These inclusions are graded from F, meaning flawless, to I, meaning included. Within this grading scale there are many different grades. Diamonds may also have blemishes which are actually surface flaws. If a diamond is judged to be flawless, that means there are no inclusions or blemishes on or within the diamond. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare. Diamonds that are graded I1 through I3 have inclusions that are visible under 10 times magnification, as well as to the human eye. It is generally not recommended to buy any diamonds that have that grade. If a diamond has been graded anywhere between a flawless and slightly included, this only has an effect on and the value of diamond, not on the appearance of the unmagnified diamond. Even though flawless diamonds are the most rare type of diamond you do not need to have a flawless diamond for it to be absolutely gorgeous.

Get What You Pay For and Pay For What You Get

While the inclusions and or blemishes a diamond has can affect its value, those same inclusions and blemishes can also be considered to be the “fingerprints” of the diamond. GIA includes a plot of a diamond’s inclusions that can be used to compare one diamond to another, and also will show you that you are getting the correct diamond and that it is worth what you are paying for it.

If you decide that you would like to purchase a diamond has been graded flawless or internally flawless you should expect to pay quite a bit for it. Diamonds that are graded as very very small (VVS)and very small (VS) inclusions are great choice is because you’ll get both value and a stunning appearance from the diamond. Diamonds included in the slightly included one (SI1) and slightly included two (SI2) groups are also usually a great buy. These diamonds are called “eye clean” because there are no inclusions or blemishes visible unless the diamond is looked at under at least 10 times magnification. As you can see, the amount of money you want to spend on your diamond will determine the clarity grade that you should choose. Of course that works the other way – you may have to get a diamond farther down on the clarity chart depending on how much money you have to spend.

A Diamond Clarity Chart Used By Gemologist’s to Grade the Clarity of Diamonds:

As you can see, the clarity of diamonds is an important part of their grading process, but remember that there are factors that go into deciding the value of a diamond other than clarity. Using a diamond clarity chart to determine what a diamond is worth is a helpful way to begin deciding the value of the stone, but it isn’t the only way to determine how valuable the diamond is.

Always buy the best diamond you can afford, and ask to see the gemological report on any diamond purchase. That way you will be sure to get what you pay for as well as pay for what you get, and you will receive a beautiful diamond that someday just may become a family heirloom.

Don’t want to try to memorize the chart and have to remember all that info while you are diamond shopping? Click on our chart and then print it out for a handy cheat sheet!

If you liked this article, you may be interested in finding out more about yellow diamond engagement rings or diamond stud earrings here at Pearl’s Jewelry Junction!

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If you are thinking of buying a diamond, a color of diamonds chart can help you to decide which one you want.  Diamond color is one of the four main attributes of a diamond that are graded by gemologists in deciding the overall quality of the diamond.  Those attributes are color, cut, clarity and carat weight.

Why Color of Diamonds is Important

The industry leader in grading diamonds, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has developed a system of grading diamonds that is universally accepted throughout the jewelry industry.  Their system ensures that every diamond will be graded on the same scale, so consumers can be sure that their diamond has been graded correctly and fairly.

Color is one of the most important attributes of a diamond that determines how valuable the diamond is. Traditionally, completely colorless diamonds are the most valuable.  The GIA color of diamonds chart can be used to judge a diamond’s color, and thus its value.

Most naturally mined diamonds have some color. The most common color of diamonds is yellow to brown. In fact, about 80% of all diamonds mined are considered to be yellow or brown diamonds. On a side note, at one time, those brown diamonds were not considered to be of good quality and were not used in jewelry. Most of them were used for other applications, like manufacturing.

The color in diamonds comes from lattice defects in their internal structure and from impurities contained within the diamond material.  Nitrogen is mostly responsible for the yellow and brown color that occurs in diamonds. Yellow diamonds are the most common, followed by brown diamonds. As you probably already know, just because a diamond has some color in it does not mean it is worthless. On the contrary, some colored diamonds such as blue and red or pink diamonds can be worth even more than colorless diamonds. Their rarity is probably the reason for this, since it is extremely rare to find blue, pink or red diamonds.

Even though some colored diamonds are more rare, completely colorless diamonds are still extremely rare and are generally very expensive, especially if they have few or no flaws and have been cut well. An absolutely clear, flawless diamond will be out of most people’s budget, unfortunately. However, there are some absolutely stunning diamonds available even to pocketbook-impaired folks (like me!) that have a very slight color rating and have some very slight flaws in them.

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There are so many different types of pearls on the market, it can sometimes be confusing when you actually hop online or head out to shop for them.  Akoya pearls are just one type of saltwater pearl that many women love for their extraordinary beauty.

I love Akoya pearls because they are so beautiful, and I’m guessing that’s what you like about them also. They have a perfectly  round (well, almost perfectly round, as you will see later) shape, a beautiful mirror-like luster, and they come in the soft neutral white and cream colors that we all love the most in our pearls.

You can definitely find other pearls on the market that are pretty and afforable, so what is it that makes Akoya cultured pearls so special?

 Where Japanese Akoya Pearls Come From

Before I begin, I have to preface this explanation with the fact that Akoya pearls can come from countries other than Japan, like China, Viet Nam, Australia South Korea, for instance. Most of the Akoya cultured pearl necklaces, rings and bracelets on the market used to come from Japan, but that is changing. More about that in a bit.

In the early 20^th century, Kokichi Mikimoto developed a now patented technique for creating cultured pearls. He used a specific mollusk called Pinctada fucata martensii, which is also known as the Akoya oyster. To create Akoya pearls, a small mother-of-pearl bead, along with a piece of mantle tissue (the thin membrane by which a mollusk is attached to its inner shell) is inserted inside the gonad (reproductive organ) of the mollusk. The mollusk begins secreting a substance called nacre that coats the bead, and with time, the new pearl grows to a size of between 2 and 11 millimeters. Most Akoya pearls never get any bigger than that because the Pinctada fucata martensii mollusk is one of the smallest pearl-producing mollusks in the sea.

One important thing to remember is the fact that Akoya pearls are cultured saltwater pearls. Cultured pearls can also come from freshwater sources, but if any pearl is labeled to be a freshwater Akoya pearl, it is being mis-represented and should be avoided.

In the past, most Akoya pearls were from Japan, but since their name is really derived from the type of oyster in which they are cultured, these gorgeous gems can come from anywhere and still be correctly identified as true “Akoya pearls” as long as they were cultured in an Akoya oyster in saltwater.

For much of the 20^th century, Japan was the place to get any type of cultured pearls from, and they continue to be a major force in the industry. Now, however, China has also become a major player in the field and the quality of their Akoya pearls has equaled the quality of the Japanese variety for the last decade or so. One difference seems to be the size of pearls that each country does best; Japan is still best at culturing larger Akoya pearls, and China is best at culturing smaller pearls. In fact, most of the Akoyas in the market today that are smaller than 8mm are from China.

Chinese or Japanese Akoya Pearls? 

This brings up a question that many consumers have, which is how to tell a Japanese from a Chinese Akoya pearl, especially after they have been strung or mounted into a setting. The answer to that is that many times it is impossible to tell. Here is what sometimes happens: pearls from China are imported to Japan, treated with industry accepted treatments, strung or set into jewelry pieces, and then marketed as “Japanese Akoya Pearls”.

So, remembering that most of the smaller Akoyas are now cultured in China, the long and short of it is this; if you buy Akoya pearls that are smaller than 8mm, more than likely they originated in China, even if they are labeled as Japanese Akoyas.

Looking for the Best Akoya Pearls? 

Just like gemstones, pearls are also graded on their quality, or lack thereof. Before you head out to buy that Akoya pearl necklace or Akoya pearl earrings you have had you eye on, make sure you know some things about how they are graded first so you can make an informed decision.

The AAA grading scale is currently the most internationally recognized Akoya pearl grading scale in existence. Here is the AAA scale in chart form:

AAA graded pearls comprise about 3-5% of the cultured pearl harvest worldwide, according to Stephen Couch of Pearls by Angela Carol online. He notes that AAA quality pearls must be 95% inclusion free, meaning that no more than 5% of the surface area of the pearl may be affected by blemishes, pinpoints, or other imperfections.

Always inquire about or search the website you are going to buy your pearls from to find out how the grading system they use works. If they don’t use the AAA system, make sure you know what the grade they use for any Akoya bracelet, necklace, etc. that you are considering buying corresponds to on the AAA grading system. That way you can determine the true quality of the piece.

Below is pictured a strand of Akoya pearls that have been graded as AA pearls. Note that the luster (shine) on the pearls is not quite “mirror like”, hence the lower rating for them. Pearls like these are common, and can be found in most jewelry stores.

Hanadama Akoya Pearls – The Absolute Best

The top 1% of all pearls produced are considered to be Hanadama pearls, and are very rare and as you might expect, expensive. Jeremy Shepard of Pearl Paradise shared this information about Hanadama pearls on pearl-guide.com recently:

A Hanadama certificate for Akoya pearls can only be produced in one place: Japan. Pearls are examined on their outer surface by high magnification, their interiors are inspected through optical fiber, a spectro photometric reflectance test is administered, and a soft x-ray is made of the pearl. The thickness of the layers is measured, which must measure at least .4 on each side of the pearl for a total of .8 and the Teri-value, or luster, and the kizu, or % of imperfections is also determined.

To be graded as a Hanadama, the Teri-value has to be “strong”, and the kizu must be determined to be “very slightly”. You should note that the highest kizu any pearl can receive is “very slightly”, since all pearls are organic and therefore have imperfections.

Entire strands of pearls are graded together, and when each pearl on the strand is graded high, the whole strand is then given the grade “Hanadama”. This is a term that is used only for Akoya pearls, and more often than not, the pearls will be in the 7.5 – 8mm to 8.5 – 9mm size range.

A Hanadama certificate is pictured below:

Treatments Applied to Akoya Pearls

There are treatments that are commonly applied to pearls, and Akoya pearls are no exception. They may be beached, and especially in the case of Akoyas, they are usually “pinked”. Bleaching usually involves applying peroxide to the pearls to help improve their color and pinking is the application of dye to the pearls to add a tiny bit of pink to the overall tone of the pearl.

Both treatments are considered to be acceptable by industry standards, and should be disclosed to the buyer according to many experts in the field, but neither of these treatments is usually disclosed. Pinking is so common that Akoya pearls are assumed to have been pinked unless their certificate specifically states that they are natural and have not been pinked. That said, it is possible to find completely natural pearls in the last few years due to the better culturing techniques being developed. These pearls will be, of course, very expensive.

Akoya Pearl Overtones

Since they are an organic gemstones, there are subtle color differences from pearl to pearl. After the above treatments are applied, the pearls are carefully separated and grouped according to the color overtones they carry. Most Akoyas carry either cream, rose or silver overtones, and most women like to select the overtone according to what looks best on them. In general, remember this:

• Fair skin: rose overtones
• Medium to Dark skin: cream or silver overtones

Of course, this is absolutely personal preference at this point, and the overtones carried by your pearls will have no bearing on their overall value, so pick whichever color overtone you love the best.

Caring for Your Akoya Pearls

On of the best things you can do for your pearls is to wear them often. They are organic and will not be adversely affected by your skin oils; in fact, the oil from your skin will actually be good for your pearls.

Here are some things that are not good for pearls:

• Heat/Dryness

Never leave pearls in a hot environment, or in the sun. Hot air is usually dry air, so avoiding excessive heat will also avoid excessively dry air. Storing in a plastic bag can keep natural humidity from pearls, causing them to dry out.

• Humidity/Moisture

As much as pearls don’t like dryness, continuous exposure to excessive humidity is not good for them either. Store pearls in a dry environment. Don’t leave them in a box in the bathroom, for instance.

• Chemicals

Chemicals include things like cleaning products, cosmetics, lotions, hair spray, perfume, etc. Always apply cosmetics, perfume and hairspray before putting on your pearls, making sure they are completely dry before putting on your jewelry. Never use products like bleach, vinegar or other cleaning sprays while you wear your pearls, no matter what June Cleaver says. Chlorine is a form of bleach, so never expose pearls to swimming pool water. Salt is also a chemical that can harm your pearl jewelry, so definitely remove them before you do anything that will make you sweat. I leave the definition of what will make you sweat up to you.

• Hanging in a Jewelry Box

Always place pearls in a soft cotton pouch or wrap in tissue and they lay flat in your jewelry box. Hanging them up will cause the silk thread on which they are strung to stretch over time.

Keeping pearls clean is easy. Every time you remove them, gently wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth before storing them properly. Once in awhile, you can wash your pearls with filtered water (so there’s no chlorine in it) and mild soap such as castile soap. Do not use detergent like you wash your dishes or hands with. Lather up your hands with the castile soap and de-chlorinated water and rub the pearls gently between your hands. Rinse them and lay them on a soft towel to dry. Make sure to move them at least once while they dry to a dry spot on the towel.

Especially if you wear a bracelet or strand of pearls frequently, take them to a trusted jeweler and have them inspected about once a year. They will be able to spot problems and make repairs so you don’t have to worry about the clasp detaching or the cord breaking, resulting in you losing your beautiful pearls.

You Get What You Pay For, Especially When it Comes to Pearls 

Many retail jewelry shops carry pearl pendants that are beautiful and that are very affordable, but to find a true Akoya pearl pendant or an Akoya pearl bracelet you may have to look further than jewelry chain stores. The high quality of Akoya saltwater pearls is not something that can be found just anywhere, so do some research online and in person at reputable jewelry stores in your area and try to find one that specializes in pearl jewelry. They will be able to answer your questions and help you find the pearls of your dreams.

Keep in mind, if you want true Akoya pearls, you will have to pay for them. Even a pair of small 7.5 AAA Akoya pearl earrings will cost about $200. A 7” bracelet of the same quality and size pearls will cost $500 and up, and a 20” single strand necklace of AAA Akoyas will cost $1000 and up. When you consider their glowing beauty and relative rarity, most women who love pearls consider the price of Akoyas to be well worth it.

Isn’t it about time you had some Akoya pearls in your collection?

Happy Shopping!

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Stella & Dot, one of the hottest jewelry companies around, is definitely a company geared toward the needs of today’s modern woman.  Based in San Francisco, they sell designer jewelry through at home “trunk shows” that are hosted by independent stylists.  The stylists also sell online via their own Stella & Dot websites.

The jewelry is good quality, boutique-style jewelry and has been featured in various style magazines and televieion shows, such as Gossip Girl.  Their social shopping concept, which features a combination of personal service, social media and ecommerce has been talked about on The Today Show as well as by the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. They have been lauded for their ability to create the perfect home based business for modern women, and to serve the needs of busy women who are looking to find the perfect jewelry solutions quickly and effortlessly.  Their Astor 5 Strand Necklace, pictured below, retails for $158:

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For those who were born in in the month of June, alexandrite is the beautiful gem that has been designated as the official June birthstone.  Many people (including this June baby!) only know alexandrite from the imitation alexandrite birthstone jewelry they have been given as youngsters.  The light pink imitation stones are humdrum looking, and really bear no resemblance to the gorgeous, color-changing hues of genuine alexandrite.

Why Alexandrite for June?

Gemstones have long been associated with different months of the year.  In fact, many historians believe that birthstones came about from the Breastplate of Aaron, as described in the book of Exodus in the Bible.  The breastplate was ornamented with 12 gemstones, each representing the 12 tribes of Israel, as well as the 12 signs of the zodiac and the 12 months of the year. The breastplate is described as having four rows of three gemstones each: ruby, topaz and beryl; turquoise, sapphire, and emerald; jacinth, agate and amethyst; chrysolite, onyx and jasper. Chrysolite is a close cousin to alexandrite, which was first discovered in the 1830’s in Russia and named after Alexander II. It was adopted by the Jewelers of America as the official birthstone for June because of its close relationship to chrysolite.

Different cultures around the world interpreted the list of gems on the breastplate differently, and assigned their own gemstones to be associated with the different months of the year.  One common thread among ancient beliefs about gemstones is that they each possess certain powers, such as the power to heal and protect the wearer of the stone. Those powers were believed to be heightened during the month with which they were associated.

Buying Genuine Alexandrite Birthstone Jewelry – Things You Should Know

Here are some facts about alexandrite you should know before you shop for any birthstone jewelry containing alexandrite:

• Genuine alexandrite is fairly rare, and so it is also expensive. It is most commonly found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia and Tanzania.
• With a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs Scale, alexandrite is very hard, but it can be susceptible to a hard impact, and also to high pressure.  Always safeguard your alexandrite jewelry by removing it before doing housework, before swimming (so you don’t expose the stone or setting to the chemicals in the water), or before engaging in strenuous activities such as sports.
• Alexandrite is usually only found in small size stones, usually between 1 and 1.5 carats in weight.  Anything over that will be extremely expensive since they are so rare.
• Genuine alexandrite is transparent and changes color depending on the type of light in which it is viewed. So the June birthstone color is not really just one color! The stone will appear bluish green in daylight, and under incandescent light it appears reddish-brown.
• Synthetic alexandrite is often found in much of the alexandrite jewelry available today. It is usually labeled as “created”. The synthetic version has identical chemical properties to natural alexandrite, but its color changing properties are slightly different – in daylight they appear greenish-blue, and in artificial light they appear purplish-red.
• There are synthetic and natural versions of corundum that are often confused with alexandrite.  Synthetic corundum’s color change is grayish green to grayish-purple, and the natural version of corundum changes from blue to red-violet.
• The synthetic version of spinel exhibits the same color changing properties as genuine alexandrite.

What to Ask for When You Shop for June Birthstone Jewelry

Always ask to see proof of what you are buying when you spend over $100 on jewelry.  All jewelry sellers who are on the up-and-up will have certificates of authenticity from gem labs for the jewelry available. If you are told there is not a gem certificate or that you can’t see it, RUN AWAY from that store!

Buying genuine alexandrite on the internet can be done safely, if you are wondering about that.  You just have to make sure you see a copy of the gemological certificate first, and make sure the store has a good return policy in case you’re not happy with the jewelry after you receive it. Fortunately, there are many really great stores online that sell alexandrite birthstone jewelry.  Amazon and Blue Nile are always two places to check out with confidence.

Birthstone Jewelry Today

After the Jewelers of America researched ancient birthstones and published a modern birthstone list in 1912, it became popular to wear birthstones as fashion jewelry merely for their decorative beauty.  Most people today do not ascribe mystical powers to gemstones any longer; they have taken on more of a sentimental meaning to those who wear them now.

I know for myself, I have an alexandrite birthstone ring given to me by my mom when I turned 21 that is very special to me since it reminds me of her when I wear it. My daughter has a birthstone ring given to her by Mom also; my daughter never takes it off, since it is a daily reminder of her beloved grandma who passed away shortly after giving her the ring.

Buying birthstone jewelry can be tricky today, since there is a lot of imitation and poor quality jewelry being sold in big box stores.  The most important thing to remember when buying any jewelry is that you will get what you pay for.  Now that doesn’t mean that you have to spend thousands of dollars on a piece of jewelry to get something of quality.  It does mean that spending $19.99 on an alexandrite ring will probably get you a piece of jewelry that contains an imitation alexandrite stone, and the setting will be plated base metal such as brass that might not hold up over time.

The most popular birthstone jewelry today continues to be necklaces and rings, so you will have no trouble finding a large selection of necklace and ring styles.  I would recommend sticking with sterling silver or 10-14K gold for your birthstone jewelry settings.  That way, you will know that the jewelry, which may come to hold quite a bit of sentimental value for you, will hold up over time.  Plated jewelry can also be a viable option, but only if the jewelry will only be worn intermittently.

Care and Storage of June Birthstone Jewelry

I recommend cleaning your alexandrite jewelry gently with either commercial jewelry cleaner or a solution of mild detergent and warm water with a bit of ammonia mixed in.  You should not soak any jewelry for a long time in those solutions.  Dip them for a minute or so, then you can use a small brush to remove any remaining debris from the stones and setting.  Rinse the jewelry well, and dry it completely with a soft cotton cloth.  Always store fine jewelry in a soft pouch so other jewelry in your jewelry box won’t scratch it.  If the jewelry is made with sterling silver, then this is especially important.  It will tarnish less if stored in this manner.

Alexandrite birthstone jewelry will always be special due to alexandrite’s almost magical quality of changing color in different light.  The most important thing about it though, is that the jewelry will have a significant sentimental value for you!

Happy Shopping!

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If you were born in May, then you are definitely in luck.  You may officially claim the May birthstone, emerald, as your very own signature gemstone! Wearing emerald birthstone jewelry is fun, and it can also have great meaning to you if you wear this beautiful green gemstone in honor of someone you love.

There are so many interesting facts to know about emeralds, it is hard to know where to start! For instance, did you know that most of the emeralds found in historically significant jewelry pieces came from Cleopatra’s mines in Egypt? Unfortunately, those mines now produce only poor quality emeralds, but that makes those gorgeous old pieces even more valuable and interesting.

In this day and age, buying fine emeralds is an investment, and so you should have some knowledge about May birthstone jewelry and especially about emeralds in general before you head out to shop. Of course, I am of the opinion that anyone who loves jewelry should absolutely have at least one piece of emerald jewelry in their collection. That said, emeralds have some special characteristics that require a little TLC, so read on to find out all about them!

A Little about Birthstones

Birthstone jewelry has been around for a long time.  Since the beginning of recorded history, many cultures have associated gemstones with certain months of the year.  Since gems were thought by some people to have healing and mystical powers, many ancient people wore them not for their beauty, but to ward off illness and evil spirits, and to enhance perceived abilities.  Emeralds were thought to enhance the wearer’s clairvoyant  abilities.  Why certain gems became associated with certain months is not known.

In the early 20^th century, jewelers realized that many people were asking for gems associated with the month of their birth, but there was no definitive list of birthstones by month at that time.  The Jewelers of America, a jeweler’s trade association, researched the history of the most common stones associated with months of the year and came up with a list that has since become the official list of birthstones for each month of the year.  The traditional May birthstone, emerald, was named in their list as the modern official May birthstone.

What You Should Know About Emeralds

Emeralds are a precious gemstone, along with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.  There are only four gemstones on this list, and they are considered to be precious because of their rarity.  Emeralds are the top level gemstone in a family of gems formed from the mineral beryl.  Beryl gemstones come in many colors, such as light blue green (aquamarine), pink (morganite), and also yellow and golden brown.  There is even a form of red beryl which is called bixbite, an extremely rare form of this mineral.

Fine emeralds are found in places like Colombia, India and South Africa.  Colombian emeralds are probably the most prized emeralds today because of their high quality.  Their rich green color tinged with a hint of blue is considered to be the optimal color for an emerald.  Note the beautiful color of the Colombian emerald ring pictured below:

Caring for Emerald Birthstone Jewelry

Emeralds can be prone to cracking a breaking due to their internal structure and the natural inclusions found in them.  All natural emeralds contain inclusions, or tiny bits of foreign material, and these inclusions can cause small cracks to form inside the stone.  In order to strengthen the emerald, oil and/or resin treatments are usually applied to emeralds.  These treatments help to fill the small cracks, seal the stone, and enhance the emerald’s clarity and color.

Because of the emerald’s proclivity for cracking even with the above treatments applied, it is always advisable to remove your emerald birthstone jewelry before you engage in activities like sports and housework.  A hard blow to an emerald can cause it to chip or even worse, crack and break.  It is better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes.  Also, avoid swimming while wearing emerald birthstone jewelry.  Chemicals such as chlorine can cause the treatments applied to emeralds to be washed off.  This will weaken the stone, and will cause if to appear dull and lifeless.

Cleaning emerald birthstone jewelry can be tricky, also.  Never submerge an emerald for long periods of time in any liquid, and never place emeralds in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine.  The vibrations, along with the jewelry cleaning solution used will spell disaster for an emerald gemstone.  To clean an emerald, simply use warm water and a scant drop of mild soap and a small brush to clean visible dirt and smudges from the jewelry.

Always store your emerald birthstone earrings, necklaces and rings in a soft cloth pouch inside a jewelry box.  That way, other pieces of jewelry will not bump or scratch the emeralds.  Store each piece of emerald jewelry separately. Pouches such as the ones pictured below are perfect to store emerald jewelry.

Synthetic Emeralds: What You Should Know

Synthetic emeralds have become very common in recent years, and much of the lower-priced emerald gemstone jewelry sold today is made with synthetic emeralds stones.  Synthetic emeralds have been manufactured in a laboratory, and are identical in their chemical properties to natural emeralds.  Some synthetic emeralds are even manufactured with inclusions in them to make them appear more like natural emeralds.  Other names synthetic emeralds can be called are ‘lab created emeralds’ or simply ‘created emeralds’.

A reputable jewelry store will disclose the fact that an emerald is synthetic, but you should always ask to see a certificate from a gem lab such as GIA before you buy an expensive emerald, or any gemstone, for that matter.  Synthetic emeralds should be priced less than good quality natural emeralds.  There are some low-quality natural emeralds that are marketed in low-priced fashion jewelry, so be aware that if you buy a natural emerald for under $100, it is probably not of exceptionally high quality.

Another thing to be aware of when purchasing emerald jewelry is the fact that sometimes a small amount of a gemstone can be fused to a larger piece of glass or lesser-quality gemstone; these composite stones are sometimes called doublets, and can fool untrained eyes into thinking the entire stone is the genuine article. There is nothing wrong with buying a doublet if you are aware that the stone you are purchasing is indeed a composite stone.  Again, jewelers should disclose the fact that the gemstone in question is a doublet, but if you are unsure, the certificate for the stone will give you all of the facts about it; always remember to ask to see the gemological certificate.

Popular Types of May Birthstone Jewelry

One thing to remember about birthstone jewelry is the fact that you don’t necessarily have to buy a genuine gemstone for the particular month in question. Natural emeralds can be quite pricey, and even synthetic emeralds can tend to be expensive.  If you would like to wear birthstone jewelry but just don’t want to pay lots of money for it, you should look at birthstone jewelry containing simulated emeralds such as crystals or cubic zirconia.  There are many beautiful options available containing crystals or cubic zirconia that have been set in sterling silver that are quite affordable.  This type of jewelry can still be high quality and very beautiful so you should not hesitate to take a look at birthstone jewelry of this type.

Rings remain one of the most popular types of birthstone jewelry.  Many mothers love to receive rings filled with the birthstones of their children.  Many jewelry stores, including online retailers, will custom make birthstone rings which include the birthstones of children or loved ones.  These rings come in many styles.  One popular style is a ring with the central stone being the birthstone of the mother, and the surrounding stones been those of her children.  Many women also love to wear rings with only their own birthstone included in the design, or they may wear a ring designed with only the birthstone of a spouse or special loved one.

Necklaces and pendants are also extremely popular birthstone jewelry items.  As with rings, gemstones of various family members can be combined, or the jewelry may contain only one birthstone: either the birthstone of the owner or the birthstone of a loved one.

Earrings can also be a great choice if you are looking for May birthstone jewelry but you don’t necessarily want it to look like you are wearing “birthstone jewelry”.  Most of the time earrings are designed with only one type of stone, so most likely you will need to choose either your own birthstone or that of a loved one.

If you want to wear May birthstone jewelry, you have many great choices.  You can look for natural emeralds, synthetic emeralds, or even simulated emeralds if you are on a tight budget but still would like to have some great looking birthstone jewelry.  If you buy natural or synthetic emerald birthstone jewelry always keep in mind that it needs to be treated gently and stored properly.

Happy Shopping!

Related posts:

1. What You Should Know About Emerald Earrings
2. Unique and Elegant Emerald Engagement Rings
3. Emerald Rings: What To Know Before You Buy

Ahhh, the lucky ladies who were born in April; they are fortunate enough to have one of the most beautiful and sought after gems as their birthstone, because the April birthstone is the beautiful diamond.  As a Gregorian poem of unknown origin says, “She who from April dates her years, diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears for vain repentance flow.” When it comes to having a great birthstone April certainly takes the prize!

The birthstone for April was determined by a trade association of jewelers in the early 1900’s who decided to take the hodgepodge list of birthstones at that time and consolidate them into one concise list that everyone would have access to and could follow.  Thus, the diamond was named the modern birthstone for April.  Diamond birthstone jewelry is not hard to find, because just about any diamond jewelry can be considered to be birthstone jewelry.  The only drawback may be that when such things as bracelets or birthstone rings for moms are constructed, having a sibling born in April can cause the item’s cost to skyrocket due to the diamond included in the design.  That can usually be addressed however, by using a substitute for the diamond such as cubic zirconia.

Click Photo to Buy this 14K White Gold Diamond Claddagh April Birthstone Ring at Amazon.com

A Little About the April Birthstone

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, having a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.  They are also one of the few gems that have what is known as perfect cleavage, making diamonds easier to cut precisely than most other stones, and the cuts result in very smooth planes that can be polished to a high shine.  It also means that diamonds can be cut into many gorgeous shapes; round, square, pear, or marquis.  Gorgeous antique cushion cut diamond rings would even make wonderful birthstone rings for any woman.

Diamonds are graded with 4 different criteria: color, cut, clarity and carat weight.  As a general rule, round diamonds that are 5 mm across (about half the size of a pencil eraser) will weigh approximately .5 carats, and one that is 10 mm across will weigh approximately 3.5 carats.  The clarity of a diamond is determined by how many inclusions it has embedded inside it. Most fashion or costume quality birthstone jewelry will employ the use of lesser quality diamonds that may not have exceptional clarity and/or color.  These pieces will cost less, usually $100 and under. Fine April birthstone jewelry made with good quality diamonds will have a cost comparable to any other diamond jewelry, and may cost hundreds of dollars, if not thousands of dollars.

Traditionally, the April birthstone color is a clear or white diamond, as opposed to a colored diamond. This is because if colored diamonds were used, they could be confused with other birthstone gems.  Some colored diamonds such as pink and blue diamonds tend to be extremely expensive, so there is the cost factor, also.  I have heard some women complain that birthstone jewelry made with their April birthstone – a clear diamond – is boring.  My opinion is this:  If you love yellow diamonds, or even those gorgeous chocolate diamonds that are so popular these days, or pink or blue diamonds and you can afford them, why not?  It’s a diamond, correct?  If you want to claim a colored diamond as your birthstone, then by all means, do it!

The Most Popular Types of April Birthstone Jewelry

There are so many different types of birthstone jewelry, you may be wondering what the most popular types might be.  Far and away, necklaces are the most popular type of birthstone jewelry, followed by rings and bracelets.  Necklaces are the most popular type of jewelry in general, so it makes sense that a birthstone necklace would be type that is given as a gift and chosen for birthstone jewelry most often.  The range of styles and price points for birthstone necklaces are the main reasons why they are so often given as gifts to mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, etc.

Click Photo to Buy 14K White Gold Diamond Heart April Birthstone Necklace at Amazon.com

Rings are also very popular to give mothers as gifts from children, with all of the sibling’s birthstones included.  Charm bracelets are the next most popular type of birthstone jewelry.  Whether it is an Italian charm bracelet, a Pandora charm bracelet, or a traditional charm bracelet, they can be designed in many different ways and with many materials and will have room on them to accommodate a large amount of birthstones, if needed.  Silver Pandora type bracelets can be found that cost less than $25, and individual birthstone charms can be found (usually with imitation or cubic zirconia gems) for $15 to $25 each, making one of these bracelets very affordable.

Click to Buy this April Birthstone Charm at Amazon.com

April birthstone jewelry will certainly be beautiful, whether it is made with clear diamonds, or with colored diamonds, or even a diamond substitute, like cubic zirconia or crystal.  The internet and places like Amazon.com have made it very easy to find just about any style of birthstone jewelry that is desired.  Birthstone jewelry certainly makes a wonderful gift, especially for moms, but it is certainly not restricted to just moms.  I can’t think of many women who would not love a piece of birthstone jewelry filled with the birthstones of those that she loves.

Happy Shopping!

Related posts:

1. Something Special: Birthstone Rings for Moms
2. Aquamarine: The March Birthstone
3. Garnet: The January Birthstone

For years now, the accepted March birthstone has been beautiful blue aquamarine.  It wasn’t always that way, however.  Many years ago the birthstone for March was determined by where you were from, since each society had their own thoughts on what gemstones they associated with certain months.  In ancient times, for instance, bloodstone was associated with March in a Gregorian poem of unknown origin:

“By her who in March was born

No gem save bloodstone shall be worn

They will ensure her constancy

True friendship and fidelity.”

How Aquamarine Became the Birthstone for March

The modern birthstone of March, aquamarine, was designated in 1912 when the trade association Jewelers of America circulated a list that they had prepared for jewelry retailers to use in order to promote birthstone jewelry to their customers.  Much of the confusion about which stone two associate with which month went away after this list was circulated, and the modern birthstone list quickly became the definitive authority for birthstones.

As for having a beautiful birthstone, March babies certainly lucked out – take a look at the gorgeous pendant above from Amazon, for instance. Gorgeous, right?! The aquamarine gemstone is not rare by any means and it is one of the “semi-precious” gemstones, taking its place by such other stones such as the beautiful February birthstone amethyst, Tanzanite, and peridot.  Aquamarine is a close relative of the emerald, being a form of the mineral Beryl.  Aquamarine gets its color from a iron, while emeralds get their color from a vanadium and corundum.

The best aquamarine stones tend to be a beautiful deep blue green color, but many beautiful aquamarines are found in lighter blue colors also.  If you would like to make sure you are getting a the best aquamarine available, look for stones coming from Brazil or Mozambique.  The aquamarine gemstones found in those two areas tend to be larger and more clear than those found in other areas.  Aquamarine stones have a tendency to appear dichroic, which means that when they are viewed from different angles in different types of light they appear to change color.

Some Unique Characteristics About the March Birthstone You Should Know

• Because of their internal structure, aquamarines are prone to developing internal cracks if the stone is struck sharply by a hard object.  Always make sure to remove aquamarine jewelry before doing tasks such as housework, dishwashing, or engaging in sports.  I can attest to this personally.  An aquamarine ring I inherited after my mother’s passing was cracked when it struck the inside of my washing machine one day while I was removing clothing from the machine.  Be very careful with aquamarines, especially if they are in jewelry that is extra special to you!

• Aquamarine gemstones, when exposed continuously to sunlight, may fade.  This is another good reason why aquamarine jewelry should be removed when playing outdoor sports.

• Aquamarines tend to attract and hold dirt such as lotions skin oils and soap, so regular cleaning is usually needed.  The easy way to clean aquamarine jewelry is to use a soft old toothbrush which has been sanitized in a dishwasher, and warm soapy water.  The jewelry should be dipped in the soapy water and lightly scrubbed with the brush, and then rinse thoroughly and dried with a soft cloth.

Popular types of March birthstone jewelry are aquamarine rings, pendants and earrings.  Many wonderful online retailers sell aquamarine jewelry, which tends to be moderately priced.  Of course it depends on what other elements have been paired with with the aquamarine gemstones such as gold settings and diamond accents.  Even so some very good prices can still be found for March birthstone jewelry such as this beautiful 10k White Gold, March Birthstone Aquamarine and Diamond Ringthat can be found at Amazon .com.

Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, certainly is a gorgeous gemstone.  If you were born in March you certainly should treat yourself to at least one piece of aquamarine jewelry.  Come to think of it, even if you were not lucky enough to be born in March, you should still treat yourself to at least one piece of beautiful blue aquamarine jewelry!

Happy Shopping!

Related posts:

1. The Pros and Cons of Aquamarine Engagement Rings and Promise Rings
2. Beautiful Blue Aquamarine Rings
3. Something Special: Birthstone Rings for Moms

For those wondering what is the birthstone for February, it is the beautiful amethyst, which is a member of the crystalline quartz family.  Even before there was such a thing as the February birthstone, amethyst had been an immensely popular gemstone for a long time.  There is quite a bit of vintage amethyst jewelry to be found from the 19^th century, and more modern versions of February birthstone rings and other jewelry from the 20^th century can be found in abundance in jewelry stores online and in brick and mortar stores.

Most good quality amethyst comes from Russia.  Russian amethyst, or Siberian amethyst as it is sometimes called, has a gorgeous and very desirable reddish tint to it in artificial light.  Good quality amethyst has also been found in Namibia and in Zambia. There are many lighter colored amethyst stones available also, however.  Most amethyst that is widely used in fashion jewelry is of the lavender to violet hue.  The most desirable shade for amethyst is a deep purple.  Stones this color will be priced higher than lighter colored ones.  Amethyst that is very dark can look almost black, and that is usually considered to be undesirable in an amethyst stone.

Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold White Topaz and Oval Amethyst Ring from Amazon.com

Genuine amethyst is also somewhat dichroic, meaning that it appears one color when viewed at a certain angle, and then when the stone is turned, it appears to be another color.  With amethyst, the colors vary from blue to red tinged hues.

How did the February birthstone come to be amethyst? For hundreds of years, different societies had their own ideas of what gemstones to associate with the months of the year, but in 1870, the jeweler Tiffanys of New York published an old Gregorian poem in which amethyst was associated with the month of February. A passage from the poem reads, “The February born shall find sincerity and peace of mind, freedom from passion and care, if they, the amethyst will wear.”  Many people began buying amethyst jewelry for themselves and loved ones who were born in February after reading the poem.  Then in 1912, the Jewelers of America published a list of official birthstones by month, and amethyst was designated as the birthstone for February.

925 Sterling Silver 14K White Gold Plated Genuine Heart Shaped Amethyst Pendant from Amazon.com

Much of the most popular February birthstone jewelry sold today is set in white gold or sterling silver, whether it be February birthstone rings, necklaces or bracelets.  Even birthstone rings for moms are mostly sold in white gold settings more often than not.  February birthstone amethyst rings are the most popular type of February birthstone jewelry sold, followed by birthstone necklaces.  Many moms prefer to have a ring, since they be worn on an everyday basis.  Necklaces tend to be more delicate, and if worn every day, they may break.  There is something to be said about a beautiful amethyst heart shaped pendant when it comes to birthstone jewelry for moms.  Just about all moms love heart shaped jewelry from their children!

925 Sterling Silver 14K White Gold Plated Genuine Round Amethyst Ring from Amazon.com

When you shop for February birthstone jewelry, always head for a reputable store that has a good return policy.  There are many great stores online.  For those looking for inexpensive amethyst birthstone jewelry, some of the “big box” stores sell a nice selection of budget-quality amethyst jewelry.  If the piece you decide to buy is expensive, always ask to see a jeweler’s certificate for the stone in question, so you know you are getting genuine amethyst.  Luckily for those born in February, most amethyst jewelry sold is in the less than $100 category.  So what does this mean if you were born in February? Let the shopping begin!

Happy Shopping!

Related posts:

1. Amethyst Earrings
2. The Gorgeous Amethyst Ring
3. Something Special: Birthstone Rings for Moms

The Kate Middleton Engagement Ring that everyone is talking about is gorgeous, that is no secret.  It is now worn by the future Queen of England; that is also no secret. Many people are wondering what is the Kate Middleton engagement ring worth since it does contain a huge sapphire and quite a few diamonds.  Some are calling it the Prince William engagement ring, and that should be a small hint as to the ring’s origins. But, still, what is so special about that ring?

The engagement ring given to Kate Middleton by her charming fiancé, Prince William is the very same ring that was given to his mother, the late Princess Diana, when she was engaged to his father, Prince Charles.  Just that fact in and of itself is enough to have many people wondering about the ring.  For those who wonder, “What was the Kate Middleton engagement ring cost?”, there is not really an answer for that, since the cost of jewelry purchased by the royal family is a closely guarded secret.  However, a ring looking exactly like Diana’s was featured in Garrard’s catalog around the time she chose the ring, and that one was priced at $65,000.

A Kate Middleton engagement ring picture, from the day Kate and William announced their engagement:

Kate Middleton Engagement Ring Credit: Official portrait photographs for the engagement of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton; Copyright 2010 Mario Testino

The Kate Middleton Engagement Ring History

The ring’s history begins in 1981, when then Lady Diana Spencer became engaged to Prince Charles.  The curious thing about it was that Prince Charles did not have a ring for her at that time.  After they formally became engaged at a royal affair, Diana was allowed to pick out her own ring from Garrard Jewellers, the official jeweler for the royal family.  The ring she chose, an 18 carat sapphire and diamond ring, came from Garrard’s inventory, and was not specially created for her.  This created a stir among the royals at the time, and may have been one of the first of many gaffes committed by Diana that were not liked by her in-laws.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana

Princess Diana was photographed hundreds of times wearing the beautiful sapphire ring she chose, and although it was not unique or specially made for her, it became synonymous with her beauty and grace.   She loved the beautiful deep blue color of the ring, and often chose clothes that complemented the ring’s lovely hue.  Of course, there was not a “happily ever after” ending to Princess Diana’s fairy tale romance with Prince Charles.  They were divorced in 1996.  Then tragically, she was killed in an automobile accident in 1997 at the age of 36.

After her funeral, the Princes William and Harry were allowed to choose a piece of her jewelry to keep for themselves as a reminder of her.  Prince William chose a jeweled watch that he remembered seeing her wear on a daily basis.  It was Prince Harry, her youngest son, who chose to have the infamous ring that is now known as the Kate Middleton engagement ring.  Because he recognized the fact that Kate would someday be Queen of England, and that the ring should rightfully belong to the Queen, he gave the ring to William to give to Kate when they were engaged.

The Kate Middleton engagement ring value at the current time is estimated to be somewhere around $300,000.  That figure accounts only for the monetary value of it, however.  Just because of the tragic history behind the ring, and now the hopeful fairy tale future it will have, the Kate Middleton engagement ring value is now this: Priceless!

Is the Kate Middleton Engagement Ring Look for You?

If you love things that are out of the ordinary, then you would probably love wearing this type of ring.  If you love colored gemstones, such as the gorgeous sapphire in this ring’s design, then you would probably love to own a ring similar to this one.  You will also need to enjoy wearing large rings; this one is no shrinking violet! You will definitely feel it on your hand!

You will also need to take special care of it, like removing it before playing sports or swimming, and also before doing household chores.  It will need to be stored carefully in a separate soft pouch; it should also be cleaned periodically with a warm soap and water solution.

Many good imitation sapphires are available, so do your homework before heading out to shop.  You may want to look for one of these rings with a cubic zirconia stone like the one pictured above, since CZ’s are known to be durable and also very convincing – they look so good that usually only a jeweler can tell the difference. A CZ ring like the one above set in sterling silver will cost well under $100. That’s definitely a lot of bling for not a lot of money!

Happy Shopping!

Related posts:

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2. Pear Shaped Engagement Rings
3. Uniquely Beautiful Bezel Set Engagement Rings