About Gemstones
Rubies
Since the beginning of time, rubies have been the most highly prized gemstones and are referred
to as the King of Gems. For centuries, rubies were even more highly valued than diamonds.
Ancient Egyptians considered them the stone of love.
Why rubies are great for gifts?
The 40th anniversary is called the "Ruby" anniversary and should be celebrated by giving the gift
of a ruby. Ruby is also the birthstone for the month of July; a great birthday gift. It has a
beautiful rich deep red color and looks beautiful in any jewelry piece.
Some characteristics of rubies
It is important to understand that both ruby and sapphire are the same mineral, from the corundum
family. The reason a ruby is not a sapphire is the color. Rubies are red-not pink or shades of pink
but a true red. It is named so because of its vibrant red color. The coloring pigment is chrome
and for some brown hues, a bit of iron. The hardest stone after diamond with a rating of 9.0
on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Tips to care for Rubies
Rubies should be protected from scratches and harsh blows. Rubies can be cleaned by gently scrubbing
with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Rubies are rated excellent
for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals.
Sapphires
Sapphires has been considered symbolic of celestial hope and believed to promote devotion, tranquility,
and spiritual enlightenment.
Why sapphires are great for engagement rings and gifts?
Sapphire is the September birthstone and the 45th wedding anniversary. It, also, comes in every range
of color except for pure red (that's a ruby). Sapphires are great alternative for diamonds in an
engagement ring because the hardness of the stone is right after a diamond, a 9.0 on the Mohs scale.
A great choice for that will stand up to generations of wear.
Some characteristics of sapphires
Sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral. Blue is by far the most popular color for sapphires,
but they can be almost any color: yellow, green, white, colorless, pink, orange, brown, and purple.
Padparadscha is the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire and has a higher value than blue
sapphires.
Tips to care for sapphires
Like any other gem, the simplest method of cleaning for sapphires is to use warm soapy water and a
toothbrush.
Emeralds
Emeralds have long been held in high regard for its "magical" properties and have a lengthy myth and
folklore history. It has been thought to symbolize everything from psychic powers, purity, and
immortality to good fortune. Cleopatra was an avid collector of emeralds.
Why are emeralds a great gift?
Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and the 55th wedding anniversary (an exceptional gem
for an exceptional milestone). A beautiful and vibrant emerald looks stunning in any piece of jewelry
and is a necessary item in a person's jewelry collection.
Some characteristics of emeralds
Most emeralds of the world are mined in Columbia, Brazil and Zambia. The hardness rating of emeralds
is 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs scale. They are softer than sapphires and rubies. The cuts of emeralds range
from the traditional rectangular step-cut (emerald cut), to rounds, ovals, squares, and cabochons.
These days emeralds can come in almost any shape. Just as rubies and sapphires, emeralds are high-priced
colored gemstones. If you are looking to purchase an emerald and save money, then there are options
such as the Lab Created Chatham Emeralds. They are natural gemstones grown in the lab instead of
nature with the same characteristics of a naturally-grown emerald.
Tips to care for emeralds
Emeralds need mild cleaning to protect their delicate state. They should not be put in ultrasonic
cleaners or exposed to extreme heat; such as a jeweler's torch during repairs. When gems with gas
or liquid filled inclusions are subjected to extreme, there is a risk of the gas or liquid expanding
and fracturing the stone. For this reason, emeralds should be removed from the setting before any
repair requiring the use of a torch. Use a soft damp cloth to clean emerald jewelry. Jewelry cleaner
can be used to gently clean the piece.