Guide to Gems: Illustrated Guide to the Identification, Properties and Use of Gemstones (Firefly Pocket)

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Since our stones are set by hand, it is possible that alternative stones can be set into your chosen design. For example, if you see a ring or a piece of jewellery with one type of gemstone, but would prefer another, it may be possible for us to do this for you. Find out more about jewellery made just for you. An introduction explains geology, chemistry and gemstone properties in clear and accessible terms. Key aspects of gemstones are explained such as crystal structures and optical and physical properties. Each facet contributes to how light scatters and flashes across your gem, adding to its overall beauty. Here’s how to define the facets. These richly coloured stones belong to the beryl group, which also includes aquamarine. Emerald's captivating green colour is unique and unparalleled in all other gemstones due to inclusions that make each stone unique. Along with high quality diamonds, blue sapphires and red rubies, the green emerald is one of the “big four”. Unlike the other three, however, emeralds are more fragile and exposure to excessive moisture should be avoided. High Value Semi-Precious Gemstones

Only discovered in 1967, supplies of this intense indigo stone are running out fast, and it has been predicted to run out within our generation. Here is a simple yet gorgeous ladies 9K yellow gold torque bracelet with a lovely twisted rope effect on the bangle. With gold balls set with a total of 0.20ct of G/SI graded diamonds and a total of 2.13ct of… read more View Product The science of gemstones is called gemology, and you could spend the rest of your life researching just one gem and still not know everything there is to know about it. Every gemstone has a fascinating and unique history, from its formation millions of years ago to its journey from the mine to your home. We’re always aware that new customers are joining us and starting their jewelry and gemstone collections, so we wanted to put together a beginner’s guide for anyone taking their first steps into the fascinating world of gemstones, which we’re delighted to present to you here. Whether you’re new to Gemporia or are joining us for the first time, we hope you find the following information informative and interesting. Another beautiful stone known predominantly for its red variety, Spinel also comes in a beautiful array of dark purples, blues and pinks.This opaque greeny-blue stunner often has unusual, natural patterns running through it, and is so famous it has a color named after it. Pearls are created within molluscs and are renowned for their lustre and the way light reacts with their surface. We use freshwater pearls from freshwater mussels in Sheila's designs. Take a look at Sheila’s lovely Lunar Pearl collection which incorporate pearls in silver and gold. It has been said that nothing green is greener than Emerald, and its ‘jardin’ inclusions help to make each piece unique, like a fingerprint from Mother Nature. The first section of the book focuses on precious gems in their many forms, with illustrations of priceless jewelry. Practical information includes:

Refraction occurs when light travels from the air into a denser material. As light passes from the air into the denser material of the gemstone, it is bent. The amount of bending depends upon the refractive index of the material. High refractive index materials bend the light more. Diamond has an RI of 2.42 and quartz an RI of 1.54. The higher the refractive index, the greater the dispersion, giving more fire. The bending of the light also leads to more internal reflection giving a greater degree of sparkle. Fossilized tree sap from ancient rainforests. Amber is often found along the beaches of the southeast of England where it washes up after a very long journey. Rhodalites belong to the garnet group and are also known as Rhodalite Garnet. They tend to be lighter in colour than a garnet—a more pink-red or rose shade—and are often regarded as a higher-quality gemstone as it has more sparkle. We use rhodalite in Sheila's Celtic Knotwork Ring but we can set the gemstone in alternative designs on request. Moonstone

Jewelry Design

As the name suggests, gems with a waxy luster appear to have a layer of wax on their surface. Jade, chalcedony, and Turquoise have a waxy luster. Some Opals are also considered to have a waxy luster, though this can sometimes be polished to a resinous finish. Topaz is one of the world's most popular coloured gemstones. It's a hard gemstone with excellent clarity offering extremely good value for money. Sheila's designs use blue topaz of which there are three different types: Sky Topaz is a pale blue stone, Swiss Topaz is a mid bright blue and London Topaz is a darker blue. The bright Swiss Blue Topaz, reminiscent of a blue ocean, is the type used in our designs. If you like blue topaz Sheila has incorporated it in collections such as Reef Knot, and in her Tidal pendant and earrings. Peridot Gemstone luster is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a gemstone. It can be difficult to understand, but this guide will explain everything you need to know about how gemstones shine. We’ll discuss the different types of luster, as well as how to spot quality stones based on their luster. Let’s get started!