Opal

Pearl

Peridot

Ruby

Tourmaline

Tsavorite

Turquoise

Zircon

Amber Back to Top

Description

Amber color is normally yellow to brown but may be reddish or whitish. It ranges from yellowish white to black. Amber is one of the few gemstones which is organic, rather than mineral, in origin. It is the fossilized resin from prehistoric evergreens which grew before the Ice Age. Occasionally, amber is heated to remove cloudiness, intensify "sun spangle" inclusions and deepen color.

It is the lightest gemstone known to man. Occasionally, it is recovered with "foreign" fragments or insects trapped inside which usually adds to the value because of the curiosity factor. More than 1,000 species of extinct insects and crustacean have been found in amber.

Love of amber is as old as mankind. Amber is known to around 60-180 million years old. Archaeologists have positively identified amber artifacts as far back as 5,000 B.C. No other gem except the pearl can rival amber for sustained ornamental usage and popularity.

Origin

Amber is found in the Baltic Sea Region, Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

Birthstone

Amber is not recognized as a birthstone or anniversary gift.

Legends

A writer in the early 1500's wrote about a host of medicinal values for amber; a cure for all disorders of the throat, good against poison, tighten loose teeth and drive off poisonous insects. Powdered Amber was mixed with honey and used as a medicine in the Black Plague, asthma and gout. It was worn as an amulet to preserve chastity and to guard against evil. It was written about by Homer in The Odyssey and appeared in the original movie Jurassic Park.

Proper Care

Amber should just be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner. Protect it from scratches, sharp blows and household chemicals.

Amethyst Back to Top

Description

Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to nearly black purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst is beauty and fire. Due to its abundance, Amethyst is readily available in all sizes and shapes. It is durable and can be worn every day. As part of the finishing process, amethyst occasionally is heated to lighten its color.

Origin

Amethyst is found in Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, Africa, Germany and Russia.

Birthstone

Amethyst is the accepted birthstone for February and the recognized anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.

Legends

Amethyst was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer - not only those who imbibed but on those over-excited by love's passion as well. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. Also, when placed under your pillow, the stone is said to give good dreams. Some say it will prevent baldness and improve the complexion, while protecting from treason and deceit. Royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels. Coupled with the folk legend of the Greeks that it will prevent intoxication when worn, it becomes a most desirable gem.

Proper Care

Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. Remove amethyst jewelry when exercising because it builds up dirt and oil quickly when exposed to sweat. Take amethyst jewelry to your jeweler every couple of months for a professional cleaning. Take care to protect this precious stone from scratches and sharp blows.

Ametrine Back to Top

Description

A relative new-comer to the gem world, ametrine is a variety of quartz which exhibits the best aspects of both purple amethyst and yellow citrine within the same crystal.

Origin

Ametrine is found in Bolivia.

Birthstone

There is no association with Ametrine as a birthstone.

Legends

Ametrine is said to aid meditation, to calm, relieve tension, and dispel negativity.

Proper Care

To maintain the brilliance of this lovely and rare gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Care should be taken to ensure it's protection from scratches and sharp blows.

Aquamarine Back to Top

Description

Aquamarine is arguably one of the most sought after gems. These stones range in tone from very light to a medium blue. Many of these stones will reveal a slight tinge of green in their body color. Typically, the darker shades are the ones that are the most valued. Other people prefer the lighter brightness of some of the stones.

Virtually all aquamarine is heated to minimize the green color. This makes it appear a 'purer' blue color. When heated, these stones are typically stable.

Origin

The most notable source for Aquamarine is Brazil. Other sources for this gemstone include Zambia, Nigeria, Madagascar and the United States.

Birthstone

Aquamarine is the March birthstone.

Legends

It is said aquamarine is the treasure of the mermaids with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Its powers are said to be even stronger when immersed in water. Aquamarine is said to have a soothing influence on relationships especially on the married. Its power ensures a long and happy marriage and therefore makes an excellent wedding or anniversary gift. A dream that includes aquamarine means you will meet new friends.

Proper Care

Aquamarine stones should never be cleaned with a ultrasonic cleaning machine or steam cleaner. These stones can be cleaned with almost any commercial cleaner or simply mild soap and water. Always be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry after you clean it.

Chrysoberyl Back to Top

Description

The Chrysoberyl comes in three varieties: Alexandrite, Cat's Eye and Chrisoberyl. While these gemstones are chemically similar, they are dissimilar in their visual characteristics and therefore, they don't resemble each other. The Cat's Eye is known for the light it reflects. This effect is achieved by cutting stones which have small, parallel inclusions into cabochons. This is also known as dome shapes that are not faceted. When the stone is turned, a silvery white line is shone across it's 'dome'. It looks like a cat's eye that is opening and closing.

This is a semi-transparent gemstone with colors ranging from a light yellow to honey brown to apple green or a yellowish green.

Origin

Cat's Eye is typically found in Brazil as well as Sri Lanka.

Birthstone

Cat's Eye is not associated with any month as a birthstone.

Legends

This gemstone has been the symbol for a long life. It has also been used to guard against sprits that are evil. It was said that the eye could see all so you should watch out for the wearer of the gemstone. If you dreamt of a Cat' Eye, this signified treachery.

Proper Care

To maintain the brilliance of this stone, you may immerse it in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm water that is slightly soapy and clean with a small bristle brush. Take care to protect it from sharp blows.

Citrine Back to Top

Description

Citrine is a variety of quartz and colors range from pale yellow to yellowish-brown and "Madeira" red. The most popular fashion colors are the vivid yellows and oranges. It is often mistaken for yellow or golden topaz.

Origin

This stone is found in Brazil.

Birthstone

Citrine is one of the accepted birthstones for November, as well as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.

Legends

People used to carry this stone as a protective amulet from the plague, evil thoughts and bad skin. It was also used as a charm against snake bites.

Proper Care

To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and use a small bristle brush. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows. Avoid heat.

Diamond Back to Top

Description

Although diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright color: green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These "fancy" color diamonds are highly prized. Occasionally, to improve appearance, diamonds are laser-drilled and a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures. Diamonds may also be irradiated and / or heated to induce fancy colors.

Origin

The word diamond comes from the Greek word 'adamas' which translates to unconquerable thereby suggesting the eternity of love. As a matter of fact, diamonds have been the time-honored symbol of love since ancient Greece. Diamonds were discovered about 2,500 years ago in India.

Birthstone

Traditionally, the diamond is the accepted birthstone of April. Besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Also, diamonds make great accents to colored stones.

Legends

Having discovered diamonds 2,500 years ago in India, the ancient people believed they were splinters from the stars. They thought they may be crystallized lightening or hardened dew drops.

Proper Care

Even though this is one of the most robust gem stones, you should take care to protect it from sharp blows. Be aware that household chemicals may discolor the mounting or the pit. To clean this most prized gemstone, you may use a jewelry cleaner, soapy lukewarm water and a small bristle brush. Also try soaking it in a half and half solutions of ammonia and cold water for approximately 1/2 hour. You may also use a home ultrasonic machine with its recommended cleaner.

Emerald Back to Top

Description

Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within. Under magnification, you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only small sizes. Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the "step" or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.

Origin

Emerald originates in Columbia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Russia.

Birthstone

Emeralds are considered the accepted birthstone for the month of May. It is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.

Legends

The Incas and Aztecs of South America regarded the emerald as a holy gemstone. The Verdas, holy scriptures of the indian which were written long, long ago, said emeralds promised good luck and enhance well being.

Proper Care

Care should be taken to protect from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Garnet Back to Top

Description

Garnet is a remarkable gem that comes in all colors except blue. It's reds range from raspberry to blood red. This precious stone reminded the Greeks of the pomegranate stone, and that's how the name originated. It's greens may rival that of emerald. It also occurs in a range of shades of yellow, orange and brown. Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suit every taste, as well as an outstanding price range to suit every pocketbook.

Origin

Garnets come from many states within the United States.

Birthstone

Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.

Legends

Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and accordingly to the Egyptians, it is an antidote for snakebite and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the blood. Its powers are said to include healing, strength, protection and to relieve inflammation of the skin. It is also supposed to help cure depression.

Proper Care

Care should be taken to protect it from sharp blows and scratches. Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Iolite Back to Top

Description

Iolite is a beautiful violet-blue gemstone whose name is derived from "los", the Greek word for violet. Because of its soft, almost liquid color it is often mistaken for sapphire.

Origin

Iolites originate from Brazil, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the United States.

Birthstone

Although Iolite isn't recognized as a birthstone, Iolite is the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 21st year of marriage.

Legends

Viking sailors used thin pieces of iolite as a polarizing filter. Looking through an iolite lens allowed them to determine the position of the sun on cloudy days permitting them to navigate the sea safely.

Proper Care

To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Kunzite Back to Top

Description

Kunzite is a beautiful light to deep pink, lavender or purple member of the spodumene family. It is trichroic - displaying different colors from different angles. As part of the finishing process, more than half of all kunzite has been subjected to either irradiation or heating to induce cherry blossom pinks and light plum purple hues.

Top kunzite can give enduring beauty equal to that of Ceylonese pink sapphire and Brazilian pink topaz. As part of the normal finishing process, more than half of all kunzite has been subjected to either irradiation or heading to induce cherry blossom pinks and light plum purple hues.

Origin

Kunzite was named for George Kunz, who in the latter part of the 19th century was chief gem buyer for Tiffany & Co. and a pioneer of the science now known as gemology. Kunzite is found mainly in Afghanistan and Brazil.

Birthstone

Kunzite is an alternative birthstone for the month of September.

Legends

Kunzite was believed to help people understand and interact with each other. It is said to help the wearer increase their devotion. It also helps increase circulation and assists with the treatment of lung disorders.

Proper Care

To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows. Direct, strong and hot lights should be avoided which can and often do cause the color to pale. Perhaps the best way to avoid fading is to consider kunzite more of an evening gem!

Lapis Back to Top

Description

Lapis lazuli is a beautiful opaque gemstone which ideally has a deep uniform blue color that is free of white calcite veining and virtually free of golden pyrite flecks. The coloring agent of this stone is sulfur. The color of Lapis is also evenly distributed, which is its best quality. It was prized by the ancients who mistakenly called it "sapphirus" after its deep royal blue color.

As part of the finishing process, lapis lazuli is commonly impregnated with colorless was or oil to brighten the color. The whiter variety is commonly dyed blue to provide color and uniformity. This dying may not be permanent.

Lapis is a very popular gemstone for men's jewelry, second only to black onyx. For women, lapis is often fashioned into earrings and beads, sometimes interspersed with pearls or gold beads.

Origin

The top three sources of Lapis is Chili, Afghanistan and Russia. Lapis is not considered to be a mineral but a rock.

Birthstone

Lapis is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the ninth year of marriage.

Legends

When having trouble sleeping, lapis is used to induce sleep and reduce stress. Lapis has been highly prized since ancient Babylonian and Egyptian times. An amulet of "great power" was formed when lapis was worked into the image of an eye and ornamented with gold. Sometimes it was even buried with mummies. It was recognized as a symbol for ability, success and divine favor.

Proper Care

To maintain the brilliance of lapis, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows and household chemicals.

Opal Back to Top

Description

Opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors. Black opal has a black opal has a black dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green. Occasionally opal matrix is dyed to produce black and a play of color.

Origin

Opal originates from Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Czechoslovakia and the United States.

Birthstone

Opal is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

Legends

In ancient times, the opal was known as a symbol of confidence and faithfulness. It was supposed to help increase creativity. They were said to protect travelers on journeys to far away lands. They have been ground and used for magic potions to heal the body, energy enhancement and to ward off bad dreams.

Proper Care

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner.

Pearl Back to Top

Description

Pearls come in a wide range of colors. They should be relatively free from surface blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The higher the luster or "orient", the more valuable the specimen. The larger the pearl, the greater the value.

Origin

Pearls are found in pearl oysters. Pearls are created when a grain of sand or a parasite finds its way inside the oyster. The oyster reacts by coating the irritant with layer upon layer of a substance known as nacre. This is the substance that gives the pearl its unique appearance and iridescent beauty.

Birthstone

Pearl is the official birthstone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary stone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.

Legends

Pearls are said to eliminate emotional imbalance. It helps improve self worth. It is an emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. It symbolizes love, success and happiness.

Proper Care

Avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes. Don't use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with mild soap and water. Store in a protective chamois pouch or tissue.

Peridot Back to Top

Description

Peridot is the child of volcanic action. Crystals are sometimes combined from the black sands of Hawaii. Peridot is usually a lively lime green, although it can also have a brownish or olive cast.

Origin

The peridot is abundant, and is available in larger sizes. It is found in Burma, the U.S. and Egypt.

Birthstone

Peridot is an accepted birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Legends

Peridots were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against evil, and when set in gold were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night. They had medicinal uses, too. If fashioned into a chalice from which medicines were drunk, it intensified the effects of the drug.

Proper Care

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning.

Ruby Back to Top

Description

Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "rubber", it simply means red. Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and only exists as a true red in color. The finest color is vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue as seen in the highest quality Burmese rubies, which are considered the finest. As part of the customary fashioning process, most rubies are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

Origin

Many fine rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there for more than 700 years. Other sources include Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India and Vietnam.

Birthstone

Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

Legends

The highest quality rubies were said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony with his neighbors. It would protect his stature in life, his home and land. It's protective powers were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on the left side. Many believed rubies possessed an inner flame which burns eternally.

Proper Care

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Sapphire Back to Top

Description

Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy colored sapphires - including pink, green, orange and golden yellow - are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.

Price Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring. The stone's durability, combined with its beauty, make it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.

Origin

Sapphire is found mainly in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa, Montana and Wyoming.

Birthstone

Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.

Legends

Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure.

Proper Care

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Spinel Back to Top

Description

Spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, brown, orange, yellow, blue and purple. It is a very bright gem, having an almost diamond-like brilliance.

Many of the world's most celebrated "rubies" including several in the Crown Jewels of England were found to actually be red spinels, thanks to the new science of gemology introduced in the 19th century. Even after they were correctly identified of red spinels, these gems were still referred to as "Balas Rubies" or "Ruby Spinels".

Origin

Spinel is found mainly in Burma and Sri Lanka.

Birthstone

Spinel is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the twenty-second year of marriage.

Legends

Tests carried out in the early 1800's showed spinel was useful in detecting people with supernatural powers. The suspected clairvoyant was approached with a spinel wrapped in a piece of paper. If she was guilty as charged, the stone cause convulsions in her upper limbs.

Proper Care

Spinel is a hard, tough stone and perfectly suited to daily wear. To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and clean with a small bristle brush. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Tanzanite Back to Top

Description

Tanzanite is a blue variety of the mineral zoisite. Color ranges from pale lilac to deep, intense violet blue. "Velvety" is the word that best describes its texture.

Tanzanite is a fairly rare gem. It comes from only one location and supply is limited compared to many other gemstones. Owning a piece of jewelry set with this unusual gemstone truly makes its owner feel unique and special. It also gives you two colors in the same stone, meaning it is "pleochroic". From one angle it is seen as blue, and from another, purple. Also, it is one color indoors and another outside.

Before a tazanite is faceted, the cutter of the gemstone must study the crystal to determine which orientation will demonstrate the best color. Typically, cutters try to turn out a pure blue tanzanite. The disadvantage to producing a blue color is forfeited and the result is a smaller and more costly gemstone. The blue of a tanzanite that is well cut is so breathtaking that most will be in agreement that the sacrifice is well worth it. The strongest colors are shown in sizes of 4 to 5 carats and larger. Smaller tanzanites are typically a soft color such as blue, violet or lilac.

Tanzanite is one of the "newest" gemstones. In 1967, blue, green, yellow, brown, and pink zoisite crystals were discovered in Tanzania, East Africa. Some of these crystals, when subjected to heat, produced the violet to blue color range now know as tanzanite. Tiffany and Company of New York bestowed the name upon the stone and introduced it to the world.

Origin

Merelani Hills of Tanzania, Africa.

Birthstone

Sometimes, tanzanite is used as an alternate for the traditional December birthstones zircon and turquoise.

Legends

Tanzanite is still "young" and therefore it has no legends or superstitions associated with it.

Proper Care

While tanzanite is relatively hard, it isn't as durable. It may break or chip if it is exposed to moderate blows. To clean, simply immerse in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and clean with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or subject to steam. Avoid hard knocks and scratches, as well as extreme temperature changes.

Topaz Back to Top

Description

Most people thick of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone is available in orange-yellow, red, honey-brown, (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink. The name topaz is derived from the Greek word "to shine" and also implies "fire". Orange-red "imperial" topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable. As part of the normal fashion process, most brownish to sherry brown topaz are heated to produce a permanent pink color.

Origin

Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

Birthstone

Topaz is one of the accepted birthstones for November. Blue topaz is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th year; imperial topaz is for the 23rd year of marriage.

Legends

The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. Others held it cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

Certain types of topaz are irradiated and heated to produce shades of blue. Avoid sharp blows, intense heat and strong light.

Tourmaline Back to Top

Description

Tourmaline occurs in the widest array of colors of any gemstone species. Sometimes as many as two or three colors exist in the same cut stone. Tourmaline is also known under different names: the "rubellite" is red, sometimes with a violet tint. Fine "chrome" tourmaline has beautiful rich green color. "Indicolite" ranges from very light to dark shades of blue, violet-blue, and greenish-blue. As part of the normal fashioning process, many tourmalines are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

The name "tournamaline" has its origins in the Sinhales word "Turmali", which means mixture. Originally, native miners applied this term to mixed parcels of gems when they didn't really know what the stones were.

Origin

Tourmalines are found mainly in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa and the U.S.

Birthstone

Tourmaline is one of the accepted birthstones for October and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the eighth year of marriage. A "rainbow" bracelet of 30 or more tourmalines, each one a different color, is an ideal gift for these occasions.

Proper Care

To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or use lukewarm soapy water and a small bristle brush. Do not sue a home ultrasonic machine. Protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Tsavorite Back to Top

Description

Tsavorite, a rare and beautiful newcomer to the gemstone kingdom, is a green variety of grossular garnet. The name "tsavorite' was given by Tiffany and Company in 1974, it is derived from the famous Tsavo Park in Kenya.

Once considered an emerald substitute, tsavorite is now prized on its own behalf. Compared to the emerald, it has greater brilliance and is generally less included. With regard to color, look for a green that is very much like that of imperial jade. Lighter, lime-yellow green is more acceptable than darker blackish-green color.

Deposits of tsavorite are usually small and very predictable. Due to tremendous volcanic heat and pressure, it is rare that rough crystals are found more than 3" in length that are clean enough for a cutter to fashion. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that cut tsavorites over 3 carats are exceedingly rare.

Origin

Tsavorites are found in Kenya and Tanzania.

Birthstone

This stone is not recognized as a birthstone.

Legends

Due to its age, tsavorite is not associated with any legends.

Proper Care

To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. As with gemstones, care should be taken to protect from scratches, sharp blows, and extreme temperature changes.

Turquoise Back to Top

Description

Colors in turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue or apple green. Although large quantities of beautiful turquoise, which have been color enhanced are are available, today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not be permanent.

The name means "Turkish stone" because of the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise). However, the United States southwest is now the world leader in production. The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 B.C. At that time, the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics.

Origin

Turquoise originates from Iran, United States, Australia, Siberia, and Europe.

Birthstone

Turquoise is one of the accepted birthstones for December and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.

Legends

During the 16th century, turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, happiness and good fortune to all.

Proper Care

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Zircon Back to Top

Description

Zircon comes in a wide variety of colors - blue, green, yellow, orange, red and brown, in addition to colorless. Zircon is prized for its brilliance and fire as well as being a very "clean" stone, displaying very few inclusions. As part of the customary fashioning process, various shades of brown zircons are heated to produce colorless stones or beautiful shades of blue and red.

Origin

Zircons are found today in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia.

Birthstone

Zircon is one of the accepted birthstones for December.

Legends

Zircon supposedly helped people be at peace with themselves providing the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches. If a zircon loses it's luster, it is a sign of danger.

Proper Care

To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm, soapy water and use a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. Avoid abrasives and extreme temperature changes.