Search Results for: white sapphire – Page 5

By Robin Skibicki There are several varieties of gemstones that display optical phenomena, which describes the many ways light interacts with the structural features or inclusions (internal characteristics) in the gemstone. Often these gemstones will be fashioned in a particular way that best displays these effects. The science of optical phenomena can be fascinating, although the mystery and allure of these effects are what initially attract us! In this article, we’ll discuss six of the most familiar (and magical) displays of optical phenomena in gemstones. Adularescence Adularescence is the phenomena typically seen in moonstone, which is a member of the

By Jennifer Heebner, Guest WriterA springtime tradition in Basel, Switzerland is for visitors to nosh on in-season white asparagus and dinnertime staple rösti potatoes, but many diners are also privy to a coveted non-edible feast: new fine jewelry and watches at the Baselworld Watch & Jewellery Fair.Some of the world’s glitziest brands exhibit in this high-end annual happening, which took place March 23-30, 2017. Baselworld is where the toniest international merchants shop the latest and most lavish looks. Unlike many other trade-only fairs, however, consumers are permitted entry to ogle over-the-top window displays of gem-encrusted wares alongside business-minded buyers from

If you haven’t already, be sure to mark your calendar for this Sunday, February 26, so you don’t miss the 89th Academy Awards! Millions of film and fashion fans will be tuning into ABC at 7:00 p.m. EST/4:00 p.m. PST when the stars begin to walk the red carpet. What will this year’s fab fashions be? Here’s a list of five trends that are predicted to be “scene” on the stars. We’ve included a few designs from AGS members that we think would best complement these lovely looks. Flowers and Nature Floral designs never seem to go out of style

We have a birthday present for those born in August: the spectacular spinel has been added to your month’s birthstone lineup! August now joins June and December as the only months represented by three gems. The original August birthstone was Sardonyx, and then peridot was added, becoming August’s primary gem. Without further ado, let’s welcome the spinel! Spinel The spinel is often assumed to be other gemstones because it tends to resemble either a ruby or sapphire. In fact, some of the most famous rubies in history have turned out to be spinel. But its distinguishing features, like its octahedral

For those born in July, the ruby—the king of precious stones—is your birthstone. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, colored by the element chromium. All other colors of gem-quality corundum are called sapphire, which means color is key for this royal stone. The chromium that gives ruby its red color also causes fluorescence, which makes rubies glow like a fire from within. Paradoxically, chromium is also what makes this gem scarce because it can cause cracks and fissures. Few rubies actually grow large enough to crystallize into fine quality gems, and these can bring even higher prices

By Robin Skibicki Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 19. If you haven’t thought about a gift for your dear Dad, we have a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Just like Mom, Dad appreciates a gift of quality that will last a lifetime. Styles and trends may come and go, so be sure to find something that fits your Dad’s personality and lifestyle. The Fun & Funky Father This is the Dad who always has a fun story to share, a silly joke to tell, and got a kick out of embarrassing you when you were a

By Robin Skibicki Those born in June celebrate their special month with three beautiful birthstones: the luminous pearl, enchanting alexandrite and magical moonstone. Pearls Pearls are the only gemstone in the world that comes from a living organism, and can be found in both saltwater and freshwater. Whether natural or cultured, a pearl forms when a mollusk produces layers of nacre (pronounced NAY-kur) around any type of irritant inside its shell. In natural pearls, the irritant may be another organism from the water. In cultured pearls, a mother-of-pearl bead or a piece of tissue is inserted (by man) into the

By Isabelle Corvin, Certified Gemologist (CG) Staff Gemologist at Panowicz Jewelers Jewelry trends change over time, influenced by the factors that make up life. Designs wax and wane in popularity, often cycling through many times as resurgences. There is a strong emphasis in modern jewelry designs of this period reminiscent of the Art Deco movement. Angles, striking and sharp. Colors, bold and dramatic. Shapes, odd and thought-provoking. Art Deco is steeped in international history, and to learn more about the modern trends, we’ll have to step back in time… It was the Roaring Twenties. A time of economic prosperity and

By Robin Skibicki There are two birthstones that represent the month of March: aquamarine and bloodstone. Both are beautiful and unique gems, but aquamarine is currently the most popular of jewelry designers and wearers. The aquamarine gemstone is a member of the beryl family—same as the emerald—and its colors can range in tones from colorless pale blue, to blue green or teal. The larger the stone, the more intense the color. The most valuable gemstones come from Brazil, but is also mined in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, guaranteeing a safe voyage