Lapis Lazuli is a precious blue-colored gemstone or the blue sapphire. Its unique elegance makes it an exquisite choice for jewelry and sculpture. Common lapis has streaks of gold pyrites and white calcite veins, which set it apart from other gemstones. However, rare ones with no white calcite veins and with only small streaks of golden pyrite have high market value. Architects use it as ornament for walls and columns of castles and cathedrals.

Its name comes from two Latin words “lapis” (stone) and “azula” (blue), which means Blue Stone. Etymologists say however that “lazuli” comes from the Medieval Latin “lazulum,” which takes derivation from the Persian word “Lāzhvard”, the name of the place where people mine the gemstone. Thus, it should mean “Stone of Lāzhvard.”

The use of lapis dates thousands of years back as archaeologists have found evidence that people around Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome have used this stone as jewelry and ornament for tombs and figurines. Archaeologists have found lapis jewelry at excavations in Naqada, Egypt, which dates back to 3300BC. Among the ancient lapis lazuli jewelries now on display is a Mesopotamian pendant that dates back to 2900BC and a dove carving studded with gold pegs from Susa, Iran that dates back to 1200BC.

Middle Eastern people believe it has magical powers. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was a favorite stone for amulets, signet rings and scarabs. Up to now, many consider it as a stone of friendship and truth. Assyrians and Babylonians use it for seals.

Powdered lapis is an expensive ingredient for blue pigment in painting. Many great painters use lapis in their masterpieces. Cleopatra has found the value of powdered lapis for coloring as she uses it for eye shadow.

Afghanistan has been the biggest source of lapis since 2000 B.C.

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Discover The Beauty of Flame Colored Stones

Orange is the color of power. It is one of the powerful healing colors used widely. The sight of an orange color stimulates your brain to crave for food. It stimulates creativity and enthusiasm. The color orange represents endurance and vitality. People who loves orange are mostly sincere and thoughtful. Some people say that, if you want to win in casino games, you should wear or carry something that is orange. But of course, that’s just a myth- orange is thought to be the color of lady luck. Orange gem stones has the same characteristics with the red gems, only gentler and more creative. Jewelries with orange gems are worn by professionals to promote personality and power. It is a great help for people who want to boost their self-esteem. Orange gemstones stimulate mental quickness and creativity. Here are some of the most beautiful flame colored stones.

Fire Opal

In the exuberant world of opals, the fire opal is the most unique one. Admired by its fiery orange color that symbolizes fervent love during the ancient times. The fire opal is a powerful gem that bears a very vibrant orange color. It has a fiery warm glow that attracts a lot of gem enthusiasts all over the world. This orange stone can never be underrated. Like its opal cousins, it containa silicic acid with a high content of water in it. It was named for its radiating warm orange color that has a hardness of 6 to 6.5. fire opal is among the most sensitive stones that need protective setting, most especially when it is worn as a ring. Fire opals are not at all similar to one another. They are categorized depending on its quality when cut. People who are not really that enthusiastic about energy gemstones will dramatically have a feeling of warmth at the sight of a fire opal. In gemstone therapies, fire opals are regarded as the gem stones for people who want to work on a particular personality aspect. As opposed to its name, fire opal has a low tolerance to heat and it has a very poor resistance to alkaline solution, acids and sharp objects. A very unfavorable condition can cause the opal to surrender and breathe out all its moisture until there’s nothing left; this can make the opal cracked and cloudy. Thus, if you have a jewelry that has an opal, never expose it to intense and direct sunlight. All the more, fire opal rings are often favorite jewelry.

Mandarin Garnet

Just like the fiery comets hanging above the gloomy evening sky, mandarin garnet stones shine brightly especially during the night. It first appeared in the gem trade some years ago. Gemstone lovers and jewellers agrees that the high brilliance and magnificent color of this orange stone is very unique from all others. Mandarin garnets originated in Africa, particularly in the north-west Namibia. Within a short time period, this brilliant gemstone flourished in the world of international jewelry industry. With its radiant orange color that sometimes turn in slight brown, mandarin garnets are listed among the most admired gemstones on earth. Its color speaks much of energy and enthusiasm. A person who displays a jewelry with an orange gem such as mandarin garnet is not afraid of getting too much attention, thus stimulating a great amount of confidence that emanates beauty and creativity. Undoubtedly, it is a stone chosen mostly by extroverts. Aside from its brilliant color, mandarin garnets also have some other good qualities to be proud of. The stone is relatively hard which is perfect for any kind of jewelry. It sparkles with utter vivacity. This is a very rare stone that’s hunted by many gem stone collectors who can’t resist it’s fiery beauty.

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With blue topaz being December’s birthstone, seeing a great sale on a blue topaz pendant warrants mentioning.

For this weekend only: 2.50 carat Blue Topaz and Diamond Pendant – $33 + FREE Shipping offer valid though 11/9/2009.

Topaz is very eye-catching as well as beautiful. It is fairly durable, a brilliant blue and very clear. It is sure to be a great addition to outfits for years to come.

Though most topaz comes from Brazil, it is found throughout the world.

Sunny citrine is November’s birthstone. It is a bright, cheery stone for the longer winter nights. Though citrine jewelry has been used for years, it is starting to become more popular as it is plentiful and affordable.

Citrine Sale

Right now, Amazon is having an Extra 30% off select Citrine Jewelry. There are many designs and styles to choose from (including the pendant above).

Care

Citrine is easy to care for. Simply use warm water and a very mild soap. Dry with a soft cloth. The one caution is to not store it in the sun as it will fade. This includes not wearing it while sun bathing and not placing it on a window sill or on a car dashboard for long periods of time.

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With opal being this months birthstone, having a weekly favorite be opal seemed natural. The play of colors is eye-catching and isn’t duplicated by any other stone. Yes, there are blue flashes with moonstone and the sparkle of sunstone, but opal is in a class by itself.

Our choice this week is a: Sterling Silver Bracelet ~ 9 High-grade Authentic Australian Solid White Opal Crystal Bracelet. It is handmade and is gorgeous!

Opals are a fragile stone and as such, avoiding opal rings unless you are very gentle and very consistent with taking them off for household tasks. Fortunately, opal bracelets aren’t damages quite as easily as they are less likely to get wet. Still, being careful is recommended.

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Sometimes you simply want the best. You want a natural, undyed, untreated gemstone necklace that radiates. Whether you want an authentic lapis bead necklace or a yellow sapphire necklace that shines, real gemstones are special.

Gemisphere believes that the highest quality necklaces actually perform healing. As such they cut their own stones and make certain that the necklaces they sell are only the best. Whether or not you believe in gemstone healing powers, these necklaces are the most gorgeous quality you can find. People notice them, they compliment them and you feel great wearing them!

Every time we have worn necklaces from Gemisphere, people notice. They are gorgeous. For us, they do seem to help – though we can’t explain it – nor can we guarantee that you will have the same results. We do know that several Celebrities claim they have had the same results. That said, the quality delights. You just can’t get higher quality gemstones. So give it a try…. and feel beautiful.

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If you are wanting the latest fashions, something colorful and something of classic, elegance, this week’s favorite is for you!

The colorful gemstones such as: amethyst, citrine, peridot, and topaz add real class to this Multi-Gemstone Bangle Bracelet

This gemstone bracelet will stay in style. It looks gorgeous and highlights most outfits. So add a splash of color.

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Opal is one of October’s birth stones
Queen among Gems

Achievement and hope are among the positive values attributed to Opal which is also known as an Eve of the Gods. Water is among its principal elements as it is scientifically recognized as hydrated silica. What makes it special are the three-dimensional silica spheres formed when water percolate amid sediments of volcanic ash. This process in effect fossilizes the dissolved silica of bones, shells and woods, eventually leading to the opal formation. Because of its structural formation, opal is a delicate gemstone that needs careful handling so that its innate beauty could be preserved and enjoyed.

Lore

While it is quite delicate, opal is regarded as a bringer of robust energy and psychic power, as well as a gem of romance and love, serving likewise as a talisman empowering the pursuit of personal wishes and happiness. Perhaps wearing opal jewelry will help you smile more. The citizens of ancient Rome were the first to recognize this gem’s as a tiding of good fortune, calling the stone opalus. Before the 16th century opal was exclusively sourced from Czechoslovakia (now split into Czech Republic and Slovakia). Spanish conquistadors later discovered opal in the Aztec civilization of South America, which resulted in the appearance of this gem stone in royal crowns in Europe.

For a limited time: Extra 30% off Opal Jewelry

Tourmaline is the other birthstone for October

Jewelry boxes of many noted artists and writers, for instance, hold the gemstone tourmaline, which is widely regarded as a charm that enhances creativity. Tourmaline jewelry is also used for Leo in the Zodiac sign and a keepsake for those marking their eighth wedding anniversary.

Colors

Its name was derived from the Sri Lankan phrase “tura mali,” which means a stone of mixed colors. Prized tourmalines are those that are dichroic, which at different angles display different colors. Combinations of colors that only Nature could possibly conceive make tourmaline truly an inspiring stone; it could be pink in one end and green at the other, while some may be pink inside and green outside. This stone offers a riot of colors ranging from yellow, lime, dark brown to red. The most highly priced are the pink rubellite, green verdelite and the blue indicolite.

The chrome tourmaline is often mistaken for an emerald because its chromium content produces an exquisite green hue that is also similar to tsavorite garnet. In addition to Sri Lanka where it traces its name, tourmaline also comes from mines in several other countries such as Australia, USA, Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Pakistan, where gem aficionados likewise regard it as an elixir to both body and soul; not a pot of gold, but nonetheless priceless treasures.

Whichever birthstone you choose to wear to celebrate October, we know you will be happy with your choice!

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Sometimes one wants lots of color where they can see it. A ring is loved as one can look at it easily throughout the day.

This beautiful Sterling Silver & 18K Multi Gemstone Flower Ring gets compliments galore. It is bright and sunny. Though it is a flower, it also looks somewhat like a butterfly. So it can be what you want it to be.

Flower jewelry is a symbol of beauty and of radiance. It lightens ones mood and gets smiles. So smile more today.

Features That Make A Gemstone Beautiful

People are most of the time fascinated with jewelries that have precious stones on them. Most especially, the woman, they think of them as treasures. And wearing these beautiful jewelries will make them look more pleasing. And people really spend money to buy these luxuries just to feel and look good. But what really makes these special stones astoundingly beautiful?

Gorgeous Gemstone Colors

A gemstones color is really a factor that affects the gemstones appearance. For example, the diamond’s unique transparency really gives a different impact on consumers. This is said to be the most expensive of the gemstones. People truly think that it is worth putting their money on because of its unique beauty and how it adds splendor to those who will get to wear it. There are also some, on the other hand, who want colored gemstones to match different outfits. And some consumers like solid-looking gemstones more so they go for opaque gemstones like sapphires and emeralds.

But there is one factor that consumers don’t consider much but in the contrary, makes a great effect on a gemstone’s overall appearance. This is how a gemstone is cut. Are people even aware about the different cuts for gemstones? In fact, there are different kinds of cuts for gemstones. They are used depending on the color of the gems and the features a cutter wants to give accent to. Although an excellent cut may reduce a gemstone’s carat weight, but it can give the gemstone an overall breathtaking beauty. A cut can give the gemstone a certain shape, bringing out its luster and color.

Gemstone Cuts

‘Faceting’ is how a gemstone cutter shapes the gem. This is a fundamental to cutting gemstones. Here are the most common gemstone shapes used by experts: antique cushion, round brilliant cut, oval cut, baguette, octagon cut, square cut, princess cut, emerald cut, pear cut, trilliant cut, round cabochon, briolette, and marquise cut.

* The round brilliant cut is especially designed for diamonds but now is used in almost all kinds of gems. The standard number of facets of a round brilliant cut gemstone is 57. This cut is designed to give accent to the gemstone’s brilliance and scintillation. By using this cut, the gem’s sparkle and lust can be emphasized. This is the most popular cut for a diamond engagement ring.

* The baguette cut has a standard of 20 facets only. This cut is best used on those gemstones that are shaped special oblong in rough.

* While having a standard of 57 facets, the square cut is similar to the baguette cut for they are both step cuts, which means that the facets on the pavilion are cut in steps, parallel to the edges making a pyramid with its top chopped off. Only the sides of a square cut gem are on the same length.

* The trilliant cut, on the other hand, has 43 facets in standard, which comes in a triangular shape having thin and pointed tips.

* Seventy-one is the standard number of facets of a pear cut gem. This is a hybrid cut, combining the oval cut and the marquise resulting to a gem shaped like a teardrop.

Those are only some of the few gemstone cuts. There are still other cuts one can choose from depending on the feature of the gemstones he wants to give accent to. These are simply the most popular.

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