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A
Amethyst
According to Greek mythology, the god Dionysus, master of revelry and drunkenness, created amethyst as he wept over the statue of a fair maiden. According to legend, Dionysus was in a terrible mood and vowed to have his vicious tigers attack the next mortal who crossed his path. As fate would have it, a fair maiden by the name of Amethyst was strolling in the wood. As the tigers rushed forward to attack the maiden, the chaste goddess Artemis took pity on the lady and transformed her into a figure of pure quartz. Dionysus, mortified by his actions, wept over Amethyst, turning the crystal to the color of deep wine, creating the first amethyst. For the Greeks, this crystal would come to serve as a protection against intoxication. The word amethustos means not drunken, and the Greeks would carve goblets and vessels from the stone to prevent inebriety. Like a beautiful wine, prized amethyst is the color of deep purple, but can be found in shades of light lavender, violet, and lilac. The stone has been used by cultures for centuries, most notably by the Greeks and people of Central and South America, who used it to carve one of the legendary crystal skulls. The skull supposedly has mystical powers, most likely due to the chemical principals of the crystal. Amethyst is a form of quartz, composed of silicon dioxide, iron, and aluminum. Like all quartz, it is piezoelectric, creating an electric charge when rubbed or heated. Although its mystic qualities may be hocus pocus, this wine colored stone is certainly enchanting.
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B
Blue Topaz
Al2(SiO4)F1.1(OH)0.9
Never has a stone suffered from such confusion as topaz. The name itself is a mystery. Some concede that the name came from the Indian Sanskrit tapas, meaning fire. Others believe the word is of Greek origin, coming from the name of the island Topazo where peridot was mined. Another possible origin is the Greek topazos which means shine. Whatever origin is correct, they all evoke beautiful images of this stunning gem. A silicate mineral of fluorine and aluminum, it comes in many colors, perhaps the most alluring to be blue. Blue topaz has three variants, Sky, Swiss, and London Topaz, ranging from the faintest azure to darkest navy. All forms are quite hard with a Mohs score of eight, and have been thought to possess mystical powers which could protect, heal, or enlighten the wearer.
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C
Citrine
Citrine reflects nature’s sweetest and sunniest shades. Its tones capture every color of the sun, from the soft, pale sunrise, to a midday gleam, to a fiery sunset. The gem’s name comes from the French citron, meaning lemon, and the stone certainly captures this citrusy flavor. As sweet and lovely as honey, citrine has been prized as a healing stone which evokes joy and jubilation. This stone makes the perfect gift for the sunshine in your life.
Cultured Pearl vs. Natural Pearls
Culture pearls are identical to natural pearls in physical composition and appearance. The only difference between the two types is that a natural pearl forms when a particle enters the mollusk by chance, and a cultured pearl forms when the particle is placed in the shell by man. Cultured pearls are not imitation pearls because they are made of nacre. One can distinguish a true pearl from an imitation by rubbing the object against one’s teeth. Pearls feel gritty, whereas imitations will be smooth. Due to the rarity and price of natural pearls, the majority of pearls on the market these days are cultured. The modern process of culturing was created by three Japanese men in the early 1900’s. Tokichi Nishikawa and Tatsuhei Mise simultaneously discovered the method of inserting a particle into the shell, but it was Kokichi Mikimoto who truly founded the industry by focusing on creating truly round pearls. The industry has spread to many nations, including China and Australia and now includes freshwater as well as saltwater pearls.
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D
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E
Emerald
They say geniuses pick green, and there is no more stunning green than that of an emerald. From Cleopatra’s jewels, to the halls of Incan palaces, emeralds have held a place in history. They represent life, joy, wisdom, and even love, for the Romans dedicated the stone to the goddess Venus. According to ancient medicine, the stone could provide clarity of thought or even reveal a lover’s fidelity. The breath-taking, yet soothing hue comes from the composition of the gem, which is a compound called beryllium alumino silicate. This formula can contain chromium or vanadium to produce the magnificent green shade. It is a relatively hard stone with a score of 7 to 8 on the Mohs Scale. Color is the most important factor for an emerald, and the stones are cut to show off the gem’s wonderful tone.
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F
Freshwater Pearl
Explorers first came to the New World searching for a route to the riches of India, and troves of gold to supplement the treasures of Europe. Although the English and French never discovered the El Dorado of their dreams, they soon found that America had riches that were completely unexpected. The rivers of Ohio, Mississippi, and Tennessee were full of pearls, earning America the title of Land of the Pearls. The explorers began shipping the gems back to Europe in mass quantities satisfying the cravings of their monarchs. American freshwater pearls could be found in royal jewels across the continent. Today, China is the current leader in freshwater pearl production, although many pearls still come from the US. Freshwater pearls are just as valued as their saltwater cousins, consisting of the same organic material often possessing interesting shapes and varied colors.
back to top
G
Green Amethyst
Also known as prasiolite, green amethyst is a relatively rare stone. Ranging from the palest sea foam to the boldest hunter green, it reflects some of nature’s most beautiful hues. Like all amethyst, it is strong and eye-catching.
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H
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I
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J
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K
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L
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M
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N
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O
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P
Peridot
Robert Frost once wrote, “Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold.” Frost believed “nothing gold can stay,” but the wonderful shade of peridot is everlasting. Although the stone’s name comes from the word peritot, meaning gold, the gem is a beautiful, sparkling green. Peridot has been valued for centuries. From Cleopatra, who adorned her exquisite jewelry with the stone, to adventurous pirates, who believed the gem could protect their golden hordes. The stone was originally mined on the island of Topazo in the Red Sea and transported to Egypt, were it was considered the “gem of the sun.” The soothing color arises from the metal within the magnesium iron silicate which makes up the gem. It is often found in volcanic areas, having exploded out of the earth with magma and lava. Peridot can also be found in large quantities in meteorites which hit the earth, making them the little green jewels from outer space.
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Q
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R
Ruby
In the country of Burma stretches the Mogok Stone Tract in the legendary Valley of Rubies. According to legend, the first ruby, the center of earth’s fire and blood, was discovered here by an enormous eagle, long before men came to the valley. The ruby, known by the Hindus as rajnapura, or “King of Gems,” was treasured as the most valuable object by ancient monarchs. When a stone was found, the king would send out a delegation to welcome the gem to the kingdom. Rubies spread through the halls of royals from India to England, where a ruby adorns the king’s coronation ring. Today, rubies are symbols of passion and power. The stone’s color is its most important attribute. Rubies are always red, as a result of traces of chrome in aluminum oxide. If the gem is not absolutely red, it is considered a sapphire. Like sapphires, rubies are composed of the mineral corundum, which is extremely hard, second only to diamonds. The most prized rubies let off an almost fluorescent glow and can appear silky or velvety in hue. This king of gems is the best gift for the ruler of your heart.
back to top
S
Sapphire
In ancient times, certain cultures believed that the Earth was an enormous blue gemstone in which the continents were imbedded. Although this notion was eventually discarded, people still valued the radiant mineral which the Hebrews called Sapir. However, the ancients were not mistaken in their description of the beautiful sapphire. Some of the most valued stones are indeed as blue as the deepest oceans. The stone, which is in fact aluminum oxide or corundum, can be found in every color of the spectrum. Certain trace elements within the pure compound produce various hues. The vivid blue colors are usually products of titanium oxide or iron. It is one of the hardest stones, scoring a 9 on the Mohs Scale, second only to diamond. Throughout history, sapphires have been prized by all who have looked upon them. The empires of Southeast Asia have stocked their treasure troves for centuries with the stones from Sri Lanka, the “Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean.” It is said that King Solomon once wooed the Queen of Sheba with these Ceylon Sapphires. More recently, sapphires have graced royal collections, including the 18 carat engagement ring of Princess Diana. Though the world may not be a sapphire imbedded with earth, perhaps you can find a piece of jewelry imbedded with sapphires that will mean the world to you.
South Sea Pearls
Among some of the world’s largest pearls, the South Sea Pearl can be found in the waters between northern Australia and southern China. In the clean, clear waters of this area lives the large Pinctada maxima, one of the largest oysters on earth. The size of the animal and the purity of its natural environment allow it to create some of the most beautiful and largest pearls known to man. Usually found in white, silver, and golden tones, this satiny gem is very rare and extremely valuable.
back to top
T
Tanzanite
In 1967, Massai tribesmen discovered a beautiful gem on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Little did they know, they had stumbled upon tanzanite, a stone which is a thousand times rarer than diamond. According to African legend, in a violent storm in the foothills around Kilimanjaro, a bolt of lightning struck the earth, setting the ground ablaze, and forming this breathtaking stone which resembles lightning in both its blue-violet color and incredible intensity. The truth behind tanzanite’s formation is equally amazing. According to geologists, the combination of zoisite and vanadium in the earth almost 600 million years ago led to the creation of this “geological phenomenon.” It is only found in this secluded region of Africa and deposits are depleting. Within the next few years, the stone will be gone. Like a bolt of lightning, tanzanite hit the market but soon will vanish.
back to top
U
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V
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
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A
Amethyst
According to Greek mythology, the god Dionysus, master of revelry and drunkenness, created amethyst as he wept over the statue of a fair maiden. According to legend, Dionysus was in a terrible mood and vowed to have his vicious tigers attack the next mortal who crossed his path. As fate would have it, a fair maiden by the name of Amethyst was strolling in the wood. As the tigers rushed forward to attack the maiden, the chaste goddess Artemis took pity on the lady and transformed her into a figure of pure quartz. Dionysus, mortified by his actions, wept over Amethyst, turning the crystal to the color of deep wine, creating the first amethyst. For the Greeks, this crystal would come to serve as a protection against intoxication. The word amethustos means not drunken, and the Greeks would carve goblets and vessels from the stone to prevent inebriety. Like a beautiful wine, prized amethyst is the color of deep purple, but can be found in shades of light lavender, violet, and lilac. The stone has been used by cultures for centuries, most notably by the Greeks and people of Central and South America, who used it to carve one of the legendary crystal skulls. The skull supposedly has mystical powers, most likely due to the chemical principals of the crystal. Amethyst is a form of quartz, composed of silicon dioxide, iron, and aluminum. Like all quartz, it is piezoelectric, creating an electric charge when rubbed or heated. Although its mystic qualities may be hocus pocus, this wine colored stone is certainly enchanting.
back to top
B
Blue Topaz
Al2(SiO4)F1.1(OH)0.9
Never has a stone suffered from such confusion as topaz. The name itself is a mystery. Some concede that the name came from the Indian Sanskrit tapas, meaning fire. Others believe the word is of Greek origin, coming from the name of the island Topazo where peridot was mined. Another possible origin is the Greek topazos which means shine. Whatever origin is correct, they all evoke beautiful images of this stunning gem. A silicate mineral of fluorine and aluminum, it comes in many colors, perhaps the most alluring to be blue. Blue topaz has three variants, Sky, Swiss, and London Topaz, ranging from the faintest azure to darkest navy. All forms are quite hard with a Mohs score of eight, and have been thought to possess mystical powers which could protect, heal, or enlighten the wearer.
back to top
C
Citrine
Citrine reflects nature’s sweetest and sunniest shades. Its tones capture every color of the sun, from the soft, pale sunrise, to a midday gleam, to a fiery sunset. The gem’s name comes from the French citron, meaning lemon, and the stone certainly captures this citrusy flavor. As sweet and lovely as honey, citrine has been prized as a healing stone which evokes joy and jubilation. This stone makes the perfect gift for the sunshine in your life.
Cultured Pearl vs. Natural Pearls
Culture pearls are identical to natural pearls in physical composition and appearance. The only difference between the two types is that a natural pearl forms when a particle enters the mollusk by chance, and a cultured pearl forms when the particle is placed in the shell by man. Cultured pearls are not imitation pearls because they are made of nacre. One can distinguish a true pearl from an imitation by rubbing the object against one’s teeth. Pearls feel gritty, whereas imitations will be smooth. Due to the rarity and price of natural pearls, the majority of pearls on the market these days are cultured. The modern process of culturing was created by three Japanese men in the early 1900’s. Tokichi Nishikawa and Tatsuhei Mise simultaneously discovered the method of inserting a particle into the shell, but it was Kokichi Mikimoto who truly founded the industry by focusing on creating truly round pearls. The industry has spread to many nations, including China and Australia and now includes freshwater as well as saltwater pearls.
back to top
D
back to top
E
Emerald
They say geniuses pick green, and there is no more stunning green than that of an emerald. From Cleopatra’s jewels, to the halls of Incan palaces, emeralds have held a place in history. They represent life, joy, wisdom, and even love, for the Romans dedicated the stone to the goddess Venus. According to ancient medicine, the stone could provide clarity of thought or even reveal a lover’s fidelity. The breath-taking, yet soothing hue comes from the composition of the gem, which is a compound called beryllium alumino silicate. This formula can contain chromium or vanadium to produce the magnificent green shade. It is a relatively hard stone with a score of 7 to 8 on the Mohs Scale. Color is the most important factor for an emerald, and the stones are cut to show off the gem’s wonderful tone.
back to top
F
Freshwater Pearl
Explorers first came to the New World searching for a route to the riches of India, and troves of gold to supplement the treasures of Europe. Although the English and French never discovered the El Dorado of their dreams, they soon found that America had riches that were completely unexpected. The rivers of Ohio, Mississippi, and Tennessee were full of pearls, earning America the title of Land of the Pearls. The explorers began shipping the gems back to Europe in mass quantities satisfying the cravings of their monarchs. American freshwater pearls could be found in royal jewels across the continent. Today, China is the current leader in freshwater pearl production, although many pearls still come from the US. Freshwater pearls are just as valued as their saltwater cousins, consisting of the same organic material often possessing interesting shapes and varied colors.
back to top
G
Green Amethyst
Also known as prasiolite, green amethyst is a relatively rare stone. Ranging from the palest sea foam to the boldest hunter green, it reflects some of nature’s most beautiful hues. Like all amethyst, it is strong and eye-catching.
back to top
H
back to top
I
back to top
J
back to top
K
back to top
L
back to top
M
back to top
N
back to top
O
back to top
P
Peridot
Robert Frost once wrote, “Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold.” Frost believed “nothing gold can stay,” but the wonderful shade of peridot is everlasting. Although the stone’s name comes from the word peritot, meaning gold, the gem is a beautiful, sparkling green. Peridot has been valued for centuries. From Cleopatra, who adorned her exquisite jewelry with the stone, to adventurous pirates, who believed the gem could protect their golden hordes. The stone was originally mined on the island of Topazo in the Red Sea and transported to Egypt, were it was considered the “gem of the sun.” The soothing color arises from the metal within the magnesium iron silicate which makes up the gem. It is often found in volcanic areas, having exploded out of the earth with magma and lava. Peridot can also be found in large quantities in meteorites which hit the earth, making them the little green jewels from outer space.
back to top
Q
back to top
R
Ruby
In the country of Burma stretches the Mogok Stone Tract in the legendary Valley of Rubies. According to legend, the first ruby, the center of earth’s fire and blood, was discovered here by an enormous eagle, long before men came to the valley. The ruby, known by the Hindus as rajnapura, or “King of Gems,” was treasured as the most valuable object by ancient monarchs. When a stone was found, the king would send out a delegation to welcome the gem to the kingdom. Rubies spread through the halls of royals from India to England, where a ruby adorns the king’s coronation ring. Today, rubies are symbols of passion and power. The stone’s color is its most important attribute. Rubies are always red, as a result of traces of chrome in aluminum oxide. If the gem is not absolutely red, it is considered a sapphire. Like sapphires, rubies are composed of the mineral corundum, which is extremely hard, second only to diamonds. The most prized rubies let off an almost fluorescent glow and can appear silky or velvety in hue. This king of gems is the best gift for the ruler of your heart.
back to top
S
Sapphire
In ancient times, certain cultures believed that the Earth was an enormous blue gemstone in which the continents were imbedded. Although this notion was eventually discarded, people still valued the radiant mineral which the Hebrews called Sapir. However, the ancients were not mistaken in their description of the beautiful sapphire. Some of the most valued stones are indeed as blue as the deepest oceans. The stone, which is in fact aluminum oxide or corundum, can be found in every color of the spectrum. Certain trace elements within the pure compound produce various hues. The vivid blue colors are usually products of titanium oxide or iron. It is one of the hardest stones, scoring a 9 on the Mohs Scale, second only to diamond. Throughout history, sapphires have been prized by all who have looked upon them. The empires of Southeast Asia have stocked their treasure troves for centuries with the stones from Sri Lanka, the “Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean.” It is said that King Solomon once wooed the Queen of Sheba with these Ceylon Sapphires. More recently, sapphires have graced royal collections, including the 18 carat engagement ring of Princess Diana. Though the world may not be a sapphire imbedded with earth, perhaps you can find a piece of jewelry imbedded with sapphires that will mean the world to you.
South Sea Pearls
Among some of the world’s largest pearls, the South Sea Pearl can be found in the waters between northern Australia and southern China. In the clean, clear waters of this area lives the large Pinctada maxima, one of the largest oysters on earth. The size of the animal and the purity of its natural environment allow it to create some of the most beautiful and largest pearls known to man. Usually found in white, silver, and golden tones, this satiny gem is very rare and extremely valuable.
back to top
T
Tanzanite
In 1967, Massai tribesmen discovered a beautiful gem on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Little did they know, they had stumbled upon tanzanite, a stone which is a thousand times rarer than diamond. According to African legend, in a violent storm in the foothills around Kilimanjaro, a bolt of lightning struck the earth, setting the ground ablaze, and forming this breathtaking stone which resembles lightning in both its blue-violet color and incredible intensity. The truth behind tanzanite’s formation is equally amazing. According to geologists, the combination of zoisite and vanadium in the earth almost 600 million years ago led to the creation of this “geological phenomenon.” It is only found in this secluded region of Africa and deposits are depleting. Within the next few years, the stone will be gone. Like a bolt of lightning, tanzanite hit the market but soon will vanish.
back to top
U
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V
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
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14101 Southcross Drive W. - Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 - © 2008 Stauer, All rights reserved.
14101 Southcross Drive W. - Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 - © 2008 Stauer, All rights reserved.
