Antique Alexandrite Jewelry
As a continuation to the first article, this is a description on alexandrite and amethyst, as two of less known precious gemstones to the world.
• Amber
Bewitchingly alluring, 'Gold of the North', amber, is actually not a stone but a fossilized amorphous, tree sap. As centuries passed, the resinous substance seeping of pine trees, hardened, existing over 50 million years ago.
Its hardness measures 2.5 Mohs' on scale. With a fascinating inner world, amber specimens can really demand value. With inclusions, amber is often found containing insects and lichens, trapped inside, probably when the resin was still sticky. Apart from 'lily pad' inclusions, air bubbles contained inside the prehistoric gemstone, has also been seen.
Colored as warm and silky yellow to brown, it can also appear as transparent, or with interesting inclusions, like unbelievable inhabitants of around 40-60 million years ago.
These become favorite collectibles and more costly too. Antique amber jewelry imitations like plastic, amber look alike are very much present in market to fool buyers. Therefore, it is suggested to buy such precious items from a trusted jeweler.
During the beginning of 20th century, it became a popular jewelry item, sought after, having a significant value, which is showing a comeback this season too.
• Andalusite
Andalusite is a mineral type gemstone, which is also called as poor man's alexandrite. However, one advantage of andalusite over alexandrite is, that it doesn't needs any change in light source for color change phenomenon.
With a hardness, measuring 7 to 7.5 Mohs' on scale, it's a pleasantly durable gem. This clear variety is named after the place of its discovery, Andulasia in Spain.
Because of its fair durability, it is mostly seen faceted which gives a playful reflection of red, green, and yellow. Its colorful abundance is easily seen in an olive green from one direction, a fine reddish brown from another and grayish green from a different angle. Therefore, it is a pleohroic.
Andalusite is rarely seen on the display showcase of the jewelry; however, men fondly pick it.
Apart from such lovely valuables, found hidden, in various sources of crystalline as well as organic deposits in nature, wonder gem jewelry like sapphire earrings, ruby rings or ruby earrings are still amongst, most chosen, by buyers.
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Silver tone Filigree Blue Butterfly Wire Barrette $22.00 Create a the feeling that spring is in the air by putting a butterfly in your hair. Each of the light sapphire colored stones are hand set into the butterfly's detailed filigree wings proving lots of sparkle. Three Montana blue colored stones are also hand set along the butterfly's antique silver tone body to create a brilliant row of blue.... |
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Exotic Gems, Volume 2: How to Identify and Buy Alexandrite, Andalusite, Chrysoberyl Cat's-eye, Kyanite, Common Opal, Fire Opal, Dinosaur Gembone, Tsavorite, Rhodolite & Other Garnets $16.00 This is a full-colour guide to identifying and evaluating alexandrite, andalusite, chrysoberyl, cat's-eye, kyanite, sillimanite, common opal, fire opal, dinosaur gembone, tsavorite, rhodolite, spessartine, demantoid, malaya, grossular, and other garnets. This is the second in a series of books that explores the history, lore, properties, qualities and geographic sources of lesser-known gems. The b... |
