Gemstones

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This lens will be dedicated to information about all types of gemstones.  I will feature articles and links relating to identification, grading, evaluating, buying, selling and just appreciating gems in all forms.

Further down this page there are some great informational links and at the bottom there are some beautiful photos of some of my gemstones. 

For more information you can visit my website, palmbeachgems.com listed below. ,
my Gemstone Blog or any of my squidoo pages devoted to individual types of gemstones.

Great Gemstone Websites

PalmBeachGems.com
PalmBeachGems offers information on gemstones as well as the opportunity to view and purchase a selection of great stones, jewelry and beads.
International Gem Society
On line Gemology Course, learn how to grade and identify gemstones, diamonds and colored stones. Get hands on experience using real gems.
International Colored Gemstone Association - ICA
ICA - International Colored Gemstone Association
Gemstone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ther's a lot of great information here on gemstones!
The World of Gemstones, Gem by Gem
Choosing a Gemstone
My Bonanzle Booth
You'll find all kinds of interesting items for sale at Bonanzle! I am offering a number of beautiful gemstones there at tremendous prices.

Gemstone Information

Featured Article

GEMSTONE TREATMENTS
Most gemstones being sold today have been treated in some way. The most common treatments are heating, irradiating, diffusion and dyeing. Many of the treatments are considered acceptable in the jewelry trade while others are not. The important thing is that you know what you are buying.
The purpose of a treatment is simply to make a gem more beautiful than it would be without the treatment. Generally, if the treatment is permanent, improves the qualities of the gem, is disclosed and is not meant to mislead the buyer, it is acceptable.
A few gems including peridot and garnet are not usually treated, but most others usually are. For example, most all sapphires are heat treated to improve their color and clarity. Heated sapphires display brighter, more even color that would be extremely rare in a natural stone. Therefore most commercially available sapphires have been heated. That means you can a afford a more beautiful stone than you could if sapphires were not heated. Some sapphires receive diffusion treatment to alter their color. Through heat and pressure, a particular chemical element is diffused into the cut stone, thereby changing the color. However diffusion only effects a thin outer layer of the stone, so if the stone is chipped or scratched a little the original color will show. This is an example of an "unacceptable" treatment.
Some people like the idea of having an untreated stone.They prefer untreated stones even if it is more expensive or they have to sacrifice color or clarity a little. Treatment is so commonplace that untreated gemstones are becoming rare and may have more value.
Most treatments are not illegal or even unethical as long as they are disclosed. Ultimately, it is a personal decision whether you buy a treated, untreated or synthetic gemstone. The important thing is that you know what you are buying.

To read this entire article click the "Gemstone Treatments" link in the Link List below!

PalmBeachGems on eBay

These are a few of the items we have up for auction!
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Great Stuff on Amazon

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More Information on Gemstones

Below is a list of articles and charts with interesting information about gemstones.
Gemstone Grading
The grade of a stone takes into consideration the clarity of the stone, the color and to a lesser extent, the cut.
Color is the most important consideration for colored gemstones. There are 3 factors affecting the color of a stone. They are Hue, Saturation, and Tone.
Click the link above to read the whole article.
Evaluating Colored Gemstones
The value of colored gemstones, like diamonds, depends on "the 4 C's". Those are Color, Clarity, Cut and Carets. Unlike diamonds, the value of a colored gemstone is effected most by the color.
Click the link above to read the whole article.
Gemstone Treatments
One topic that can be confusing for a gem buyer is the subject of gemstone treatments. Most gemstones being sold today have been treated in some way and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The most common treatments are heating, irradiating, diffusion and dyeing.
Click the Title link above to read the entire article.
Birthstones
This chart will tell you the generally recognized birthstones for each month.
Mohs Scale of Hardness
Mohs scale shows the relative hardness of differents gems and minerals.
Amethyst
A description and interesting facts about this popular gemstone.
Garnets
Information on the various varieties of Garnet gemstones.
Lapis Lazuli
History and characteristics of Lapis Lazuli
Gem Gallery
Good pictures and descriptions of most common types of gemstones.
American Gem Trade Association - Gemstone Information
American Gem Trade Association. The Natural Colored Gemstone and Cultured Pearl Source of Information and Ideas.
Opal - The Queen of Gems
Opal has been called 'The Queen of Gems'. This page will explore the beauty, history, science and mystique of Opals. Opals have been one of the world's favorite gemstones for centuries. But it is unlike any other gemstone in its structure and complexity. Its beauty comes not from its clarity or spar

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Gemstone Blog

PalmBeachGems

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Gemstone Pictures

Here's some pictures of some of my Gemstones.

curated content from Flickr

More Links of Interest

The Image.com HomePage
This site is a great resource for gemstone pictures and information, including information on gem faceting and photography.

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palmbeachgems

I have had a lifelong interest in rocks, minerals and gemstones. I make wire wrap, beaded and other types of jewelry. I also have been selling gemston... more »

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