Misleading Gemstone Names

Misleading Gemstone Names
Read jewelry ads and you'll see descriptive terms tacked-on to the names of gemstones, like Oriental emerald (it's really a green sapphire), American ruby (a garnet) and Australian jade (treated quartz).
Sometimes extra terms do describe the source or type of gem that's being advertised, but many are deceptive, and some sellers hope you won't notice that they replace what you think is a more expensive gem with either a look-alike gem that's less expensive or components made from glass and other materials.

There are hundreds and hundreds of examples of misleading gemstone names. Here are some of the most common.


Diamond Impostors
German diamond: quartz

Herkimer diamond: double-terminated quartz

Bohemian Diamond: quartz
Most of the stones advertised with diamond in the name, but with a qualifying term in front of the word, are quartz.

Emerald Impostors
African emerald: green fluorite

Bohemian emerald: green fluorspar

Broghton emerald: green glass

Chatham emerald: synthetic emerald

Cape emerald: Prehnite

Gilson emerald: synthetic emerald

Emeraldine: chalcedony that's dyed green

Oriental emerald: sapphire

Evening emerald: peridot

Spanish emerald: glass

Ruby Impostors
Adelaide ruby: Australian garnet

Australian ruby: garnet
Bohemian ruby: garnet

California ruby: garnet

Cape ruby: garnet

Montana ruby: garnet

San Diego ruby: red tourmaline

Siberian ruby: tourmaline

Sapphire Impostors
Brazilian sapphire: blue tourmaline

Burma sapphire: synthetic sapphire

Hope sapphire: synthetic blue spinel or lab grown sapphire
True sapphire is sometimes called descriptive names, like Kashmir sapphire, which is a deep blue version of the gem, but most of today's sellers use the stone's color as a descriptive label.

Jade Impostors
African jade: garnet

Colorado jade: feldspar

Honan jade: soapstone

Indian jade: aventurine

Manchurian jade: soapstone

Swiss jade: jasper

Pearl Impostors
Atlas pearls: calcite beads

Delta pearls: imitations

Roman pearls: glass beads

Swarovski pearls: glass beads

Opal Impostors
Ceylon opal: moonstone

Blue opal: lazulite

Lapis Impostors
Swiss lapis: chalcedony or dyed jasper

German lapis: dyed jasper

Canadian lapis: sodalite

Turquoise Impostors
African turquoise: jasper

Chinese turquoise: calcite, soapstone

Sacred turquoise: smithsonite

Utah turquoise: variscite

Vienna turquoise: simulated at one time but may contain reconstituted turquoise

Yellow turquoise: often jasper or serpentine
Amazonite and chrysocolla are two gemstones that resemble turquoise and are sometimes confused with it.

The jewelry made from "impostor" gems might be just what you're looking for, so don't hesitate to buy it, but do some homework before you make a purchase so that you understand exactly what you are buying.

March Birthstone : Aquamarine

Poetically described as 'exhibiting the color of seawater parted by the bow of a sailing ship', and symbolizing 'eternal youth and happiness' since ancient times, aquamarine is a variety of beryl family of minerals, of which emerald is also a member.


High quality aquamarine is almost entirely free of inclusions, and exhibits wonderful shine. Iron is the substance, which gives aquamarine its enchanting color, a color that ranges from an almost indiscernible pale blue to a strong sea-blue. Some aquamarines have a light, greenish shimmer which is also a typical feature of this translucent azure gemstone, but it is the pure, clear blue that continues to epitomize the aquamarine, because it brings out so well the immaculate transparency and magnificent shine of this coveted gemstone.
The various color nuances of aquamarine have been given melodious names: The rare, intense blue aquamarines from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, for example, are called 'Santa Maria'. Similar nuances come from a few gemstone mines in Africa, particularly Mozambique. To help distinguish them from the Brazilian ones, these aquamarines have been given the name 'Santa Maria Africana'.


According to legend, aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of fabulous mermaids, and was regarded as the sailors' lucky stone in ancient times. Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe voyage, and guarantee a safe return; they often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep.


The name of aquamarine is derived from the Latin words 'aqua' (water) and 'mare' (sea). It is believed that its strengths are developed more positively when it is placed in water and bathed in sunlight. However, according to the old traditions, wearing aquamarine per se promises a happy marriage and bestows joy and wealth upon its wearer.
The tender blue color of aquamarine arouses feelings of sympathy, trust, harmony, and friendship, feelings that prove their worth in lasting relationships. The blue of aquamarine is considered a divine, eternal color, because it is the color of the sky and the color of water with its life-giving force.


There is hardly any other gemstone in modern jewelry design which is refined in such a variety of ways as aquamarine. Whether fashioned as a clear, transparent gem in the classical step cut, or creatively cut in a more modern design, it is always alluringly beautiful and can produce the most fascinating creations. For decades, it has been amongst the most favorite gemstones of designers, who have often taken the world by surprise with a new, artistic cut, to be applied in their 'avant-garde' jewelry pieces, hence contributing to the widespread popularity of aquamarine. The lucid color of aquamarine enables the designers to bring out the brilliance of aquamarine with fine grooves, curves and edges. By doing so, each aquamarine becomes a unique specimen, whose magical attraction can hardly be resisted.

L’Oreal Gifts SAG’s Leading Ladies

L’Oréal Paris and Carelle have once again collaborated to create gorgeous compacts to celebrate and honor Hollywood’s leading ladies. This year, L’Oréal Paris received a prestigious star on the Friends of Hollywood Walk of Fame. To celebrate this achievement, each of the three different compacts showcases shooting stars encrusted with diamonds. The three compacts are made in sterling silver and plated in a different color 18kt gold, which enhances the beauty of the stones and embodies the spirit of the award show for which it is exclusively made.

To celebrate their “Best Actress in a Feature Film” nominations, L’Oreal Paris and Carelle are thrilled to congratulate Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sidibe and Meryl Streep with these exclusive compact mirrors.
The cool Blue Topaz and 18kt White Gold plated silver on this compact evoke the sincerity and celebration inherent to this award show when fellow actors come together to celebrate each other’s achievements. Blue topaz encourages artists to connect to inspiration and stimulate it, allowing natural creativity to thrive. The pavé diamond shooting stars add gorgeous sparkle to this dazzling compact.

A close-up of a lead glass-filled Ruby

A close-up of a lead glass-filled ruby where the internal features with flow structures are visible.	The same ruby before heat is applied.
The outer layer of the lead glass is considerably altered by applying heat.	A close-up photo of a lead glass-filled ruby shows large bubbles in the glass which indicate the extent of the fill fractures. Photos ©AGTA.

ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 4th, ABC's "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" RAN AN EXPOSÉ ON SALES OF UNDISCLOSED "COMPOSITE" (GLASS-FILLED) RUBY, CHARGING WIDESPREAD FRAUD. Many in the jewelry industry believe that the network's investigative methods are as scandalous as its findings. Just what did and didn't ABC prove; and did it go overboard in its tactics and conclusions?

Nobody disagrees with ABC that there are sales of ruby in American jewelry outlets that owe their looks to glass filling. No one disagrees that some of these sales of what is now called "composite" ruby are deceptive because shoppers are never told this critical fact. Indeed, nearly two years ago, gem dealer groups even issued global alerts about this material and demanded that gem labs develop specific nomenclature for this material and flag it as treated on lab identification and grading reports. As proof, we are re-printing our story from that time about this material called "X-Gems: The Rise of the Mutant Mineral," published in January 2008 and preceded by an email bulletin to all subscribers.

Where many in the trade find fault with ABC is over its tactics and conclusions. First, the network never mentioned the trade's own warnings about this ruby and attempts to prevent fraudulent sales of it. The trade was made to look implicitly guilty of indifference and neglect. Second, the network only found deceptive sales at three Macy's stores and in no others. Do sales by one firm in one market constitute proof of rampant rip-off nationwide and in all types of jewelry stores? Did ABC shop high-end stores where one would be less likely to find low-grade ruby? You be the judge. On our website we link to ABC's "Good Morning America" video. Look at the 5-minute segment and let us know if you think it's fair.

Source

Get 14000 Gemstones Rich Jaeger-LeCoultre Le Lierre Collection for $4.3 million

A collection launched by Jaeger-LeCoultre who best watch-makers in the whole wide world.

The New Latest Jaeger-LeCoultre Le Lierre Collection. It’s a green fantasy turned to life! It is made in the form of ivy leaves and tendrils, only the green leaves are realised in gold and precious stones to make it the ultimate style statement.

The set comes complete with a necklace, a bracelet, a ring and a pair of in 18k yellow gold and and yellow sapphires. In total, it has 14,000 gemstones and it costs a paltry $4.3 million

World’s Largest D-Color Flawless Diamond at Sotheby’s Auction

World’s Largest D-Color Flawless Diamond at Sotheby’s Auction



Scrabbled from the grime of African mines, we have been hearing about petite precious gems that are girl’s best friend and are expected to last forever. But breaking the monotony, the world of diamonds has turned the tables around by offering the largest diamond. Here we have a new entrant identified as the world’s Largest D-color Flawless Diamond. Weighing 84.37 carats, this diamond is estimated to have fetched $12,000,000-$16,000,000 during “Magnificent Jewels” auction organized by Sotheby in Geneva in 2007.

Besides amazing features, the superior quality of the diamond is assured as it is being credited with the highest possible grading from the GIA with the report wherein it stone claims to offer flawless clarity, “excellent” polish and symmetry.

Color Trend Jewels and Gem Stones

Color Trend Jewels and Gem Stones

Dont Get confused looking at all these colorful pictures here, I found these pictures in a magazine. These pictures bacisly indicates the hues and the color combination which would rule this year.

MAke sure all u people who are into jewellery Business and designers as well.ALL u people have to save these pictures for the reftences to color chart of gem stone.

Sometimes these colloer charts are very helpful to refer customers who dont know much about stones.Its so easy to lead them with such gem color chart.

Zee Cine Awards Jewel Trends

Zee Cine Awards for the year 2007-08 was held at Excel Arena, Docklands, London on the 26th of April 2008. The awards were pretty much predictable.Some of the stars had great jewellery on while the others had wore pretty outdated stuff.

Check out lara dutta, i dint believe she was wearing such a old design, i wonder why. Does she not follow the trends ?? watever.Deepika Padukone instead wore a beautiful chandelier earring done in gold and ruby, i think its a Ruby Carving Stone.Pooja Batra looked gorgeous in her white outfit.She wore a necklace and earring both dont in white gold,diamonds and RUBY. Sophie Chaudhry wore a sari with all the glitz complemented with diamond and Pearl earring,the earrings were very small but looked average. The last picture, i forgot the girl's name she wore an earring which is again a chandelier which is very veryyy Indian and once again made with ruby. Looks like the celebrities are addicted to ruby.

Ravenna Tandont, What on earth happened to her, lol no offense but her earring used to be in like agess back, how can stars do thics to there style ???? Karishma Kapoor I wont say she wore a great design but still pretty ok, nothing special though, it was made with diamonds and Emerald.Simi Greaval I personally like her earrings they suit her and are stylish.White is sooo in these days. Diya Mirza, she's a goddess lovely earring it suits her goes with her outfit and are so elegant. The earring is either Victorian or hyderabadi made of Indian rose cut diamonds and are oxidized.

Shilpa Shetty Wore an Emerald Necklace, looks ok.

By looking at the red carpet trends iam sure Ruby is surely the hottest stone of the season this year, and yea make sure all u designers do keep in mind that emerald is soon very soon going to be the HOT HOT favorite.

Stars who stole the show for me was Deepika padukone and Pooja Batra.

Hoop earrings with diamonds

MANY fashion trend start with a notable appearance on the red carpet, and earrings have been very dramatic in recent years. Styles have ranged from tiny stud earrings to statement chandeliers.



Most recently, earring styles have veered towards the other end of the spectrum with minimalist studs, small drops or cluster designs. The hoop earring has also made an elegant return. This classic and versatile style is a welcome addition to any woman’s jewellery collection. What’s different now is that the hoops are increasingly embellished with diamonds. Also, jewellers are playing with the classic shape and design, and adding touches of embellishments to create hoop earrings that are refreshingly contemporary.



Wildly popular in the 1980s, the hoop is a style that lasts because of its versatility. Variations in earring sizes and embellishments can transform this simple piece of jewellery into an essential accessory for women across all age groups, styles and budgets. Diamond hoop earrings typically consist of a continuous or partial circle of gems, which are usually round diamonds in a pave, channel or bezel setting.

Color Stories 2008

YELLOW

Yellow maintains its status as an underlying hue for many colors and yellow accessories will complement a variety of fashions in 2008. This includes yellow gold, as well as, yellow gems and diamonds.

BLUE

Blue will be a major fashion focus in 2008 for two primary reasons. The first reason is the U.S. Presidential elections. Blue represents trust, loyalty and confidence – as consumers make decisions that affect the future of our country – they will seek colors that make them feel secure. Secondly, blue also represents water and sky. With consumers desiring ecologically responsible products, blue —in all its variations—is a color that reflects our desire for a fresh, clean environment.

ORANGE
Orange continues to add zest to the fashions of the coming year. From peachy-pinks to rust to vivid orange, the fashions of 2008 include a vast array of orange hued merchandise.

RED

While red has maintained a relatively static position in terms of popularity, expect red to rise in desirability in 2008. A primary reason for red’s popularity is the location of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Red is commonly associated with China, the location of the Games. This places red top of mind for consumers. The desire for reds, which includes colors such as chili pepper red, cranberry and burgundy, will continue over the next few years.

GRAY AND BLACK

The October 2006 Color Association newsletter reported that the military was shifting from a khaki-based fatigue to a gray-based camouflage in order to blend in better with the urban landscape. This shift influenced a variety of merchandise and drew the attention of designers to shades of gray. In 2008, we will see gray as an influencing factor in fashion. Many of the colors forecasted to be desirable in the coming year and beyond are touched with black. Therefore, the importance of black metals and black gems gain favor. When combined with blacktouched fashions, these precious elements create an achromatic feel for fashion-conscious consumers.

NEON HUES

Be on the lookout for 80’s inspired neon greens, oranges and yellows. In 2008, these vivacious colors will accentuate fashions serving to draw attention without overpowering the wearer.

Source:Stuller

Color Story(2008) Vibe

Vibe

Vibe-colored fashions use bold patterns, dimensional fabrics and textures to grab attention. You can suggest gems from the list opposite to complement these styles. Unconventional and fun, Vibe gems look best set in designs with cultural details such as beaded patterns or pierced metal designs. Intricate, woven techniques and design styles that display heritage and craftmanship will be important to consumers. Because people want to express their personal stories and identities, medallions, dog tags and gem accented charms will have great appeal.

Landscape:
Virtual elements steeped in cultural roots

Color:
Vibrant, Stimulating Hues
Candy colors of pink, green, purple, yellow, orange and teal
Contrasts of stark white, dark navy and red
Neon hues

Consumer Desires:
Central and South American cultures
Asian cultures, textiles and architecture
Aboriginal art
Video and gaming technologies
Generation-Y
Extreme sports

Influences:
Mediterranean and Scandinavian cultures
Ancient Oriental art, porcelain and textiles
Modernist and Neo-classical designs
Neo-classical designs
US politics

Color Story (2008) Blue Music

Blue Music

Fashions of 2008 will incorporate whimsical, floral and natural elements. Modernist and neoclassical designs will also use colors from the Blue Music story.

Landscape:
Calming colors that paint a restful and spiritual landscape

Color:
Inspiring shades of blue
Violets, teals and greens
True blues and blues touched with gray
Contrasts of cinammon, beige and blackened silvers

Consumer Desires:
Trust, security and loyalty
Purity of water and sky
Calmness and balance

Influences:
Mediterranean and Scandinavian cultures
Ancient Oriental art, porcelain and textiles
Modernist and Neo-classical designs
Neo-classical designs
US politics