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Gem Facts and Information	Emeralds	Rubies	Sapphires	Stars	& More

Gem Information Index

You will never find a synthetic gem in our Gemstone selections,
We feature only Genuine, Natural, Precious Gemstones
Price per carat usually reflects the evenness of the color, the clarity, and the brightness of the stone

Click on the underlined item of your choice to view selections available

COLOR GRADES	TREATMENTS	CLARITY GRADES

GEM CUTS	GEM LABORATORIES	GEM HARDNESS

BIRTHSTONES		ANNIVERSARY GEMS


DIAMOND	SAPPHIRE - BLUE	AMETHYST
ALEXANDRITE	SAPPHIRE - GOLDEN	CITRINE
AQUAMARINE	SAPPHIRE - ORANGE	GARNET
ANDESINE	SAPPHIRE - PADPARADSCHA	IOLITE
CHRYSOBERYL	SAPPHIRE - PINK	KUNZITE
EMERALD	SAPPHIRE - PURPLE	MORGANITE
RUBY	SAPPHIRE - STAR	PERIDOT
STAR RUBY	SAPPHIRE - WHITE	SPINEL
TANZANITE	SAPPHIRE - YELLOW	TOPAZ
TOURMALINE	SAPPHIRE - COLOR CHANGE	ZIRCON
	OPAL
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Gem Report Laboratories

We can supply Gemological Laboratory Certificates and/or Appraisals on any gem, if requested.

Many of our more expensive Gems have a Gem Identification Reports listed online.

We use fully accredited Gemological Laboratories able to perform most of our

Gemstone Identification and Diamond Grading of Gems and Jewelry.

Many of our Gem Identification Reports are based on the GIA

(Gemological Institute of America) "Color Stone Grading System".

The following links are to reputable Gem Laboratories and Appraisers (in Alphabetical order).

Prices for gem reports may range from $100 to $1,000, depending on how much detail you want on the report.

AGL | AGTA | GIA | GRS | GUBELIN | GUILD | SSEF

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GIA COLOR GRADES


The GIA type Color Scale: The 3 charts below are based on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) "Color Stone Grading System", where the Color with it's various Hues, the Tone, and the Saturation of color in a particular gem is listed. You will normally see this system identified by a letter or set of letters, followed by two numbers. The letters are abbreviations of the Color and Hues visible... the first number is the Tone or lightness/darkness of a particular gemstone... and the second number in sequence is the Saturation of color in the gem. So, as an example, when you see a Ruby given the color "R", this would indicate the color is "Red" meaning the primary color is Red and there appears to be no noticeable secondary color... if the tone/saturation numbers were listed as "6/5"... this would indicate the gem has "Medium-dark" tone and "Strong" saturation of color... making this particular gem fall in the "good" category.
GIA Type COLOR SCALE

Abbreviation	HUE	Abbreviation	HUE
P	Purple	styG	strongly yellowish-Green
rP	reddish-Purple	yG	yellowish-Green
RP/PR	Red-Purple or Purple-Red	slyG	slightly yellowish-Green
stpR	strongly purplish-Red	G	Green
slpR	slightly purplish-Red	vslbG	very slightly bluish-Green
R	Red	vstbG	very strongly bluish-Green
oR	orangy Red	GB/BG	Green-Blue or Blue-Green
RO/OR	Red-Orange or Orange-Red	vstgB	very strongly greenish-Blue
rO	reddish-Orange	gB	greenish-Blue
O	Orange	vslgB	very slightly greenish-Blue
yO	yellowish-Orange	B	Blue
oY	orangy-Yellow	vB	violetish Blue
Y	Yellow	bV	bluish Violet
gY	greenish-Yellow	V	Violet
YG/GY	Yellow-Green or Green-Yellow	bP	bluish Purple


The Tone and Saturation Scale: Is based on a determination of the lightness or darkness of a particular gemstone. Tone should be considered along with the Color to properly understand the depth of color in the gem. Even though it may have good primary color, if it's too light in tone, it will not be rich enough... or... if the color is too dark, it will sacrifice brilliancy and transparency. Saturation should be considered along with the Color and Tone to properly understand the amount and evenness of the color that is saturated throughout the gem.
GIA Type TONE SCALE

0	1	2	3	4
Colorless or White	Extremely Light	Very Light	Light	Medium-Light

5	6	7	8	9
Medium	Medium-Dark	Dark	Very Dark	Extremely Dark

**GIA Type SATURATION SCALE**
1	2	3	4	5	6
Brownish or Grayish	slightly Brownish or slightly Grayish	very slightly Brownish or very slightly Grayish	Moderately Strong	Strong	Vivid

Understanding the GIA type Colored Stone Grading System :
Here's how a gemologist evaluates a gemstone's hue, tone, and saturation, using the GIA type colored stone grading system :

The stone is first identified as to gem type. After being thoroughly cleaned, the stone is held by its girdle over a neutrally colored background, and the gemologist looks at it face-up from a comfortable distance – usually about 18 in. (45 cm) – in strong, diffused, daylight-equivalent lighting, with the light source somewhere around 10 in. (25 cm) above the stone. The stone is then rocked back and forth up to a total of 30 degrees as the tone, hue, and saturation judgments are made.

The following examples will help you understand the process involved in how a gem’s color is determined. Let's first look at the illustration to the right. This example tone chart starts with #2 very light, and goes to #8 very dark, as the tone examples. The gem’s tone is determined first, and in this example it is determined that the tone is #5 medium.

Next, the gemologist estimates the overall hue. Look at the illustration to the left to see which hue compares best to the examples on the hue wheel. The sample stone is green, with a touch of blue, so the gem is very slightly bluish green. The hue shows up as bright flashes of brilliance when you look at the stone in the face-up position. In a stone with a window that occupies over 50 percent of the face-up area, the gemologist also grades the window as the dominant color and then the brilliance as the additional color.

Lastly, the gemologist estimates the saturation level. Look at the illustration to the right. Saturation is how much color the gem has. If it does not appear to be grayish or brownish at all, it has strong to vivid saturation. Saturation is also where any additional colors such as those due to color change, pleochroism, color zoning, and windowing less than 50% are noted. Saturation has a moderate to strong effect on appearance. Additional colors, like a window as noted above, are graded only if they are moderate to strong.

The sample stone is thereby graded very slightly bluish green (vslbG), medium tone (5), vivid saturation (6).

The COLORLESS GEM Color Scale:
.
The chart below is based on the Diamond Color Grading System.
COLOR GRADING of Diamonds arbitrarily begins with "D". "A", "B", and "C" are assumed to not exist.

COLORLESS GEM GRADING SCALES

COLOR	GIA*	CIBJO*
COLORLESS	D	EXCEPTIONAL WHITE+
	E	EXCEPTIONAL WHITE
	F	RARE WHITE+
NEAR COLORLESS	G	RARE WHITE
	H	WHITE
	I	VERY SLIGHTLY TINTED WHITE
	J	SLIGHTLY TINTED WHITE
FAINT YELLOW to FAINT BROWN	K	TINTED WHITE
	L	TINTED WHITE
	M	TINTED COLOR 1
VERY LIGHT YELLOW to VERY LIGHT BROWN	N	TINTED COLOR 2
	O
	P
	Q
	R
LIGHT YELLOW to LIGHT BROWN	S	TINTED COLOR 3
	T
	U
	V
	W
	X
	Y
	Z
CHAMPAGNE CONAC GREENISH BROWNISH	C+	FANCY COLOR
YELLOWISH PINKISH BLUISH	LIGHT FANCY
YELLOW GREEN BLUE PURPLE PINK RED	FANCY
	FANCY INTENSE
	VIVID
* GIA = Gemological Institute of America. * CIBJO = Confederation Internationale de la Bijouterie, Joaillsrie, Ortevrerie, des diamants, perles et pierres precieuses.

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GIA CLARITY GRADES

The GIA type Clarity Scale:
The GIA Color Gem System is divided into Three Gem Types... "Type I", "Type II", and "Type III"
All natural gems have inclusions... In plain terms clarity is simply how much "stuff " is inside the gem crystal. The less the "stuff " the more they cost. This again because of rarity by lack of imperfection.
Below is a more descriptive explanation of these Clarity Grades for the 3 Gem Types:

**Type I - CLARITY SCALE**
Exceptional	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor
VVS	VS	SI	I1... I2	I3
Very Very Slightly Included	Very Slightly Included	Slightly Included	Included	Excessively Included

Type I Gemstones : Type I stones are usually eye-clean with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. The stones in this type are usually of such high clarity that even minor inclusions can detract from their desirability.

The list includes Aquamarine, Beryl (green, pink & yellow), Citrine, Chrysoberyl (except Alexandrite), Kunzite, Morganite, Spodumene, Tanzanite, Topaz (colorless & blue), Tourmaline (green), Zircon (blue & colorless), and Zoisite

VVS, Type I - describes Gems that are as close to flawless as is found in the particular type I gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions cannot see any inclusions at ten power magnification, and/or, have no internal characteristics observable under magnification, but which have minor surface blemishes that do not penetrate the stone, and/or, have very small inclusions which are difficult for a gemologist to see at 10x magnification.
VS, Type I - describes Gems that are near flawless for the particular type I gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions will see very small inclusions which can be difficult to observe with 10x magnification. These small inclusions are barely visible to the unaided eye, except on emerald cut and larger Gems.
SI, Type I - describes Gems that are very slightly included but the inclusions are not easily visible to the unaided eye and not a negative for the particular type I gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions will see small inclusions that are usually obvious when viewed with 10x magnification. Inclusions are difficult to see with the unaided eye, except on larger stones or occasionally with Emerald Cut Gems.
I1 to I2, Type I - describes Gems with medium to large inclusions (Piques) which are usually obvious to a gemologist with the unaided eye. An I1 may have an inclusion located to the side while an I2 will have it centrally located or numerous inclusions. Small inclusions that are usually obvious when viewed with 10x magnification.
I3, Type I - describes Gems with very obvious inclusions that are very visible to the unaided or naked eye without any magnification. This grade of excessively Included gem normally has durability problems and should be avoided.

**Type II - CLARITY SCALE**
Exceptional	Very Very Good	Very Good	Good	Poor
VVS	VS	SI	I1... I2	I3
Very Very Slightly Included	Very Slightly Included	Slightly Included	Included	Excessively Included

Type II Gemstones : Type II stones typically show some eye-visible inclusions that do not detract from the gem’s overall beauty. Many stones with inclusions visible to the unaided eye are faceted for use in jewelry.

The list includes Alexandrite, Amethyst, Andalusite, Apatite, Citrine, Diopside, Feldspar, Garnet (all colors), Iolite, Opal (Fire), Peridot, Quartz (all colors), Ruby, Sapphire (all colors), Spinel (all colors), Topaz (all colors except blue), Tourmaline (all colors except green & watermelon), and Zircon (all colors except colorless & blue)

VVS, Type II - describes Gems that are as close to flawless as is found in the particular type II gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions can see small inclusions (small feathers, light silk, etc.) which are usually obvious when viewed with 10x magnification, but you will probably not readily see these inclusions to the unaided eye, except on larger stones.
VS, Type II - describes Gems that are near flawless for the particular type II gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions can see small inclusions (small feathers, light silk, etc.) which are usually obvious when viewed with 10x magnification, but you will probably not readily see these inclusions to the unaided eye, except on larger stones and in certain color gems with characteristics that typically have visible inclusions like Ruby, Padparadscha Sapphire, Yellow/Golden Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Rubellite Tourmaline, and a few others.
SI, Type II - describes Gems that are very slightly included but the inclusions are not easily visible to the unaided eye and not a negative for the particular type II gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions can see medium to moderate inclusions that are usually visible to the unaided eye without magnification. Inclusions are generally located to the side or in the pavilion area where they may not be obvious when mounted in jewelry until you take a closer look.
I1 to I2, Type II - describes Gems that have inclusions centrally located or numerous inclusions that are visible to the unaided or naked eye without magnification. Most Ruby will be in the I1 to I2 category.
I3, Type II - describes Gems that have very obvious inclusions that are very visible to the unaided or naked eye without any magnification. This grade of excessively Included gem normally has durability problems and should be avoided. It is doubtful you'll ever see this poor a grade on our website.

**Type III - CLARITY SCALE**
Exceptional+	Exceptional	Very Very Good	Very Good	Poor
VVS	VS	SI	I1... I2	I3
Very Very Slightly Included	Very Slightly Included	Slightly Included	Included	Excessively Included

Type III Gemstones : Type III stones are almost always included and show eye-visible inclusions, but even specimens with obvious or prominent inclusions are often faceted for use in jewelry.

The list includes Emerald, Beryl (red), and Tourmaline (watermelon)

VVS, Type III - describes Gems that are as close to flawless as is found in the particular type III gemstone, a gemologist under favorable lighting conditions can see small inclusions (small feathers, light silk, light gardin, etc.) which are usually obvious when viewed with 10x magnification, but you will probably not readily see these inclusions to the unaided eye, except on larger stones.
VS, Type III - describes Gems that are very clean for the particular type III gemstone, a gemologist can see small sized inclusions (small fissures, light gardin, etc.) that is usually visible with the unaided eye without magnification. Larger Emeralds can have medium sized inclusions and still be graded VS Type III.
SI, Type III - describes Gems that are lightly included but the inclusions are not a negative for the particular type III gemstone, a gemologist can see moderate and/or numerous small inclusions (fissures, gardin, carbon, etc.) that are visible to the unaided or naked eye without magnification.
I1 to I2, Type III - describes Gems that have inclusions centrally located or numerous inclusions that are visible to the unaided or naked eye without magnification. Most Good quality Emerald will be in the I2 to I3 category.
I3, Type III - describes Gems that have very obvious inclusions that are very visible to the unaided or naked eye without any magnification. This grade of excessively Included gem normally has durability problems and should be avoided. It is doubtful you'll ever see this poor a grade on our website.

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TREATMENTS

AwesomeGems.com strongly supports and meets the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requirements to disclose gem treatments and/or offer accurate descriptions, and we have been disclosing gem treatments and offering accurate gem descriptions for as long as we have been in business. Not only do we disclose gem treatments on the same page as the listed gem, but it's listed directly under the gem "and" it has an additional link to a full explanation of the particular treatment method (if any). AwesomeGems.com also offers accurate descriptions of each gem or jewelry piece listed. You will find that our "Enhancement Codes and Treatment Terms" explain the majority of treatment methods used in the Gem Trade. Many of the gems we offer are "Natural" and "untreated", but the majority of the gems on the market are routinely enhanced or treated in some way, so we have always been concerned in disclosing any treatments that we know may exist as well as the affect it may have on the gem you are considering.
We disclose the particular treatment that may apply to a particular gem, both in our online description as well as at the point of sale.

**TREATMENT Codes & Method Table**
code A:	Indicates that this gemstone has no known enhancement, or, this type of gem is very rarely enhanced.
code E:	Indicates that this gemstone is typically, or routinely, enhanced by one or more of the methods below.
code N:	Indicates that this gemstone has no known enhancement. When gems are listed with a link to an independent gem identification report from an accredited graduate gemologist this assures you that the gem has been tested to be able to state with a measure of certainty that the gem has no known enhancement. The seller will provide a report known as 'statement of sale and evaluation for insurance', if it is requested at time of sale, stating that the gem has been carefully examined and does not appear to have any known enhancement. If alternate independent gem identification reports are requested prior to a sale, the seller may provide this, but at an additional cost to the buyer.

Coated:	Indicates a Coating has been used as a surface treatment such as waxing, lacquering, enameling, inking, foiling, or sputtering of films to improve appearance, provide color or add special effects. This treatment is not considered to be permanent since the coating can be easily scratched off, so as a result it may create special care requirements, which we feel seriously reduces the value and therefore should affect your buying decision.
Diffusion:	Indicates the gemstone has undergone Diffusion (or Bulk Diffusion) which is the use of one or more chemicals in conjunction with high temperatures to produce a relatively shallow subsurface layer of color and/or asterism producing inclusions. This treatment is not considered to be permanent since it only affects a relatively shallow subsurface layer of the stone. If the diffused layer is scratched, chipped, polished, etc., the original color becomes visible under the shallow layer of color, so as a result it may create special care requirements, which we feel seriously reduces the value and therefore should affect your buying decision.
Dye:	Indicates Dyeing has occurred. Dyeing is the introduction of coloring matter into a gemstone to give it new color, intensify present color or improve color uniformity. This treatment is normally not permanent and/or it may create special care requirements, which we feel seriously reduces the value and therefore should affect your buying decision.
Epoxy:	Indicates a hardener was used to seal the surface of porous gem material with a colored or colorless Epoxy-like material. This is typically performed to improve appearance and/or durability of the gem as well as prevent inclusions from fracturing. This treatment method is permanent and normally does not create special care requirements.
Heat:	Indicates the stone has been heated to effect desired alteration of color, clarity, and/or phenomena. Most of the Aquamarine, Citrine, Kunzite, Morganite, Tanzanite, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Golden Sapphire, Orange Sapphire in the market is routinely heated. This enhancement method is permanent and normally does not create special care requirements. Heat enhancement has been an accepted trade practice for generations and normally it does not adversely affect the value of the gem, however, in recent years demand for unheated top quality Ruby and Blue Sapphire has caused these gems to command a somewhat higher premium, depending on the gem.
Irradiation:	Indicates the gemstone has undergone some form of gamma or electron Irradiation (in some cases, in conjunction with heat). Gamma or electron Irradiation typically either induces color centers to alter a gemstone's color or changes the valence state of impurities to improve the clarity. Gems routinely treated with this method are: Aquamarine (to produce dark blue Maxxie beryl), Colorless Beryl (to turn it green or yellow), Morganite (to deepen the pink color), Opal (to induce an orange-yellow body color), Diamond (to produce various colors), Quartz (to produce Smoky Quartz, Citrine, Amethyst, Amethyst-Citrine or Ametrine, and green-"gold" stones), Topaz (to blue and yellow), Pink Tourmaline (to produce Hot Pink and Red or Rubellite), and pale pink Kunzite (to lavender). Some of these irradiation-induced colors (e.g., Kunzite, Maxi Blue Topaz, and Yellow Beryl) may fade over time. This treatment method is considered to be permanent and normally does not create special care requirements.
HPHT:	Indicates the stone has been been heated while under pressure to effect desired alteration of color and/or clarity. HPHT diamonds, are natural diamonds that end up almost pure and flawless. The process basically speeds up the earths process of forming a diamond by squeezing a diamond to pressures of around 60,000 atmospheres. This "high pressure high temperature" treatment is most usually performed on off white diamonds that have some inclusions, and after the enhancement process the stone will be a more desired color with near flawless clarity. This treatment method is permanent and does not create special care requirements.
Laser:	Indicates the stone has been laser drilled and chemicals were used to reach and alter the inclusions in the gem. This treatment is rarely performed on color gems, but is most often performed on diamonds that have obvious inclusions, after the treatment the stone will appear to have less obvious inclusions. This treatment method is permanent and normally does not create special care requirements.
Glass:	Indicates the stone has been heated to moderate temperatures (reportedly 900–1,400°C) to remove potential impurities from the fractures and improve color, then the stone is mixed with powders that are composed primarily of lead and silica but may also contain sodium, calcium, potassium, and metal oxides such as copper or bismuth. This mixture is then heated again, reportedly to approximately 900°C, fusing the powders into a glass that penetrates the fractures in the stone. Jewelers pickling solution can etch the lead-glass filler, otherwise this treatment method is permanent and normally does not create special care requirements.
Oil:	Indicates the surface-breaking cavities were filled by immersing the gemstone in a colorless oil, wax, natural resin, or man-made resin material that penetrates into the fissured or porous gemstone. Traditionally, such fillers have been oils of various types, cedar-wood oil being a common one, and today, resins like Opticon are also used. This type of enhancement process is one of the oldest in the business, with reports on it dating back over 600 years. Some oils can come out of the stone if heated too much, but lightly enhanced ones and those filled with resins rarely change. This enhancement processes is an accepted trade practice that does not normally affect the performance, and durability of the gemstone, and it does not create special care requirements.

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Gem Hardness

The following table shows MOH's Hardness in relation to Simple and Cutting Hardness.
MOH's hardness is a relative scale. It shows which mineral scratches another mineral.

(cutting hardness in water according to A. Rosiwal).
MOH's Hardness	Mineral used for comparison	Simple Hardness	Cutting Hardness (A. Rosiwal)
10	Diamond		140,000.00
9	Ruby, Sapphire, Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl		1,000.00
8	Aquamarine, Emerald, Morganite, Spinel, Topaz		175.00
7	Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Kunzite, Peridot, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Zircon	Scratches window glass	120.00
6	Diopside, Lapis lazuli, Orthoclase, Turquoise	Can be scratched with a steel file	37.00
5	Apatite, Obsidian, Sphene, Glass	Can be scratched with a knife	6.50
4	Coral, Fluorite, Pearl	Can easily be scratched with a knife	5.00
3	Calcite, Ivory	Can be scratched with a copper coin	4.50
2	Amber, Gypsum	Can be scratched with a fingernail	1.25
1	Talc	Can be scratched with a fingernail	0.03

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Birthstones

Month	Color	Modern	Traditional	Alternate
January	Brick Red	Garnet	Garnet	Rose Quartz
February	Purple	Amethyst	Amethyst	Black Onyx Moonstone
March	Seafoam Blue	Aquamarine	Bloodstone	Rock Crystal
April	Colorless	Diamond	Diamond	White Sapphire White Topaz
May	Green	Emerald	Emerald	Green Tourmaline Tsavorite Garnet
June	White	Pearl Moonstone	Alexandrite	Opal
July	Red	Ruby	Ruby	Rubellite Tourmaline
August	Yellowish-Green	Peridot	Jade	Star Sapphire
September	Royal Blue	Blue Sapphire	Blue Sapphire	Iolite Lapis Lazuli
October	Pink	Opal Pink Tourmaline	Jasper	Pink Sapphire Morganite -Pink Emerald
November	Golden Yellow	Yellow Topaz Yellow Citrine	Yellow Citrine	Yellow Sapphire Tiger's Eye
December	Sky Blue	Blue Topaz Tanzanite	Blue Zircon Turquoise	Blue Spinel Lapis Lazuli
Birthstones listed in the "Modern" column are the Official Birthstones adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These Birthstones were Officially adopted in 1912. Tanzanite, a violet-blue gem from East Africa, is so hot it is the first gem added to the birthstone list since 1912 Stones listed in the "Traditional" column contains older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone list. These stones reflect societal birthstone traditions, heralding back to the 15th century. (Many jewelers have differing lists of Traditional Birthstones.) Stones listed in the "Alternate" column were Gem Dealers and Jewelery Manufacturers using alternative birthstones for each month.

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Anniversary Gemstones

Year	Gemstone	Year	Gemstone
1st	Gold Jewelry	13th	Yellow Citrine
2nd	Garnet	14th	Opal
3rd	Pearls	15th	Ruby
4th	Blue Topaz	16th	Peridot
5th	Blue Sapphire	17th	Watches
6th	Amethyst	18th	Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl
7th	Onyx	19th	Aquamarine
8th	Green Tourmaline	20th	Emerald
9th	Lapis Lazuli	21st	Iolite
10th	Diamond Jewelry	22nd	Spinel
11th	Turquoise	23rd	Imperial Topaz
12th	Jade	24th	Tanzanite

25th	Silver Jubilee	50th	Golden Jubilee
30th	Pearl Jubilee	55th	Alexandrite
35th	Emerald	60th	Diamond Jubilee
40th	Ruby	70th	Sapphire Jubilee
45th	Sapphire	80th	Ruby Jubilee

This list of suggested gemstones gifts has been endorsed by the American Gem Trade Association, the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America, the Jewelry Industry Council, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Cultured Pearl Association of America.

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Gemstone Facts

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ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite changes color from green in daylight or fluorescent light to red in incandescent or candlelight.

THE TRADITIONAL BIRTHSTONE for JUNE
The 55th ANNIVERSARY STONE

MOH's scale of hardness : 8-1/2	Toughness : Excellent
Refractive Index : 1.746-1.755 (+.004,-.006)	Specific Gravity : 3.73 (+/- .02)
Alexandrite changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. The first time you see it, it is hard to believe your eyes! Alexandrite was first discovered in Czarist Russia, in the Ural mountains, on April 3 1834, when several crystals were found in Tokovanya deposits. The name “Alexandrite” was coined by mineralogist Dr. Nordenskjöld (Finnish by birth but he worked for the Russian Czar). Since the old Russian imperial colors were red and green it was named after Czar Alexandr II on the occasion of his coming of age in 1842. Genuine Alexandrite is one of the world's rarest and most coveted Gemstones, it's so rare that most people have never even seen a genuine Top Quality Alexandrite. Alexandrite is in the Chrysoberyl mineral family and is one of the most fascinating gemstones throughout history. Alexandrite is the variety of Chrysoberyl that displays a change-of-color from green to red. A distinct color change is the primary qualification for a Chrysoberyl to be considered alexandrite. Although alexandrite is strongly trichroic, its color change has nothing to do with pleochroism. Instead, like all other color-change gems, it results in a near-equal transmission of the blue-green and red portions of the spectrum, coupled with strong absorption in the yellow. Thus its color is dependant on the spectral strength of the light source. Incandescent light is strongly tilted to the red end, thus causing alexandrite to appear reddish. Daylight, is more equally balanced. Since our eyes are most sensitive to green light, the balance is tipped to the green side. The strength of the color change is related to the difference in the areas of transmission, relative to the absorption in the yellow. The greater the difference, the stronger the color change. The color is actually caused by Chromium. A color change occurs in very few gemstones. For alexandrite, the quality of the color change is paramount. While the holy grail is a gem whose color changes like a traffic light from green to red, such a stone has yet to be found. In fine examples, the change is typically one from a slightly bluish green to a purplish red. The quality of color change is often referred to by dealers in a percentage basis, with 100% change being the ideal. Stones that display a change of 30% or less are of marginal interest and are arguably not even alexandrite. Significant brown or gray components in either of the twin colors will lower value dramatically. The natural color change in Alexandrite ranges from various shades of Green (blue-greens, kelly-greens, olive-greens, teal-greens, etc.) when the gem is under "fluorescent" lighting, or in natural outdoor light "in the shade" (not direct sunlight)... then the color changes to various shades of Red (burgundy-reds, purplish-reds, reddish-purples, violetish-purples, amethyst, etc.) when exposed to light in a room with only incandescent light, tungsten light, or candlelight (a flashlight will bring out the color change too). To get the maximum color change effect the gem is best viewed in a dark room with no outdoor light at all, then turn on a fluorescent light to see the green shade, then turn on a standard incandescent light bulb with the fluorescent light off to see the reddish shade. You can cycle the lights back and forth to see the distinct color change. Alexandrite will normally darken when taken out into direct sunlight, since it is subjected all the colors in the spectrum, also if subjected to several types of lighting sources at the same time the colors may twinkle with both the red and the green color bouncing around different facets in the stone. When the primary color has a bit of brownish in with the green, this is due to the bleeding of the two colors. Typically this is referred to as the percentage of color change. The higher the color change percentage, the more expensive the gem. When the color change from fluorescent light to tungsten light is not an obvious color change from one of the various shades of green to one of the shades of red, the gem is usually called "alexandrite like" or a "color change Chrysoberyl" since it does not quite have the distinct greenish to reddish color change to be called "Alexandrite". In terms of clarity, alexandrite is comparable to ruby, with clean faceted stones in sizes of one carat being rare and sizes over a carat and especially above 2–3 carats are extremely rare. Negative crystals and parallel rutile silk are common inclusions. Clarity, however, is a minor issue, as long as the inclusions do not affect the stone's durability. The color change is what represents the majority of the gem's value. Color, brilliance, and cut (in that order) are the 3 things that primarily affect the gem's final price. The more vivid the colors of a color change, the more valuable the gemstone. Ideally, you want a dramatic color change with a medium to medium-dark tone and intense color. In the market, Alexandrite is found in a variety of shapes and cutting styles. Ovals are cushions are the most common, but rounds are also seen occasionally, as are a few other shapes. Alexandrite can be found in jewels of the period as it was well loved by the Russian master jewelers. Master gemologist George Kunz of Tiffany was a fan of alexandrite and the company produced many rings featuring fine alexandrite in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, including some set in platinum from the twenties. Some Victorian jewelry from England features sets of small Alexandrite stones. The original locality for alexandrite is Russia. Russian Alexandrite is extremely rare, the original source in Russia's Ural Mountains has long since dried up after producing for only a few decades. A few Russian miners are still working those trailings there in the Urals, and they are finding a few fine gems, but only in very limited quantities. We secure rare Russian gems from the Cheremsha and Malyshevskaya mines in the Ekaterinburg area of the Ural mountains as soon as they are found and made available to us. Some are small stones, less than a carat, but they all have a dramatic color change. Color change gemstones of Russian origin like this is particularly rare and highly valued by collectors. In 1987, an important new deposit was discovered at the Hematita mine in Nova Era, Brazil. Until this find, Brazil was only known for it's inexpensive gems. The old Hematita mine is still in production, but the new owners are finding it necessary to dig deeper into the mountain. We have access to the finest Alexandrite from these mines. At the present time there are only limited amounts of these goods on the market, and no one knows how much more the mine can produce, but the material presently is of very high quality. This Brazilian Alexandrite shows a striking similarity to the fine Russian gems, having an attractive color change from bluish-green to raspberry like purplish-red. These Brazilian mines have also virtually dried up after producing for only a few years, so they too are also in very limited quantities. These also remain extremely rare and expensive. Since we have have direct access to many of the original stones taken out of the mines we can offer them to you, a few of which are larger stones over a carat. We have also secured some of the finest Alexandrite from Sri Lanka. Many of these fine gems are from the Rakwana area, and they are absolutely stunning, changing from a vibrant bluish-green to a very nice reddish-Purple. We also usually have a few fine specimens from the Ratnapura region. These fine gems have a very good color change also, but it's usually a little more of an olive green changing to a purple stone. Not quite as dramatic as the Russian, Brazilian, and Rakwana material, but very nice indeed. The lower price per carat makes this choice a little more obtainable. The availability this fine material on our website means a new generation has the opportunity to own this beautiful and rare gemstone. Alexandrite stones have also been found in Zimbabwe, Burma, Tanzania, Madagascar, and India, but we don't feature these since we are very selective and only want to bring you the best of the best. When evaluating alexandrite, pay the most attention to the color change: the more dramatic and complete the shift from red to green, without the bleeding through of brown from one color to the next, the more rare and valuable the stone. The other important value factors are the attractiveness of the two colors - the more intense each color is the better - then look for the clarity, and then the cutting quality. Alexandrite is one of the world‘s most expensive gems, with prices similar to those fetched by fine ruby or emerald. But like all gem materials, low-quality (i.e., non-gem quality) pieces may be available for a few dollars per carat. Such stones are generally not clean enough to facet. Because of the rarity of this gemstone, large sizes command very high premiums. Facet-quality alexandrite rough is extremely rare. Thus even the very small stones less than 0.5 ct. (melee) can sell for thousands of dollars per carat. Any fine faceted alexandrite around one and a half carats or especially above two carats should be considered quite large. Stones of quality above five carats are extremely rare. We do not sell Synthetics. To assure you that you are getting a genuine Alexandrite from us, we normally provide you with a Gem Identification Report from a reputable Independent Gem Laboratory. The cost of this Gem Report is included in the price of the gem. Some of the smaller Alexandrite gems may not have a Gem Report listed, in that case we will normally provide a "Statement of Sale and Evaluation for Insurance", and this report would include the specific details on that particular gem as our guarantee of authenticity. Alexandrite is an excellent investment stone since it is definitely considered a "Very Rare" gem. TREATMENTS - Typically Alexandrite is not treated since it would adversely affect the natural color change phenomena. CARE - Alexandrite is also excellent in jewelry since it is quite hard, however, as with all Chrysoberyl, it should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. We recommend Ionic Cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean Alexandrite in jewelry. NOTE: While true synthetic alexandrite does exist, the vast majority are actually a synthetic color-change sapphire, colored by vanadium, not synthetic alexandrite. Since synthetic color-change sapphires have been made from about 1909 onwards, it is entirely possible to have a piece that could be classified as an antique. Indeed, many a traveler has returned from a third-world trip with what they think is natural alexandrite, only to later discover (or have their heirs discover) that what they have is a cheap synthetic sapphire worth but a few dollars per carat. If you own a gem that you suspect is an alexandrite, and you are wondering how to tell the difference between synthetic and genuine alexandrite, we recommend you send the stone to a reputable Gem Laboratory and ask for a Gem Identification Report. Please don't call and ask me, I can't tell you anything over the phone except that you need to send the stone to a reputable Gem Lab, and typically a local Jeweler can't do this. The following links are to reputable Gem Laboratories and Appraisers (in Alphabetical order). Prices for gem reports may range from $100 to $1,000, depending on how much detail you want on the report. AGL \| AGTA \| GIA \| GRS \| GUBELIN \| GUILD \| SSEF