Gemstone Jewelry Secrets RevealedWritten by Sam Serio
The mystery and magic of colored gemstones has been an integral aspect or "Lore" of most cultures for many centuries. Here is what noted gemstone experts Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on matter. "The fascination with colored gemstones dates back to very beginning of civilization. For our ancestors, blue of sapphire produced visions of heavens; red of ruby was a reminder of very essence of life. By Roman times, rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of power-and most powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger! Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess innate magical powers and ability to endow wearer with certain attributes. According to legend, emeralds are good for eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; red stones stop flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy, haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory hope, and decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change. Colored gems, because of magical powers associated with them, achieved extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of future; as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew, and Christian." Gemstones 101 Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as name implies, are made in laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such. Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 millimeters).
| | Gem and Crystal Jewelry...the Power to Heal?Written by Sam Serio
References to power of crystals and gems and their use in spiritual and healing rituals can be found in ancient Mayan and Hebrew civilizations. Today practice of using stones and crystals continues with ordinary people across world who claim extraordinary results. By stimulating a person's thought, it is believed that crystals stimulate healing - both physical and non-physical. Stones in red family -- red, yellow and orange -- are prized for their ability to produce energy. On other end of spectrum, blue, violet, and lavender stones have a calming effect. In between are clear and aquamarine stones that having healing properties. Many people use and combine crystals to improve a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual conditions based on healing properties attributed to each stone: · Amethyst - This "spiritually uplifting" stone can reduce anger, and impatience. · Aquamarine - This beautiful stone protects your heart and your immune system and aids communications on all levels…especially on physical and spiritual planes · Carnelian - The perfect stone for targeting your body's system, carnelian is a "stimulant" for your circulatory system, kidneys, appetite, emotions, and sexuality. It bestows confidence, assertiveness, and an unstoppable drive to succeed. · Citrine - Citrine can help with acid indigestion, food disorders, and allergies with cleansing powers aimed at your spleen, kidneys, liver, urinary system, and intestines. Mentally, citrine is valuable for emotional clarity, willpower, optimism, and self-discipline.
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