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Semi-Precious Gemstones and Their Properties Continued

Lapis Lazuli – from the Latin, ‘lapis’, which means stone, and from azul (Arabic) meaning blue.

Description- a bright blue metamorphic rock, composed of minerals such as lazurite, sodalite, pyrite and calcite. The best quality lapis lazuli have a potent dark blue with small areas of freshwater pearl bracelet white calcite and metallic pyrite.

Characteristics of the Gem- The intense dark blue stone is somewhat soft, 5.5 on Moh’s scale. Luster is vitreous to oily and crystal structures vary depending on the mineral composition.

Holistic Properties- is for mind/body/soul connection to the freshwater pearl sets higher spiritual self. Is said to lessen anxiety, create overall body/mind relaxation and changes darkness to light/ negative to positive, also called ‘night stone’

Folklore- Known by the Romans as a strong aphrodisiac. In the Middle ages it was used to keep the arms and legs in good health and release the soul from envy, fear or error.

Sourcing- Afghanistan mines the best quality deep colored stones, also, lighter stones found in Chile, Russia and the US

History- In Renaissance paintings, the beautiful blue stone was ground up and put into the pigment ultramarine, which was used to paint sky, sea and anything blue. It’s existence in trade is evident in the silver pearl sets ancient city of Ur as early as 4th millennium B.C. Lapis Lazuli is also seen from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome in adornments for royal jewels and other amulets.

Topaz –from Sanskrit ‘tapas', meaning fire.

Description- Topaz exists in an earthly palette. Deep golden yellow and pink have the highest value. Blue Topaz exists, with color enhancement through irradiation.

Characteristics of the Gem- Topaz has an orthorhombic crystal structure and rates 8 on Moh’s scale. Topaz occasionally has tear-shaped cavities encompassing a gas bubble or varied immiscible liquids. Some have diamond-shaped cross-section attributes with striations running the length of the stone.

Holistic Properties- A formidable healing stone that encourages well-being. It attracts love, enables creativity and promotes self-expression. Topaz has medical benefits in easing insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages.

Folklore- The Greeks believed it made the cultured pearl jewelry wearer invisible when used in emergency. Topaz was used to banish enchantment and aided in correcting eyesight. Its esoteric and restorative attributes were controlled by the waxing and waning of the moon.

Sourcing- Topaz is found in igneous rocks- in pegmatite’s, granites and volcanic lavas. Locations include Brazil, US, Pakistan, Tasmania, Australia, Russia and Mexico.

History- Some famous Topaz gemstones: The Giant Braganza (originally mistaken as a diamond) from the Portuguese Crown, two very large and beautiful Topaz in museum collections, the Green Vault in Dresden and The Smithsonian Institute’s “Hall of Giants”. Historically, Topaz has been associated with the sun as the Egyptians attributed its golden glow to the sun god Ra and the Romans associated it with their god of the sun, Jupiter.

Zodiac & Birthstone- Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 20) Month: November

Citrine – derived from French ‘Citron' meaning lemon

Description- A pale yellow or, when heat treated, golden yellow stone that acquires its color from trace amounts of iron.

Characteristics of the Gem- is a derivation of quartz, 7 on Moh’s hardness scale.

Holistic Properties- said to engender euphoria and self-esteem, preventative properties against proclivity for self-destruction.

Gem- In primitive times, the gem was used, worn or carried as an effective defense against evil thoughts and snake venom. Sourcing- Brazil, Rio Grande do Su

Before buying a pearl earring, know some features of some earring styles.

Pearl Stud Earring

This is the most classical earring and comparative affordable one. The pearl or other gemstones (like diamond) are floating on your earring, while a screw back to securely hold the earring in place. This can usefully prevent the losing of earring while it contains expensive pearl or material. Affordable pearl stud earring is Akoya or freshwater pearl in 18k gold, while Tahitian & South Sea Pearl & Diamond stud earring are expensive. Stud earring is the shell pearl jewelry most indispensably jewelry piece in your box!

Threader pearl earrings

Threader pearl earrings provide a gorgeous and fashionable look for your collection. These earrings are fully adjustable length wise to provide a personal item for you to own. Pearls can dangle best with that chain below the ear and don't worry about the chain; it is thin but can hold the bead firmly. The chains are always made in 18k gold, 14k gold or solid silver.

Drop Earring

one larger gemstone, geometric shape or charm hangs from the shell jewelry earring base normally facing forward. Some drop earrings combine a charm and a gemstone (crystal, diamond, pearls and so on). The basic design of the drop requires the earring to hang in a straight line from base to end.

Screw On pearl earring

The most unique feature of this type is that it can wear by non-pierced people. With a terminator that screws up against the back of the ear to hold the earring in place, which could be a stud or dangle types. They become rare now for some reason that could not wear for several hours as un-comfort caused.

Chandelier earring

The earring has multi branches that hang down from the freshwater pearl beads earring base. At the end of branch are some gemstones, most are tear or drop shaped.

Types of earring hangers:

Fish Hook pearl earring: It got its name as the part goes through the ear like a fish hook, with the pearl dangle under your earlobe.

French Hoop pearl earring: a rounded hanger that is open at the bottom to allow other part to past through your earring. It is circular in design, and look like to a ring on the earrings while the pearl is below the ear.

Lever back pearl earring: Could be used by pierced or non- pierced people. The back of the earring flips up to press against the back of your ear.

Tips on choosing pearl earrings:

Style - Choose a proper earring styles that could best make your outstand, stud, hoop, hook... there are too much choices. But women's jewelry box could not be filled with lacking of pearl necklace style some earring types.

Pearl Size: there are also too much pearl sizes that disturb your choice. For a stud earring, pearl sized in 12mm is enough, as bigger pearl sizes require big earlobe, which could make other beautiful scenery on your ears. But 6mm pearls could also exquisite and small.

Material: Some pearl earrings are made of 18k gold, 14k gold, solid silver or other cheap materials. This is a totally personal preference. But if you are a little bit metallic allergic, choose k gold earrings; other gemstones like diamond, jade, crystal can also match perfectly with pearls. Pearl & diamond earrings are more luxurious and elegant, especially pearl & diamond stud earring, which required smaller pearl sizes (7-9mm) as some spaces needed to mounted diamonds around.

Length: Considerable lengths make pear earrings clean and neat, and can avoid the children and babies managing accidentally to tear it off from their or your ears.

Take the above tips in mind, you can easily get the pearl earrings that worth value.

So what is the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia? Why is cubic zirconia (CZ) quickly becoming more popular as a desirable substitute for diamond? Gemologists can agree that CZ comes closer than any other gem material to matching the characteristics of a diamond.

Most people, even trained gemologists, cannot tell the difference between diamond and CZ, with the naked eye. Moreover, to the untrained eye, CZ looks identical to a pearl necklace good quality diamond. However, under closer inspection, CZ appears to have slightly less brilliance (or sparkle) than a diamond, and more fire, or flashes of color.

CZs were originally developed by the Russians, for their space program. They were developed as an alternative to diamonds that were used in the optics of their lasers. CZs have a refractive index, dispersion and hardness so close to a diamond it's uncanny.

So what are some key features that can guide you in telling the freshwater pearl difference between diamond and CZ? Do keep in mind, though, in order to accurately distinguish the two gems, gemological equipment such as microscope, or loupe, must be used for testing and verification.

To start, let’s take a look at the hardness factor: Did you know CZ ranges between 8.5 to 9.0 on the Mohs’ hardness scale whereas diamond, one of the hardest materials known to twisted pearl necklace man, is rated 10, lying at the top of the hardness scale?

Furthermore, glass (or sand) is rated approximately 5 to 6 on the hardness scale, therefore, dust and dirt will not scratch CZ. Indeed, CZ can scratch glass just like regular diamonds, making it more resistant to chipping.

One great difference between diamond and CZ is weight. CZs are heavyweights in comparison to diamonds; a CZ will weigh approximately 1.75 times more than a diamond of equivalent size. So basically, a piece of CZ the same size as a one-carat diamond weighs about 1.75 carats. Well…isn’t that interesting?

Contemporary production of CZ is virtually flawless, whereas diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions, or have some sort of defect, be it a feather, included crystal, or perhaps a remnant of an original crystal face (e.g. trigons).

In regards to color—more precisely, the lack of color—only the rarest of diamonds are truly colorless, as most have a tinge of yellow or brown to some extent. By comparison, CZ in most cases can be made entirely colorless, equivalent to a perfect "D" on diamond's color grading scale.

Also, under close inspection with a loupe, the facet shapes of some CZs appear different from diamonds. Both gems disperse light a little differently. Dispersion is just a scientific term for freshwater pearl pendant the breaking up of light into its spectral colors. With a dispersive power greater than diamond (0.060 vs. 0.044), the more prismatic fire of CZ can be seen by even an untrained eye.

Dispersion occurs based on the gem’s refractive index. In this case, refractive index simply indicates how much a beam of light will bend, based on the direction in which it is traveling when it passes between two materials of different optical densities (such as between diamond and air; or between CZ and air). Being that CZ has a refractive index of 2.176, compared to a diamond's 2.417, diamonds are therefore said to be brighter than CZ.

Another difference between the two gems is that CZs are thermal insulators—meaning, they reduce the rate of heat transfer—whilst diamonds are among the most efficient thermal conductors—meaning, they allow heat to easily pass through them. Without testing the gems’ heat conductivity, it can be difficult to tell them apart.

Remember, it is a 50/50 guess to identify a gem by visual inspection; it is not a scientific method of authentication. That is why even certified and degreed gemologists use gemological equipment for testing and verification.

You will also be glad to know that CZs are not only durable and inexpensive, but just like diamonds, they come in any color of the rainbow, making them even more desirable.

There have been many instances to see if jewelers can tell the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia, just by examining the gems with the naked eye. Over and over again, it was inconclusive; jewelers could not tell the difference just by looking at the gems. So you can now understand why the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia rests in the price, and in the mind…

So you already have a number of cufflinks in hand; quite a collection you now have. Some are classics, while others are of funny novelty designs. Now others may regard cufflinks as disposable little accessories; they're too many to get out of stock anyway. But even if that's true in most cases, you are not always sure to akoya pearl pendant find the exact same design all the time.

Some intentionally have the joy of collecting designer, not to mention expensive, cufflinks. Cufflinks then have become more than just accessories but real treasured jewelry. While some cufflinks of course are extra special - cufflinks that hold dear sentimental values such as gift cufflinks, rare vintage cufflinks, and antique heirloom cufflinks passed on cultured pearl jewelry to you.

And because of the value of your cufflinks, you would not probably think of getting a replacement even if there's one available. Over all, they're too special - irreplaceable, so to speak. Even if you want to replace them, some cufflinks are rare finds too.

Your best bet then is to preserve them well for them to last many good years, even a lifetime at most. Some well preserved cufflinks can be passed down to succeeding generations to freshwater pearl pendant be held as valuable family treasures.

How do you do it then?

Actually, it's very simple - keep them clean and store them properly.

Keep them clean - all the time.
As with any jewelry, and regardless of material, cufflinks would require cleaning from time to time. Keep them clean. If they get dirty, which is inevitable, clean them right away before storing them. Occasionally, wipe off dust that may accumulate on your cufflinks using a gentle jewelry cloth or even 100% cotton cloth. The type of cloth used is particular, so to avoid little scratches on your cufflinks surface.

It is also possible to get your cufflinks dirty, either smudged by food or spilled with drinks. It's important to clean your cufflinks right away. Avoid letting the grime sit for a long period of time. Rinse your cufflinks with running water and pat dry, again with gentle clothing. When you get home, just prepare a mild cleaning solution - that is mild soap and water - in a bowl. Dip your cufflinks undisturbed for few minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to pearl jewelry sets gently brush off any dirt. Pat them dry. Apply ample amount of metal or jewelry polisher to well-coat your cufflinks and give them an extra shine.

Store cufflinks properly
This is very crucial if you want to lengthen their lives. You wouldn't want them to be cluttering around your desk drawers. Keeping them in appropriate storage will minimize chances of mishandlings which may in turn cause scratches or damages, and also misplacing them. Here's one big mistake many do though - putting their cufflinks in paper or cardboard boxes over time. If you keep them there for a long period of time, acidity in these materials will build up and can cause metal reaction and damage your cufflinks.

Ideally, store them in special cufflink cases. These have soft interior, either cushioned or made with soft fabric, and shuts in well, keeping off humidity. They're also very neatly organized and lovely to look at.

The partisan and misleading speech that President Obama delivered to a joint session of Congress last week revealed the inflatable slides president's preferences--more government mandates, regulations, and taxes--when it comes to refashioning the American health care system. It also showcased the contempt for debate and smug sense of moral and intellectual superiority that is now as much a part of contemporary liberalism as sympathy with the nuclear freeze movement and the RainbowPUSH coalition was two decades ago.

The way the president expresses his disdain is telling. He assumes that, given the facts, any rational person would reach policy conclusions identical to his. "I have no doubt," he said, "that these reforms would greatly benefit Americans from all walks of life, as well as the economy as a whole." If only everybody had read Atul Gawande's June New Yorker article on McAllen, Texas, the president believes, then there would have been none of those rowdy town halls.

So why has the White House already missed its self-imposed deadline for reform? Why do more Americans disapprove than approve of the inflatable water games president's approach to health care? Why did Obama's approval rating drop steadily--among independents, precipitously--throughout the summer? The answer, he said, is "all the misinformation that's been spread over the inflatable tent past few months." There is no legitimate basis for opposition. There are only lies.

"Americans have grown nervous about reform," the president continued. "Prominent politicians" whose "only agenda is to kill reform at any cost" have spread "bogus claims" about his health care plan, scaring a gullible public into 
disapproval. For example, there is the "misunderstanding" that "federal dollars will be used to fund abortions." Some also "claim that our reform efforts would insure illegal immigrants," which is "false." And the idea that "we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens" is a "lie."

The president said that he "will continue to seek common ground in the weeks ahead," and if "you come to me with a serious set of proposals, I will be there to listen." Tell that to the Republicans who have been shut out from the legislative process on four of the five congressional committees working on health care.

"I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than to improve it," Obama said, conveniently dismissing the widely held view that the best improvement to the Democrats' grandiose plans is to scuttle them and start over with a set of targeted insurance reforms--which could pass both houses of Congress with bipartisan majorities. No, Obama "won't stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are," as if he did not already have the backing of all the special interests--the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the American Association of Retired People, the American Hospital Association, Big Labor, etc. He "will not accept the status quo as a solution," as if that is what supporters of consumer-driven health care are advocating. "If you misrepresent what's in this plan," Obama said, "we will call you out."

 

With all 40 of the eyes of G20 finance ministers riveted on the questions of bankers' bonuses and exit strategies when they met in sterling pearl pendant London, the issue of creeping protectionism seems to have been ignored, or at least kept out of public view. Not a bad idea from the point of view of the world leaders due for a follow-up meeting. After all, they unanimously pledged at the previous summits in Washington and London to avoid protectionist measures, and then dashed home to adopt a record number of such measures.

Avoidance of trade talk would most especially suit the American delegation: when the leaders meet in Pittsburgh on September 24-25 the last thing President Obama wants is a discussion of his position on trade. He has so far managed to talk the
sterling pearl earrings talk of free trade while walking the protectionist walk that appeals to his trade union backers. He would like to keep it that way.

Unfortunately for him, he won't be able to do that, having just come down on the side of the protectionists. The Obama team makes it a practice of releasing announcements of which they are not particularly proud on weekends, when they get buried under sports news and the commentariat are out of town. So they held off until late Friday announcing that the President has imposed a 35 percent tariff on low-grade car tires imported from China. The International Trade Commission (ITC) had responded to a complaint by the sterling pearl necklace United Steelworkers Union (tire workers are members 
of that union) that Chinese imports have cost them 5,000 jobs by recommending tariffs of 55 percent. Significantly, U.S. tire manufacturers did not join in the complaint: they lose money at the low-end of the tire market, and most have simply abandoned it to the Chinese. Whether Obama will claim that 35 percent is so far below 55 percent that his free trade credentials remain intact is doubtful: even by his standards, that would be a brazen attempt to conceal his capitulation to the trade unions.

So picture this. Obama now has to play host to a very angry Chinese President Hu Jintao, among other world leaders, in Pittsburgh, to all of whom he promised not to repeat the beggar-thy-neighbor protectionist policies that extended the Great Depression. He needs the Chinese to continue buying the IOUs he is pouring onto the market to cover the deficits he is running up, and to allow their currency to appreciate relative to the sinking dollar. Hu needs export-based jobs. The Obama charm might just not be enough to send the Chinese president home in a generous mood, or disinclined to continue his ruminations on how to free the world of the dominance of the dollar.

Obama's decision on tires makes it clear that he has no intention of supporting efforts to revive the almost 8-year-old Doha trade-opening negotiations. Some 36 nations met in New Delhi earlier this month and professed interest in completing a deal by the end of next year. Not likely: the recession has made jobs, jobs, jobs politicians' central concern, and few are prepared to take the flak that will surely arise if they open their markets, and expose even a few domestic companies or farmers to job-destroying competition. The talks collapsed in July of 2008 precisely for that reason. Obama has been sitting on proposals for bilateral free trade agreements with Colombia and Korea, among others, and sees no reason to antagonize the strong, protectionist wing of his party, already unhappy with his failure -- so far - to throw his weight behind a bill that would end the secret ballot in union-recognition elections, and require compulsory arbitration when union-management negotiations break down.