gemstone guide

the origin of gemstones

Over time, man learned to shape and polish colored stones to
enhance their natural beauty. After the discovery of metalworking,
craftsmen began to set stones in gold and other metals to produce
true works of art.

Until the last few centuries, colored gemstones were extremely
expensive and only within the reach of the wealthy and aristocratic.
Today, technology has refined the techniques of cutting and
polishing colored stones, making fine gemstone jewelry affordable
to the average person.

Gemstones can be divided into precious and semiprecious stone
categories. Precious stones include the ruby, emerald and sapphire.
Semiprecious stones include the Amethyst, Citrine, Onyx, Peridot,
Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Garnet, Opal and Topaz. Like diamonds,
gemstones are judged by the four Cs -- color, cut, clarity and
carat weight.