GEM STONE SELECTION
Selecting a natural gem is a delightful experience.
A rainbow of colors affords each individual a vast selection of several favorites.
Choosing a particular color, cut, size and price depends on the availability of your personal choice. Some buyers select from the age old birthstone icon, which points to the color of their partner's eyes.
The present-day list of Birthstones is up dated by the jewelry industry to identify the available stones currently entering the world market.
The 'original' guide is far easier to understand as the stones follow the changing colors of the seasons.
Winter: cool blue (Sapphires). Spring: bright greens (Emeralds). Summer: blazing red (Rubies). Fall: mixing of all colors (Opals).
Pearls hold the coveted position for being popular in all seasons.
Durability must be considered. Very few stones can stand the rigors of daily wear. Sapphires, which come in every color including -- 'Ruby' -- rate a hardness just below Diamond. The durability of Diamonds and Sapphires is ideal for a finger ring.
With a reasonable amount of care most of the softer gems -- Topaz to Quartz -- wear quite well as pendants, earrings, broaches and bracelets. Very large colored stone rings, surrounded by diamonds or smaller gemstones high light many social functions.
Paying a fair market price for a fine gem should be expected.
Hard rock Gemstone miners and stone dealers are seldom
more than a few dollars 'per carat' apart on matching gem stones.
Regardless of any discounter's claim, all freshly mined precious stones entering the free market are priced according to a cutter's final cost.
Solid gold mountings are priced by the Karat weight + artistry.
Volume buying of 'QUALITY' gems may be tempting, but seldom reflects a sizeable savings.
Of course 'LOW' grade stones, (including diamonds) are a different story. BUYER BEWARE!
Expecting Jewelry to be a good investment is a myth .
The first owner must pay for the chain of events which must take place before the Goldsmith can create and distribute the finished gemstone product. Pre-owned jewelry is priced by condition and quality...
'Estate Jewelry' (aged) will seldom have a value higher than the original cost. To believe wear and tear can increase an old ring's value requires a healthy imagination.
Since the mid-1960's, 'Wholesale Jewelry' has not existed.
One-of-a-kind can give each piece a cherished personal identity.
Antique jewelry, which is dated before the 1929 depression, is usually well worn, or may have been refurbishing several times. Ladies and Gentlemen of the 18th and 19th centuries looked for any occasion to wear their platinum or 18k filigree lace fineries. Today; exact 'reproductions' of those 'Art Deco' designs; are relatively inexpensive.
Once a stone is selected, mounted and added to a family's keepsakes, the workmanship begins to reveal the quality. If the gift was purchased with quality in mind -- the next generation will inherit a very desirable Heirloom.
'Cheap' jewelry will always look 'Cheap'
Ironically the only personal possessions to stand the test of time are made of precious metals and gemstones.
An investment NO, a cherished legacy, YES . . . .
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