If you’re attracted to jewelry, chances are you may own gem stones in your jewelry box. Gem stones make the perfect gift, particularly birth stones. Gems have been given as gifts for thousands of years, beginning in Ancient Greece. These highly-coveted objects have been symbolic of status and the extent of a person’s love. Gems have been placed in high regard in society and it seems as if people still can’t get enough of them. Gems are essentially a piece of mineral that is polished and cut to create jewelry or other trinkets.
What are the different kinds of gems?
There are precious stones and then there are semi-precious stones. Precious stones are described as ruby, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. All other gem stones are described as semi-precious. Precious stones are far more expensive than semi-precious stones. Precious stones are much higher in quality and chemical composition.
Where do gems come from?
Gems are mineral products and these stones are mined from within the earth. Gemstones can be found anywhere; however, certain gemstones, such as emeralds are typically mined from Columbia because this country holds the most recognized emerald deposits in all of the world. Such deposits can be found in different countries, but due to the cost of labor, most gemstones are mined in underdeveloped countries, such as South Africa. In fact, the Leonardo DiCaprio movie called “Blood Diamond,” depicts the mining of diamonds in Africa and the controversy that surrounds it. Basically, gems come from all over the world.
What is the most attractive aspect of a gem?
Color is the most attractive part of a gem. Colors for gems vary. Sapphires come in shades of blue and pink. If you want to get scientific, the colors of gems are typically based on the atomic structure. Impurities can also influence the color and beauty of a stone.