Information about Gemstones

Learn about the care and properties of gemstones. I have a particular fondness for working with pearls, so you'll find I show them preferential treatment when it comes to writing about gems!

Anniversary Gemstones
Did you know that there are specific gemstones and jewelry gifts for anniversaries? Here's the list!

Birthstones for Hours of the Day
These birthstones are assigned to the hour of birth according to ancient numerology.

Birthstones for Signs of the Zodiac
Find the birthstone corresponding to your astrological sign. Birthstones for signs of the zodiac pre-date monthly birthstones and are still the favored stones in many cultures.

Coral Facts
Despite the controversy surrounding this gemstone, coral is more popular than ever in jewelry! Here´s some information about coral.

Gemstone Colors
Looking for new color combinations? Browse this list of gemstone colors for ideas (or to figure out what an unknown stone looks like). It isn't an exhaustive list, but most readily-available stones are cited.

Gemstone Treatments & Enhancements
A gemstone treatment or enhancement is a method used to alter a gemstone, permanently or temporarily, to improve to improve its durability or appearance. This is an alphabetical list of treatment names and symbols.

Gemstones Associated with the Chakras
This is a list of gemstones commonly associated with the seven major chakras or energy centers of the body. It's a great list to consult if you are making power bracelets or other New Age jewelry or if you want to explore Reiki or crystal healing.

Gemstones for Days of the Week
Here is a chart of gemstones assigned to the days of the week. Traditionally, the powers of the gemstone are said to be heightened during its day.

Gemstones in Dreams
Here's a list of the meanings of gemstones in dreams. Some of the gems are relatively unusual, so I bet you would need to be a jewelry designer or a rock hound to realize you'd dreamed about them. Now, if only I knew what it means to dream about Swarovski crystal ;-)

How to Dye Pearls
Can't find pearls in just the right color? Learn how to dye pearls and other porous materials, such as shells or bone, using storebought dyes or colors that you mix yourself.

Mohs Scale of Hardness
Diamonds are forever, but a lot of gemstones will scratch or wear away if used in inappropriate settings. Check where a stone stands on the Mohs hardness scale, especially before using it in a ring or bracelet. I've listed the hardness of some common household items so you can test a material's hardness yourself.

Pearl Tests - How to Tell Real from Fake
If you have pearls or are thinking of getting them or selling them, you will want to know how to tell real pearls from fakes. Here's how to know whether or not you have the real thing.

Set a Heart Stone in a V-Prong Setting
Or set a marquis, princess, or pear stone! Learning to set your own stones will save you money and give you a sense of satisfaction. It isn't too difficult, but you need to have patience to do the job right.

Specific Gravity for Gems/Minerals
A carat of quartz is a larger gem than a carat of fluorite. Why? Because a carat is determined by a gem's weight and quartz weighs less for its size than fluorite. You can express this difference using specific gravity. Here's a table of specific gravity ranges for minerals that may be handy for those with an interest in gemology/mineralogy.

Pearl Glossary
Do you know what Akoya and Momme mean or the traditional length of an opera-length necklace? You'll find these terms and many more in my pearl glossary.

Selecting a Cameo
Cameos are a popular choice for wirewrapping and as a centerpiece for beadwork, but they aren't all created equal. Learn about the different types of cameos. Find out what factors affect cameo value and get tips on making a purchase.