-
Wed, Mar 25, 2020
One of the more rare garnets and less well known is the green Tsavorite garnet. Tsavorite garnet is one of the most beautiful and vibrant of gemstones. The color can range from a fresh mint green to a deep forest green. One of my favorite green garnet hues is the neon medium green color seen in very few pieces.
The tsavorite measures 7 to 7.5 in hardness on the Mohs scale, so it makes a fine gemstone for a lasting piece of jewelry. Tsavorite garnet is a type II gemstone, which means the conditions in which Tsavorites are formed in nature are not always favorable, so inclusions are common in pieces over 1 carat.
Like most gemstones, garnet has borrowed its name from a Latin word “granum”, which means grain. The “Tsavorite” name comes from Tsavo Park in Kenya; one of the biggest sources of tsavorite garnet. The first finding of green garnet was made in Zimbabwe, 1961 followed by more significant findings in Tanzania, and Kenya. Most findings are of relatively small production and somewhat sporadic.
Approximately 85% of material mined yields stones under one carat, 10% yield stones above one carat, 2.5% over two, 1% over three. Based on this information, prices for large size Tsavorites can increase quite dramatically.
Considering the Tsavorite’s limited supply and rarity, tsavorite prices are extremely low when compared to most gemstones and particularly emeralds. Despite being more rare and having some physical properties that are more desirable than emeralds, tsavorite garnets cost only a fraction of emeralds.
I believe tsavorite is a great choice as a gemstone for a fine piece of jewelry. They are a durable, bright, and a well saturated stone. Not to mention, tsavorites are one of the few gemstones on the market that do not typically receive some sort of treatment such as oil or heat treatment commonly used in certain gemstones.
-
Wed, Mar 25, 2020
We recommend that all fine jewelry be worn gently to prevent loss, damage, and getting dirt lodged between the metal and gemstones. We recommend removing jewelry during strenuous exercise, while doing chores, while swimming (chlorine can damage metal), etc. Also, avoid having your jewelry come into contact with other harmful chemicals such as nail polish remover, perfume and hairspray.
To clean your gemstone ring, you will want to use hot soapy water and a toothbrush from time to time to clean underneath the main gemstone where dirt and oils can build up impairing the brilliance of your stone. You will notice that your gemstone has lost some of its lustre when it is time to clean your ring. You can also clean around the accent diamonds to remove any dirt that collects there. To polish your ring afterwards, just use a soft cloth such as a chamois. When not wearing your jewelry, it is a good idea to store it in the original box separate from other pieces as the metal can scratch.
You will want to in inspect your jewelry on a regular basis. Look closely at the claws, which can loosen and make your centre stone vulnerable to falling out. If you knock your ring or get it caught on something, check it closely to ensure that claws haven’t been damaged or that the stones are not loose or rattle. Hard blows on faucets and car door handles are common causes of broken claws in rings. Also, prongs of a ring can and do wear down over time. If prongs are worn down, they can be “re-tipped” by most jewellers to keep the stone secure.
-
Wed, Mar 25, 2020
COLORED GEMSTONE VALUATION INTRODUCTION - THE FOUR "C's"
Grading colored gemstones can be a very subjective process; more so than when grading diamonds. The main factors affecting gemstone price are color, clarity, cut, and carat (weight). They are interrelated, at the same time each factor presents a broad range in itself and will be evaluated accordingly.
I. Color can account for at least 50% of a gemstone's value. Generally speaking, a stone should be neither too light, nor too dark. It should be vivid, rich. Color is evaluated by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) based on hue, tone, and saturation. These three components are used together to describe an individual gemstone’s color and they will vary.
II. Clarity tends to be the second most important factor in evaluating gemstones. Gemstones are categorized into "clarity types" based on their formation process. Gemstones formed under certain conditions will tend to have more inclusions than gemstones formed under other conditions. There are three clarity types; "Type 1", "Type 2" and "Type 3" gemstones. Clarity will vary in gemstones and within the different types, and affect their value differently depending on which category (Type 1, 2, or 3) the gemstone falls under. Important gemstones such as emerald (Type 3), are formed under less favorable conditions and rarely tend to be "clean", and clarity will be evaluated based on that factor. Gemstones such as Aquamarine (Type 1) have been formed under much more favorable conditions than emeralds and are generally clean stones, so they will be evaluated accordingly.
-
Wed, Mar 25, 2020
Welcome to Pristine Gemstone Jewelry. Sapphires, sapphire engagement rings, and other colored gemstones and jewelry are my specialty.
I am Rogerio Graca, a professional gemcutter, wholesale gemstone supplier, and online jewelry retailer. I started out as a professional gem cutter in 1992. I currently operate my online home-based business from just outside of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada offering my gemstones and jewelry via my website: pristinegemstonejewelry.com and my Etsy shop; PristineGemstones
I use a "Precision Cut" machine that allows me to cut my gemstones at their correct refractive index. Not all colored gemstones that you see on the market are cut properly (only about 5% are precision cut). A gemstone must be cut at its correct refractive index to reach its potential in brilliance.
I have a design consultant, two CAD technicians, a stone setter, and another goldsmith on my team. They have all had decades of experience and are highly skilled at their craft. Our goal is to create beautiful, as well as lasting quality, fine gemstone jewelry.
Some of my pieces have been featured with Huff Post Weddings: http://huff.to/1IOa9r3
For details on the custom order process, you can visit my website blog at the following link: https://pristinegemstonejewelry.com/blogs/blog/pristine-gemstone-jewelry-custom-orders-the-process
The accent diamonds in my mounts are purchased in the US and are conflict free determined by the Kimberly Process. Most of the gold in my settings comes from recycled and refined material.
When customers choose one of my pieces to symbolize a memorable life event, I truly feel honored. I take that responsibility seriously treating my customers in the way I would wish to be treated.
Please read my Frequently Asked Questions website blog for more information. Please take note of question #1: https://pristinegemstonejewelry.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions
Thank you for shopping with me!
Rogerio Graca