Lapis Lazuli Rings

Posted on May 1st, 2012

What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is an opaque stone and thus does not reflect light in the manner of transparent stones. Genuine lapis lazuli is mined in Russia, South and North America, but the finest, bluest stones are found in Afghanistan.

Lapis Lazuli Rings Color
Lapis lazuli rings are known for their attractive deep blue color. The finest examples are a uniform blue color, however most lapis lazuli has a bit of white veins mixed in or inclusions of pyrite that cause silver and gold or white speckles in the stones which add interest.

Lapis Lazuli Rings Imitations
Other gemstones are sometimes confused for lapis lazuli, with or without intention. Swiss and Italian “lapis” are deceptively named, as they are actually quartz that has been dyed blue. Sodalite is sometimes taken for lapis lazuli, but lacks the pyrite bits found in most lapis lazuli stones and sometimes transmits light at its edges, which the opaque lapis lazuli does not. Chalcedony is sometimes taken for lapis, when dyed. Plastic and glass are often substituted for lapis as well.

Lapis Lazuli Folklore
Ancient people believed that when a person wore a lapis lazuli ring it would be protected from evil and would have enhanced extra-sensory abilities.

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Posted in Gemstones

Coral Rings

Posted on April 15th, 2012

What is Coral?
While most stones used in jewelry are mined from the earth, coral hails from the sea. Coral is formed by colonies of sea invertebrates. It is mostly skeletal calcium carbonate and is opaque to semi-translucent. Buyers should be aware that glass and plastic copies are sometimes substituted for coral, so take care to purchase only from reputable dealers.

Coral Ring Color
Coral’s hues work well year round, with the harvest colors of autumn styles as well as the dark clothes of winter and the cheerful shades of spring and summer. While most associate coral with orange, it can also be found in shades of pink, black, white and red. Angel-skin coral is whitish with hints of peach, while blood, or noble, coral, the most costly form, is deep red. Different shades of coral are found in different parts of the world. The black coral you see in the jewelry case probably came from Mexico or Hawaii, while the white forms grew in Japan and some of the best red coral originated in Italian waters.

Types of Coral Rings
Coral can be relatively inexpensive and is found in both fine and fun jewelry. Sterling silver coral rings are quite common and easily found in gift shops, department stores and online. Gold coral rings are less common, but also quite beautiful and easily found online. Coral is frequently paired with stones like turquoise, onyx or diamond.

Coral Cuts
Coral in rings is most often cabochon cut, or domed, but sometimes it is carved or left in its natural, uncut shape.

Coral Hardness
Coral comes in at a 3.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The Mohs scale is a tool used to rate the hardness of different gems with diamond, the hardest known natural substance, given a 10. At 3.5, coral is one of the softer gems.

Care of Coral Rings
Because coral is one of the softer gems, coral ring wearers should remove the ring before cleaning or taking part in sports that might knock the coral around, causing scratching or other damage. Also remove the coral ring before cleaning and subjecting it to harsh chemicals that could damage it. Acids found in common household items like vinegar can damage coral, so be sure to remove the coral ring when mixing a vinaigrette or using vinegar to remove scale from the sink.

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Cat’s Eye Rings

Posted on April 1st, 2012

With attractive shades ranging from caramel to grass green, cat’s eye rings are a great addition to any jewelry collection.

What is Cat’s Eye?
Cat’s eye is a member of the chrysoberyl family, which includes the gems chrysoberyl and alexandrite. The chrysoberyl family is interesting in that though the three gems are alike chemically, they look nothing like one another.

Cat’s Eye Rings Appearance
Cat’s eye is milky and translucent, is found in shades from honey to green, and , when properly cut displays a white line of light down the center of the stone, giving the appearance of an eye lit from inside – hence the name. This effect, known as chatoyancey, is best observed under one strong light, directly overhead. The “eye” effect is found only in cabochon, or rounded, stones, not in stones cut in facets.

Cat’s Eye Ring Texture
The cat’s eye gem is known for its smooth, velvety texture.

Cat’s Eye Hardness
Cat’s eye weighs in at an 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This is a tool used to rate gem hardness from 1 to 10, with diamond, the hardest known substance. The harder a gem, the more resistant it is to scratching and chipping. At 8.5 a cat’s eye is relatively hard, making it a good choice for use in cat’s eye rings, which tend to get knocked around quite a bit with regular wear.

Sources
Sri Lanka is the source of the finest cat’s eye gemstones, but they are also found in India, Burma, Brazil and Madagascar.

Cat’s Eye and Tiger’s Eye
Cat’s eye is sometimes confused with the gem tiger’s eye, however tiger’s eye is the mineral quartz, not chrysoberyl, is brown, and has a less dramatic eye effect.

Cat’s Eye Folklore
Ancient people believed the cat’s eye gem could see everything and could therefore protect its wearer. Ancient people also believed that the cat’s eye gem promoted happiness and serenity.

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