Handmade Jewelry - behind the scenes (gemstones)

Here are a few things I've learned about gemstones over the years. All gemstones are not created equal, at least in terms of monetary value. There are gemstones that are wonderful but not relatively expensive. This would include some varieties of agate and jasper just to name a couple. These are among my favorite gemstones. There are varieties of agate that are extremely valuable, and some are rare enough to be collectors items. The same goes for jasper, and just about every gemstone variety. And within those varieties there are specimens that are so special that they are just about priceless. The same goes for turquoise, labradorite and on down the line.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to buy a few strands of #8 turquoise. This is a very rare variety of turquoise. I saw some at a gem show a while ago, and even though it was rare turquoise, I wouldn't have paid a nickel for it because it was not good quality. I also have seen gem quality specimens of #8 turquoise that were so beautiful I was tempted to spend my bottom dollar on them. So it's difficult to make broad generalizations about the value of gemstones. It all comes down to one word - quality. And yes, quality can be subjective, but only to a degree.

And here I would like to repeat my message about turquoise. A word to the wise. Just because it's called turquoise doesn't mean it is. Sometimes that which is called turquoise is dyed howlite or dyed magnisite. Turquoise is a relatively expensive gemstone. Turquoise mined in the USA is either very expensive or very rare. That's because most of the turquoise was taken out of the ground during the 20th century. Until recently there was a lot of turquoise mining in China. China was producing very nice turquoise, and some of it was extraordinary. About 8 months ago the Chinese government suddenly halted turquoise mining, or at least the export of turquoise. If this trend continues you can expect to see the price of turquoise go up as it becomes more rare. So the bottom line is, be sure the turquoise you buy is genuine turquoise. If it's quite inexpensive, chances are pretty good it's not real turquoise. There's nothing wrong with wearing imitation turquoise, but don't be suckered in. If you aren't sure, the best you can do is ask the seller. Most people who sell a lot of turquoise know the difference, and I like to believe that most people are honest. After all, a small business person  has nothing more than their word and their reputation.

One more thing about turquoise. Most turquoise contains matrix. It's the host rock in the turquoise formation. It is usually brown, gray or black, or sometimes other colors. In some turquoise the matrix makes beautiful patterns. The amount of tolerable superfluous matrix is up to the customer. Matrix is generally not thought of as good or bad, although it depends on the variety. Some varieties of turquoise are almost matrix free. Personally I like matrix, but don't care for an overwhelming amount of it.

In terms of rare gemstones, some rare gemstones are expensive, and some aren't. Pink and blue Peruvian opals are fairly rare and can be expensive. The good ones are becoming very rare and very expensive. African green opals are a little rare, but usually aren't too expensive. Probably most gemstones that are not considered rare can be expensive. These include amethyst, citrine, blue lace agate, apatite, topaz, good quality chalcedony, the list goes on and on.  There are a few very nice gemstones that are mined in Nevada and the northwestern US. They're quite rare because there's so little of them. The cost varies, depending on the specimen. Some are very expensive and others reasonably priced, depending on the quality of the gemstone. So, rare does not necessarily mean expensive, and expensive doesn't have to mean rare. As with everything else, I say go with what you like.

Gemstones tend to go through cycles in terms of availability. A few years ago there was plenty of nice amazonite and rhodonite. In the past couple of years I haven't seen very much of either that I like, especially in terms of color. I'm hoping this is just a cycle. Sometimes areas are mined out, and it's a while before new mining areas are found.

While we're on the subject of gemstones, I do believe that they have their own vibration. I've felt it. Gemstones have been used as talismans probably since early man found a pretty rock. Gemstones are used in Vedic astrology to change a person's destiny. Gemstones are associated with the chakras by some. Like them for healing qualities, their rarity or just because they're beautiful, gemstones are special gifts from the Earth.

Michele Diane, Sacred Earth Jewelry, author