Princess cut diamonds refer to diamonds that have been crafted in a square shape. Origins relay back to 1979 when a jeweler created the square cut to rival the brilliance that comes with the round "brilliant" cut. Today, princess cut diamond earrings rank second in popularity, in diamond earrings, necklaces and diamond engagement rings.
The princess cut is shaped similar to that of a pyramid, with the top being cut into a square or rectangular form, and the bottom reaching a point in the setting.
Not only are princess cut diamond earrings going to create the most dazzle, but they also give you a bang for your buck – as less of the diamond needs to be cut to create the signature look. This way, the stone often comes at a cheaper price than other cuts.
When buying princess cut diamond earrings the cut should be precise. Precision is necessary with the princess cut – as the entire view is from stop the diamond. It needs to be impeccably accurate to reflect the light, and retain its sparkly appeal. Since so much of the diamond is on display from the top, it is recommended that the color of princess cut diamond an earring stud is above a G. This will ensure that the diamond appears natural in color, without any distracting tints. Clarity determines the flaws within a diamond. When buying a princess cut diamond it is important that the rating be above a VS2 to ensure the diamond appears flawless to the naked eye.
Princess cut diamond earrings are a timeless classic, as they always retain the dazzle. The way that princess cut diamond earrings are created allows the light to dance within the diamond, creating the brilliance of the round stone with modern, elegant style.
It is important to keep in mind that although princess cut diamonds, and brilliant cut diamonds may be of the same carat weight – the diameter of the princess cut may be smaller, as the diamond is longer, and pyramid shaped, accounting for the carat weight.
Princess cut diamond earrings are a great gift idea, or a great present to spoil yourself with. They were created with the purpose of maximizing brilliance in a square cut, and have succeeded – and are only growing in popularity.
Basic Shapes of Diamond Stud Earrings
Not only do diamond fashion earrings come in a variety of colors and sizes, they come in a variety of shapes. Each of these shapes creates a different appearance of the diamond earrings, and each shape comes in and out of style each season. Of course, there is the classic princess and brilliant cut – but diamond earrings have become popular in other styles like pear or fancy shaped stones.
Square Shaped diamond earrings are available in cuts like princess, or emerald cut. What is the difference between emerald cut diamond earrings, and princess cut diamond earrings? Emeralds cut stones appear to be shaped like rectangles and yields the most brilliant of the square stones. Emerald shaped cuts seem to hold the most color, so when choosing an emerald cut be sure to choose a clear stone, or a stone with a good color rating (over a g rating). Princess cut diamond earrings sparkle effervescently because of the cut to take advantage of the facets within the diamond.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Anne Hathaway: Holywood Princess
Anne Hathaway is an American actress known for her sophisticated style and her evolving movie career. In the last year she has made many magazine headlines because of her personal life but now the media attention has turned to Oscar-buzz for her current film role.
Anne Hathaway’s first breakout movie role was as Disney’s princess in the Disney family movie "The Princess Diaries," also starring legendary singer and actress Julie Andrews. This role established Hathaway’s career. She went onto star in other family movies in the next three years including "Ella Enchanted" and a sequel to "The Princess Diaries."
In 2005, Hathaway broke away from the family-movie roles and starred in adult-themed movies like "Havoc," "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Devil Wears Prada." Most recently she starred in "Becoming Jane" and "Get Smart," which was released in June of 2008.
People magazine has featured Hathaway first as a 2001 "breakthrough stars" and again in 2006 as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People." Hathaway has appeared in fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair and InStyle for her sophisticated personal style. InStyle magazine editors dub the actress’s style "ever-elegant."
During the summer of 2008 while Hathaway was promoting her summer movie, "Get Smart" with Steve Carrell, Hathaway’s private life was all over the pages of celebrity magazines including People magazine, Life and Style Magazine, Us Weekly magazine and other celebrity magazines. The media attention stemmed from Hathaway’s June break up with her boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri, after nearly four years together. Follieri, an aspiring Italian real estate mogul, who shortly after the break-up was arrested, jailed and charged with stealing millions from investors while posing as a Vatican agent. In September People magazine reported Folllieri pleaded guilty to 14 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy and faces sentencing Oct 3 and his lawyers have started negotiating the terms of his plea-bargain. The New York Times also reported the plea bargain required him to give up $2.4 million, 12 watches and 9 pieces of jewelry; the jewelry, The New York Times reported, is believed to be Hathaway’s.
Immediately following Follieri’s arrest Hathaway remained silent regarding the situation but a month later the actress appeared on the cover of W magazine and talked about the difficult times, saying "Right now I don't have the wherewithal to be anything except professional," she said at the time. "As soon as I found out about the arrest, I had to get on a plane to Mexico to do a press tour for Get Smart. And then I spent a week in shock at a friend's house. And then I had to go back and do more press, and I haven't stopped since."
In the fall of 2008 Anne Hathaway will appear in the indie drama film "Rachel Getting Married," directed by Jonathan Demme. Her role as Kym, a recovering drug addict is the most dramatic departure from her innocent Disney princesses in family films, as well as the more mature roles in "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Get Smart." Many entertainment and celebrity magazines are speculating Hathaway’s performance will garner Oscar-attention. Entertainment Weekly said of Hathaway’s performance, "Since playing at the Venice and Toronto festivals, the movie has earned the 25-year-old actress the kind of reviews that precede Oscar nominations. Owen Gleiberman, for one, wrote from Toronto: ''Hathaway is a revelation: She shoots far beyond giving a damn about her 'likability' in a performance as scalding as it is controlled. She makes toxic narcissism magnetic.''
Most recently Hathaway told magazine reporters at a Sept. 15 press conference, including People magazine, "Everything that has happened to me, good and bad, I feel has happened for a reason."
Along with "Rachel Getting Married," Hathaway appears in the 2008 drama "Passengers" and the upcoming 2009 comedy romance "Bride Wars."
Anne Hathaway’s first breakout movie role was as Disney’s princess in the Disney family movie "The Princess Diaries," also starring legendary singer and actress Julie Andrews. This role established Hathaway’s career. She went onto star in other family movies in the next three years including "Ella Enchanted" and a sequel to "The Princess Diaries."
In 2005, Hathaway broke away from the family-movie roles and starred in adult-themed movies like "Havoc," "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Devil Wears Prada." Most recently she starred in "Becoming Jane" and "Get Smart," which was released in June of 2008.
People magazine has featured Hathaway first as a 2001 "breakthrough stars" and again in 2006 as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People." Hathaway has appeared in fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair and InStyle for her sophisticated personal style. InStyle magazine editors dub the actress’s style "ever-elegant."
During the summer of 2008 while Hathaway was promoting her summer movie, "Get Smart" with Steve Carrell, Hathaway’s private life was all over the pages of celebrity magazines including People magazine, Life and Style Magazine, Us Weekly magazine and other celebrity magazines. The media attention stemmed from Hathaway’s June break up with her boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri, after nearly four years together. Follieri, an aspiring Italian real estate mogul, who shortly after the break-up was arrested, jailed and charged with stealing millions from investors while posing as a Vatican agent. In September People magazine reported Folllieri pleaded guilty to 14 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy and faces sentencing Oct 3 and his lawyers have started negotiating the terms of his plea-bargain. The New York Times also reported the plea bargain required him to give up $2.4 million, 12 watches and 9 pieces of jewelry; the jewelry, The New York Times reported, is believed to be Hathaway’s.
Immediately following Follieri’s arrest Hathaway remained silent regarding the situation but a month later the actress appeared on the cover of W magazine and talked about the difficult times, saying "Right now I don't have the wherewithal to be anything except professional," she said at the time. "As soon as I found out about the arrest, I had to get on a plane to Mexico to do a press tour for Get Smart. And then I spent a week in shock at a friend's house. And then I had to go back and do more press, and I haven't stopped since."
In the fall of 2008 Anne Hathaway will appear in the indie drama film "Rachel Getting Married," directed by Jonathan Demme. Her role as Kym, a recovering drug addict is the most dramatic departure from her innocent Disney princesses in family films, as well as the more mature roles in "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Get Smart." Many entertainment and celebrity magazines are speculating Hathaway’s performance will garner Oscar-attention. Entertainment Weekly said of Hathaway’s performance, "Since playing at the Venice and Toronto festivals, the movie has earned the 25-year-old actress the kind of reviews that precede Oscar nominations. Owen Gleiberman, for one, wrote from Toronto: ''Hathaway is a revelation: She shoots far beyond giving a damn about her 'likability' in a performance as scalding as it is controlled. She makes toxic narcissism magnetic.''
Most recently Hathaway told magazine reporters at a Sept. 15 press conference, including People magazine, "Everything that has happened to me, good and bad, I feel has happened for a reason."
Along with "Rachel Getting Married," Hathaway appears in the 2008 drama "Passengers" and the upcoming 2009 comedy romance "Bride Wars."
Sunday, November 23, 2008
When Blue Topaz Jewelry is Best (Or at Least, A Good Bet)
By: Ainsley Howard
Blue is a very strong color with equally strong connotations in various cultures. You will not find this surprising as we live in the Blue Planet itself! Thus, you hear of blue bloods, bluegrass, blue baby, and blue book that attest to how pervasive the color is in culture.
That said, here are some instances when blue topaz jewelry is the best gift for men, women and children. Or at least, a good bet when you are in a pinch.
Texas Blues
When you want to give the gift of jewelry to a true blue Texan, blue topaz jewelry is an excellent choice. After all, blue topaz is the state gemstone of Texas! You can even have it custom made such that the Lone Star cut is incorporated into the gemstone.
Watch his or her eyes shine at the sight of the Texas gemstone when you present it. Maybe become as big as the state itself. Figuratively speaking, of course.
Down in the Dumps Blues
Well, of course, even the cheeriest of optimists among us will go through the blues once in their lifetime. Nobody can be Miss Eternal Sunshine forever, you know!
However, you can cheer up a friend by giving them blue topaz jewelry with a good joke about being blue to make them blue in the face from laughing. Oh, you might encounter some resistance but that is what a friend is for to stay by a friend s side through sad times.
If that does not work and you suspect clinical depression, then you need to advice about seeing a professional therapist. You can only do so much to help especially when psychological problems beyond your ken take place.
Blue Professions
For psychics, the color blue represents spirituality and social service. If you have friends who are social workers, counselors, writers, psychologists and teachers, then blue topaz jewelry can be the better choice.
You can even tell them the significance of the color blue in relation to their professions, as the psychics will have it. Besides, nobody can really go wrong with jewelry as gifts because one size fits all.
Democrat Blues
Oh, this does not pertain to the fall of democracies and people feeling all blue because of the loss of freedom. This is about the two party system of the United States where Democrats are blue and Republicans are red.
You can give blue topaz jewelry to your Democrat family and friends to denote their political inclinations. Your gift will last beyond Presidential Elections since jewelry knows no political colors in the modern sense.
Religious Blues
For Judaism, blue is the color of God s Glory. It is even said that in meditation, staring at blue brings glimpses of the glory of God in His Throne. That said, you can give your spiritually inclined friends the gift of topaz jewelry in its blue form.
Blue Births
This does not pertain to either the birth of blue bloods or the birth of premature babies. You can discard that notion right about?now.
Instead, think of birthstones and birthdays. You can give jewelry with blue topaz for those born in November since it is the birthstone of that month, per Western traditions. However, you can also give blue topaz to people born on a Friday since that is the color of the day, per Eastern traditions, specifically Thai.
And these, ladies and gentlemen, are the best times to give blue topaz jewelry. You will never go wrong with it!
Author Resource:-> For the perfect gift for mom(http://www.uniquecollectiblesgifts.com), or for any female relative for that matter, visit http://UniqueCollectiblesGifts.com for its wide array of freshwater pearl jewelry (http://www.uniquecollectiblesgifts.com/product/83397) and blue topaz jewelry (http://www.uniquecollectiblesgifts.com/product/112386) that will make any woman drool. Visit them now!
Article From Free Article Publishing
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Limousine etiquette
A luxurious limo is known for making any occasion special whether it is an anniversary, wedding, prom or simply a date. Limos are all about luxury and style and that’s the reason why you will find a number of San Jose Limo Service, Silicon Valley Limo Service, Napa Valley Limo Service providers.
It is a good idea to book a reputed limo service whenever you want to arrive in style. But to make a limo service comfortable, it is essential to remember and follow these basic etiquettes of riding in a luxurious limousine.
Show respect
Treating the limo driver and the very model you would be traveling in with respect is the very etiquette of a limo service. The limousines that are rented out for wedding, prom nights, birthday parties or any occasion are very expensive. Hence, the vehicle should be handled properly. Think of it as your own property while you are using it. It would help to keep the vehicle in good condition and would also make your trip more enjoyable. And of course, treat the limo driver with respect too. After all, he will be working hard and making all efforts so that you can have a great time.
Seating capacity
Every limousine model has a pre-fixed seating capacity. Hence another important aspect of limo service etiquette is to respect the passenger limits. One can have a safe journey only when the pre-fixed seating capacity is maintained by those who have rented it.
In fact, for most of the limousines, the seating capacity is decided by the law. The space that allows for a comfortable and safer ride should be maintained. If this rule is not followed by the users, there are many limousine service providers who have the right to terminate the service agreement at the last moment. And arguing with the limo driver regarding the seating capacity is against the etiquette rules.
Local laws
One more limo service etiquette is to follow the local rules that apply to the area. The rules related to limousine service differ from region to region and are set by the legal authorities of the area. Some of the common rules include prohibition against passengers standing up through the sunroof, alcohol consumption by underage passengers, use of illegal drugs and so on. Any such behavior can lead to the termination of the service agreement for limo service without any refund.
Personal belongings
It is the responsibility of the passengers to take care of their own valuables. Don’t leave behind valuables in the limo itself while you are not traveling in it. Limo rental companies do not take responsibility for theft of any personal items.
Tipping
Good service deserves to be rewarded and the same rule applies to a limo driver who makes your journey both comfortable and memorable. Limousine limo drivers are known to be friendly and helpful provided that you respect them and follow the rules of the limo company. A limo driver deserves to be recognized for his efforts. A tipping etiquette for limo service demands a customary tip of 15-20%. The tip should be handed to the limo driver at the end of the day in an envelope.
Follow these simple and easy etiquette rules of limo service and enjoy the ride. There are many companies which operate vehicles regularly to serve the San Jose Airport, Los Angeles Airport, Silicon Valley tours, Sonoma tours and many more such places in and around San Francisco. They offer great packages and make all the efforts to make your journey truly comfortable and unforgettable. On your part, you got to make sure that you don’t break any rules and enjoy the fabulous ride.
Article Source: http://articlestoreprint.com
Information about the Author: Anna Radie is a freelance journalist who writes write-ups mainly focus on luxury and high living. She has contributed several articles guiding on Sonoma wine tours, Napa tours, and San Jose Airport Limo Service.
It is a good idea to book a reputed limo service whenever you want to arrive in style. But to make a limo service comfortable, it is essential to remember and follow these basic etiquettes of riding in a luxurious limousine.
Show respect
Treating the limo driver and the very model you would be traveling in with respect is the very etiquette of a limo service. The limousines that are rented out for wedding, prom nights, birthday parties or any occasion are very expensive. Hence, the vehicle should be handled properly. Think of it as your own property while you are using it. It would help to keep the vehicle in good condition and would also make your trip more enjoyable. And of course, treat the limo driver with respect too. After all, he will be working hard and making all efforts so that you can have a great time.
Seating capacity
Every limousine model has a pre-fixed seating capacity. Hence another important aspect of limo service etiquette is to respect the passenger limits. One can have a safe journey only when the pre-fixed seating capacity is maintained by those who have rented it.
In fact, for most of the limousines, the seating capacity is decided by the law. The space that allows for a comfortable and safer ride should be maintained. If this rule is not followed by the users, there are many limousine service providers who have the right to terminate the service agreement at the last moment. And arguing with the limo driver regarding the seating capacity is against the etiquette rules.
Local laws
One more limo service etiquette is to follow the local rules that apply to the area. The rules related to limousine service differ from region to region and are set by the legal authorities of the area. Some of the common rules include prohibition against passengers standing up through the sunroof, alcohol consumption by underage passengers, use of illegal drugs and so on. Any such behavior can lead to the termination of the service agreement for limo service without any refund.
Personal belongings
It is the responsibility of the passengers to take care of their own valuables. Don’t leave behind valuables in the limo itself while you are not traveling in it. Limo rental companies do not take responsibility for theft of any personal items.
Tipping
Good service deserves to be rewarded and the same rule applies to a limo driver who makes your journey both comfortable and memorable. Limousine limo drivers are known to be friendly and helpful provided that you respect them and follow the rules of the limo company. A limo driver deserves to be recognized for his efforts. A tipping etiquette for limo service demands a customary tip of 15-20%. The tip should be handed to the limo driver at the end of the day in an envelope.
Follow these simple and easy etiquette rules of limo service and enjoy the ride. There are many companies which operate vehicles regularly to serve the San Jose Airport, Los Angeles Airport, Silicon Valley tours, Sonoma tours and many more such places in and around San Francisco. They offer great packages and make all the efforts to make your journey truly comfortable and unforgettable. On your part, you got to make sure that you don’t break any rules and enjoy the fabulous ride.
Article Source: http://articlestoreprint.com
Information about the Author: Anna Radie is a freelance journalist who writes write-ups mainly focus on luxury and high living. She has contributed several articles guiding on Sonoma wine tours, Napa tours, and San Jose Airport Limo Service.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Perfect Pearl Jewelry By : Fred C.3 C. Barnes3
Pearl jewelry is considered an ‘in’ thing in fashion right now and you will love to have elegant and exclusive pieces of jewelery. They make a perfect accessory for your wedding. It can be subtle or eye-catching and there will be no wonder why you will be the center of attraction on this special day. Pearl necklaces can be divided into several types depending on the length of the necklace.
You can opt for the classic collars, exclusive choker, majestic matinee pearl necklace or the priceless princess necklaces. Even an opera necklace or a ravishing rope pearl necklace can do wonders to your dress. A collar comprises of three strands and goes really well with a plunging neckline. Even if the bridal gown has a V neck or is strapless, the collars will go really well with it. In the case of a pearl choker, you can wear it with any sort of bridal gown. This actually sits perfectly on the collar bone and will catch your attention if it has a rich luster. The princess necklace will go well with both plunging and high necklines. As they have sway, they will go well with sweeping gowns.
The opera pearl necklace comes to the waist and you can make a loop of two or three strands which add to the beauty of your dress. This is a stunning accessory and will definitely catch the attention of any onlooker. An opera pearl necklace is perfect for just about any wedding gown. Moreover you can choose from the different pearl earrings and ear drops which will complement the whole look. Stud earrings are classic and have the rare combination of elegance and style. There are a range of products which are available on the market. You can go for hoops, chains, hearts and ribbons. Single pearl studs will go well with long necklaces. It will be subtly elegant and will help you to make a fashion statement.
If you are looking for an exclusive gift for the bridesmaids, then you simply go for pearl jewelery. Most of them are available at an affordable rate and everyone will love the pearl pendant or the pearl eardrop. Most pearl jewelry is hand-crafted to look elegant when worn with a perfect dress. They add to the feminine grace and truly enhance the beauty of a woman.
In case of a pearl necklace most of the pearls are hand-knotted and each strand is carefully attached to the other so that they do not come lose even if they are manhandled. You can determine the quality of the pearls while looking at the luster and the shape. Both of them make a fine combination and you will love to see the glow of the pearls when you prepare to outshine others in your wedding reception. When it comes to buying the pearls, you can choose only the best from the best shop. Take your pick from some of the lovely jewelry at Pearltreasure.com. You will definitely find something that you love.
Article Source: http://articlestoreprint.com
Information about the Author: Fred C. Barnes is author of article written on affordable gift ideas & unique gift ideas. For more information, please visit :pearltreasure.com/gift-ideas/affordable-jewelry-gift-ideas.html
You can opt for the classic collars, exclusive choker, majestic matinee pearl necklace or the priceless princess necklaces. Even an opera necklace or a ravishing rope pearl necklace can do wonders to your dress. A collar comprises of three strands and goes really well with a plunging neckline. Even if the bridal gown has a V neck or is strapless, the collars will go really well with it. In the case of a pearl choker, you can wear it with any sort of bridal gown. This actually sits perfectly on the collar bone and will catch your attention if it has a rich luster. The princess necklace will go well with both plunging and high necklines. As they have sway, they will go well with sweeping gowns.
The opera pearl necklace comes to the waist and you can make a loop of two or three strands which add to the beauty of your dress. This is a stunning accessory and will definitely catch the attention of any onlooker. An opera pearl necklace is perfect for just about any wedding gown. Moreover you can choose from the different pearl earrings and ear drops which will complement the whole look. Stud earrings are classic and have the rare combination of elegance and style. There are a range of products which are available on the market. You can go for hoops, chains, hearts and ribbons. Single pearl studs will go well with long necklaces. It will be subtly elegant and will help you to make a fashion statement.
If you are looking for an exclusive gift for the bridesmaids, then you simply go for pearl jewelery. Most of them are available at an affordable rate and everyone will love the pearl pendant or the pearl eardrop. Most pearl jewelry is hand-crafted to look elegant when worn with a perfect dress. They add to the feminine grace and truly enhance the beauty of a woman.
In case of a pearl necklace most of the pearls are hand-knotted and each strand is carefully attached to the other so that they do not come lose even if they are manhandled. You can determine the quality of the pearls while looking at the luster and the shape. Both of them make a fine combination and you will love to see the glow of the pearls when you prepare to outshine others in your wedding reception. When it comes to buying the pearls, you can choose only the best from the best shop. Take your pick from some of the lovely jewelry at Pearltreasure.com. You will definitely find something that you love.
Article Source: http://articlestoreprint.com
Information about the Author: Fred C. Barnes is author of article written on affordable gift ideas & unique gift ideas. For more information, please visit :pearltreasure.com/gift-ideas/affordable-jewelry-gift-ideas.html
Monday, November 3, 2008
Gemstones: Nature s Gift of Beauty and Rarity
By: Ron Peterson
The naturally occurring gemstone is a crystalline form of a mineral. Desirable for their beauty, gemstones are also loved for their rarity and durability. As adornments in jewelry, gemstones can bring enjoyment for generations. While many gems have remained popular for years, some are rare collector stones that have only been discovered recently.
Emeralds
The much loved emerald is admired for its radiant green color. The top quality emeralds are considered even more valuable than diamonds. For centuries, fantastic stories have grown up around this magnificent gem and in some cultures the gemstone held great power. For instance, in South America the Incas and Aztecs considered the emerald a holy gemstone. Indian maharajas believed the green emerald to possess healing and good luck powers. They were so valued in ancient Egyptian society that the pharaohs who ruled between 3,000 to 1,500 B.C. exhausted their plentitude in Cleopatra s Mines. Today s best emeralds hail mostly from Colombia, where there are nearly 150 known emerald deposits, although not all are currently being mined. These stones are known to be especially fine with an emerald green color that is the most highly esteemed in the international emerald trade industry. Emeralds are also harvested in places such as Zambia, Brazil, Madagascar, India and Russia, which have produced some interesting and rare variations and have provided additional sources of emeralds for an eager market.
Ruby
Long associated with power, passion and love, the ruby has long been considered one of the most valuable gemstones in existence. Its brilliance, hardness and gorgeous color are preferred characteristics of a precious stone. In its finest form, a ruby is called a Burmese ruby. This does not necessarily mean the stone s origin is Burma, but that it possesses the rich, full red color with a slight bluish hue, such as those found in the famous deposits of Burma (now called Myanmar). Other ruby deposits are found in Pakistan, Laos, Kashmir, Nepal and Afghanistan. The rubies of India possess many inclusions, but are still suited to be cut as beads or cabochons. East Africa is another site that has recently become a site for rubies. While some very fine rubies were mined from Kenya and Tanzania in the 1960s, they are mostly a rarity. Typically, these stones are considered average in quality. The ruby s most important feature is its color, with transparency being of secondary importance. Inclusions, therefore, do not impair the quality of the stone unless it should decrease the stone s transparency. In fact, these imperfections are known to give a ruby its individuality and help to provide proof of its natural origin.
Sapphire
Earlier civilizations believed that the firmament was actually an immense blue sapphire in which the earth was embedded. It s not hard to believe that theory when one considers all the blue shades the sky and sapphires both contain. Sapphires also come in a variety of other colors such as yellow, pink, orange, and purple. However, blue remains the much favored color. Found in India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand and Brazil, and Vietnam to name a few, sapphires are cut by skilled craftsmen who respect the stone is that is not only durable, but it also produces various colors and intensities of color, depending on which angle it is viewed. The challenge for the cutter is to bring out the stone to its very best advantage. The most precious blue sapphires came from Kashmir in the 1880s. These stones created a lasting impression on people s idea of a first class sapphire s color. The intense blue with subtle violet undertones does not change with artificial light.
Amethyst
Coveted by royalty for generations, the amethyst has had numerous powers attributed to it by a variety of cultures. It has occupied a prominent position in the ornaments of the Catholic clergy because of its representation of chastity and piety. Therefore, it has served as the stone of bishops and clergy.When heated, the amethyst changes its color. Smoky stones turn shining yellow to brownish red when heated by temperatures of 250 degrees. Meanwhile, stones with high transparency turn yellow or colorless at 400 degrees. Note to amethyst wearers: this tendency to change colors can render an amethyst colorless in daylight so avoid sunbathing while wearing an amethyst. Amethysts are imported from Brazil, Uruguay and Madagascar. However, valuable specimens can be found all over the world. In North America, Lake Superior on the Canadian side is home to Amethyst Harbor. Here, violet quartz is found in generous quantities although it is not considered gemstone quality. At one time, Russia s Empress Catherine the Great enlisted thousands of miners into the Urals to mine for amethyst. While Uruguay produces beautifully rich amethyst of the deepest color, much of it is blemished. It s not surprising then that truly immaculate stones can fetch fairly high prices from those who covet its violet brilliance.
Author Resource:-> Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry - bracelets, charms and beads are only a part of the collection. Contact Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit http://www.LewisJewelers.com/pandora_bracelets/, http://www.PandoraB
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