How Concave Cut Gemstones is made?

There was a time when gem cutters sliced the gemstones as cabochons. The concave cut gemstones have always been very popular since 12th century when the concept of faceted rocks came into the picture. Improved machining tools and techniques since 16th century made it possible for the gem cutters to develop horizontal cutting wheel that created elaborate designs and geometric schemes. Concave cut gemstones in recent times have been produced using 3-dimensional LASER Cutting tools for precision touch.

Here are 5 enticing facts about the gemstone cutting technology used to manufacture them.

The Technology: Concave gemstones in facet cut

The flat symmetrical cut made on the gemstones to achieve 58 facets was always in a vogue. Richard Homer redefined the way gems could be cut to create brilliant effects. Though Homer is believed to be the father of concave cut gemstone idea, it was American lapidary artist Douglas Hoffman patented the technology of producing concave cut gemstones using 3-D.

Concave cut: Why it is made

The gemstone is cut into cone-shaped with 3-d facets with a distinct length and breadth on the surface. The pavilion facets are often cut in concave curves with flat facets sitting over the crown. It results in brilliant reflective patterns, particularly when the gemstone is viewed from top.

One of the advantages of cutting the gem into concave shape is that the light is evenly reflected through it. It creates a homogenous effect unlike any other cut.  The glow exudes from the internal structure and radiates a more uniform blush.

Moreover, the concave cut pan is a 3-D cutting method. It results in equal radiance when viewed from all angles. It creates depth on the conical facet of the gem resulting in added brilliance and alacrity from commercial point of view. Using the concave facet cutting technique minimizes hot spots from appearing when manufacturing fancy shapes like opal, pear and marquise. It is also the best way to eliminate the colour zoning effect that often mars the light coloured gemstones of bigger size. 

Third advantage of having a gemstone cut in concave pattern is that even the smallest of light falling on it is exuded brilliantly. It automatically translates to higher likeability.

Cost of cutting a gemstone in concave style is more economical and time-saving than other methods.

Limitations of using concave cuts:

Not all gemstones available in the market are suitable for concave cut. As a thumb-rule, only large sized concave gemstones are known to emit brilliant results when compared to the smaller ones. Also, if the gemstone is light in colour, it is preferred for concave cut over darker shades. Mathematically, using the concave facet cut enhances the colour tone by 25 percent.

Gemstones that transform beautifully when given a concave cut are:

o    Quartz
o    Citrine
o    Topaz
o    Fluorite gemstones
o    Aquamarine
o    Amethyst 

Gemstones that are least preferred for this cut are:

o    Sapphires
o    Rubies
o    Red Spinel

As expertise improves, concave gemstones are likely to rule the market in coming years.

Mystic Topaz: The Rainbow Stone

Mystic topaz is the latest gemstone to enter the commercial stone market. Despite its popularity, only a handful of gemstones from mystic topaz family are actually sold in the open market. Most of them are auctioned off or placed in high-priced galleries for exhibition. It is manufactured from the colourless varieties of Topaz. After extensive polishing and synthetic fabrication of the colourless gemstone, Mystic topaz attains its charming physical appearance. It is used as an item of decor on rings, earning, amulets, bracelets and luck charms.

Mystic Topaz: Special Properties

Do you want to know why Mystic topaz gems are so popular? Here’s a list of special properties exhibited by the genuinely attractive stone.

o  Multiple colours:

Mystic topaz has a flurry of shades ranging from grassy green to fiery red. In between the gemstone also exhibits warm tinges of yellow, pink and blue. It is often lined by titanium pavilion to set the stone in place over a ring or amulet.

o   Iridescent:

The multiple colour shades exhibit iridescence which makes Mystic topaz the most popular gemstone in the family. Despite its ornamental beauty, the stone is available in mostly 1 carat set pieces.

o  Affordable:

Beauty comes at a price but the Mystic Topaz Gemstone is an off-beat item. It is affordable and beats the popularity of the other naturally occurring gemstones from beryl and topaz varieties. 

o  Mimics Imperial Topaz:

Imperial topaz is one of the costliest gemstones from Topaz variety. Owing to the iridescent properties and multiple colours, Mystic topaz is often sold in the market with imperial tag. It is very similar to the crystals of beryl and tourmaline and hence remains a commercial hit despite being a synthetic fabrication.

o  Wide-scale availability:

Owing to the wide-scale availability of the natural raw material, colourless Topaz, Mystic Topaz comes largely from the American and Ural regions. The largest producers of Mystic Topaz are:

-    Russia
-    Canada
-    USA
-    Brazil
-    Mexico
-    Japan
-    China
-    South Africa
-    Zambia
-    India

Colour Energies of Mystic Topaz:

Despite its synthetic fabrication, Mystic topaz Beads exhibit extensive colour energy. The topaz is called the “truth Stone” and is associated with ease of judgement in case of tough situations in life. It is known to activate cosmic awareness and directs the spiritual power towards physical determination.

Stone experts connect the colour variation exhibited by the Mystic topaz gemstone with following physical and spiritual conditions.

-    Yellow: Relieves digestion ailments
-    Red: Enhances sexual prowess
-    Green: Improves mood and relieves emotional conflict
-    Blue: Removes phobias and fears from mind
-  White: Rejuvenates mind among creative people and among those involved with hospitality professions.
-    Black: Intensifies the urge to achieve goals and objectives in personal and professional life.

Market names:

Mystic Topaz gemstones are sold in the market with names like:

-    Mystic Fire Topaz
-    Fire Topaz
-    Alaskan Ice
-    Rainbow Topaz

Apart from the regular colours, Mystic Topaz is also available in dual shades of red-green, blue-yellow and white-pink shades. Name varies accordingly.

A look at the Powers & Properties Emerald Gemstone

An emerald is one of the members of the quadruple of the precious stones. One of the noted Lithologists of this world, St. Hildegard from Bingen has rightly said that ‘All the green of nature is concentrated within the Emerald.’  Emerald gemstones belong to the varieties of a mineral named beryl. The characteristic green color is because of the presence of chromium and vanadium in trace amounts. Emeralds are known not only for their bright green hue but also for their transparency as well.  Emeralds have evoked the imagination of the poets and baffled the common masses since times immemorial.

General Properties and Origin of the Stone:

The gradation of emerald gemstones just like any other gemstone is done on the basis of the parameters related to the four C’s of grading that are namely Carat (weight), Color, Clarity and Cut. These four factors actually help in determining the base value of the stone to start with. Out of these color and clarity are by far the most important factors in grading an emerald stone. The finest of the emerald stones does not only display a bright green hue but are exceptionally transparent as well.

In antiquity, the emeralds were mined in Egypt 3500 years earlier. The availability of emeralds in Austria or India has been found since 14th century. As of date, in case of emeralds, Columbia is the largest producer is the world. Columbia contributes about 50% to 95% of the world production of emeralds closely followed by Zambia. Various other African countries along with some from South America and many from Asia also contribute as the emerald producing nations in the world. In fact, some parts of the US also produce emeralds.

Powers:

Emerald beads are often described as a powerful stone in crystal healing. It is often described as a stone that seeks love and reveals the truth. Some of the powers that are bestowed in the stone include:

•  Potential romantic partners or estranged lovers are united by the divine powers emerald. If emerald is evoked for such purposed then it is advised to wear them near the heart especially in the form of emerald beads.
•  It enhances the intuition and vision in the wearer. The intelligence of the wearer is sharpened. It is known to open up the clairvoyance.
•  It brings in vitality towards the spirit thereby ensuring freshness. It helps to seek justice, harmony and compassion.

Healing Benefits:

•  Emeralds work excellently in rejuvenating the exhausted and tired vital organs of the body like heart, lungs and other visceral organs.
•  They aid in recovery from any kind of infectious illness and malignant conditions.
•  Emeralds are known to provide a huge boost to the self-esteem and ward off the feelings that come from insecurities and inferiority complexes.
•  These stones have a calming and soothing effect on troubled minds and invigorate our thoughts and philosophical reflections.
•  Emeralds prove good in matter of workspace as well. It strengthens the memory, increases the mental sharpness and speech eloquence.

Emeralds when used properly can bring in good health and luck.

Larimar gemstone: Experience the Tranquillity of Silent Sea in Life

Ravishing. Vivacious, Electrifying. These are some of the few adjectives associated with the Larimar gemstone. The blue pectolite gemstone is a rare combination rock named with a unique background. First discovered in the 70’s, Larimar gemstone is also called as ‘Stefilia’s Stone’. The source is limited to the Caribbean Island of Dominican Republic and hence many artificial varieties have flooded the market to satisfy the customers on the lookout for Larimar. If you love Larimar gemstone, we tell you some enticing facts about the gemstone.
 

-  Do you know how it was named?
 

Larimar is derived from the words “Larissa” and “Mar”. These are Spanish words for Sea. Owing to the sparkling blue colour that ranges between dark blue to blue-green shade, larimar gemstone’s nomenclature is indeed unique.
 

-  Variable hardness
 

Larimar gemstone is a rare stone on account of its variable hardness. The lighter shades of the stone have a hardness ranging between 4.5 and 5 on the Mohs. The darker blue shades of the gemstone have significantly higher hardness. Some stones have a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Variable hardness is attributed to the variable crystalline structure which in turn reflects in the capricious colour shade.

-  Vitreous Lustre confused with other precious stones
 

Larimar gemstone has a lustrous appearance with a vitreous and silky appeal. It can be transparent at times owing to the splinter type fracture system existing in its crystalline structure. Its white streak across the structure is what makes it different from the other blue stone in the market- Turquoise.
 

-  Enlightenment Stone: Heal your Emotional and Mental plan
 

Life has its own ways of unfolding itself. Wearing Larimar gemstone bestows the individual with the wisdom to look beyond the evident. You gain different objectives and insights with a sense of enlightenment. It heals emotional, mental and physical aspects of life.
 

It brings clarity in life in case you are facing trouble with relationships, health, sexuality and profession.
 

-  Meditation Stone
 

Spirituality gains a new dimension with the use of larimar gemstone. It releases you from all kinds of emotional bonds, soothes temper and calms down all fears.
 

-  Fades in Too much Sunlight
 

The brilliant blue shade of the larimar gemstone tends to fade out when exposed to too much sunlight for too long. The green, grey and brown streaks may remain consistent but the blue shade vanishes with time. The price of the gemstone is decided on the basis of the blue consistency. Higher the consistency, greater would be the price. 

-  Popular varieties
 

Larimar gemstone beads are sold under different brand names. Popular versions are:
 

-   Dolphin Stone
-   Atlantis stone
-   Blue pectolite

-   Empower your Throat Chakra

Larimar gemstone is the crystal linked to the Throat chakra. Beads, necklaces and amulets made of the larimar gemstone empower the voice to speak truth with courage and unwavering determination to change the world. Global leaders, philanthropists and entrepreneurs wear the larimar to usher in a new change in the society.

Which color gemstone is best for you?

Gemstones are found in various colors and they have been used for their powers across time and cultures. Different colors are said to have different powers. So what gives gemstones these powers? And what powers are we talking about?

Let’s first understand how we see colors:

It is common knowledge that color is not an intrinsic property of an object. We see the color of an object because it reflects some part of the light falling on it. The part that is reflected back meets the eye and we perceive it as color. And that part of light is nothing but one of the many wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The wavelength that will be reflected back depends upon the particles in the object. Therefore, the color of a gemstone will depend on the kind of mineral or element it is made up of.

Gemstones reflect certain wavelengths prominently, which explains their dazzling brilliance. As for the powers, they are actually the energy that is created due to a particular wavelength. So when you wear a particular gemstone, the wavelength it reflects or the color that it has makes an impact on the energy surrounding you, and that translates into improved prospects, calm, decreased health issues, or in general, a better well-being.

Now, let’s see which color offers what:

White: White stones symbolize intelligence and integrity while clear stones are a mark of elegance. It is suitable for people who like the traditional way of living life. It helps in maintaining a clear conscience while in doubt by bringing calm and clarity.

Stones: diamonds, pearls, moonstone, white topaz, drusy quartz, moissanite, hematite.

  
Red:  Red is associated with attention, ambition, and an out-going nature. It complements people like artists, lawyers, leaders, who have a fiery personality and like to show their skills. It is associated with active energy and helps in gaining wisdom and fighting depression.

Stones: ruby, red diamonds, coral, garnet

  
Black: It signifies strength, confidence, fidelity, prosperity, and health. Since black is not an easy to carry color, those who wear it with élan having a strong personality and charming sophistication. It complements people like fashionistas, C-level executives, or anyone who like to be surrounded with a high energy. It helps you decide with clarity of thought.

Stones: onyx, agate, black diamonds, jasper, hematite.

Blue: It signifies loyalty, truth, good health, strength, and confidence. It works for people with an out-going personality. Blue gemstones are said to bring peace and stabilize emotional imbalances.

Stones: sapphire, lapis lazuli, tanzanite, aquamarine, blue topaz, turquoise

Green: Green stones are strongly associated with fertility and healing powers. It also brings in prosperity. Bankers, investors, or just people in the money business are said to gain productive intuition with gems of this color. It was also believed in the medieval times that jade brings immortality to its wearers.

Stones: emerald, jade, green sapphires, turquoise.

Purple: Purple has long been associated with spirituality, wisdom, class, and clarity of thought. Purple stones should be worn by philosophers, artists, and the creative group who like to delve deep into human nature and study their behavior. Lavender and purple stones have a mysterious and dignified aura.

Stones: amethyst, purple diamonds, purple sapphires

Yellow: Yellow is a bright, quirky color that resembles the energy of creativity and uniqueness. It suits people with a creative and adventurous bent of mind like crafters, teachers, and social workers. It exudes optimism, sociability, enthusiasm, and is known to aid mental strength.

Stones: amber, topaz, citrines, yellow diamonds, yellow sapphires.

Brown: Gems with brown shades have a very unique personality; they have an aura that is subtle and down to earth. People like chefs, gardeners, and historians would find such gems complementing with their energies and keeping them calm, motivated, and driven. Brown suits people who have a passion, but do not like flashy statements.

Stones: agate, Tiger’s eye, smoky quartz, chocolate diamonds

Knowing about the energy associated with different colored gemstones is helpful not only so that you can pick a suitable gemstone for yourself but also because when you buy a jewel gift for a loved one, you know which gemstone will bring happiness to their lives. By gifting them a gem appropriate to their energy and needs, you will be enriching their lives with a valuable token that will also help them be more successful and healthy.

Fluorite Gemstone - Bring in Life the Stone of Healing & Spiritual Energy

The name fluorite is obtained from a Latin word ‘fluo’ means of flow water. Fluorite Gemstone is a stabilizing and highly protective stone used for harmonizing and grounding spiritual energy. It enhances intuitive abilities, develops connection to the Spirit. Fluorite enhances mental abilities, and brings stability and clarity in a chaotic situation. Psychic manipulation is shielded to the user of this stone. It has a great ability to absorb negative energies.
 

The sources of the stone include Canada, U.S.A, South Africa, Mexico, Germany, England, China and Poland are the biggest producers of this precious stone. The different colors of this gemstone are purple, blue, green, yellow, or colorless. Less common ones are black, pink, brown red and white. The colors depend upon the nature of impurities in the stone.

Types of Fluorite Gemstone: 

• Yellow Fluorite increases mental powers and enhances intellect.
• Rainbow Fluorite is a combination of different health benefits.
• Green fluorite helps in accessing to intuition, absorbs excess energy.
• Purple Fluorite enhances some common sense to psychic intuitions.
• Blue Fluorite enhances orderly creative thought. It emits a calm energy.

 Healthy Benefits:
 

•    Healers use it to cure with ulcers and with respiratory tract.
•    It improves joint ailments bones and other arthritic conditions.
•    It is used to increase the mental functions and strengthen teeth and allied problems.
•    The blood vessels are protected from cholesterol deposition and fat accumulation.
•    It eliminates the problems caused by arthritis and osteoporosis.
•    Fluorite helps with infections and asthma.
•    It is believed to be a good cure for senility.
•    It promotes harmony and inner stability.
•    A powerful remover of stress and negative energy
 

It successfully fights cellular dysfunction in the early stages. This stone is a great cure for blood pressure, dizziness vertigo cough, throat cancer, food intolerance, antiviral fever, RNA/DNA issues, flu, and colds thus strengthen the body.
 

Mental Benefits:       
 

Fluorite beads increases concentration and removes illusion to see to the truth. It helps in attaining inner peace balancing the negative and positive aspects of the mind. It is a powerful protector and healer and organizes the physical mental and emotional bodies and energy. It helps the clarity of the mind and balances the two hemispheres of the brain. An effective brain stone, it is excellent for students, accountants and researchers who have to develop new methods and ideas. It is a great stone for relieving anxiety, tension. It helps reduce mental blocks and ease depression and anger. It reduces learning disorders and enhances the power of memory.

Amazing Power of the Stone:
 

It is believed that if kept at the work place or study it enhances quick thinking. Accountants are able to accurately do the calculations Researchers are in a position to think positively and develop new ideas. It is a powerful healer and is associated with grounding and intuition. It helps to remain unbiased in decision making.
 

This precious gemstone can be adorned as necklace amulets, rings, earrings and can be kept as a stone at your workplace or in your desk. This gemstone is associated with Capricorn and Pisces.

Crystal: The Miraculous Healing Stone

Scientists might have shattered an age-old belief regarding crystals in the New Age Movement that crystals can raise personal energy levels and heighten the spirit of a person. On the contrary, it is often claimed that crystals can alleviate stress, cure diseases, boost creative and even enhance psychic powers. In fact, truly speaking, Crystal Gemstone has some amazing powers in the context of healing. Regardless of studies and scientific evidences, it has been greatly seen that crystals have amazing effects on our health, both physical and mental.
 

The constant electric vibrations of the stones help in balancing, harmonizing and regulating the flow of energies. Crystals work excellent in the overall healing process, and they are available in innumerable varieties. The ideal of a stone healing a human being might seem ridiculous to anyone who has not experienced the amazing wonders of the same. 

 Radiating Pure Patterns:
 

It should not come as a surprise to know that gemstones of crystal radiate pure patterns.
 

•    They are known to resonate with unmatched energy
•    They can maintain balance, structure, frequency and wavelength thereby bringing you back to harmony
•    It often takes the form of subatomic particles when it cooperates to produce atoms, minerals and molecules.
 

However, it is important to note that not all crystals work for everyone. You will have to select the right crystal suitable for your body and mind so that it works wonders. Different crystals are thought to possess different kinds of energy and thereby produce different effects.
 

Some of the common impacts include:
 

•    Increased level of concentration
•    Balanced emotion
•    Increased energy levels
•    Rise in hand temperature
•    Stimulation of the brain and relaxation of the forehead
•    Improved sense of well-being
•    Increased swallowing reflex and
•    Activation of all the levels of sensations
•    Healing broken hearts
•    It can even help in effective communication
 

A clearer crystal feels positive and bright, cold and tingly to the touch. Often, a crystal might need to be cleared before using. 

 The Healing Options:
 

There are many different approaches for the use of Crystal Beads in the context of healing. These are available in different colors and different colors have different impacts on healing.
 

•    Colored crystals have the ability to alter certain emotions
•    The colors of crystals are associated with different chakras of the body. A chakra is an energy center. Each chakra has an associated color and can affect different areas of the body.
•    It does not let in negative energy reach the wearer of the crystal.
•    They can be used to locate blockages and cleanse and heal them
•    It can be used in massage healing. This in turn helps in releasing tension
•    Some crystals are also useful in reflexology, which if held at some pressure points can heal ailments in particular areas of the body.
•    The versatility and multiplicity of these crystals makes it an essential element to use.
 

Therefore, it is a great idea to make use of crystals for different purposes in order to reap the wonderful effects of the stone, as a whole.