Europeans once believed that the cutting or alteration of a diamond would destroy its magical properties, but sometime after 1330AD, cutters in Venice learned how to shape and polish a diamond with an iron wheel coated with diamond dust to produce greater brilliance. The city then became the first centre for diamond trading. Over the next century, diamond traders, mainly Jews escaping from persecution, shifted to Bruges and Paris, and later to Antwerp. They marketed their diamonds to European jewellers, who began to set diamonds in jewels and royal regalia during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
The diamonds came from Indian mines as well. Among the merchants who sailed east seeking to profit from the sale of diamonds and spices was the great Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama. He was one of the first to sail via the Cape of Good Hope, hoping to avoid the Arab pirates who roved the Arabian Sea. He landed near Goa and this port became the Portuguese trading center in India, and a flourishing trade in diamonds developed from Goa to Lisbon and then on to Antwerp.
The discovery of diamonds in Brazil caused the collapse of the diamond market in 1725 although it was initially advertised that these diamonds came from India. India and Brazil were the main sources of diamonds up until 1851. Fifteen years later, a child of an African farmer picked up a white pebble that turned out to be a 21-carat diamond. This was followed soon afterwards by the discovery of another stone of 83-carats. These finds triggered a major diamond rush in South Africa and Rhodesia that later expanded in to mining for gold and coper. Deep volcanic pipes that were apparently an inexhaustible source of diamonds were then located, mined and factories started production.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Rubies and Sapphires of Sri Lanka
Ruby abd sapphire belong to the mineral family called corundum. Chemically they are both aluminium oxide in a crystalline form that was made deep underground into clear and beautiful gemnstones under high pressure and heat. Impurities within the crystals give it the attractive, glowing colours. Good specimens of these gems are perhaps almost as valuable as diamonds. All colours of corundum except red are known as sapphires. The colorless variety is called white sapphire and was once a cheap substitute for diamonds. Yellow, purple, pink, green or white sapphires are called "facy" by the trade. Red corundum is now termed as ruby but there was a controversy some years ago on the difference between ruby and red or pink sapphire. In 1991, the International Coloured Gemstone Association ruled that even the lighter shades of red corundum should be termed ruby.
Sapphires and rubies are found all over the world and are mined in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA, and Zambia, but the gemstones from India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries in the far east were and still are renowned for their pure, rich color and quality. Specially Sri Lanka produces the world's best quality blue sapphires. Good quality stones have been found in Sri Lanka, all over india, from Tamil Nadu in the south to Kashmir in the North. Blue sapphires from the very inaccessible mines of the Zanskar valley in Kashmir are produces good quality gemstones than other parts in the India. Discovered in 1880 after a huge rock slide, they have a pure intence blue color, with a slight measure of silk or milkiness. The oldest sapphire mines were in Sri Lanka and gems found there are light to rich blue in colors. Cornflower blue color sapphires are only found in Sri Lanka, and are very high in price. Sapphires from Madagascar are of high quality with some exceptional yellow and pink stones. Brazil has unearthed some good blue to purple and pink stones recently.
Sapphires from Sri Lanka is known as "Ceylon Sapphires".
Sapphires and rubies are found all over the world and are mined in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA, and Zambia, but the gemstones from India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries in the far east were and still are renowned for their pure, rich color and quality. Specially Sri Lanka produces the world's best quality blue sapphires. Good quality stones have been found in Sri Lanka, all over india, from Tamil Nadu in the south to Kashmir in the North. Blue sapphires from the very inaccessible mines of the Zanskar valley in Kashmir are produces good quality gemstones than other parts in the India. Discovered in 1880 after a huge rock slide, they have a pure intence blue color, with a slight measure of silk or milkiness. The oldest sapphire mines were in Sri Lanka and gems found there are light to rich blue in colors. Cornflower blue color sapphires are only found in Sri Lanka, and are very high in price. Sapphires from Madagascar are of high quality with some exceptional yellow and pink stones. Brazil has unearthed some good blue to purple and pink stones recently.
Sapphires from Sri Lanka is known as "Ceylon Sapphires".
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Pearls
Pearls have always been sought after by women as these organic gems a smooth and lustrous white appearance that flatters a clear skin. A pearl is characterized by its translucence and lustre and by a delicate variation of surface color that gemmologists call its 'orient'. The more perfect its shape, be it sphere or teardrop, and the deeper its lustre, the greater its value. Pearls come in a wide range of colours from white, silvery white, pink, salmon, red, copper, bronze, brown, lavender, purple, green, blue and vream to yellow, depending on the mussel species, genetics, organic pigments in the mussel, water quality, and the position of the pearl in the shell. Pale pink, rose, lavender and purple are the most popular colors.
Only certain species of molluscs whose shells are lined with mother-of-pearl produce pearls that are really fine. The salt water pearls from the colluscs that live in the sea are sometimes known as Oriental pearls. Natural pearls from molluscs that live in freshwater are usually of odd shapes and it is rare to find a perfectly rounded specimen. White freshwater pearls are occasionally but wrongly known as elephant pearls. Misshapen pearls of unique forms, are for instance those that look like a statue of the Buddha are of great value. In the seventeenth century, these oddly shaped gems were imaginatively set into brooches and pendants.
Pearls were collected and prized from earliest times. It is conjectured that an ancient Indian fisherman discovered the white pebble-like object while opening oysters for food and the gem has been revered ever since. This organic gem was so respected six thousand years ago that the dead were buried with a pearl in the right hand, perhaps to as a guide to heaven. The legend in India is that loard Krishna plucked the first pearl from the sea to present it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day. Chaina's long recorded history also provides ample evidence of the importance of pearls. The Shujing book of recorded observations of 2300BC states that pearls were presented as tribute to the king.
Only certain species of molluscs whose shells are lined with mother-of-pearl produce pearls that are really fine. The salt water pearls from the colluscs that live in the sea are sometimes known as Oriental pearls. Natural pearls from molluscs that live in freshwater are usually of odd shapes and it is rare to find a perfectly rounded specimen. White freshwater pearls are occasionally but wrongly known as elephant pearls. Misshapen pearls of unique forms, are for instance those that look like a statue of the Buddha are of great value. In the seventeenth century, these oddly shaped gems were imaginatively set into brooches and pendants.
Pearls were collected and prized from earliest times. It is conjectured that an ancient Indian fisherman discovered the white pebble-like object while opening oysters for food and the gem has been revered ever since. This organic gem was so respected six thousand years ago that the dead were buried with a pearl in the right hand, perhaps to as a guide to heaven. The legend in India is that loard Krishna plucked the first pearl from the sea to present it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day. Chaina's long recorded history also provides ample evidence of the importance of pearls. The Shujing book of recorded observations of 2300BC states that pearls were presented as tribute to the king.
Other Gemstones in Sri Lanka
Alexandrite is an expensive variety of chrysoberyl that changes color from green in daylight to red in candlelight because of the chromium it contains as an impurity. Beryl is the generic name for the gemstones whose composition is beryllium aluminium silicate. Beryl that contains sodium, lithium and caesium are known as Aquamarine. Aquamarine has pale blue color and generally retailed in emerald cut shapes. Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye shows a band of light across its face as it is rotated. The best stones are rich honey-brown to apple green in colors and a strong and sharp band. Garnet refers to a group of silicate minerals. Garnet has colors from deep red to orange and purple red colors. Jade is another popular gemstone, but not very expensive. Jade comes in white to dark grey, yellowish, pink or lilac, and lavender colors and semi transparent to translucent. Moonstones or Ceylon Opal is one of the unique gemstone that only found in Sri Lanka. It is found in milky colors and always cut as cabochon.
Peridot is a yellowish green color stone, easily differentiated from the pure green of emerald. It is mined in Myanmar and China. Quartz is another very cheap gemstone present in plenty all over the world. Quartz are just colorless or shades of yellow and rose color sand found in large sizes. Amethyst is often found in quartz geodes. It is variety of quartz and the presence of iron impurity gives it a color that ranges from pale lilac to deep purple. Spinel, once known as Balas Ruby, is a variety that has slight difference from ruby or sapphires. In fact many of the renowned rubies, such as the Black Prince Ruby and the Timur Ruby of the British crown jewels are not rubies, but red spinels. Spinels are found in many colors from varieties of red to blue.
Topaz is somewhat middle prized gemstone that found in colorless (white topz), blue, and yellow colors. Tourmaline is a somewhat fragile stone that comes in many colors. Deposits of high quality are from Sri Lanka. Zircon belongs to the silicate family. It could be colorless, yellow, orange, red, blue, brown or green. It is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Peridot is a yellowish green color stone, easily differentiated from the pure green of emerald. It is mined in Myanmar and China. Quartz is another very cheap gemstone present in plenty all over the world. Quartz are just colorless or shades of yellow and rose color sand found in large sizes. Amethyst is often found in quartz geodes. It is variety of quartz and the presence of iron impurity gives it a color that ranges from pale lilac to deep purple. Spinel, once known as Balas Ruby, is a variety that has slight difference from ruby or sapphires. In fact many of the renowned rubies, such as the Black Prince Ruby and the Timur Ruby of the British crown jewels are not rubies, but red spinels. Spinels are found in many colors from varieties of red to blue.
Topaz is somewhat middle prized gemstone that found in colorless (white topz), blue, and yellow colors. Tourmaline is a somewhat fragile stone that comes in many colors. Deposits of high quality are from Sri Lanka. Zircon belongs to the silicate family. It could be colorless, yellow, orange, red, blue, brown or green. It is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Opals
The opal is not very popular among Indians though it was known as a gem in ancient India. It is said that the Sanskrit word, 'upala' that means a precious stone evolved into opal, but others suggest that the Latin word for a gemstone, 'opalus' was the source of the present day name. Opals are available in most jewellery stores in Hong Kong and Singapore and are popular there.
Opal is not a durable gemstone as it is soft, sensitive to heat and dryness and is brittle. Its background colour ranges from white to yellow, red, pink, brown or gray. The brilliance of the flash of color - the 'opalescence' - and the colours themselves and their pattern influence the value of the stone. Opals that show large flashes and broad patterns are more rare and valuable than small patterns. There are three types of opals: precious opal, fire opal and potch, the common or unformed opal. Precious opal is graded according its background color and the intensity and size of the patches of flashing color. Most of these gems are white or light blue and green, but those that contain reds, oranges, and violets are more valuable. Black opal, that has a predominantly dark background but flashes color as it is turned, is very rare and so the most expensive of all opals. When it exhibits red and orange colours, it may well be as expensive as diamond, emerald, or ruby. Crystal opal or water opal, the next most costly type of opal, is transparent, with flashes, and is highly valued due to the brilliance of its colours and the fact that many layers of color within the stone come through.
Fire opal or cherry opal ranges in colour from colorless to yellow, orage and a deep red, with bright flecks of various colors. Jewelers offer it in faceted and cabochon cuts, with many fancy shapes. Most fire opal comes from Mexico and is sold for the color and clarity as faceted gemstones. It is not particularly expensive as it gets damaged easily.
Opal is not a durable gemstone as it is soft, sensitive to heat and dryness and is brittle. Its background colour ranges from white to yellow, red, pink, brown or gray. The brilliance of the flash of color - the 'opalescence' - and the colours themselves and their pattern influence the value of the stone. Opals that show large flashes and broad patterns are more rare and valuable than small patterns. There are three types of opals: precious opal, fire opal and potch, the common or unformed opal. Precious opal is graded according its background color and the intensity and size of the patches of flashing color. Most of these gems are white or light blue and green, but those that contain reds, oranges, and violets are more valuable. Black opal, that has a predominantly dark background but flashes color as it is turned, is very rare and so the most expensive of all opals. When it exhibits red and orange colours, it may well be as expensive as diamond, emerald, or ruby. Crystal opal or water opal, the next most costly type of opal, is transparent, with flashes, and is highly valued due to the brilliance of its colours and the fact that many layers of color within the stone come through.
Fire opal or cherry opal ranges in colour from colorless to yellow, orage and a deep red, with bright flecks of various colors. Jewelers offer it in faceted and cabochon cuts, with many fancy shapes. Most fire opal comes from Mexico and is sold for the color and clarity as faceted gemstones. It is not particularly expensive as it gets damaged easily.
Introduction to gemstones in Sri Lanka
It gives one great pleasure to handle precious stones. These is the joy of holding a beautiful objects, knowing that it has enormous value. Even more satisfying is the knowledge that its appearance and therefore its value can be improves by scientific methods.
The indian market for diamonds and colored stones is enormous, perhaps the largest in the world. But Sri Lankan market for Blue Sapphires is unique. Sri Lankan sapphires (commonly known as Ceylon Sapphires) are considered as the finest in the world from the very beginning of history of gem trade. Indian customers buy gems to ensure good fortune, happiness and health. Unfortunately, the advice jewelers often give them is governed mostly by the necessity to make a sale. A survey of view from across the world on the effect of gemstones on men and women is therefore useful.
There have been various attempts by the local trade to improve the appearance and therefore the value of gemstones and these resulted in a considerable loss of precious stones. Some guidelines are given about the enhancement of diamonds and gemstones.
The ever increasing demand for gems has often resulted in imitation being sold as genuine. There are scientific methods to identify original and synthetic gemstones, but these methods are highly cost and could not affordable by a regular customer. Therefore various trade associations are formed to ensure the quality of service of gem and diamonds dealers. Sellers registered and members of these reputed trade associations are agreed to provide the real information about the item they sold. The operation of mining, extraction and finishing and selling of gemstones has now become a multi-billion dollar industry, employing several million people all over the world. Gem and jewellery trade is of supreme importance to India and Sri Lanka because it is a main export item which brings foriegn currency to the country.
The indian market for diamonds and colored stones is enormous, perhaps the largest in the world. But Sri Lankan market for Blue Sapphires is unique. Sri Lankan sapphires (commonly known as Ceylon Sapphires) are considered as the finest in the world from the very beginning of history of gem trade. Indian customers buy gems to ensure good fortune, happiness and health. Unfortunately, the advice jewelers often give them is governed mostly by the necessity to make a sale. A survey of view from across the world on the effect of gemstones on men and women is therefore useful.
There have been various attempts by the local trade to improve the appearance and therefore the value of gemstones and these resulted in a considerable loss of precious stones. Some guidelines are given about the enhancement of diamonds and gemstones.
The ever increasing demand for gems has often resulted in imitation being sold as genuine. There are scientific methods to identify original and synthetic gemstones, but these methods are highly cost and could not affordable by a regular customer. Therefore various trade associations are formed to ensure the quality of service of gem and diamonds dealers. Sellers registered and members of these reputed trade associations are agreed to provide the real information about the item they sold. The operation of mining, extraction and finishing and selling of gemstones has now become a multi-billion dollar industry, employing several million people all over the world. Gem and jewellery trade is of supreme importance to India and Sri Lanka because it is a main export item which brings foriegn currency to the country.
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