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Starting The Hobby Of Loose Gemstone Collecting

By Lee MacRae

Why would someone go to the trouble of collect loose gemstones? Well to begin with they've been sought for their beauty for many centuries. And like their higher counterpart, natural diamonds their value increases over time. Many hobbyists love to collect and show case the nearly 150 types of gemstones found today. Follow along as we look at the hobby of collecting loose gemstones.

The first thing you need to do in becoming a gemstone collector the proper way is by getting adequate knowledge about them. By taking a quick trip to the library or local bookstore you can find books on the subject that will prevent you from making mistakes at the start.

First, color is a major part in giving value to a gemstone. The closer the color comes to its purer spectral value the more valuable it is. Traditional spectral colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Gemstones colors that are paler or darker diminish the value of the stone.

Stone cut is the second most important value determination to consider before buying. The precision of cut determines the amount of light the gemstone stone will reflect. It will fully determine the brilliance of the stone and its final value.

Next to look at is the clarity of the gemstone. Clarity refers to the internal flaws (inclusions) or the external blemishes of a stone. Normally large flaws are visible to the naked eye with the others needing a 10X magnification.

Next up are weight and size. All gemstones [except for pearls and corals] are priced by the carat. One carat equals a 0.2 grams. Be aware however, that weight and size are not the same in gemstones. Density or specific gravity can vary in gemstones. Take a diamond that is 1.00 carats in weight and you will find that a similar sized sapphire or ruby would weigh 1.20 carats.

Taking up the hobby of gemstones can be very enjoyable and could be rewarding as well over time. You can start small and don't have to spend a lot of money and yet you can buy some very beautiful items. Many people love to take vacations to go hunting for raw gemstones. For example in Florida you can find Chalcedony and Conch Pearl. Or you can take the time to travel and find opal at Lightning Ridge in NSW, Austalia, topaz in Beechworth, Victoria or check out the quartz regions in Mt Hope or Inverell, New South Wales.

Buy loose Beryl gemstones as well as heart loose diamonds as well as radiant natural diamonds today in our store!

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In Kashmir sapphires are formed in pegmatites which are veins made up of
pegmatite. In the pegmatite formations that are the feeding ground for Kashmir
sapphires there is an abundance of aluminum and boron. In the rock surrounding
the formation there is iron and titanium present.
Buy loose Spinel gemstones today!

In ancient times, it was thought that agate protected the wearer from all
dangers and gave the wearer courage. Legend has it that Wearing Agate cures
insomnia and brings refreshing dreams.
Buy blue Agate loose gemstones today!

Lapis Lazuli is often dyed to improve its color. Pierre Gilson Lapis is one of
the better imitations. Lapis has been imitated by dyed Jasper and by paste with
inclusions of copper. Lapis Lazuli can easily be scratched or chipped. Water
will dissolve it's protective coatings. Lapis Lazuli is found in Afganistan,
Argentina, Canada, Chile, and the US.
Buy loose Amethyst gemstones today!

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