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High Point- GIA conducts week long workshop and Accreditation Program exclusively at Gemstoneuniverse

July 25, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

High Point- GIA conducts week long workshop and Accreditation Program exclusively at Gemstoneuniverse

AJP Sessions Commence

Quest for knowledge is a fire in the belly that should not die down

The week long Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) sessions kicked off today at Gemstoneuniverse to conduct the intensive sessions for its consultants. On successful completion of the course and upon clearing the tests formulated by the GIA-Gemological Institute of America, the consultants would be given the accreditation as leading qualified jewelry professionals in their field. GIA is conducting this program exclusively for Gemstoneuniverse at the Gemstoneuniverse Strategy Centre.

It carries tremendous value for us but ultimately has more meaning for you – our patrons and all people as now there is the assurance that they are dealing with the best professionals, who have genuine and accurate information along with the best products and services.

GIA-Gemological Institute of America is a name to reckon with in the field of gemology. With cutting edge research backing, its expertise in the field of gemstones, whether diamonds or colored stones, is unquestionable!

The sessions conducted would be a compendium of all encompassing knowledge on diamonds, colored stones and precious metals used for jewelry as well. In addition to the AJP there will be special workshops on latest developments in Gemstone treatments and development of expertise in identification of treated gemstones. With each passing day as new treatments are developed this knowledge and sharing of research data is invaluable to be ahead of the curve and provide our best to the field of planetary gemology and our patrons.

Founded in 1931, GIA’s mission is to protect all buyers and sellers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality. The institute does so through research, gem identification and diamond grading services and a variety of educational programs. Through its world-renowned library and subject experts, GIA acts as a resource of gem and jewelry information for the trade, the public and worldwide media outlets.

With the gems and jewelry trade acquiring bigger dimensions by the day, it is our endeavor to not just stop at the products and services, but to provide you the best value for your time, money and life goals as individuals in our own capacity. Planetary gemology is a journey we are committed to, and you can expect the best from us. We will keep updating you as we keep updating ourselves.

Some Photographs and Video of the Event:

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Deo Amabiles Et Hominibus-Pleasing to God and to Men

The Opulence of Opal –The Mystique and Beauty of Nature

June 30, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 1 Comment

The Opulence of Opal – The Mystique and Beauty of Nature

Opal & Play of color! Ethiopian Soil Enters Gemstoneuniverse in form of Opals!

The Opal is a fine example of showcasing nature’s infinite capacity to generate the WOW factor. The Opal stone is an amazing visual treat with brilliant colours in all hues visible in the single stone. In fact is the only gem in which all the visible colours of the spectrum can be seen. The Opal is mainly composed of Silica with about 3-10 per cent of water content. Opals formed millions of years ago when silica gel trapped between layers of host rock got hardened.

Ornate Jewelry Masterpiece with the Opal as the Center Gem

A beautiful piece of jewellery fashioned with opal as a centrepiece

(Image Courtesy: www.jewelinfo4u.com )

The name opal is a derivative of the Greek work Opalus, which is further thought to owe its origins to the Sanskrit word Upala and Upalamani is how the Opal have been known in the ancient Indian texts.

Bhuswabhavavriddhi ratnani jatani vividhani tu I

Upala ratnaroopatvam praptaah kalantaren va II

– Ratnapariksha

The Opal was valued highly by the ancients until towards the middle of 19^th century. From the writings of Pliny the Elder, the famed Roman author, one gets to know of a particularly beautiful Opal set in a ring possessed by a Roman senator called Nonius (hence known as the Opal of Nonius), which was at that time valued at 2,000,000 sesterces.

Mark Antony’s desire to have it was met with a refusal from Nonius, who fled leaving everything behind but the Opal. George F. Kunz mention’s in his seminal book, The Curious Lore of Precious Gemstones, a splendid opal by the name of Orphanus that was set in the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire. They say that a stone like it was never seen before and that possibly led to its gaining the name orphanus!

The Opal comes in many varieties and is chiefly sourced in Australia. However, it is also found in Brazil, Honduras, Ethiopia, Japan and the US. Fire Opal is found in Mexico only.

The stone is relatively soft and brittle and needs extra care in handling and a protective covering when setting it as jewellery. Since the Opal has a large amount of water, exposure to heat can result in loss of water and hence cracking of the stone or developing fracture like lines. This phenomenon is known as crazing. Opal is stored in water for the same reason. People who save it in vaults often keep it with a piece if moist cloth. The exposure of Opals to ultrasonics, steamers, heat and chemicals should be avoided.

The only Opal hard enough to withstand faceting are some fire opals. Opals are usually fashioned as flat pieces or domed cabochons. Since the mineral matter is so fragile here Opal is often fashioned as doublets or triplets. This however makes a dent on its value but ensures that the Opal is safeguarded against damage to a large extent.

A doublet opal is not a solid opal but is a thin slice of real opal which has ironstone/ black potch/ obsidian /basalt /glass glued to its back to give it more strength. Also a darker helps emphasize the play of color helping the stone fetch more value.

Doublets and Triplets in Opals

(Image courtesy: netstore.net.au)

The triplet Opal is a doublet opal whose upper surface has further a transparent clear glass or quartz domed cap attached. While the base helps bring out play of color, the domed cap magnifies the opal and protects it as well. The doublet and triplet opals are good for jewellery making only and have no value in planetary gem therapy.

The Opal displays two characteristic optical phenomenon –

Play of Color: It is the display of shifting spectral colors and is caused due to its internal structure where silica spheroids are arranged in a periodic patterned fashion.

A fine Opal Specimen exhibiting the play of color

(Image courtesy: thecoutureshow.com)

Opalescence: It is a phenomenon displayed by the milky white and blue opal. It is NOT the play of color and Play of color is NOT Opalescence!

Opalescence exhibited in Opal Raw

(Image courtesy: uk.ask.com)

Varieties of Opal:

Potch: Very common. Translucent opal with hardly any play of color. Occurs in many body colours.

Black Opal: It is one of the most valuable types of opal. Any Opal that displays good play of color against a dark background is known as a black opal. The entire range of colours can be seen against the dark background. The ones that have a red or orange play of colour are highly valued. The opals with a greyish background color are called semi-black opals.

Light Opal: Opals with a white, milky white or translucent background are called light opals. Those with low transparency and less play of color beget a lower value. On the contrary, an opal with high transparency and lots of play of color can fetch a very handsome price. These are also known as crystal opals.

Boulder opal: in this case the opal comes naturally attached to the host rock where it was formed. It is usually cut in irregular shapes.

Matrix Opal: In this variety, the silica gel formed opal by streaking across the host rock rather than forming a uniform layer. Yowah opal of Australia is an example.

Fire Opal: ranging from reds, yellows and browns, it is a transparent or translucent stone with no or some play of colour. The only known source is Mexico.

Opal in Planetary gem therapy is a gem for Venus, but it is prescribed in certain conditions, especially is the Venus is favourable for the individual but not placed well in the horoscope. Its planetary power is immense – the gem is capable of bestowing all material pleasures, adding charisma and improving interpersonal relationships. Young individuals are generally advised against wearing it despite benefits gained through this gem. Strange as it may sound, opal gives the wearer a taste of all luxuries and then makes the individual disinterested in it all! The mind instead gets more tuned to spirituality and god.

Splendid Specimens of Opal:

Feast your eyes on some of the famous opals that the world has known :

The Andamooka Opal:

It was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to Australia in 1950. Weight of the opal is 203 carats.

Andamooka Opal Presented to Queen Elizabeth

(Image Courtesy: www.altmanncherny.com.au )

The Flame Queen:

It is a massive and spectacular gem at 263.18 carats! The best visual example of eye of opal, a stone that gets created when mineral gel fills a cavity to form a precious stone. No wonder that the Opal was referred to as Opthalmius, by the early writers.

Flame Queen Opal

(Image Courtesy: www.curatedobject.us)

The Galaxy Opal:

It is the largest polished opal at 3,749 carats. Found in Brazil, now it is a part of private collection.

Galaxy Opal

(Image Courtesy: www. opal-network.com)

The Halley’s Comet Opal:

It is the largest uncut Black opal in the world, weighing 1,982.5 carats.

The Halley’s Comet Opal

(Image courtesy: www.grahamblackopal.com)

The Roebling Opal:

The stunner at 2565 carats rests with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Roebling Opal

(Image courtesy: www.mnh.si.edu)

Quick Facts about Opal

Refractive Index	1.44 – 1.47
Specific Gravity	1.98 – 2.20
Hardness on Moh’s Scale	5.5 – 6.5
Crystal structure	Amorphous
Cleavage	None

Ethiopian Soil entered Gemstoneuniverse in form of 12 Kg’s of Opals. We feel blessed. Here are the videos. Some of our team members felt that the video should be without any defining captions and that Gem lovers should not be distracted from the beautiful experience when viewing the video and some felt that Caption adds value and greater insight. So what we do, we do both versions!. Here are two videos of this treasure bestowed by mother earth. One with Captions and one without the Captions:

Opal/ Opals Play of color and falling in Love one more time (Opal Video without Captions)

Opal & Play of color-Ethiopian Soil Enters Gemstoneuniverse in form of Lovely Opals!( Video with Captions)

Abhijita Kulshrestha Senior consultant and PGA- Gemstoneuniverse

Abhijita Kulshrestha is a communications professional and held the position of Research Associate at MICA- Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad before becoming certified Planetary Gem Advisor from PGA Thailand. At present she is a senior consultant at Gemstoneuniverse.com

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Out of the 9 sacred Pearls that the Garuda Puran mentions, Chandra Mani or Oyster Pearl is the one to harness the Moon energies! Look at this beatific Pearl.

June 29, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

Out of the 9 sacred Pearls that the Garuda Puran mentions, Chandra Mani or Oyster Pearl is the one to harness the Moon energies! Look at this beatific Pearl.

Oyster Pearl-The Divine Shankh Mani. Featured here is 3.25 carats Natural Pearl-Courtesy-Gemstoneuniverse.com

Selected Rings, Pendants and Talismans made available to Gemstoneuniverse.com patrons in June 2011.

Out of the 9 sacred Pearls that the Garuda Puran mentions, Chandra Mani or Oyster Pearl is the one to harness the Moon energies! Look at this beatific Pearl.

Gemstoneuniverse.com Table of Natural Pearl Gemstone facts

Gemstone	Non Nucleated Natural Pearl / Nacre
Weight	3.25 carats
Treatment	None, fully Natural. Radiography report & Certificate provided
Origin	Australia
Planetary Energy	Moon
Patron Location	New Jersey, USA
All inclusive Price	$1687.25/ INR 75926
Comments	At over 3 carats, this Natural Pearl from the Australian seas is a natural wonder! In these days a Natural Pearl is by itself rare and to get one at this size is rarer still! With translucence that is hypnotic and rose overtones which are charming, this Sattvik Pearl is aglow with the best of the Moon’s Jyotish powers! Set in a sterling silver ring and all set to grants its immense gifts!

Note: The above links generally exist on the website for a period of 40 days after which they are periodically deleted to make way for new gemstones and to enable faster browsing.

The Garuda Puran mentions the existance of 9 kinds of Pearls.

How to avoid fake pearls. Click here.

The Nine Sacred Pearls as per Garud Purana

1) Sri Chandra Mani: The oyster Pearl

This is the Pearl that is formed by an accident of Nature, wherein a microscopic intruder or dust particle get lodged in the oyster and to protect itself from the irritation caused, the Oyster secretes Narce, which over time becomes a Pearl!

Picture Courtesy Gemstoneuniverse.com

2) Sri Shankh Mani: The Conch Pearl

This is an extremely rare formation within the mantle of the Conch. These Pearls are non-nacreous and come in different colors like, White, Pink, and Yellow and sometimes of a deep reddish tone. These cannot be cultivated artificially.

3) Sri Venu Mani: The Bamboo Pearl

This Pearl is found in the stomachs of Bamboo eating animals. These Pearls are also sometimes of an oblong shape. They are rough and dry and are in the texture of Camphor and also the color can sometimes be green.

4) Sri Matsya Mani: The Fish Pearl

This Pearl is found in several kinds of Fishes. This pearl is actually a Bezoar, which is a mass trapped in the gastro-intestinal tract of the fish. These Pearls are slightly translucent and vary in color from pink, white and light green.

5) Sri Tima Mani: The Whale Pearl

This Pearl is also a kind of a Bezoar found in Whales. These Pearls too are moderately translucent and are slightly rough textured and are the size of a small egg.

6) Sri Gaja Mani: The Elephant Pearl

These Pearls are founf in the cavity of the tusk of Elephants. It is a rare bony growth. Some varieties of Elephant Pearls are dark brown but can also be of various other colors

7) Sri Varaha Mani: The Boar Pearl

This Pearl is found in the heads of very old boars. A Boar Pearl is typically dark colored, marble-sized, in an uneven but smooth spherical non-porous surface, both opaque and partially translucent.

Sri Naga Mani: The Cobra Pearl

These pearls are obtained from the hood of cobras over the age of 100. Cobra pearls are typically egg-shaped and translucent, transparent, or semi-translucent. They appear in a range of colors like golden, green, red, blue, pink, white, black and are supposed to be slightly radiant.

Note: Till date there are no verified authentic records and documentation of what a Nag Mani Looks Like. Hence no picture here.

9) Sri Megha Mani: The Cloud Pearl

Cloud Pearls are said to have fallen out of the sky. They are traditionally known as approximating the size and shape of a chicken egg, with a translucent blue color, and having a distinct spiral running from bottom to top of outside surface area.

Picture courtesy: All pictures above courtesy Wikipedia. Picture of Oyster Pearl- the authentic Natural Pearls for Jyotish use-Courtesy-Gemstoneuniverse.

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

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What are Jyotish Gems-Assess Jyotish Quality Vivid Zambian green Zambian Emerald! Emerald – the gem of Mercury! Gemstoneuniverse.com

June 17, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

What are Jyotish Gems-Assess Jyotish Quality Vivid Zambian green Zambian Emerald! Emerald – the gem of Mercury! Gemstoneuniverse.com

Natural Zambian Emerald 2.50-carats-Check Video for Minimum acceptable clarity for Jyotish purposes.

Selected Rings, Pendants and Talismans made available to Gemstoneuniverse.com patrons in June 2011

What are Jyotish Gems-Assess Jyotish Quality Vivid Zambian green Zambian Emerald! Emerald – the gem of Mercury! Gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse.com Table Natural Emerald Gem Facts

Gemstone	Natural Zambian Emerald
Weight	2.50 carats
Treatment	None. Fully Natural
Origin	Zambia
Planetary Energy	Mercury
Patron Location	Bangalore, INDIA
All inclusive Price	$1495 / INR 67290
Comments	What Are Jyotish Gems-Assess Jyotish Quality Emerald-Natural Zambian Emerald of 2.50 carats for Mercury-Buddha Ratna

Gem Details:

Gemstone: Emerald

Origin: Zambia

Weight: 2.50 carats

Metal for Gold ring: 22K Hallmarked Gold.

This is a prime example of what exactly is a Jyotish Quality Emerald. Have a look for yourself at the picture and the video. When Emeralds of this lot were featured on the website we said they have a very special color.

Here it is for you, and those got took these are very fortunate people. Coming from Zambia view the crystal and the clarity so much full of Life and it leaves your flummoxed.

Fully Natural, check the video to see clarity, lustre and the lovely color!. There are gems that deliver results.

If you are wearing an Emerald then use this video as a reference point to check whether your Emerald is Jyotish Quality or not:

Is your Emerald beautiful?

Is it full of lustre?

Is it fully Natural?

Does it have over 90% clarity levels?

Is light passing through it and entering your body?

If answers to all of the above is yes you have Jyotish Quality. If there is No to any single question you Gem is not Jyotish Quality

©1999-2011, Gemstoneuniverse.com, All rights reserved.

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The Color of Romance – Colored Stone Engagement Rings.Celebrities experiment with Colored Gemstones with Flair & Style.

June 16, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

The Color of Romance – Colored Stone Engagement Rings

Diamond engagement Rings Take a Backseat against Colored Gemstones Magic-Celebrities experiment with Colored Gemstones with Flair & Style.

The Royal wedding was the flavour of the first half of the year and the toast of the event was the lovely Kate Middleton who carried off Late Princess Diana’s 18 carat Blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring with quite a flourish. The now Duchess of Cambridge may infact have fired a trend here with a coloured stone engagement ring! Also worth here a mention is the engagement ring presented to Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson by Prince Andrew, which was a stupendous ruby surrounded by diamonds.

Kate Middleton Sporting Late Lady Diana’s Blue Sapphire Diamond engagement ring

(Image courtsey: cbsnews.com)

Sarah Ferguson sporting the Ruby and Diamonds Engagement ring

(Image courtsey: fourseasonsclothingdirect.com)

While diamonds of various cuts and colours rule the roost when it comes to wedding and engagement jewellery across the world, especially among the who’s who, of late, colored gemstone engagement rings seem to be gaining favour.

Coloured gemstones have tremendous visual appeal and can mesmerize the beholder with their amazing vibrancy and richness. All it takes is a design that does justice to the coloured gemstone.

Just take a look at the gorgeous 5 carat ruby, flanked by two diamonds in Jessica Simpson’s engagement ring. The ring is a Neil Lane creation, a designer who is also known to experiment with pink and yellow diamonds for bridal couture jewellery.

Jessica Simpson Sporting a 5 Carat Ruby with Diamonds as accent Stones-a Neil Lane Creation

(Image courtsey: popeater.com)

Jessica Simpson’s 5 Carat Ruby Ring with Diamonds as accent Stones-a Neil Lane Creation

(Image courtsey:that’s-all-folks.com)

Then there is the screen goddess Penelope Cruz who sports a three carats blue sapphire, set amid diamonds ring. Diamonds are often used as accent stones around precious colored gemstones as they enhance the color of the gemstone manifold and help bring out its natural beauty.

Penelope Cruz and her Blue Sapphire Diamond ring

(Image courtsey:ringenvy.com)

There is also the five carat plus yellow diamond engagement ring of the one time American Idol winner and country singer Carrie Underwood that makes a case for colored gemstone rings to grab the shine from the traditional diamonds. As the taste for the exquisite grows and the pockets run deeper, coloured gemstones have the potential for satisfying the demands of this new market.

American Idol Winner Carrie Underwood wears a Fancy Yellow Diamond ring

(Image courtsey:thefablife.com)

Tradition aside there is also something of a joy for the rule breaker, the ones who like to live it a little more edgy, just like Carmen Electra’s Black Diamond ring. Notwithstanding all the superstitions attached to the black diamonds, she rather flaunts her rock that proclaims her being in a league of her own!

Carmen Electra and her flair for adventure-Carrying off A Black Diamond ring in style`

(Image courtsey:people.com)

While the royals may have had a bias for colored stone engagement rings, the interest of people everywhere in the colored gemstones is getting piqued. And this gives the colored gemstone industry lots to look forward to.

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Guard yourself against Useless Fake Pearls for Jyotish Gemstone Therapy-Don’t deceive yourself. Keshi Pearls, South Sea Pearls & Chinese Pearl are cultured and Non Natural Pearls.

June 13, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 3 Comments

Guard yourself against Useless Fake Pearls for Jyotish Gemstone Therapy-Don’t deceive yourself. Keshi Pearls, South Sea Pearls & Chinese Pearl are cultured and Non Natural Pearls.

A Sad event and several time wasting similar communication prompted this post. Last year a patron had taken a Gemstone recommendation from us. Her primary motive for reaching out to us was to bring some harmony in her marital life and relief from stress. Now she has Moon in Scorpio– a debilitating position discussed in detail by Guruji Shrii Arnav. You can access that resource at the link below:

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com/planetarypositions.php

To cut a long story short, she was recommended to wear an unheated Yellow Sapphire and a Natural Pearl. This year June 2011 we hear from her saying:

I have been wearing Pearl and Yellow Sapphire as per your recommendation but things have gone bad to worse and my Husband has filed for a divorce

Now these Gemstones were not sourced from us. In most of these cases of failure and incorrect therapy we try to be as factual as possible and asked her to scan across her Gemstone certificates including the X Ray Radiography for the Pearl so that we could assess if she was actually wearing Jyotish Quality Gemstones or not.

Her reply was: Do I need to get the radiography report now that He has already filed for Divorce?

We have hundreds of such case studies and we shall now be starting a section for the same!

But again request all of you the nth Time- Read the Article-Do Gemstones Work – No They Don’t for 90% of the People by Guruji Shrii Arnav and you shall find your solution there. If you read it a hundred times you shall get a new message that has the potential to alter the Karmik Life Map. Please click the link below to read the article:

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com/gemsdontwork.php

Keeping our discussion short and crisp about these Pearls featured below. Check out the Video below for the exhibits information. All these Pearls are imitation Pearls with zero value in Gem Therapy. They cannot be used for Moon energy. They will deliver absolutely zero results to be used as a Moon Gemstone. They are 100 % cultured imitation pearls. Cheap, beautiful but zero results.

To know more about what exactly is a Real Natural Pearl please click the resource below:

http://www.p-g-a.org/pearls.html

To be used in the sacred science of Jyotish and Planetary Gemology a Pearl has to be fully natural, made in nature by accident, full of lustre and not by irritating a living organism and calling it culture? Just visit a Pearl Farming area and see how surgery is performed on the mollusc and what extra things are done to increase yield. You will never wear or patronize these Pearls again.

Exhibit A

Keshi Pearl: A keshi pearl is a non-beaded pearl formed by accident as a by-product of a pearl culturing operation. Among all these Pearls this one is used by unethical traders citing it as original due to its irregular surface. Keshi has its use in jewellery but for planetary Gem therapy purposes it is useless. Some traders even go a bit further in their sales pitch and call it as a Burmese Pearl which again is not a natural pearl. We did a detailed story on Burmese Pearl and that can be found at the resource below:

http://gemstoneuniverse.com/blog/?s=burmese+pearl

Exhibit B

South Sea Pearl

A South Sea pearl is pearl produced by the Pinctada maxima mollusk. They are currently cultured in areas throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, primarily in Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar. Unethical traders cite the dots on the Pearl or a protrusion to peddle it as Natural. Most auction sites will have vendors with the higesht quanity of cheap south sea pearl. They sell it calling it as Moti and 100% real. Ask for a X Ray certificate and these vendors shall vanish in thin air. This is the highest selling pearl by unethical elements.

Most of the south sea pearls are cultured and only a few rare ones-the miracles of nature are natural.

And if they are natural they will be accompanied with a X Ray Report to find out if there are really natural or not.

Buy Pearl Stone Online | Buy Pearl Stone Online in India

Exhibit C

A cheap Chinese Tissue nucleated button Pearl. This is the most commercially abused Pearl quality especially in India. You can buy a Kilo of them for Rs. 1000($22), Yes 1 Kg for Rs.1000 should you reach the right source. Again it is not natural and Zero Value for planet moon.

Exhibit D

A Pearl Stand necklace from Hyderabad. Under the royal Patronage of the Nizams Hyderabad developed as a major Pearl centre. Pearls come in many shapes and of particular interest is the ‘rice-pearl’ – a tiny variety, available in great depth in Char Kaman, Gulzar Haouz and General Bazaar. Around 300 years ago there was a rich influx of Arabian Pearls in Hyderabad. But now Hyderabad is known for rice pearls. Most of the Natural Pearls have gone and what is traded are the above 3 varieties in the desolate hope to cash on the fame of the past. More than 99 percent of pearl coming is cultured pearl which again is cheap and is of no value as a Moon Gemstone. Here is what Wikipedia has to Say about Hyderabad Pearls.

In the village of Chandanpet just outside Hyderabad, almost the entire population is engaged in the delicate art of drilling pearls. A skill they have practiced for generations, making Hyderabad one of the largest drilling centres in India. Once the pearls are drilled, they are boiled for about four days to bleach them and rid them of their dark color. They are placed in glass bottles containing hydrogen peroxide, water and ether and sunned for four or five days in glass sun boxes with a mirror base. Finally they are washed and separated through series of different shapes and sizes.

Now are these natural?

Use these Pearls as Jewellery or as adornments. But don’t bluff yourself into believing that this cheap material will work. It will not.

Always wear a Natural Pearl to get good results from Gem therapy and Insist on a Certificate cum x ray report. That single report will cost more than all these exhibits put together. Everything in that video put together will cost less than a proper certification cum xray.

If you budget does not allow you to wear a Natural Pearl then opt for a Natural Blue Sheen Moonstone. If your budget does not allow that too then wait and accumulate funds slowly for a Real natural Jyotish Quality Pearl -a miracle of nature capable of creating a miracle in your life. Don’t deceive yourself.

Issued in Public Interest and for the cause of Sacred Planetary Gemology.

Addendum on 29th July 2011

We have no idea whether she read this report or not but what is ironical and unfortunate is that in 11th July 2011 we received a scanned sheet of paper which she says is a certificate. This is no certificate. It is a paper that says something to the effect of – Sajha Moti Nu Praman Patra and goes on to say as per our opinion Pearl is real and all testing is done at Owner’s risk.

Excuse us, we do not want your opinion. We want the facts that you should state on the certificate after proper X-Ray diffraction tests. If you have a certificate similar to one she sent, you know what to do.

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

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Power, Majestic Style, leadership and courage-Essential Sun attributes with this Unheated Tanzanian Ruby- Savour the red!

May 28, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

Power, Majestic Style, leadership and courage-Essential Sun attributes with this Unheated Tanzanian Ruby- Savour the red!

Natural Ruby-Tanzania-Unheated-Gemstoneuniverse.com

Selected Rings, Pendants and Talismans made available to Gemstoneuniverse.com patrons in May 2011

Power, Majestic Style, leadership and courage-Essential Sun attributes with this Unheated Tanzanian Ruby- Savour the red! And Learn what exactly is a Jyotish Quality Vedic Gem. Video Link:

Natural Unheated Tanzanian ruby for Gorgeous Sun Energies!

Gemstoneuniverse.com Table of Natural Tanzania Ruby Gem Facts

Gemstone	Natural Ruby
Weight	1.84 carats
Treatment	None. Fully Natural, Untreated Ruby
Origin	Tanzania
Planetary Energy	Sun
Patron Location	Chon Buri / Thailand
All inclusive Price	$ 2094.30 / INR 94,244/-
Comments	An exotic beauty that is nothing short of a miracle! Has the very rare Imperial Pigeon blood red colour that is even more pleasing than the famous Burmese color! And originating from Tanzania is what makes it even more exciting! This fully natural and totally untreated Ruby is filled with potent Satvik energies with powerful Jyotish qualities! It had such a miraculous color and energy that it was very difficult to picture and then record the video.

Beautiful Unheated and untreated nearly eye clean Tanzania Ruby set in 22 ct Gold ring and making a talisman that will give the best results in enhancing the power of Lord Surya/ Sun in the chart!

This ring is a classic example to explain what exactly is a Jyotish Quality Gemstone:

What exactly is a Jyotish Quality Gemstone

Is the Gemstone beautiful and lustrous? Does it have that special something that that instantly attracts the eye and indulges the senses?- Yes

Is the Gem fully Natural, Free from any kind of treatment?- Yes

Does the Gem Have a fine color?- Yes Check the Video and the Picture

Does the Gem have exceptional clarity?- Yes Check the Video and the picture

Is it of the recommended carat weight?- Yes it falls in the range of recommendation after analysis.

You need to ask yourself the same questions regarding your gem. If all answers are Yes-You are wearing a Jyotish Quality Gemstone.

Note: The above links generally exist on the website for a period of 40 days after which they are periodically deleted to make way for new gemstones and to enable faster browsing.

Video of this Tanzanian Ruby can be found at the link below:

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

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Gem price per carat/The gemstone Pricing Index- The definitive guide to put correct Gem prices like a professional!

May 19, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 15 Comments

Gem price per carat/The gemstone Pricing Index- The definitive guide to put correct Gem prices like a professional

In an ideal, relaxed and less complicated world we would have been tempted to put the Title of this article as Gemstone Pricing for dummies or Price Gemstones like a Pro in 10 minutes or but alas the world of Colored Gemstones is not so simple. We see individuals spending hours on end search for gemstones price list/ gem prices list or gemstone pricing index and receive countless mails inquiring about the same.

Pricing of Gemstones is actually as complicated as their color itself. At the very outset the singular truth we can tell you is that there is NO Gem Price List, No list that enumerates Gem price per carat and there is Not a Gemstone Pricing index. If there was an excel sheet like that wouldn’t all of us want one!

And if you can put the price of a Gemstone accurately a lucrative career awaits you. Gemologists and Gem dealers would be willing to pay thousands of dollars just for your opinion let alone retail customers!

Colored Gemstones come in a multitude of hues, tones, shades, shapes and that makes it difficult to have a singular definitive price or a gem price index unlike Diamonds where range of color and shapes is very limited.

The World of Colored Gemstones Starts where the world of Diamonds ends and is a seamless territory!

Then what is the way to identify the correct Gem Price. Is there a methodology to pay the correct Gem Price that delivers value for you and ensures your safety and protection?

Here are the top factors that affect Gem prices. Focusing on this approach can get you good results even if they are not the perfect results. But if you have this information and implement it in actual practice then results can be quite satisfactory

Factors affecting Gem Price/ Key points to know how to price a Gemstone correctly:

Rarity is directly proportional to Gem Price-Welcome to the world of Geometrical Progression.

There are several factors that determine the price per carat of precious colored gemstones. The prices are directly proportionate to several factors. And also the prices of gemstones do not increase with mathematical progression, rather with geometrical progression.

For example, if a gem, which weighs 1 carat, may cost $500, but if all things remain equal the same gem at 2 carats may cost upto $2000 per carat just because a 2 carat Gem would be rarer than a 1 carat Gem. There is no set price range for colored gemstones. The price for the same colored gemstones may vary from as little as $10 per carat upto even $10000 per carat depending upon the quality and several other factors.

And for the classic colored gemstones-The classic Big Three of Colored Gemstones- Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires the costs increase dramatically as the quality and size of the gem increases. Below are listed some of the factors that determine the cost of colored gemstone.

Rarity and Diversity- Rarity is directly proportional to Gemstone price

Gems that are rarer than others command a higher price per carat than the gemstones that are available relatively easier. Gems like Diamonds, Sapphires, and Rubies are more expensive than gems like Garnets, Amethysts or Peridots etc. Having said that it is also important to state that even though Sapphires, Rubies etc are more expensive that than the others it also has to be said that some gemstones are more rare than others, like Rubies are far more rare that Sapphires. Hence a Ruby would be of a higher price than an Amethyst just because Ruby is rarer than an Amethyst.

Taking Rarity to another level let’s take the price among various Rubies. A Burma Ruby would be priced higher than a Thai Ruby. Why? Because it is more rare than the Thai!. Does this finish the rarity story? No not yet. It’s just starting.

Now you know Ruby is more expensive than a Peridot, You also know Burma Ruby is more expensive than a Thai. So what is complicated? Color! A Imperial Pigeon Blood Burma Ruby would command a higher price than a pinkish red Burma Ruby and the story goes on.

Hence all Burma Rubies will not have the same price. This is the reason why you cannot have a Burma Ruby Price List or a Ceylon Sapphire price list or an emerald price list.

Nature makes precious colored Gemstones over million of years and nature’s capacity to replenish fine specimens is limited.

Rarity is the biggest factor that affects Gem pricing and is directly proportional to the Gem Cost.

Precious Gemstones unlike apples do not grow on Trees!

In today’s world you even pay a premium for fully natural, organic apples without a wax coating so what to speak about Gemstones!

Gemstone Color: The Most Vital Factor in Gemstone Pricing.

The most important factor that determines the price per carat of a colored gemstone is COLOR! The word color in the world of Gemstones is not so simple. Color is everything in a colored Gemstone. Gemstone color is made up of Hue Tone and Saturation.

The purest color begets premium price. By purest we mean that minimal to no hues of other colors are present in it, have high levels of saturation and also have the best tones. Also one must keep in mind that color may vary from region to region.

Just focus on one color to keep this simple. Are all greens same? No they are not. Notice the sheer range of Green.

Chart Depicting the Tone

Chart depicting Saturation

Colored Gemstones Tone Chart- Vivid Tones will increase Gem Price.

For example a Zambian mine would produce an Emerald of a Vivid and rich green color, where as a Colombian Emerald would produce a spring grass green color.

Notice some of the Emeralds rings already featured on the Gemstoneuniverse blog. You can search the blog and you shall also get the pricing for each of these rings. See and evaluate how hue, tone and saturation affect the price.

Whatever the shade of color that is native to that region, the purity of color is the one of the most important factor to determine the price per carat of a colored gemstone.

Clarity: How Clarity Affects Gem Pricing.

The clarity of a gemstone is also one of the important factors that determine the price per carat of a colored gemstone. The rate of a gemstone would increase dramatically as the clarity of a colored gemstone increases.

The lesser the visible inclusions the higher the price per carat. Although inclusions that do not hinder the beauty or color of the gemstones are generally acceptable!

And also fine inclusions are proof that the gem is natural and untreated. However there are some gemstones in which fine characteristic inclusions are accepted, like Emeralds and to some extent Rubies. Gemologists refer to these fine inclusions in Emeralds as Jardins.

Note the difference of clarity in the two emerald rings given below.

Notice the clarity in this emerald ring and compare with the emerald ring given below

Compare Clarity with the Emerald ring above

Cut/Shape: Symmetry is Directly Proportional to Price.

The cut of a colored gemstone also has significant bearing on the price per carat. Some gemstones are traditionally cut in particular shapes. Like the Emerald has always commanded more price when fashioned as an Emerald cut, and Sapphires are considered more desirable in the oval cuts.

What ever may be the cut, it has to be made sure that the maximum play and penetration of light takes place so as to bring out the brilliance and scintillation of the color of the gemstone.

The more masterfully crafted the gemstone the better the polish and blemish free surface the costlier the gemstone.

Exotic and unusual shapes, like round, Pear etc are priced at a premium as shaping the gems into these shapes leads to more wastage of the raw material/gem roughs.

Chart Showing Various Gem Cuts

Gem Weight and Size and its affect on Gemstone Pricing.

As the weight of the gemstone increases so also the price. If the above given factors are met and a gemstone increases in weight the price per carat of the colored gemstone increases manifold.

As mentioned earlier the price of precious colored gemstone increase with geometrical progression. For example a gem’s price may increase in geometrical progression for weights upto 3-4 carats, but colored gemstones of 4 carats and above are priced at a premium even above the regular geometrical progression, as the availability of colored gemstones at such sizes is extremely rare.

Even gemstones that are calibrated are more expensive as the wastage percentage increases in order to get gems to one size and shape.

Treatment or Lack of Treatment and its effect on Gemstone Pricing!

Colored gemstones that are not treated/ enhanced in any manner so as to increase its color or clarity are gemstones that command premium prices. Treated gems are relatively cheaper are may be accepted in few jewelry markets, but untreated and natural gems always have and will always be a premium.

It has become extremely rare in today’s market to get untreated colored gemstones with good color and clarity levels, so and untreated colored gemstone with good clarity and color command a premium price.

So a heated Blue Sapphire of the same color, cut, carat weight might be cheaper than an Unheated one by 4 times and maybe more expensive than a diffused one by 200 times. Lack of treatment is directly proportional to Gem price.

Origin and its effect on Gemstone price!

Even though the origin does not often have much bearing on the price of a colored gemstone, the price may shoot up for some gemstones from certain regions. Like a Burma Ruby comes at a huge premium as availability is extremely rare due to several factors.

So also Kashmir Blue Sapphires come at a price out of reach of most of the seekers of colored gems as mining in this region has stopped and also the color Cornflower Blue peculiar to this region has been placed at a premium by gem connoisseurs.

Origin and its affect on Gemstone price

Supply and availability: Depending upon the source that the colored gemstone has been purchased from the price per carat may vary drastically. From the Gem Mine to the end customer the gemstone passes through many hands. Starting from the mine owner to the retailer!

As the gemstone passes from hand to hand, the price increases manifold as each person in the chain keeps some profits and by the time it reaches the end consumer it is out of reach of the common man. So depending upon whom you purchase a colored gemstone from the price may vary by upto 250 – 300%.

Political/ economic Factors-Other Factors that effect Gem Pricing!

Gemstones are mined and sourced from areas that are not exactly Picture perfect. Imagine sourcing Rubies from Madagascar with rats and roaches for company, or going to Burma to search for a Natural ruby and getting the company of mafia, military police, mosquitoes and snakes as a bonus or getting emeralds from Afghanistan or Colombia. There are several other factors like this one that effect gem price. Of course there is no Price for a Human Life.

So keep in mind the above factors and determine that if you are getting a colored gemstone at a price too expensive for your taste, it probably is! A fine colored gemstone is hard to come by, and to get one that satisfies the above criteria is harder still to get. Colored gemstones are miracles of nature and also very rare. They not only give you lasting value but also color up your life!

Contentment is a Pearl of Great Price and whoever procures it at the expense of a ten thousand desires makes a wise and a happy purchase.

Team Gemstoneuniverse with inputs from Certified Gemologists and Team members who have experience over two decades of pricing of Colored Gemstones.

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Deo Amabiles et Hominibus-Pleasing to God and To Men

Amor del sol – The Love of the Sun! A Gemstoneuniverse Masterpiece

May 5, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

Amor del sol – The Love of the Sun

A Heart warming unheated Talisman handcrafted with love and dedication.

This customised talisman – the Amor del Sol, has been specially designed and handcrafted on request for a connoisseur of gemstones, a longstanding patron of gemstone universe.

The centrepiece is a beautiful, natural, unheated, eye clean, loupe clean dainty heart shaped ruby of Burmese origin with an exceptional clarity with the exact Imperial Pigeon Blood Red Color.

This discerning patron decided to wait till the desired colour stone could be procured. That we did, and the result was this stunning pendant in 22 carat gold with these Imperial, pigeon blood color lovelies!

The heart shaped stone sits well-ensconced inside the gold circle, symbolic of the Sun. Ruby, is of course, the gem of the Sun.

The pendant bail sets the talisman apart by holding another super lustrous ruby of Burmese origin and bringing out the resplendent sun energy in a unique and aesthetic way.

Gem Details

Natural Ruby-Unheated and Untreated

Heart Shaped Ruby Centre piece (heart shaped): 1.01cts

Round Ruby on the pendant bail (round): 0.52cts

Treatment: None. Natural, unheated. Eye clean. Loupe clean.

Origin: Burma

Planetary energy: Sun

Patron Location: California, US

All inclusive price: Undisclosed.

Comments:

The ruby is a fine gem that lends itself to crafting of some exceptional jewellery pieces. The Amor del Sol is a fine example where it is not just a delightful piece to own, but a highly powerful and symbolic one at that.

Ruby has been a stone that has been favoured by the who’s who in world. The aura of power, royalty and strength that is subtly exuded by this lush gemstone is exceptional.

The ruby has always been a hit with Indian royalty. The sun is known as the king of planets and is a significator of royalty and dominion. Feast your eyes on this dazzling ruby and diamond Cartier necklace commissioned by the Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar in 1937. Almost eight decades later, it remains a stunner.

Dazzling Ruby and Diamond Cartier necklace commissioned by the Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar in 1937

(Image courtesy: www.royal-magazin.de)

No wonder the celebs across the world love their’s. Eva Longoria, can be seen sporting ruby chandelier earrings at a big event.

Eva Longoria Sporting Ruby Chandelier Earrings

(Image courtesy: www.gemvara.com)

It is quite interesting that you will find the beautiful Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, sporting red. True to her name…and that is why we also find her sporting this big rock – a stunning ruby.

Although, we are quite tempted to pass on the message – Scarlett, dahhling! Please, never ever wear a ruby in the middle finger (It is the finger for Saturn’s gem). The ring finger is the place for a ruby!

Scarlet Johanson sporting a Ruby ring

(Image courtesy: www.jewelry.about.com)

So if you are looking for a protective, personal power enhancing talisman or a gift of love or simply a tastefully done piece of jewellery, the ruby it is!

Thank You dear Patron for your gracious comments. They are as heart warming as the Amor del sol itself.

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Gemstones with special Optical Phenomena-Chatoyancy in Cat’s Eye

April 29, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 3 Comments

Gemstones with special Optical Phenomena-Chatoyancy in Cat’s Eye

Certain stones cut en cabochon, have a tendency to display a band of reflected light. It occurs mainly due to the interplay of light with the needle like inclusions within the stone or with minute hollow tubular channels running parallel to each other within the gemstone. When a light source is directed at the gemstone, the band of light is visible across the top of the cabochon (a cabochon is nothing but any gem that has been cut, resulting in a polished, domed surface).

This cat’s eye like effect where a silky band of light is displayed at right angles to the inclusions is known as chatoyancy and the stones displaying this effect are known as chatoyant.

The word chatoyant has been derived from the French term oeil de chat meaning the ‘eye of the cat’. Stones that are known to display this optical phenomenon are chrysoberyl, emerald, aquamarine, apatite, tourmaline, chrome diopside, scapolite among others.

The chatoyancy in gemstone chrysoberyl is so prominent that the term cat’s eye has come to be used exclusively for it. So it should be understood that cat’s eye is not a gemstone per se but the name of a phenomenon. However people in the trade have accorded the name ‘cats eye’ solely to chrysoberyl due to its amazingly striking resemblance to a real feline eye.

Cat’s eye Phenomena in Nature

This particular optical phenomenon enhances the attraction as well as value of the gemstone. Gemstones other than chrysoberyl displaying chatoyancy need to however use a qualifier word for purpose of description. For instance, ‘cats eye tourmaline’, ‘cats eye quartz’ etc. Cat’s eye used singularly (another name for it is cymophane) by itself signifies chrysoberyl.

Chatoyancy is observed in varying forms. First is the regular band of light that distinctly stretches across the stone. Second is the ‘opening and closing effect’ where there are two bands visible across the stone (especially when the gemstone is rotated under two lights) giving the opening and closing effect. The Hindu shastras describe the cats eye stone as vaidurya (that of the vidura or brahman, the learned one) where the bands are to the stone, what a brahmasutra (janeoo, or sacred thread worn across the shoulder) is to the brahman. Lastly the stone may display two separate colors. Symmetrically split one half may display body color of the gemstone and the other half may display cloudy/ milky color. This is known as the milk and honey effect.

The ancient Egyptian’s who are known to have revered cats had a special leaning towards the gemstone. This stone has been found in the tombs along with other precious objects. The priests in ancient Egypt also had the cat’s eye embedded in the ‘systrum’, an instrument used to perform religious rituals for goddess Isis. There is lore about the Pharaoh possessing a cat’s eye ring. If the pharaoh observed ‘blinking’ in the ring, it signified displeasure of the Gods and sacrifices had to be made for appeasing them.

A good cat’s eye must have a distinct band running through the center of the cabochon. The band running through the center must be gray or white in color. It should not be the same color as the body color of the gemstone. Any other attention distracting flaws should not be there. The stone should be translucent. Chrysoberyl is the third hardest gem rating 8.5 on Moh’s scale. Chrysoberyl is basically aluminum oxide containing beryllium. The most intense chatoyant effect is seen in cymophane in the chrysoberyl family. Chrysoberyl is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

Moh’s Scale of Gemstone/Mineral Hardness

Alexandrite, a rare color changing gemstone also belongs to the chrysoberyl family. It appears green in the normal daylight and appears red under the incandescent light. This phenomenon is attributed to the rare geological conditions during its formation – presence of chromium oxide (which gives it the color changing ability) and the absence of silica (which is actually a rarity as silica is the second most abundant material on the earth).

Exhibit showing Alexandrite Cat’s Eye, Notice both Chatoyancy and Color Change

In Vedic astrology the cat’s eye is regarded as the gemstone of Planet Ketu. Cat’s eye is available in colors varying from yellow to honey colored to lime green. Greenish golden stone is known as kanak Ketu and the smoky gray is known as the Dhumra Ketu.

It is interesting to note here that Ketu is known as the Dervish among the nine planets. He is south node of the moon. Ketu is basically a karmic planet and is known to throw challenges for individuals in order for them to imbibe important lessons. It is a planet that leads to spiritual ascension after material obsessions have disillusioned the individual.

Cat’s eye is worn as a gem remedy to gain good results in the period of Ketu. Cat’s eye however is said to give fast result and therefore must be tried after analysis of the individual’s horoscope for suitability. In the practice of crystal healing Cats eye is believed to sharpen the intuition and powers of perception.

Abhijita Kulshrestha-PGA

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