Stones/Properties – Artful Gems

Koh-i-Noor diamond

Posted on October 24, 2020October 24, 2020 by Artful Gems

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is 186 carats of colorful gem history. It is known as the mysterious and terrible stone of emperors. Its name which means “mountain of light” in Persian, is the perfect example of a cursed gem. The diamond has been owned by many over the years, many who have lost their empires and Read More

Amethyst

Posted on February 24, 2020February 24, 2020 by Artful Gems

A little late this month, but there is always time to talk about the amethyst. It is such a beautiful stone and filled with great lore. But before we do that, let’s look at some of the greats born this month! 1. FEBRUARY 1, 1902: LANGSTON HUGHES 2. FEBRUARY 3, 1874: GERTRUDE STEIN 3. FEBRUARY Read More

Blue Zircon

Posted on November 30, 2019November 30, 2019 by Artful Gems

The ZIRCON is one of December’s alternate birthstones. It is found in blue, red, yellow, orange, brown, and green colors. Zircon crystals grow in many different types of rocks and possess a range of optical and physical properties. Zircon is widely found on Earth. The colorless form, called “Matara” zircon after a city in Sri Lanka Read More

Citrine

Posted on November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 by Artful Gems

Citrine is November’s birthstone and the 13th anniversary gemstone. It is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange in color. Its yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals. These transparent crystals are found in all sizes as geodes, points, and clusters. The largest producer of this quality Read More

Abalone

Posted on August 2, 2019August 2, 2019 by Artful Gems

Although not a Gemstone, Abalone is cherished as such and used in jewelry. It is nicknamed the Sea Ears because of its flattened, oval shape with iridescent interior. They are also known as Paua, Mother of Pearl, and Nacre. Abalone is a single-shelled, uni-valve saltwater mollusk, native to the Pacific Coast of California stretching up Read More

Emerald Green

Posted on May 23, 2019May 23, 2019 by Artful Gems

The Emerald is one of the most beautiful green stones in Nature!!! It is the birthstone of Taurus, April 20 – May 20, and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th, and 55th year of marriage. Emerald’s Symbolism The Emerald is a symbol of love and is associated with Venus, the goddess of love in Read More