Globally gemstones have been present in rock formations  that have been confirmed to be over 200 million years  old. Most are composed of metaphoric rock that crop up  beneath  young mountain ranges. After millions of years  the stones began to dig their way upward toward the

earths surface through the process of erosion. While most  precious stones are found in mountainous areas, some  have been known to show up in a riverbed.

There are 2000 identified minerals, and of that group 100  are considered to be gemstones. Out of this group only 16  have a prominent place in the gemstone market. They are:  beryl, chrysoberyl, corundum, diamond, feldspar, garnet,  jade, lazurite, olivine, opal, quartz, spinel, topaz (one of

the most versatile stones), tourmaline,  turquoise, and  zircon.

Early in geologic history several continents were combined.  This great land mass is known today as the ancient continent of Gondwanaland. Eventually, this land mass broke  down into the modern day continents of South  America,  Australia, Africa, the Indian sub-continents and the islands

of Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Most precious stones can be found in  these areas, but gemstones show up in Asia and  North America as well. They can be found all  over the  world.

The first men, our ancient ancestors, found them protruding  from the ground and amidst rock the formations that were  right in their neighborhood. Later, these shining objects  would be come to be known as "Tears of Heaven", and  "Supernatural Drops of Blood". Mesopotamians were some of the earliest astronomers,   and they knew the gem stones they found  were special. So, they looked to the heavens  for an answer, and began assigning the various  stones to the celestial bodies circling the sun.

Then they began cataloguing certain human traits that might  be attributed to the gemstones. The modern-day concept of  birth stones probably originated during this period of history.  Eventually, certain gems were assigned to different months  of the zodiac. 

In ancient cultures gemstones were meant to be used  by the upper classes in society. The common population was forbidden to own them,  and sometimes the penalty for disobeying  the rule was imprisonment or even death. The law enforcement units of these periods concluded that the stones had been stolen, and the penalty for theft in many cultures was death. In a lot of civilizations a woman could not own a precious stone; however, this stigma began to change when women showed a lot more interest

in the beautiful rocks than their male counterparts. This gave rise to a whole new industry in jewelry making and trade'.

Gemstones also were said to have spiritual or occult qualities that could be passed on to the individual possessing them. In Jewish culture 12 gems could be found on the

breastplate of the high priest. Each stone represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel. In early Christianity gemstones were associated with the 12 apostles of Christ. The lore

surrounding gemstones spread to the Greek, Roman and Germanic cultures. Each culture had their own viewpoint about how gemstones related to heavenly and earthly

matters. In almost every part of the world miraculous properties were attributed to gemstones.

As an example: If a soldier wore a diamond during battle, it was supposed to give him an edge over his enemies. Some thought that the diamond gave protection against ghostly visions and different forms of magic.

The Sapphire was said to have heavenly qualities. Anyone who wore it showed that

they were faithful. If someone wore an Emerald under the  tongue they had the gift of prophecy. The Amethyst, in earlier times was used as protection against drunkenness,

 and gave the owner great wisdom. So, if someone possessed an Amethyst they could go out for a night on the town,  and still remain sober and keep all the great wisdom that

the Amethyst passed on to them. Jade in Chinese communities was used a lot in the decorative motifs of castles, and was a symbol of the ruler of the heavens. Even in the

Christian Book of Revelation gemstones makes a debut. St. John describes the heavenly city as a place built on precious stones, with walls of Jasper and gates made of

pearl. Hence, the phrase, "I'll meet you at the pearly gates!"

Today, the purchase of beautiful jewelry is an every day event. Diamonds are the gems that people hear about most because they are such an important part of traditions

throughout the world. They receive special treatment by gem cutters and engravers because they are so hard.

There is a whole ritual surrounding the selection of a diamond engagement ring. Couples peruse the jewelry stores to pick out the nicest ring  and, in most cases, see how cheaply they can get it. The wedding ring or band is often purchased separately. It didn't take

long for jewelers to start becoming among  the wealthiest members of any advanced civilization.

Ancient engravers and cutters were truly artists, and they continue in that tradition today. Without them the jewelry trade as we know it would not exist. The tools used today

may be a little more refined, but they are essentially the same as they were when the first jewelers picked up gleaming rocks and realized they could make something beautiful, and magical out of them. It was a case of using what they were given by the Gods, and making it even better. Engravers come from a long line of craftsmen who not only loved and honored their craft, but felt that what they were doing bordered on something divine. The wheel technique used to engrave harder stones began in Mesopotamia in 4000-3000 B.C. The Minoans picked up similar techniques in 1750-1580 B.C. These basic processes are still in use today.

Cutting processes have changed. Today electric lathes are used, and a special powder is spread on the drill. On a diamond a special powder and oil is used. It is known that

 the Romans might have used emery powder in their  process. The electric lathe allows greater control by the artisan, and allows the procedure to be done faster.

Works of art do not just speak to us from the walls of  museums. A great masterpiece might be seen on the finger of a friend, or hanging around the neck of the wife

of a visiting dignitary. Remember where those rocks she  is wearing came from: buried deep in the ground waiting to be discovered by man who was just walking down a nearby path.

 POLISHING JEWELRY

Sterling silver jewelry will shine more by buffing or rubbing it with a Sunshine Cloth or a soft cotton cloth. To have your sterling silver jewelry be less likely to tarnish,  store your silver jewelry in plastic bags with an interlocking seal. Do NOT store your pearl jewelry in plastic bags!

PROPER CARE FOR YOUR JEWELRY

Jewelry is beautiful but easily harmed. Do your best to protect any jewelry from harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, scratches, sharp blows and sunlight.  Always take of jewelry before swimming. Chlorine can    cause damage to various gemstones and gold. Gemstones may become loose in their settings (and possibly fall out).

 * Take off your jewelry before doing high impact sports as    you may scratch the metal or chip the     gemstones.

  *When doing household tasks such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove rings.

  *Put your jewelry on after washing and applying any makeup/hair spray.

  *Store jewelry separately so it doesn't scratch other jewelry.

  *Keep your jewelry in moderate temperatures. Do not store your jewelry on a window sill, heater

           vent or on a car dashboard.

  *As sunlight will fade many gem stones, store jewelry away from sunlight.

  *Keep bead necklaces (such as pearls, onyx and lapis) flat as silk will stretch.

JEWELRY HARDNESS: AVOID SCRATCHING

YOUR JEWELRY

The Mohs scale is the jewelry industries way of specifying a gems hardness. The higher the Mohs scale number, the harder the gem stone is. The highest Mohs scale rating is 10 (very hard but brittle - such as diamonds). Anything with a Mohs scale rating of less than 7 is easily scratched (examples are: amber, coral, lapis, malachite, pearl, opal  and turquoise). Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs  2-1/2 to 4. Always carefully store any fine jewelry to avoid scratching wrapping in soft cloth or satin bags.

GEMSTONE TREATMENTS

Jewelry dealers may treat gemstones in hopes of getting a higher price. The savvy buyer asks

lots of questions and hopefully tests the results.  Here are some gemstone treatments to look for:

Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it.

   Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed.

Dye: This is the most common treatment used.  On clear gemstones, dye may be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes dye appears as a residue  that rubs off or white patches. Lapis and Rose Quartz are commonly dyed. Amethyst and Citrine are often dyed. Black Onyx is permanently dyed in normal processing.

Synthetic Stones: There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what gemstone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a gemstone looks too

    perfect it may be fake. In understanding synthetic made products they should come as a fraction of the cost of natural. It is the look you are buying with this type of stone.

Heat Treatment: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby,  Tanzanite and Topaz are often heated at high

    temperatures to enhance color. This is a standard practice for 99% of the stones on the market today.

Irradiation: It is common to irradiate Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz, Emerald, and Diamond

    as well as other gem stones. This treatment brings out color and removes imperfections.  Many dealers know if the gemstones they are selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware of the treatment. This is also common among most of these stones.