Guide to Diamonds and Other Gemstones
From Carly Wickell, former About.com Guide
- About Gold, Platinum and More
- Jewelry Insurance & Documentation
- Alternative Healing with Gemstones
- Gem Mining
All About Diamonds
Four important diamond characteristics are known as the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each quality is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine the four in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style, your needs and your budget. Once you've mastered the Four C's, be sure to explore other important diamond qualities.
- The Four Cs of Diamonds
- About Diamond Clarity
- Diamond Color Advice
- About Diamond Carat Weight
- How to Evaluate Diamond Cuts
- Diamond Fluorescence Affects Color
- Has Your Diamond Been Color Enhanced?
- What's a Diamond Blemish?
- Interior Diamond Flaws
- Diamond Clarity Enhancements
- All About Fancy Colored Diamonds
- What Are Conflict Diamonds?
- Diamonds Created from Human Ashes
- How to Clean a Diamond Ring
About Colored Gemstones
Colored gemstones are always popular, but it's important to learn a few facts before you buy gemstone jewelry. For instance, some jewelry stores use 'creative' names for stones that mimic the real thing. Understanding a gemstone's durability will help you store the jewelry and care for it without causing damage. Use our advice to learn about common gemstone treatments and much more.
- Favorite Colored Gemstones
- Gemstone Treatments
- What's the Mohs Scale, and Why Is it Important?
- Natural vs. Genuine Gems
- Watch out for Fake Gemstones
- Misleading Gemstone Names
- Facts About Birthstones
- Find a Gem in Your Favorite Color
- Shop for Birthstone Jewelry
Explore Specific Gemstones
Are you interested in learning about a specific gemstone? Start here, because our articles cover many of the most popular colored gems.
- Gemstones... from A to Z
- Amber
- Aquamarine (March Birthstone)
- Emerald (May Birthstone)
- Garnet (January Birthstone)
- Jade
- Opal (October Birthstone)
- Peridot (August Birthstone)
- Ruby (July Birthstone)
- Topaz (November Birthstone)
- Sapphire (September Birthstone)
- Turquoise (December Birthstone)
- Alexandrite
- Moissanite
Learn About Pearls
Pearls are an organic gemstone, but not "organic" in the context you might think. An organic gemstones is derived from a living organism. Use our articles to learn about pearls and to shop for pearl jewelry.
About Gold, Platinum and More
Precious metals make up the backbone for the bulk of our jewelry. Use this guide to learn about gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals that you'll encounter when you shop for jewelry.
- Gold Facts You Should Know
- Platinum Basics
- Sterling Silver Advice and Care
- Why Metals Discolor Your Skin
Jewelry Insurance & Documentation
What information should you receive when you order a jewelry appraisal? Are your positive that your jewelry is insured? Do some background reading on appraisals and lab certificates before you buy, and don't let your fine jewelry come home until you're sure it's covered in case of a loss.
- About Colored Gemstone Grading Reports
- Use a Loupe to Inspect Your Jewelry
- Best Ways to Clean and Care for Jewelry
Alternative Healing with Gemstones
Many people who practice alternative healing use gemstones in their practice. Do you believe that gemstones have healing properties?
- Hematite Alternative Healing
- Alternative Healing with Rose Quartz
- About Herkimer Diamonds
- Crystal Healing with Selenite
- More Gemstones Used for Alternative Healing
Gem Mining
You'll find gemstone mines throughout the United States, and some of them are set up for visitors who want to spend a day or two searching for their own gemstones. If you've never tried it, consider a visit the next time you're near a mine, but go prepared: wear old clothes and trim your nails -- you might be sifting through muddy, rock-filled baskets.