How to Choose the Perfect Gemstone

How to Choose the Perfect Gemstone

By
TL Poe-Culton
TL Poe-Culton Recommends: That’s Just What I was Looking for!
http://tlpoe-culton.com/recommends

DISCLAIMER AND/OR LEGAL NOTICES
The information presented herein represents the views of the author as of
the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change,
the author reserves the right to alter and update their opinions based on
the new conditions.

This report is for informational purposes only and the author does not
accept any responsibility for any liability resulting from the use of this
information. While every attempt has been made to verify the information
provided here, the author and their resellers and affiliates cannot assume
any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Any slights of
people or organizations are unintentional.

Copyright TL Poe-Culton
3/28/2011
All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

Your Birthstone Complements your Light and Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Things You should know about your Gemstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
January ........................................................... 7
February .......................................................... 8
March .......................................................... 9
April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
August . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
October . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
November . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
December . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-22

3/28/2011

Your Birthstone Complements your Light and Spirit

Most people wear their birthstone as a piece of jewelry and think of it as a ‘fashion
statement’. Wearing one’s birthstone or gemstone of the month of one’s birth, was
tradition during biblical days as described in Exodus 28: 15-20 in the Old testament. It
refers to the breastplate of Aaron, a piece of ceremonial garb that was set with 12
gemstones that represented the 12 Apostles or 12 Tribes of Israel and corresponded to the
12 signs of the Zodiac. Some believe that wearing one’s birthstone in a piece of jewelry
calls forth very real energy and magical properties that correspond to the month of your
birth.

For the purposes of this short informational guide, I’m going to briefly mention what each
stone’s accepted metaphysical powers are said to be.

The purpose of this guide is to arm you with enough information so that you can make an
informed decision when you decide to buy a piece of gemstone jewelry for yourself or for
someone else. Because it’s a gemstone doesn’t mean that it has to be your or the
recipient’s birthstone. Much of the time gemstones are bought simply for their beauty, but
more often because of the properties they are believed to possess and the benefits one is
believed to receive.

Before I start talking about individual stones, I’d like to give you some basic information
that you can apply when you go shopping for the perfect gemstone or birthstone.
3/28/2011

Things You should know about your Gemstone

People often differentiate between stones by calling them either ‘precious’ or ‘semi-
precious’. The diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald are considered to be ‘precious’ stones
while the others are ‘semi-precious stones’. This is not a science based method, but rather
a method that was used in ancient times and continued by the Western world and some
other civilizations. However, it is reflective of the quality and rarity of the stones at that
time. This method is not necessarily reflective of today’s values.

The terms ‘precious’ and ‘semi-precious’ are misleading and imply that certain stones are
naturally more valuable than others, no matter what the circumstances, and this isn’t true.
Certain stones, such as the diamond, the emerald, the ruby and the sapphire have
reputations that exceed those of the other gemstones and will always be more desirable
and seen as more valuable.

3/28/2011

Things You should know about your Gemstone

Stones are classified by hardness (measured on the Mohs scale, diamonds being the
hardest at 10) and translucency.

Gemologist today identify gemstones using technical and scientific terms. First they use
the stones chemical composition, as this determines the color and type of the stone. Many
stones are crystals, so they’re classified by their crystal system; cubic, trigonal or monoclini.
The form, or shape, the gem is usually found in, is termed habit, e.g., the diamond is
usually found as an octahedron.

If this information has piqued your interest and you want more information, I suggest you
look into the study of gemstones, or look up gemstones to learn more.

3/28/2011

Month | January Birthstone | Garnet

The beautiful garnet is the birthstone for January. The color for January is the red or crimson colored
garnet. The stone can be found in all colors, with blue being the rarest and hardest to find. So rare
that only recently did it become known that there was a blue garnet. The blue color is visible when
the stone changes colors, from blue-green in daylight, to purple in incandescent light. The garnet is
my birthstone & I just recently leaned to appreciate it. I had never seen the stone set in silver and
for me, the color change in the setting just made it pop out at me. And for that reason, the jewelry
that is pictured to show the stones, throughout this guide, will be both yellow and white gold or
silver. The setting color definitely makes a difference.

Gemstone quality red, green, yellow and orange garnets are translucent while the opaque are more
for industrial use as abrasives, e.g. garnet sanding paper. On the Mohs scale, garnet can measure
anywhere between 6.5 -7.5. Garnets are mostly known as the dark, blood-red stone, and as the
stone for a successful business. It is said to protect one on trips and is the stone of purity and truth
as well as a symbol of love and compassion.

Month | February Birthstone | Amethyst

Amethyst is a member of the quartz family. In ancient times, amethysts were prized by royalty for
their regal, purple color. The noble and well-to-do of early days, used amethyst for most of their
engraved, or carved gems. The color of amethyst ranges from pale lilac to a deep purple and
measures 7 on the Mohs scales it is quite suited to jewelry. The color in amethyst is due to
irradiation which caused the iron ions to rearrange themselves in the crystal lattice affecting the
color in a reversible process. Upon exposure to heat, the effects from irradiation can be cancelled
and amethyst becomes yellow or sometimes green. The Greeks believed the amethyst could
prevent intoxication and therefore drank from goblets carved from amethyst. Greek mythology says
the stones gets it color and name from Amethystos, a chaste maiden who was being pursued by
Dionysus, the god of wine, and intoxication. The story says the maiden refused his advances and
prayed to the gods to remain chaste. The goddess Artemis answered her prayer and transformed
her into a white stone. Dionysus was humbled by Amethystos’ desire to remain chaste and poured
wine over the statue as an offering and dyed the crystals purple. I liked this version of the story
best.

The amethyst is believed to bring it’s wearer good luck and radiate love. The amethyst also promotes
an overall sense of soothing, well being and peace.

Month | March Birthstone | Aquamarine

Clear yellow aquamarine chrysolite is mined in Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar,
Afghanistan and Pakistan. Some of the finest deposits are found in Russia and in Sri Lanka. The stone
is know for it’s exceptional brilliance and lack of inclusions. Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral
crystal Beryl. The typically bluish tinted aquamarine is known as Oriental Aquamarine. On the Mohs
scale of hardness, aquamarine comes in at 7.5-8 out of 10.

There is a dark blue version of the aquamarine called maxixe. It fades to white when exposed to
sunlight or heat treatment.

The Blue-green of the aquamarine has a soothing energizing effect on the body. It stimulates your
thinking abilities and makes you feel intelligent, even brilliant.

Month | April Birthstone | Diamond (*GIA Brochure)

Diamonds are a girls best friend, truly. I wonder if Marilyn knew the reason for that saying. The
diamond brings clarity and light to all that the wearer does. It is said to shine a radiant beam of light
to awaken the third eye and stimulate intuition. The diamond is the most durable and brilliant of all
gemstones. They’re prized for their fire and exceptional brilliance. The first diamonds were mined in
India, then in Brazil, Borneo and South Africa, which remains the world’s biggest diamond producer.

When you purchase a diamond, it’s important to take into consideration the 4-c’s; cut, clarity, carat
weight of the stone and color. Typically diamonds range in color from yellow, brown, gray to
colorless. Blue, green, black, translucent white, pink, violet, orange, purple and red are thought to
be rare colors for diamonds. But times have changed & ‘rare’ has become popular.
• Carat- measures the carat weight or mass weight of the diamond. 1 carat is defined as 200mg.
• Clarity- measure of internal defects called inclusions. The number, size, color, relative location,
orientation, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the relative clarity of a diamond.
• Color- colorless is the absolute perfect color, or lack of color, for a diamond It is a “D” on the color
scale.
• Cut- diamonds are cut in order to reflect the maximum amount of light. Round brilliant diamonds,
are the most common cut.

Month | May Birthstone | Emerald

The emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl. Trace amounts of chromium make the color green. On
the Mohs scale of hardness, the emerald measures 7.5-8 out of 10. Most emeralds are highly
included. There is a very rare emerald that shows a 6-spoke, star pattern of dark carbon rays. It is
occasionally found in Colombia and is called the Trapiche Emerald. Emeralds have been mined all
over the world.

The 4-c’s of Connoisseurship for colored gemstones include: Color, Cut, Clarity, Crystal; Crystal is
used as a synonym, that starts with a ‘c’, for transparency. A fine quality emerald must possess a
pure verdant green hue in addition to a high degree of transparency in order to be considered a top
gem. Because emeralds tend to have a lot of inclusions and surface breaking fissures, they are
graded for clarity by eye. As part of the lapidary process, the emerald is treated with cedar or a
synthetic oil or liquid to enhance the emerald’s clarity. Only liquids that have refractive indexes close
to that of the emerald are used in treatment.

The deep, dark green emerald is one of the most powerful healing gemstones and is especially good
for diabetics. It works to heal the lymphatic system and glands of the body. The emerald is regarded
as the symbol for fertility, rebirth, and springtime.

Month | June Birthstone | Pearl/Iolite

Pearls are unique gemstones. They’re indigenous to the waters around Japan and China and are the
only gemstone that is formed and grows inside a living creature. Their color ranges from creamy
white to deep black. Pearls are found in the regions of Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Burma and US.

The pearl is made of calcium carbonate that has been deposited in concentric layers, making the
perfect pearl round, smooth and iridescent. Wild or naturally grown pearls are rare. Most are
farmed from pearl oysters in fresh and saltwater.

Iolite ranges in color from blue, smoky blue, bluish violet, yellowish gray, gray to very pale blue.
Measures 7 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is sometimes used as an inexpensive substitute for sapphire,
even though it is much softer than sapphire, and is found in abundance in India, Sri Lanka, Burma,
Nambia, Tanzania, Madagascar and Brazil.

Month | July Birthstone | Ruby

The ruby has long been the prized possession of kings and queens throughout history. It is said to
create magic and bring out one’s creativity; to empower you to manifest your heart’s desires, to
heal sexual wounds and help you feel more attractive and passionate about life. The ruby is the
symbol for love and immortality.

Rubies have been mined in Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, Nepal,
Thailand, the US and Greenland. The stone’s value is determined by it’s color. The most valuable red
is called pigeon blood-red.

The ruby’s color ranges from pink to blood-red. The red being caused by the presence of chromium.
The ruby is one of the four precious stones: the ruby, the sapphire, the emerald and the diamond.
On the Mohs scale the ruby is 9.0. The ruby is an example of when inclusions can increase the value
of a gemstone. Some rubies will show a 3-6 point ‘asterism’ or ‘star’. These stones are cut into
cabochons to properly display the effect. Another type of needle inclusion, called rutile or ‘silk’, is
used to distinguish a natural ruby from a synthetic. Heat is the most common form of treatment for
rubies.

Month | August Birthstone | Peridot

Peridot has been treasured since ancient times, dating back to early Egypt. It is thought to have
special healing properties , to drive away evil and protect the wearer. The yellow green colors of
peridot combine to make those who are very sensitive feel more stable and at peace. It is the perfect
stone to wear in jewelry during stressful times.

Gem quality peridot is rare and is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, the
intensity of the olive green depends on the amount of iron found in the crystals. The most valued
color in the range from yellowish to olive to brownish-green, is the deep olive-green. The peridot is
sometimes mistaken for the emerald or some other green stone. Peridot is mined in various states
throughout the US, in Australia, Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. But it is the only gemstone found in meteorites!

Month | September Birthstone | Sapphire

The sapphire is one of two gemstone varieties of the mineral corundum, the other is ruby. Chromium
in the corundum causes the deep red color of the ruby while the presence of titanium and iron are
responsible for the blue of the sapphire.

Sapphires come in a variety of colors ranging from colorless, to very light to very dark blue, yellow,
brown, pink, violet, reddish orange, and bluish green. The perfect sapphire color is deep, dark,
velvety blue and even shades of gray and black. The blue sapphire is said to raise your
consciousness to accept your divinity, brilliance and other exceptional qualities. It is also said to
attract people who help you advance your career and complement your style. The sapphire is
associated with an enlightened mind.

The sapphire exhibits the same characteristics as the ruby. It can have the asterism or ‘star’ that can
increase the value of the sapphire. It is common to treat sapphires to enhance their color ad improve
their clarity. The accepted method is heat treatment. Upon heating to high temperatures the color
become more blue and all rutile inclusions are removed. The stone becomes clear under
magnification. It is rare that a stone does not undergo heat treatment and when this is the case the
gem will be accompanied by a certificate from an independent gemological lab: ‘no evidence of heat
treatment’.

Month | October Birthstone | Opal

Opals are beautiful stones that are prized for their phenomenal color play that changes with the
angle of view. Opal is a relatively soft and delicate stone, a mineraloid of hydrated silica. Opals can
be found in regions of Mexico, Brazil, U.S.A., Japan, Honduras, Kenya, Czechoslovakia, Peru, Canada,
and is the natural gemstone of Australia.

Opal diffracts light and can take on many different colors that range from clear through white, gray,
red, radiant orange (fire opal), yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and
black. Of these hues, reds against black are the most rare, with white and greens being the most
common. It varies from opaque to semi-transparent. Sometimes thin layers of opal are laid on a
darker, underlying stone. This is called the doublet opal and is more desirable than the triplet opal
which is covered with a layer of quartz or plastic, takes a high polish and protects the thin layer of
often lower quality opal underneath. The doublet opal has a thin layer of ‘touchable’ opal on top.

The qualities of opal are said to be expressive and creatively stimulating. The stone transmits a
stellar blue ray that combines with the red/orange fire to produce an energizing glow. The opal acts
as a blood cleanser, improves sexual vitality and sex appeal.

Month | November Birthstone | Citrine/Topaz/Pearl

Brazil is the leading producer of the gemstone citrine which ranges in colors yellow, gold, orange and
brown. Citrine resembles topaz. It is nearly impossible to tell citrine from orange topaz.

Citrine is the stone for attraction. It transmits your thoughts out on streams of consciousness to
attract what you want for your life. Citrine helps you feel more empowered, strengthens your will
and helps you develop the leadership qualities you need to succeed in the world. It also aids in
digestion.

Pure topaz is colorless and prismatic. Typical topaz is wine, yellow, pale gray or reddish-orange, blue
brown. It can also be made white, pale green, blue, gold, pink (rare), reddish-yellow or opaque to
transparent/translucent. Topaz measures 8.0 on Mohs scale. Orange topaz symbolizes friendship.

Month | December Birthstone | Blue Topaz/Turquoise

Topaz comes in many colors, but blue topaz is rare. It is usually heat treated to get the more desired
darker blue. Russia, Siberia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa, China, Japan, Nigeria, U.S.A., and Mexico are
important sources of topaz.

Blue topaz beings leadership abilities to anyone who wears or carries it. It enhances spiritual growth
and psychic insight.

Turquoise is important to oriental and native american cultures. Turquoise is said to help promote
honest and clear communication from the heart. It is known as a master healer stone and can help
in the healing process, protect against pollution in the environment and bring abundance. Turquoise
is the philosopher’s stone and denotes wisdom and higher truth. A favorite stone of teachers and
those who are meant to influence others.

Turquoise measures just under 6 on Mohs scale, about the same as window glass. Blue turquoise is
found in Iran.

Resources

Information for this guide was gathered from various sources on the internet that included:
Wikipedia
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Metaphysical and healing properties of crystal formations from Crystals and Jewelry.
Alurez
Ice
diViene

If you have enjoyed reading this guide, think you’ll benefit from the information and would like to
get that special gift, or see some examples of fine gemstone and birthstone jewelry, please go by
my site and pick up one of my referral links. Click on the link below to go directly to the referral
page.
http://tlpoe-culton.com/recommends/?page_id=1346

3/28/2011

Resources

3/28/2011

Resources
The first century Jewish historian Josephus proclaimed a connection between the twelve stones
in Aaron's breastplate, the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.[6] The
Breastplate of Aaron, referred to in Exodus 28:17-20:
•10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby, a
topaz and a beryl;
•11 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald;
•12 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst;
•13 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree
settings.
•14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like
a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

The precise list of birthstones however can be found in Revelation 21:19-20 where the
foundation stones of the new Jerusalem are listed, in the order of the Roman calendar:[citation needed]
•14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles
of the Lamb. . .
•19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.
The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an
emerald;
•20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a
topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

3/28/2011

How to Choose the Perfect Gemstone

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