The Production of Jewelry From Natural and Artificial Gemstones
Gemstones are minerals which are valued for their beauty and durability. Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Opals and Topaz all fall into the category of gems. The value of a gem is determined primarily through the consideration of four factors, namely the beauty of the gem, its durability (hardness and toughness), its rarity and its cut (the skill with which it has been shaped). The fourth factor depends highly upon the skill of the gem-cutter.
When a gem is found, the first step will be to establish its identity. An instrument known as the refractometer will be used to identify the exact type of the gem. This instrument only measures the light waves reflected from the gem and therefore doesn't cause any damage to the gem. In the case of diamond, the thermal conducting ability may also be used to identify the gem. After the gem has been identified, a gem-cutter will proceed to cut the gem. He/she will cut the gem in such a way that the fire (the ability to reflect prismatic colors), brilliancy (the brightness), transparency and dichroism (the ability possessed by some gems to display different colors when viewed at different angles) are enhanced. This is no simple process, since a lot of mathematical calculations have to be preformed to achieve a good cut. Constant attention has to be paid when cutting the gem. Experienced gem-cutters will be able to remove some of the imperfections in the original gem. A significant amount of the original gem's weight will be lost during the cutting process.
The loose gemstones will then be incorporated into jewelry such as rings, bracelets or necklaces. Usually, there will be a gem holder made out of metal (usually gold). The gem will be firmly positioned inside this metal holder and the holder will be tightened around the gem. The holder will hold the gem firmly in place, but most of the table (top of the gem) will still be visible.
During the last century, artificial gems have come into the market. An artificial gem maybe a synthetic gem or an imitation gem. An imitation gem will be made of a material which is much cheaper than the natural gem. Imitation gems usually have lower durability, lower tensile strength and are prone to scratching. For example, strontium titanate, a compound used to imitate diamond, is less durable and scratches very easily. Quite recently, scientists have discovered methods of producing synthetic gems. These gems have the same chemical composition as natural gemstones. These synthetic gems can be distinguished from natural gems under a microscope because synthetic gems will not have any of the flaws usually present in natural gems. Existing technology is still incapable of producing jewelry quality synthetic gems at a lower cost than natural gems. However, synthetic Emeralds which are comparable to natural Emeralds have been produced.
When a gem is found, the first step will be to establish its identity. An instrument known as the refractometer will be used to identify the exact type of the gem. This instrument only measures the light waves reflected from the gem and therefore doesn't cause any damage to the gem. In the case of diamond, the thermal conducting ability may also be used to identify the gem. After the gem has been identified, a gem-cutter will proceed to cut the gem. He/she will cut the gem in such a way that the fire (the ability to reflect prismatic colors), brilliancy (the brightness), transparency and dichroism (the ability possessed by some gems to display different colors when viewed at different angles) are enhanced. This is no simple process, since a lot of mathematical calculations have to be preformed to achieve a good cut. Constant attention has to be paid when cutting the gem. Experienced gem-cutters will be able to remove some of the imperfections in the original gem. A significant amount of the original gem's weight will be lost during the cutting process.
The loose gemstones will then be incorporated into jewelry such as rings, bracelets or necklaces. Usually, there will be a gem holder made out of metal (usually gold). The gem will be firmly positioned inside this metal holder and the holder will be tightened around the gem. The holder will hold the gem firmly in place, but most of the table (top of the gem) will still be visible.
During the last century, artificial gems have come into the market. An artificial gem maybe a synthetic gem or an imitation gem. An imitation gem will be made of a material which is much cheaper than the natural gem. Imitation gems usually have lower durability, lower tensile strength and are prone to scratching. For example, strontium titanate, a compound used to imitate diamond, is less durable and scratches very easily. Quite recently, scientists have discovered methods of producing synthetic gems. These gems have the same chemical composition as natural gemstones. These synthetic gems can be distinguished from natural gems under a microscope because synthetic gems will not have any of the flaws usually present in natural gems. Existing technology is still incapable of producing jewelry quality synthetic gems at a lower cost than natural gems. However, synthetic Emeralds which are comparable to natural Emeralds have been produced.
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