Daily Wire Tip: Gemstone Information & Resources
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
Question:
I meet a lot of people who do not understand the difference between a lab-grown gem, which has the same crystalline structure and chemical composition as a mined gem, and a synthetic substitute such as cubic zirconia. What are your thoughts?
-Kitty in Olympia, Washington
Answer:
Yes Kitty, I agree that it is important to know what you are buying, using in your work, and then selling. A customer who understands the value of your work, including the stones you use, will love wearing your jewelry even more.
In our Resource Center, we have several pages for Wire Artists to educate themselves about the materials we use. Under the heading "All About Gemstones," we have some great information for you. We have a wonderful article, An Introduction to Gemstones, about all of the differences in gemstones, including Imitation, Lab-Created, Stabilized, and Simulated Gemstones. The AGTA Enhancement Codes Chart lists different treatments and enhancements commonly used with gemstones, and the codes associated with them.
For more information about CZs, Swarovskis, crystal, check out this previous Tip of the Day: What is a Cubic Zirconia Stone?
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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Filed under:Daily Wire Jewelry Tips‚ FAQ‚ Gemstones & Beads
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Thank You. I was curious about this subject myself.
Dear Dale,
at 68 I am still “hungry” for more education. Long before I got into making jewelry for myself and others, I was fazinated by Gemstones. Always wanted to be a Gemologist but could not
afford the GIA Courses. A dear friend of mine took both, the
Diamond Course and the colored Gemstone Course and he was kind enough to let me borrow the Diamond Course, which I read from cover to cover. Two years ago he passed away and his wife passed the complete colored Gemstone Course on to me.
We all appreciate your daily tips and answers, especially the
educational ones. Thank you! Ruth
Wow Ruth – what an amazing gift! (I am envious.) My mom is 78 and still spends lots of time researching and labeling the collection of specimens she has been collecting from a very early age
You are never too “mature” to learn more about rocks and minerals!!