David's Jewelry

A Show of Faith

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:00:36 +0000

During the Renaissance, goldsmiths produced a new style of marriage ring known as the gimmel ring, which has two hoops that fan open from a pivot in the base. When shut, the hoops of the gimmel ring slid together so perfectly as to become one ring, thus symbolizing the coming together of two lives truly as one. Around 1600, the gimmel began to incorporate another romantic symbol, two clasped hands. In the fede (the Italian word for “faith”) ring, the gimmel hoops ended in hands that clasped together when the ring was closed. To this, yet another symbol was added – a heart. In some of the more elaborate fede rings, delicately enameled hands were found to grasp a diamond heart.

P.S. The Puritans tried to abolish the tradition of the wedding ring as part of their rebellion against church ritual. It is testimony to the strength of the symbolism surrounding the custom that the wedding ring was too powerful to be destroyed.

Inclusions

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:00:53 +0000

Inclusions are internal features of gemstones that may be comprised of either solids, liquids, or gasses that became entrapped in the crystals as they grew. Inclusions may also consist of cleavages, cracks, and fractures that formed as the crystal was growing. While some regard inclusions as flaws, they may also be valued for the interest they lend to a stone. For instance, the stars in star rubies and sapphires are caused by needle-like crystals of rutile which formed parallel to the faces of the host corundum crystals. When these gemstones are cut into a cabochon (domed, with a polished surface), light reflecting from these internal needle-like inclusions create a cat’s-eye effect (chatoyancy) or star stones (asterism).

P.S. Inclusions with the appearance of water-lily leaves are typically found in peridot from Arizona.

Getting to Carat’s Roots

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:00:02 +0000

The word “carat” refers to diamond’s weight, not its size. The term is derived from carob, a popular chocolate substitute. In ancient times, merchants in the Mediterranean region, where carob trees were plentiful, used a single carob bean to designate a unit of measured weight. At the same time, in the Far East, four grains of rice were used to equal the weight of one carob bean. In time, the carat was standardized at 200 milligrams, or 1/5 of a gram. And, the grain was standardized at 50 milligrams. Diamond weights are also referred to in terms of points, with one carat equaling 100 points. Thus, a 75-point diamond will be equal to ¾ of one carat.

P.S. Three out of four new brides in this country will wear a diamond ring to symbolize their marriages.

The Magic Circle

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:48 +0000

As the hardest natural substance known, diamond has come to symbolize an eternal bond. From the Greek word adamas (or “unconquerable”), diamond was believed by the Greeks to be the tears of the gods. Its inner fire was thought to reflect love’s passion. Romans later bestowed upon diamonds the belief that they were splinters from stars, which Cupid used to tip his arrows. By the time Archduke Maximilian of Austria made the gift of a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477, the tradition of the diamond engagement ring had begun. To experience a diamond’s magic powers, it must be found naturally. Lovers can circumvent the problem posed by a purchased diamond by giving it away with a pledge of love. This selfless act prompts a return of the gemstone’s magical powers and preserves it.

P.S. A diamond cut solely to preserve its weight may be worth less than a smaller, well-cut stone.

Topaz, the Fiery Gemstone

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:35:49 +0000

Topaz has a number of admirable qualities. To begin with, its name says a great deal – the word “topaz” is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. Centuries ago, one of the gemstones in the Portuguese crown was thought to be the largest diamond ever found (1,640 carats). That gemstone is now believed to have been a colorless topaz. This is ironic because topaz is renowned for its variety of colors, which include yellow, pink, brown, blue, red, violet, and orange, as well as white. In addition, topaz is exceeded in hardness by only diamond, corundum (sapphire and ruby), and Moissanite. Add to this topaz’s availability in high clarities, and you have a very desirable gemstone.

P.S. Imperial topaz is the name reserved for topaz of an intense brownish-orange red color.