Diamonds
» The Four C's Tutorial - Information on Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat weight
(G.I.A./Gemological Institute of America)

Colored Gemstones
Jewelry-Overstock-Auctions prides itself on selling only 100% authentic gemstones and at wholesale prices! We do not use Lab-treated gems nor do we believe in sacrificing the quality of our workmanship at any cost! Our extended quality control and our craftsmanship, has allowed many small and large companies to prosper in the retail market.

Diamond
Diamonds are prized for their brilliance, elegance, and purity, and have captivated our imaginations for thousands of years.
There are various diamond enhancements in the marketplace, such as irradiation, laser drilled, fracture filled, and high-pressure high-temperature treatment (HPHT).

It is our policy at Jewelry-Overstock-Auctions not to knowingly sell diamonds or gemstones that have been enhanced by any methods. All our diamonds and gemstones are 100% authentic.


Emerald
Emerald, too many, symbolizes rebirth and the abundance of the life force.
Yet perfection in emerald, as in all things, is among the rarest of nature's treasures. When they are mined from the earth, almost all emeralds have unique birthmarks that distinguish them as truly natural gemstones.
Although emerald itself is quite durable, the garden of inclusions may make individual gems vulnerable to damage if handled roughly. To understand the journey your emerald has traveled from the earth to you is to gain special insight into its magic.



Ruby
Gem of passion, of smoldering desire, ruby has been treasured for thousands of years. Because the ancients thought its glowing red color was due to an inextinguishable inner fire, ruby was also associated with courage and power.

Throughout most of recorded history, ruby has been the most valuable of gems. It was believed wearing a fine red ruby bestowed good fortune on its owner.
Despite all the best efforts of gem merchants to use technology to enrich color, fine ruby is still exceptionally rare.



Sapphire
Because sapphire embodies an infinite palette of blue hues, ancients believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky.

But like the endless colors that appear in the sky, sapphire is also found in many other shades besides blue, from the gold of a sunrise, to the fiery reddish-orange of sunset, to the delicate violet of twilight. Sapphire may even resemble the pale white gloaming of an overcast day.
In ancient times, a gift of a sapphire was a pledge of trust and loyalty. It is from this tradition that sapphire has long been a popular choice for engagement rings.

Yet the perfect sapphire is as rare as the finest work of art.



Tanzanite
Tanzanite, the ultimate prize of a gem safari, has a mesmerizing blend of rich purples and blues with a velvety deepness of color unlike any other gem. Mined only in Tanzania at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, virtually every tanzanite is heated to permanently change its color from orange-brown to the spectacular violet-blue color for which this precious gemstone variety is known.

Legend has it that the effect of heat was first discovered when some brown gem crystals lying on the dry earth were caught in a fire set by lightning that swept through the grass-covered hills. The Masai herders driving cattle in the area noticed the beautiful blue color and picked the crystals up, becoming the first tanzanite collectors



Amethyst / Citrine
Amethyst and citrine are gemstone varieties of quartz. Purple has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been in demand throughout history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Great thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci believed that amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.

Darker hues of amethyst are rarely enhanced to perfect their color, although some varieties do respond well to heat enhancement. Brownish varieties are commonly heated and magically turn into the bright yellow or orange colors known as citrine.

Named from the French word for lemon, citron, many citrines have a deep yellow color. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.



Aquamarine
The very name aquamarine brings to mind the clear blue tint of the sea. Legend says that it is the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Aquamarine was long thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift.

Many aquamarines are greenish when mined and cut. Some aquamarine fanciers prefer the greenish hues, saying the greener tones remind them more of the sea. The color tones of aquamarine are subtle and varied. Their soft luster is a wonderful addition to any natural colored gemstone jewelry collection.



Garnet
Garnet comes in virtually a rainbow of colors, from deep red to rich orange and golden hues, striking greens, and petal-soft colors of violet and lavender. The stone derives its name from the Latin granatus, meaning grain. Garnet grains were compared to the seeds of a pomegranate. This gem was thought to give its wearer guidance and illumination in the night. Legend has it that Noah used a garnet lantern to navigate the Ark through 40 days and nights of torrential rain. As a general rule, garnets are not enhanced.



Opal
Revered as a symbol of hope, fidelity, and purity, opal was dubbed the Queen of Gems by the ancient Romans because it encompassed the colors of all other gems. Opal is prized for its unique play of color, the ability to disperse light into flashes of rainbow color.
Opal occurs in different body colors, ranging from semi-transparent to opaque. The most common is white opal. Crystal or water opal has a colorless body. The most valued variety, black opal, has a dark blue, gray, or black body color. Boulder opal combines precious opal with the ironstone in which it forms. Bright yellow, orange, or red fire opals are quite different from the other varieties of opal. Their day-glow tones, which are translucent to transparent, are beautiful with or without play of color.
Opal should be treated with care. Opal is softer and more brittle than many other gems and should be stored carefully to avoid being scratched by other jewelry. It should also be protected from blows, as exposed corners can chip. Opal should not be exposed to heat or acid and should be cleaned only with a soft cloth, never with any kind of cleaning solution.



Peridot
Peridot has been adored since ancient times; its history traces back more than 3,500 years when it was prized by the ancient Egyptians. Found in various shades of green, peridot is most desired in lime hues. Peridot has been credited with a host of magical powers and healing properties, such as protection against nightmares and possessing the power to ward off evil. It is the recommended gift for couples celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary. Peridot is relatively soft and should be spared rugged, regular wear if worn in a ring. As a general rule, peridot is not enhanced.



Topaz
Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach, and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional examples are pale pink to a sherry red.
Blue, once the rarest color of topaz, is today the most common.
Topaz is a very hard gemstone, but it can be split with a single sharp blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks. Clean with mild dish soap; use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.



Tourmaline
Tourmaline's name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, which means "mixed." Occurring in more colors or combinations of colors than any other gemstone variety found in nature, this gem lives up to its name. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed tourmaline could encourage artistic intuition: it has the palette to express every mood.

Occasionally, some tourmalines may have surface-breaking fissures filled with resins. Care must be observed with these gems. Avoid exposing them to harsh abrasives and strong chemical solvents.