Garnet, amethyst, aqua spinel, citrine, diamond, peridot, prasiolite, quartzite, and ruby are all featured in James Avery’s gemstone information. However, September’s birthstone is not mentioned within the provided sources. The available information focuses on a variety of gemstones, their properties, origins, and historical significance, but lacks specific details regarding a September birthstone. Therefore, a comprehensive 2000-word article dedicated to a September birthstone cannot be constructed solely from these materials.
Instead, this article will provide a detailed overview of the gemstones described within the provided sources, focusing on their gemological properties, historical context, and care instructions as outlined by James Avery’s gemstone information. This will showcase the breadth of gemstones offered and the expertise in their selection.
Gemstone Selection Criteria
James Avery Jewelry prioritizes three key qualities when selecting gemstones: beauty, rarity, and durability. Beauty is assessed through color, clarity, and cut; rarity is determined by scarcity in nature or the marketplace; and durability is based on hardness, toughness, and stability. The company explicitly states it does not use imitation or artificial gemstones, focusing instead on natural, enhanced, and lab-created options.
Garnet: A Stone of Ancient Origins
Garnet, the birthstone for January, boasts a history stretching back to 3100 B.C. in the Nile Delta, where Egyptian artisans crafted it into beads and inlays. Legend associates garnet with illuminating the night sky, and stories even claim Noah used a garnet as a lamp on his ark. The name “garnet” originates from the ancient Greeks, who likened its color to pomegranate seeds (“granatum”). James Avery garnets typically range in color from red-violet to red-brown. These gemstones are sourced primarily from the East Coast of Africa, with smaller deposits found in the United States and the Czech Republic. Garnet registers between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Amethyst: The Bishop’s Stone
Amethyst, the February birthstone, has long been associated with royalty and was once considered more valuable than diamonds. Known as the “Bishop’s Stone,” it was worn by bishops to symbolize triumph over worldly vices. While darker hues are often left unenhanced, some varieties benefit from heat treatment to perfect their color. Amethyst is a highly prized variety of quartz, exhibiting shades of purple ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. Deposits are found in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and regions of Africa. To maintain its beauty, amethyst should be protected from direct sunlight or prolonged heat, which can cause damage and fading. It scores a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Aqua Spinel: A Daughter of Ruby
Aqua Spinel, designated as the March birthstone by James Avery, has a rich history. Ancient Sanskrit writings referred to spinel as the “daughter of ruby,” acknowledging its similarity yet distinct character. The Crown Jewels of Great Britain feature spinels, and the gemstone has adorned the regalia of kingdoms throughout history. Sourced from Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka, spinel is a durable gemstone available in a variety of colors, including oranges, pinks, blues, lavenders, mauves, and vivid reds. Lab-created spinel has been available since the 1920s. Spinel achieves a hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs Scale.
Diamond: The Unconquerable Gem
Diamond, the April birthstone, derives its name from the Latin “diamas,” meaning “unconquerable.” It has consistently symbolized love and marriage throughout history. While commonly known for its white appearance, diamonds occur in a spectrum of colors. Uniquely, diamond is the only gemstone to achieve a perfect score of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. James Avery provides additional information regarding diamonds and best practices for their cleaning and care.
Aventurine: A Sparkling Gemstone
Aventurine, a translucent quartz gemstone, is characterized by its metallic inclusions, creating a sparkling effect called “aventurescence.” Most commonly found in green, aventurine also appears in orange, brown, yellow, blue, and gray. It is often stabilized with wax or polymer to enhance its finish. Aventurine is mined in diverse locations, including Brazil, Chile, India, Austria, Spain, Russia, and Tanzania, and ranks between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It is advised to avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme heat.
Blue Topaz: A December Birthstone
Blue Topaz is recognized as a December birthstone by James Avery.
Citrine: Symbolizing Joy and Lightheartedness
Citrine, the November birthstone, is named after the French word for lemon, reflecting its bright, sunny yellow color. It also occurs in hues ranging from gold to orange-brown. Brownish varieties are often heated, a permanent process that transforms them into brighter yellow or orange shades. During the 19th century, citrine symbolized joy and lightheartedness. As a member of the quartz family, natural citrine is primarily mined in Brazil, but also in the Malagasy Republic, the U.S., Spain, Russia, France, and Scotland. Prolonged exposure to strong light or heat should be avoided to prevent damage or fading. Citrine ranks 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Peridot: The Evening Emerald
Peridot, the August birthstone, is unique for existing solely in shades of green. Ancient Romans noted its color remained unchanged even in artificial light, leading them to name it the “evening emerald.” Peridot is found in the U.S. (Arizona and New Mexico), Burma, Pakistan, and China. It registers between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Prasiolite: A Heat-Treated Gem
Prasiolite’s transparent green to yellowish-green color is typically achieved through heat treatment, although rare natural occurrences exist. The primary source of prasiolite is Brazil. It ranks 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Quartzite: A Versatile Gemstone
Quartzite, a crystalline structure of quartz, is mined worldwide and commonly appears in shades of white to gray. However, the presence of other minerals during formation can result in colors like pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue. Quartzite is often dyed and stabilized with wax or polymer to enhance its color and finish. It should be protected from chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. Rated 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, quartzite has been used as a building material and for decorative purposes for millennia.
Understanding Gemstone Weights and Shapes
The provided information details how gemstones are measured and priced. Carats are a unit of weight, but a one-carat stone’s physical size varies depending on the gemstone’s density. For example, a one-carat topaz will be smaller than a one-carat peridot. Gemstone sizes are typically given in carat weight or millimeters. A table outlining approximate weights for various shapes (Oval, Pear, Heart, Square Princess, Emerald, Round Brilliant) is included, though exact sizes vary by gemstone type. Prices are influenced by shape, cut, clarity, and color.
Gemstone Care and Enhancement
The sources emphasize the importance of proper care for each gemstone. Several, including lepidolite, aventurine, and quartzite, are often wax or polymer stabilized to enhance their finish. Harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme temperatures are generally discouraged. Specific recommendations are provided for each stone, highlighting potential vulnerabilities like fading with sunlight (amethyst, citrine) or sensitivity to chemicals (apatite, aventurine, quartzite).
Conclusion
While the provided sources do not contain information regarding a September birthstone, they offer a comprehensive overview of the gemstones James Avery selects for its jewelry. The company’s commitment to beauty, rarity, and durability is evident in its careful selection process and detailed guidance on gemstone care. The information presented underscores the rich history, geological origins, and unique properties of each gemstone, providing valuable insight for enthusiasts, buyers, and students of gemology alike.