Turquoise has always been a favorite gemstone and seems to continually be in fashion. People all over the world have valued the beautiful robin’s-egg blue-green of turquoise for thousands of years. Turquoise is really a global gem. From Tibetan Buddhist monks to Aztec chiefs or Native American shamans, the beauty of turquoise has been prized across cultural boundaries for centuries.

World Traditions ~ Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise jewelry is considered a good gift because historically the turquoise is thought to bring wealth to the wearer. These powerful talismans of wealth and protection historically have decorated everything from swords to clothing to horse's bridles. The word turquoise means “Turkish Stone” since the stones were first brought to Europe from mines in Turkey. Traditionally, turquoise is well known for its protective qualities and many cultures carry a turquoise stone with them at all times. Whether strung on beads, carved into animal fetishes, or combined with other stones such as onyx, amethyst, or coral, the brilliant sky blue/green of turquoise has been prized around the globe over the centuries.

The Indian peoples indigenous to the Southern United States, Mexico and South America also wore natural turquoise beads. North American Indians often set their turquoise gemstones in silver, which was believed symbolic of the blue water of the lakes kissing the sky. Native Americans have a long-standing history of over 1000 years using turquoise extensively for protection and healing.

On another continent, jewelry has traditionally been an important part of Tibetan daily dress. It is believed that jewels put people in touch with deities, and protect them from the many hazards of life. Turquoise and coral are considered gifts from the gods, are desired as a sign of the auspicious and are praised as a sacred talisman. The endless knot diagram that surrounds the turquoise in Tibetan pendant symbolizes devotion.

Turquoise Gemstones ~ What to Buy

Turquoise is a form of hydrated copper aluminum phosphate mineral and has been valued as a gemstone for thousands of years. The best quality turquoise comes from the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Israel, Afghanistan and China. However, some jewelry experts would maintain that the stones with the truest sky blue color come from Northern Iran.

When buying turquoise jewelry it is best to buy it in a setting that will protect the gemstone. This is because turquoise is one of the softer gemstones, with a rating of MOH of 6 on the hardness scale and it can easily be damaged if it suffers a hard impact. The fact that it is so fragile makes it difficult to cut it into facets without breaking. That is why they are usually sold as turquoise beads or cabochons.

If you have considered buying turquoise jewelry, you have probably already noticed that some stones seem bluer and others seem greener. The bluer the stone, the more copper it has in it. The greener it is, the more iron or chromium it has in it. The rest of the stone consists mostly of copper aluminum phosphate. A good quality turquoise also shows many veins. These can be black, gold silver, brownish, copper, yellow or light blue in color.

Turquoise Healing Properties

Turquoise has also been used for healing. Whether for healing physical problems such as headaches or eye problems or for spiritual healing such as alleviating stress and nervousness, help with problem solving or promoting friendship, turquoise is regarded by many as a beneficial aid. In new age philosophies, turquoise is a symbol of rapid favorable change. It is worn to dissolve prosperity blocks, connect one to his or her higher self and to cure depression. The stone also instills loyalty in partnerships while at the same time dispelling negative emotions such as resentment, possessiveness or jealousy. It is also a symbol of an imaginative and creative mind that is not afraid to explore new ideas.

Turquoise Jewelry Today

Today, turquoise jewelry makes an especially thoughtful gift. Who wouldn’t want to share this handmade, jewelry tradition and the special magic and healing properties of turquoise with cherished family members and friends.

When designing jewelry loose diamonds are the best way to start off. Loose diamonds have a number of advantages over set diamonds.

They can be easily checked for flaws. A diamond laboratory can easily check the quality of the diamond as all sides and the bottom are readily available for inspection and analysis. When a diamond is set then the bottom is often hidden and the prongs or claws can hide flaws.

One can design the type and style of jewelry to suit you around the loose diamonds that you have. One does not have to be satisfied with a setting that is not really suitable.

First one has to get the loose diamonds. This will depend upon your budget and the type and size of diamonds you want. Then deciding on the precious metal to be used for the jewelry. Usually gold or platinum. Platinum is harder than gold but is also twice the price. Gold can come in varying degrees of hardness. 24 karat gold is pure gold and rather soft. Not really suitable for jewelry. 14 and 18 Karat is considered better for jewelry. The gold has been mixed or alloyed with other harder metals such as silver, zinc and sometimes nickel. This makes it more suitable for jewelry. Rings wear out more than other jewelry so this should be taken into consideration.

So having established the quality and amount of diamonds and the precious metal to be used then comes the design. This can be sketched out and then given to a jeweler to make up. Ensure you find a really good quality and honest jewelery, preferably one who is a member of the GIA. Ensure that your diamonds have GIA certificates (or equivalent) and that the diamonds match the certificates. Branded diamonds, although cost more, are better as they have the certificate number etched into the diamond.

Ensure it is very clear with the jeweler exactly what you want and how you want it. Check several times with them until you are completely satisfied.

Purchasing loose diamonds in Phoenix, Arizona is a bit like purchasing diamonds in London, or Paris, or New York or, in fact anywhere.

One should have certain criteria to follow to ensure that the diamonds one is buying are exactly what one wants and are genuine and suitable.

Firstly, the more familiar with diamonds you are the better. Understanding what diamonds are, how they are graded and what to look for is important. Being able to talk to the dealer or jeweler sensibly about diamonds is important. Comprehensive information is available on the Price of Diamonds website to give a thorough grounding in all aspects of diamonds. What to look for, what is required, who to buy from and what the differences are between good quality diamonds and poor quality ones.

It is important to know exactly what you want in a diamond, the quality, size cut. What are you going to use it for? A ring, broach or pendant, for example. How many diamonds do you want? Having a clear idea in mind will help you to find the exact type of diamonds you in terms of color, clarity, size and weight, without wasting time with other diamonds or being sold something you don’t want!

Selecting a good dealer. Picking someone who knows about diamonds. This does not mean going to the mall to the jewelery chain and talking to a young girl who is there simply to sell cut price diamond jewelery in a bright sparkly store. It might mean ferreting out the main diamond dealer in your area and approaching them to find the diamond you are seeking.

Patience and persistence is the key here! Also due diligence and some common sense will go a long way to you being able to acquire the diamond you want.

Price wise it is a good idea to pick a stone that is Just under the half or full carat weight,. The price will be considerably less and the difference, in weight terms, is negligible. A diamond that is one point under a carat is still about a carat but can cost a few hundred dollars less than a full carat diamond.

So remember, if you are out purchasing loose diamonds in Phoenix, Arizona, you are doing exactly what thousands of other people are doing in every city of the world and how well you do will depend on how well you follow the tips above.

Now that you have purchased her diamond engagement ring, comes the task of acquiring the wedding band. First, congratulations on the engagement! At the wedding you will be asked to exchange bands, it is ideal for the wedding band to complement her engagement ring.

First choose a matching band for her engagement ring. Try to find a wedding band that matches the looks and style of her engagement ring. If she has a custom platinum ring, try to stay with a platinum band, same goes with gold rings, and two-tone gold rings. A band might also contain diamonds, to accentuate her engagement ring. Some prefer a unique custom made band that locks into place with her ring. The rings can usually be soldered together if desired to keep them aligned together.

Now for the men's wedding rings you have many possibilities, it does not need to be similar to hers at all. A unique custom band says so much about him. You have many metals to choose from, white,yellow and two-tone gold, platinum and also titanium. Titanium bands are very durable and unique. Mens diamond wedding rings are very popular, set in channel, flush or bead settings, make for a very beautiful masculine look. You also might of for a simpler discount round gold or titanium band.

His and her bands are just as important as the diamond engagement ring. Her band accentuates the look of her diamond ring, and his band says a lot about him. Show your love for each other with your wedding rings.

Internal Diamond Flaws

Being a natural formed substance, diamonds have gone through a lot of stress in the creation process, and no two are exactly the same. Most diamonds do have flaws because for some reason it did not form correctly. Most of these inclusions, or internal flaws are not seen by the naked eye and may not be that important unless they threaten the structure of the diamond.

Very few diamonds are labeled as perfect, but those that are will in all probability be extremely valuable, and therefore expensive.

Some more minor inclusions may cause a diamond to appear somewhat dull. An inclusion within a diamond may affect the clarity of the stone. This occurs when as light passes through the stone, it is interrupted by the inclusion. A number of these inclusions and flaws can be repaired or reduced by various forms of treatment that jewelers and gemologists have become skilled in over time.

Some diamond inclusions or flaws may be large enough to threaten the structure of the gem, and allow it to shatter or break far more easily than a stone without this weakness. These are serious flaws and greatly reduce the value of your stone.

Pinpoint Inclusions

A diamond that has speckles or dark crystal in clusters or distributed throughout the stone, is considered to have a type of diamond inclusions and flaws referred to as pinpoint inclusions. When the dark crystals are gathered together in the stone, the clarity of the diamond is influenced, and it appears there is a “cloud” inside the stone. These diamond flaws and inclusions may give the diamond less value, as it greatly effects it's appearance.

Problems from Laser Treatments

When a diamond imperfection is treated with lasers to remove dark diamond inclusions and flaws within the gemstone, many times a line can be left through the diamond that appears much like a thread. This laser line starts at the outer edge of the diamond, and moves within the stone to the area where the dark inclusion was treated by the laser. These inclusions and flaws are unattractive and can usually be easily spotted by most people, which makes for a less desirable diamond.

Mineral and Crystal Inclusions

Many diamond inclusions and flaws are considered to be negative, but there are situations when some flaws and inclusions are actually an appealing aspect of a diamond. As an example , diamonds typically have smaller crystals inside the diamond, often so small they are not seen without some type of a magnifying device. The clarity of the stone can be influenced by these small crystals. This occurs when there are a number of them and when they are all grouped together in one area of the diamond.

There have been rare instances when another gem stone is actually inside a diamond, and certainly would not be viewed as a diamond flaw or inclusion. There are occurrences of diamonds containing other gemstones within them such as a garnet, another diamond, or another mineral substance.

The unique thing about jewelry is it can carry a unique meaning to both the wearer and viewer. This is never more so the case than with pieces that have religious undertones.

Religious jewelry has always been popular. Since the beginning of organized religion, followers have worn symbols of their faith as jewelry, in order to show others what they believe. Christians began wearing a fish as a symbol of their beliefs far before the cross became popular, and Jews have often been seen wearing the Star of David. Other religions wear their icons as well – and all are used as showcases of religious belief.

Of course, perhaps the most popular type of religious jewelry is the cross. A symbol of Jesus's death and rebirth, Christians wear the cross to remind them of their Lord and Savior as well as to display their religious faith. Crosses have been worn since the early days of Christianity, with the earliest of these pieces being made out of wood and stone materials. As precious metals became more popular, crosses were made out of silver and gold and worn by more wealthy followers of the church. Today, crosses can be found made out of these same materials, and even adorned with gemstones such as diamonds.

Another type of religious jewelry is the Star of David. A sacred symbol to those who follow Judaism, the Star of David is composed of two triangles nestled together, one right side up and one upside down. The two triangles create a six pointed star, and this is the most recognizable symbol of the Jewish faith. While not as popular as crosses are for Christians, you can still see many Jewish people wearing this symbol as jewelry to represent their faith.

There are many other religions out there that wear jewelry as a representation of their faith and beliefs. Buddhists may wear a pendant in the shape of Buddha, to remind them of their faith in this prophet. Hindus can wear jewelry adorned with many of their gods and goddesses, depending on which god figure they are praying to at the time. Wiccans (and other pagans) may choose to wear the pentagram, a five pointed star within a circle that displays their belief in a god and goddess, as well as the powers of the earth.

There is no right or wrong piece of religious jewelry, as there are many different styles and images available for all sorts of religions. The important thing is to pick a piece that speaks to your beliefs and faith, and not to wear the religious jewelry for anyone else – wear it for yourself.