Although transparent diamonds seem to be the most sought after, colored diamonds are also found naturally. The color can be created artificially by exposing them to radiation or by heating them a certain way.

If a diamond was artificially colored, the price should be lower. Naturally occurring colored diamonds are not common, especially the red, blue black and possibly most rare of all, the deep pink.

There are some colored diamonds which are not considered particularly fancy, and these would be the extremely pale yellow and brown ones. These are most often found in the diamond mines. They are actually an off-white version of the transparent gem.

Just like our ancestors, we love the beauty and mystery of gemstones.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with any gem under consideration. Of course a trained gemologist will know more about gemstones from his or her years of training and study than a layman will, but it certainly can’t hurt to learn a bit about your favorite gemstone if only to increase your own appreciation for it.

There are so many factors to take into consideration. The color, the cut, the brilliance of the gem, etc. are all important. You want to be an educated buyer, so it’s a great idea to learn as much as you can before making that purchase.

Plastic has been around for longer than most people realize. In the late 1800s various scientists were experimenting with chemicals of plant and animal origin and coming up with partially synthetic substances that were the forerunners of today’s plastic.

One of the early uses was in jewelry making! Bakelite was one of the more popular of the early plastics used for this purpose. There were some gorgeous designs popular in the Roaring 20s. Bright, bold colorful bracelets were happily worn by the flappers of that era. They weren’t expensive pieces (not then, anyway!) so most young working women could afford them.

Today, these vintage beauties are somewhat difficult to find, and when discovered are certainly not cheap!

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give her something beautiful to wear. Is there anything as personal as a lovely jewelry item?

Sometimes just a simple string of pearls says it all. Elegant, natural and something that can be worn with that simple black dress or a springy mint green summer dress.

Or how about an elegant gold charm or pendant? It may be a little late to go shopping on line, but there are lovely items to be had at any reputable jewelry store. Ask for some advice on styles and types of jewelry if you feel uncertain about what she might like. And be sure that she can exchange it if it isn’t quite the right thing for her.

But the likelihood is that if YOU bought it for her, it will be meaningful. Mothers are like that.

Sometimes giving someone a piece of jewelry as a gift has romantic significance. But just as often many people give jewelry as thank you gifts, bridesmaid gifts or even new baby gifts.

There are just as many styles as there are personalities to wear them. Pearls are sophisticated and classy, sterling silver is wonderful on so many levels and diamonds are still a girl’s best friend!

But there are many other gemstones besides diamonds to love. I’m especially fond of rubies and emeralds- their clear fine brilliance draws me in. I don’t know that I would wear a pair of ruby cufflinks myself, but I certainly admire them!

There are practically infinity of styles and types of jewelry. All of them have a place, from the most primitive uncut stone to a highly polished emerald or diamond. And to me, every one of them has beauty and grace.

There are just a few precious metals that are used widely in jewelry making. They include gold, silver and platinum, the rarest of the three. Platinum is enjoying popularity despite its cost. Many people seem to favor platinum’s characteristic luster over gold or silver when used in settings for diamond rings.

There is another metal that is becoming more popular for jewelry, an inexpensive metal known as fine pewter . Fine pewter contains no or little lead and has a low melting point, making it easy to work with.

When it comes to fine jewelry, the precious metals are of course the only choice. But all snobbery aside, one can find some creative and fun pieces cast in pewter as well.