Understanding Gem Jewelry

Turquoise is an opaque mineral with a color range from blue to green to yellow-gray, while the stone's waxen luster only enhances its color. Turquoise was mined as far back as 6000 B.C., by the Egyptians in the Sinai, from where it was transferred through Turkey to Europe. In fact, some say that its name, Turquoise, comes from the French word meaning Turkish.

Turquoise has been mined in Northern Africa, Australia, Siberia, China and Europe, but by far the best turquoise comes from Iran and Tibet. Despite the quality of those stones, it is still difficult to discover really good, untreated turquoise. There have also been superlative deposits uncovered in the American Southwest. These stones have a pronounced white or brown matrix, as opposed to the black matrix found in the Mid-East, Asia and elsewhere around the globe.

The most famous turquoise jewelry in America comes from the Native American population, which as been working it for centuries. The Zunis in particular have created magnificent pieces of turquoise jewelry set in silver. Naturally, its popularity has led it to be mass-marketed, and in some cases imitated by fakes.

Gemstone colors

Emerald - The greenest of the green, emeralds were cherished by the Romans above all other gems. Find out what makes this favorite of Cleopatra's so unique

Garnet - January's birthstone is famous for being as red as a ruby, but this colorful gem actually comes in every color but blue. Discover this elusive chameleon

Opal - Opals are the gem world's silvery mirrors, reflecting back every color in a flash of pastels or a streak of fire. Uncover this enchanting stone.

Peridot - Peridot is a gem that gets around. From ancient Egypt to present-day Apache mesas, even in space meteorites--you never know where its green gleam is going to show up.

Ruby - The color of courage and blood, rubies are even more precious per carat than diamonds. See why the Biblical authors to modern collectors use them as the measure of ultimate value.

Tanzanite- Millions of years in the making, deep-violet tanzanite revealed itself to humans only thirty years ago. Read about this newest discovery.

Sapphire - Blue as the perfect sky, sapphires have been used as protective talismans for centuries. Learn about the versatility of this stone that combines hardness and color variation like no other.

Tourmaline - Available in every color and saturation, this tough crystal has become a popular substitute for rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Unmask this clever chameleon.

Turquoise - The lovely opaque blue of turquoise is produced by traces of copper in the stone. Elements of iron will also create a pretty, pronounced green hue. Oxides contribute to the stone's famous gray, brown or black veining.