The Four Most Precious Gems

Diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires are regarded as the world’s most precious gems. They are considered more valuable than semi precious gems because they are rarer and therefore harder to acquire. Precious gems are actually aesthetically pleasing minerals. They are cut and polished and used to make fine jewelry. If you are considering giving jewelry that contains precious gems as a gift then it is important to know a little about all four before making a decision.

Diamonds

Diamonds are precious gems that are comprised of a carbon allotrope. They are the hardest mineral known to man which is why they have various industrial applications. For instance they are used to sand and cut other materials. However diamonds are also used to make beautiful items of jewelry. The durability of these precious gems makes them especially popular choice for wedding and engagement rings, which are rarely taken off the finger of the person who wears them.

As with other precious gems the value of a diamond is evaluated using the four C’s of color, cut, carat weight and clarity. Colorless diamonds that contain a hint of pigment are considered less valuable. Conversely with fancy colored diamonds that are blue or pink the more color the gem has the more it is worth. A heavy well cut diamond that has very few inclusions is worth a lot of money.

The diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. Traditionally this gemstone symbolizes love, eternity, strength and purity. Some people think that an individual who wears diamond jewelry will have better control of their surroundings and will find it easier to be assertive and honest with other people.

Rubies

Rubies are comprised of a mineral called aluminum oxide and these precious gems get their color from traces the chemical element chromium. Color and clarity are the most important criteria when determining the value of a ruby. A ruby that has a wonderful rich blood red color is worth more than one that has just a vague hint of pinkish red.

The ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. It is considered by many to be the most mysterious of all precious gems and it represents fidelity, desire, immortality, vigor and longevity. New age healers think that rubies can help heal a broken heart and restore emotional equilibrium. These gems are also purported to heal ailments related to the muscles.

Emeralds

Emeralds are made of the mineral beryl and these precious gems are celebrated for their wonderful green color. Emeralds generally have lots of inclusions so that the clarity of these gems is not as important as it is with diamonds, rubies or sapphires. However, the cut and color of an emerald gem is considered important. A properly cut vivid green emerald will not show as many inclusions.

Emeralds are the birthstone for May and they symbolize hope, harmony, faith and renewal. The emerald is also associated with the spring time. New age healers claim that emeralds promote wisdom in those that wear them. They are also alleged to heal back problems and fight off diseases and infections.

Sapphires

Like rubies sapphires are also comprised of aluminum oxide. In most cases these precious gems are blue because they contain traces of iron. However, it is possible to purchase pink, grey or black sapphires. The sapphire is the birthstone for September and it represents truth, sincerity and loyalty. Wearing this gem may provide protection, hope, calm and clarity and help reduce inflammation and fevers.