All about the April Birthstone, Diamond https://t.co/MnrKIlpOHb

All about the April Birthstone, Diamond https://t.co/MnrKIlpOHb #akcampbelljewellers

— A.K. Campbell & Sons (@AKCampbellSons) March 26, 2018

Source: @AKCampbellSons March 26, 2018 at 11:30PM
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All about the April Birthstone, Diamond

Diamonds are the symbol of love, as you are probably aware, and are the hardest natural substance on Earth.  This article will tell you all about them...
 

Diamonds Overview

 

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"Diamond is a solid form of carbon with a diamond cubic crystal structure. At room temperature and pressure it is metastable and graphite is the stable form, but diamond almost never converts to graphite. Diamond is renowned for its superlative physical qualities, most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between its atoms. In particular, it has the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any bulk material. Those properties determine the major industrial applications of diamond in cutting and polishing tools and the scientific applications in diamond knives and diamond anvil cells.
 
Because of its extremely rigid lattice, diamond can be contaminated by very few types of impurities, such as boron and nitrogen. Small amounts of defects or impurities (about one per million of lattice atoms) colour diamond blue (boron), yellow (nitrogen), brown (lattice defects), green (radiation exposure), purple, pink, orange or red. Diamond also has relatively high optical dispersion (ability to disperse light of different colours).
 
Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years. Most were formed at depths of 150 to 250 kilometres (93 to 155 mi) in the Earth's mantle, although a few have come from as deep as 800 kilometres (500 mi). Under high pressure and temperature, carbon-containing fluids dissolved minerals and replaced them with diamonds. Much more recently (tens to hundreds of million years ago), they were carried to the surface in volcanic eruptions and deposited in igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites.
 
Diamonds can be produced synthetically in a high pressure, high temperature method (HPHT) which approximately simulates the conditions in the Earth's mantle. An alternative, and completely different growth technique is chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Several non-diamond materials, which include cubic zirconia and silicon carbide and are often called diamond simulants, resemble diamond in appearance and many properties. Special gemological techniques have been developed to distinguish natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and diamond simulants."

 
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The History of Diamonds

 

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"Diamonds have been admired for centuries, and some historians estimate it was traded as early as 4 BC. One of the reasons it is so admired and valued is because of the process by which a diamond must be formed well below the earth’s crust, then forced upward until it is uncovered.
 
But before this process was understood, many ancient civilizations believed that diamonds were lighting made real on earth. Perhaps this is the reason that diamonds have often been associated with great healing powers. Many thought the diamond could cure brain disease, alleviate pituitary gland disorders and draw toxins from the blood.
 
Historically, the diamond first became a popular gemstone in India, when the Moghuls and Imperial Colony easily mined diamonds from deposits along three major rivers. Today, the diamond is most widely known as the stone to give as part of an engagement ring.
 
Throughout history, however, the diamond has nearly always symbolized eternal and lasting love. So whether you’re getting engaged, or simply want to give yourself a truly meaningful gift, the diamond has both beauty and enduring symbolism."

 
See more from the original source, here...
 
We have a blog post all about buying Diamonds here...
 
We hope you enjoyed this article, if you are looking to buy a beautiful pair of diamond earrings or a diamond necklace for someone special, come visit our Jewellers in Kirkcaldy at 277 High Street or give us a call on: (01592) 264305
 
We hope to see you soon!

All about the April Birthstone, Diamond Find more on: A.K. Campbell and Sons Blog

Aquamarine, the Birthstone of March… https://t.co/oWS6kovGaf

Aquamarine, the Birthstone of March… https://t.co/oWS6kovGaf #akcampbelljewellers

— A.K. Campbell & Sons (@AKCampbellSons) March 23, 2018

Source: @AKCampbellSons March 23, 2018 at 04:21PM
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Aquamarine, the Birthstone of March…

This article is going to talk about the March Birthstone, Aquamarine.
 
We'll cover a brief overview, some history and give you some tips for buying this beautifully coloured gem.
 
 

Aquamarine

 

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"Aquamarines vary in colour from deep blue to blue-green of different intensities, caused by traces of iron in the beryl crystal. Naturally occurring deep blue stones are the most prized because they are rare and expensive. However, yellow beryl stones can be heated to change them to blue aquamarines.
 
The aquamarine – also called the “poor man’s diamond” – is a form of the mineral beryl that also includes other gemstones such as the emerald, morganite, and heliodor. Beryl consists of four elements: beryllium, aluminium, silicon, and oxygen. Beryl occurs as free six-sided crystals in rock veins unaffected by shock and weathering that otherwise destroy gem deposits. It is a relatively hard gem, ranking after the diamond, sapphire, ruby, alexandrite, and topaz.
 
The best commercial source of aquamarines is Brazil. High-quality stones are also found in Colombia, the Ural Mountains of Russia, the island of Malagasy, and India. In the United States, Colorado, Maine, and North Carolina are the best sources.
 
The name aquamarine was derived by the Romans, “aqua,” meaning water, and “mare,” meaning sea, because it looked like sea water. Aquamarines were believed to have originated from the jewel caskets of sirens, washed ashore from the depths of the sea. They were considered sacred to Neptune, Roman god of the sea. This association with the sea made it the sailors’ gem, promising prosperous and safe voyages, as well as protection against perils and monsters of the sea. Its first documented use was by the Greeks between 480-300 BC. They wore aquamarine amulets engraved with Poseidon (the Greek god of the sea) on a chariot.
 
Beginning in the Roman period, the aquamarine was believed to possess medicinal and healing powers, curing ailments of the stomach, liver, jaws, and throat. During the Middle Ages, it was believed to be an effective antidote against poison. Aquamarines were thought to be the source of power for soothsayers, who called it the “magic mirror,” and used it for telling fortunes and answering questions about the future. It is said that Emperor Nero used it as an eyeglass 2,000 years ago. Much later, aquamarines were used as glasses in Germany to correct shortsightedness. In fact, the German name for eyeglasses today is “brille,” derived from the mineral beryl."

 
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Some tips for buying Aquamarine...

 

"Aquamarine is a beautiful stone to purchase for any occasion, but especially for someone with a March birthday or to celebrate or re-kindle romantic love. The colour ranges from nearly clear to a strong dark blue and is a perfect way to communicate affection, tranquillity, and peace.
 
Like diamonds, aquamarine can be judged along the lines of cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
 
First, visit an AGS jeweller, who will be happy to help you pick out the perfect piece. Next, look at the stone’s cut. Since aquamarine can be very lightly coloured (and sometimes appear almost colourless), cut is very important to the overall appearance of the stone and how saturated or even the colour appears.
 
While you’re of course welcome to choose the colour that most appeals to you, it’s generally accepted that lighter coloured aquamarines are less valuable than the stronger, deeper hues of blue or blue green.
 
Next, take a look at the stone’s clarity. Most cut gems do not have inclusions that are visible to the eye, and some rarer or more expensive aquamarines are available without visible inclusions, as well.
 
Since aquamarine crystals can grow to be quite large, larger cut gemstones are possible to purchase as a part of beautiful statement pieces. Princess Diana had a famous aquamarine ring and bracelet set, and the Queen has a breathtaking set of aquamarine jewels that include a large tiara, necklace, earrings, and bracelet.
 
While you may not be looking to buy in the “crown jewels” range, even smaller aquamarines make for lovely solitaires or companion jewels in larger pieces. And, of course, the symbolism or sentiment behind the purchase can make aquamarine priceless to the wearer."

 
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We hope you enjoyed this article about Aquamarine, it really is beautiful, isn't it? If you are out and about in Kirkcaldy, why not come give us a visit and see what we have in? Or give us a call on: 01592 264305 and we'll hopefully see you soon!

The following article Aquamarine, the Birthstone of March… Read more on: A.K. Campbell and Sons Jewellers Blog

Amethyst, A Guide To The The February Gemstone… https://t.co/ioCZsGqpKq

Amethyst, A Guide To The The February Gemstone… https://t.co/ioCZsGqpKq #akcampbelljewellers

— A.K. Campbell & Sons (@AKCampbellSons) February 27, 2018

Source: @AKCampbellSons February 27, 2018 at 07:48PM
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Amethyst, A Guide To The The February Gemstone…

This weeks article is about the February Birthstone, Amethyst.
 
See the history and some buying tips for getting a piece of jewellery with this beautifully coloured stone...
 

 

February Birthstone, Amethyst

 

Overview

 

"The gemstone Amethyst is the Birthstone for February. It is also the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Pisces.
 
Amethyst is associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security.
 
Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz and is a popular gemstone.
 
Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades.
 
Its colour is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its colour and beauty.
 
If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive.
 
The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken."
 
This was perhaps due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like colour of some stones that they may have encountered.
 
Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six-sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations.
 

 
As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its colour and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.
 
However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from.
 
The key to this is the specimen's colour, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation.
 
Often, cut gems of amethyst are graded using the terms:
 
Siberian, Uruguayan or Bahain to represent high medium and low grade respectively, regardless of the actual source.
 
Because of the patchiness of the colour distribution in the crystals, Amethyst is often cut as brilliant round cuts to maximize the colour. Other cuts can be used when the colour is better distributed.
 
The colour purple is traditionally the colour of royalty and Amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers.
 
Today, Amethyst is a lovely and affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that we can all possess and admire.
 
Prasiolite is the leek-green variety of quartz, rare in nature but used as a gemstone, sometimes (wrongly) called Green Amethyst.

 
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A little bit of history...

 

"Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems.
 
Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle in the belief that amethysts heal people and keep them cool-headed.
 
Beads of amethyst were found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England.
 
Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an Amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as "not drunk" at Pentecost in Acts 2:15.
 
A large geode, or "amethyst-grotto", from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was presented at a 1902 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.
 
In the 19th century, the colour of amethyst was attributed to the presence of manganese.
 
However, since it can be greatly altered and even discharged by heat, the colour was believed by some authorities to be from an organic source.
 
Ferric thiocyanate has been suggested, and sulfur was said to have been detected in the mineral."

 
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How to buy Amethyst...

 

"Whether you’re purchasing an Amethyst for yourself or a loved one, you’re making an investment in beauty that will stand the test of time.
 
Amethyst makes a great gift for individuals born in February, or as a celebratory milestone for a 6th or 17th wedding anniversary.
 
Of course, you’re also welcome to purchase Amethyst “just because.”
 

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It’s a beautiful gemstone that ranges in colour from a light pinkish violet to a deep red or blue-purple violet and complements a number of metals and settings.
 
It’s a durable gemstone that works well with warm or cool colours, so it’s safe to say it goes well beyond special occasion jewellery and can be worn every day, as well.
 
When looking to purchase Amethyst, first visit a professional jeweller, who is trained and certified to ensure that the consumer has the best information to make a great purchase.
 
Next, check the colour of the stone.
 
Amethyst often has “stripes” or layers of colour from how and when it was formed, so it takes a skilled gemologist to cut and polish the stone to show the overall colour of the stone evenly.
 
Avoid brownish or rust coloured tints to the stone and be careful the colour is not too deep or it can appear black in some lights.
 
Like diamonds, you can also look for clarity in an Amethyst.
 
Most gemologists will favour a richly coloured stone with some minor inclusions (not eye-visible) since the colour of this gem is so highly prized. In lighter coloured Amethysts, visible inclusions will greatly reduce the value of the gemstone.
 
Since Amethyst is relatively plentiful, the price differential in carat sizes isn’t usually terribly significant, so this can be a great gemstone for statement jewellery pieces (though you may not be able to cost-effectively recreate some of Elizabeth Taylor’s memorable amethyst jewellery or the “Kent Amethysts” owned by the British crown).
 
Larger rings, earrings or pendants can make a stunning addition to a jewellery collection, but even smaller Amethysts can be deeply and richly coloured, making subtler pieces beautiful, too.

 
See more from the original source, here...
 
 
If you are looking for some Amethyst jewellery, give us a call on: 01592 264305 and see what we have in.
 
Or come visit us in the shop (https://www.akcampell.co.uk), and see you soon!

The following post Amethyst, A Guide To The The February Gemstone… was originally seen on https://www.akcampbell.co.uk/blog/

January Birthstone, Garnet https://t.co/zqp1VawAQ0

January Birthstone, Garnet https://t.co/zqp1VawAQ0 #akcampbelljewellers

— A.K. Campbell & Sons (@AKCampbellSons) January 8, 2018

Source: @AKCampbellSons January 08, 2018 at 02:14AM
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