Diamonds are the hardest gem. This gives them extra value because they are longer lasting without being damaged. They are unique. Diamonds are the only gem formed from a single element. All other gems are compounds, that is combinations of 2 or more elements.
Diamond
Gem stones are crystals of certain elements or compounds. For example, a diamond is the crystalline form of carbon. A ruby is crystalline aluminium oxide (Al3O2) with some impurities added. The actual mineral is called corundum. This is clear if it’s entirely pure, but can take on various colors due to impurities. If the stone is any shade of red (even if also slightly orange, brown, or even purple) then it’s called a ruby. If it’s any other color, it’s a called a sapphire. And, the most desirable sapphire color is a deep royal blue (sapphire blue).
Gemstone Beads
All other gemstones respond to normal market pressures, that is the prices go up and down with demand and supply. This is not true for diamonds. Diamond prices are held artificially high by a very near complete monopoly by a single company. They hold huge amounts of diamonds in storage in order to crate a shortage and so keep the price up. For some not clear reason this price manipulation is allowed in diamonds but prohibited in other gems and precious metals.
Grading of Diamonds
Diamond Grading Chart
Gemstones Grading Chart
Gemstones Grading
The GemStone And Its Potential For Market Growth
While the gemstone may currently be at the whims of the diamond market, there is a large potential for growth in the gem stone market.One of the most interesting of these growth areas is in the growing field of gem stone therapy.Popular in countries such as India, gem stone therapy has been finding increased popularity in western nations as more and more people are becoming concerned with health and alternative medicinal and therapeutic solutions to problems of the industrialized world.Used primarily for helping with solutions for emotional problems, a particular gem stone is considered to have vibrations and properties that can help a person to balance the energies or auras and chakras within the body.For example, the gem stone bloodstone is believed to hold stress-reducing properties, while the gem stone topaz is considered to have energies relating to empathy and inspiration.
Gemstones Market Growth
Even if one does not believe that a gem stone can hold anything beyond its aesthetic value, the fact remains that there are many who do believe in these energies, and they are willing to pay for the gem stone that could help them, and those numbers of people are growing everyday.
