Posts Tagged ‘claddagh’

June Birthstone – Alexandrite

Posted on: June 22nd, 2009 by Sine Treanor 2 Comments

Alexandrite is the birthstone of the month of June. As legend has it, the stone was discovered in the Urals on the birthday of Alexander II, late tsar of the Russian Empire.

Alexandrite’s unique photoluminescent properties have made it an exciting and valuable gemstone to collect. Depending on the trace elements in a particular stone (e.g. chromium, copper, molybdenum, et cetera) the stone changes colors based on the type and intensity of the light that hits it. For instance, some alexandrite stones will appear greenish in natural light but will burn with oranges and reds if you put them under incandescent light sources.

June Birthstone - Alexandrite

June Birthstone - Alexandrite

Be aware that “false” alexandrite gems abound in the marketplace (not surprising given that “real deal” stones are both rare and expensive). Corundums are often passed off as alexandrite, since these stones boast similar optical properties – they look bluish in sunlight and red-purplish under incandescent light, for instance – but they’re much less expensive. (Alexandrite can fetch more money per carat than diamond!)

The largest alexandrite stones ever found measure around 26 to 30 carats. A faceted red-green stone that boasts dramatic photoluminescence can cost thousands per carat. Some alexandrite stones exhibit a so-called “cat’s eye” optic phenomenon. Other “cat’s eye” stones made from tourmaline, spinel, and other minerals are considered far less valuable.

To discover amazing alexandrite jewelry for your special June bug, peruse Celtic Birthstone Rings now.

November Birthstone – Citrine

Posted on: November 7th, 2008 by Sine Treanor No Comments

Citrine — the birthstone of November — is a variety of quartz that’s yellow-orange and quite pale in its native state. Citrine is closely related to amethyst, another variety of quartz that’s purplish blue in hue. Indeed, to make citrine out of amethyst is not hard — you simply heat the stone. (Most traded citrine gems on the market today were actually mined as amethyst and then heated to change the coloration!)

You can tell the difference between heat treated amethyst and natural citrine by close inspection — pure citrine will look pale compared to the heat-treated variety, which looks darker and redder. Given that quartz is not a particularly hard mineral (only 7 on the Mohs scale) and it can discolor if left out in the sun, it’s important to take good care of your precious citrine.

November Birthstone - Citrine

November Birthstone - Citrine

Much of the world’s citrine is mined in Brazil, although the United States maintains its own mining operations in California, North Carolina and the Rocky Mountains. Citrine is far rarer than amethyst — the paler, the better as far as appraisal value is concerned. During the Art Deco period in the 20th century, citrine was used extensively in architecture and art.

From a mythological perspective, citrine has been used to solve seemingly every possible human health problem, from spleen and pancreas issues to heart disease to depression. It is said to ward off feelings of doom and to release stress. Others believe citrine confers on its owner qualities of generosity, thoughtfulness, and optimism.

At Celtic-weddingrings.com we have a birth stone ring for every month. Visit our store for the complete collection. Celtic Birthstone Rings

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