Gems by James: May Birthstone Emeralds

Posted by Greg on April 30, 2024 at 17:55 pm

The traditional birthstone for the month of May is Emerald, which is the green variety of the mineral Beryl.

Many consider the beautiful green color of emerald to be unparalleled in the gemstone world. The presence of trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium give the gemstone its color. Unlike many other beryls, emeralds commonly contain inclusions and other natural flaws making them susceptible to breakage.

The Egyptians mined emeralds in Austria. And, a rare type of emerald known as a trapiche emerald is occasionally found in the mines of Colombia. A trapiche emerald exhibits a star pattern and it has ray-like spokes of dark carbon impurities, which creates the six-pointed radial pattern.

The main source of emeralds are three mines in Colombia: Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor. Emeralds are also found in many other countries, such as Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In the United States, emeralds have been found in Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina and South Carolina as well as the Yukon (discovered in 2024).

Gems by James cuts emeralds to order. They are special stones and deserve a craftsmans hand. Contact us if you would like to discuss a very special emerald gift for Mothers Day or a birthday.

At 858 carats (172 g), the Gachala Emerald is one of the largest emeralds in the world. It was found in 1967 at La Vega de San Juan mine in Gachal, Colombia. It is at the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Earrings With Custom Cut Gemstones

Posted by James Inge on February 4, 2024 at 09:51 am

The holiday season was a busy time. And, we really enjoyed cutting the gemstones and making the hand-crafted jewelry. Dozens of rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets were made for family, friends and our new customers!

Producing high-quality gemstones is a passion and we appreciate all of the positive feedback again, thanks everyone!

Now that were getting ready for Valentines and Mothers Day we added finished earrings to the mix. Amethyst and Aquamarine from Brazil (round cut gemstones), Citrine from Uruguay (marquise cut) and Garnet from Nigeria (round cut gemstone).

Heres a few pictures of the new earrings we recently added to our shop :

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If there is a particular gemstone that you would like in a set or earrings, please contact us here and we can make it for you. Act fast if youre looking for delivery before Valentines Day. Were also working on several gemstone bracelets and rings stay tuned!

Amethyst is the birthstone for February : Amethyst is the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off intoxication. The gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and various cultures. It was used in the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst is purple quartz as well as a blend of violet and red.

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Historically, the finest amethyst was found in Russia but today Brazil is the primary source of amethyst although fine material can be found elsewhere, such as in Zambia.