An amazing ring, made of 925 Sterling Silver features 3.63cts of lovely Mint Quartz, 0.21cts of Sarwar Iolite and 0.32cts of glistening White Topaz.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 2.40g
Number of Gemstones: 5
Shape: Round and Baguette
Total Carat Weight: 4.16cts
Birthstone Month:
Regarding birthstone months for quartz, please
refer to the specific variety of quartz.
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust, after feldspar. There are many different varieties of quartz, several of which are semi-precious gemstones. Especially in Europe and the Middle East, varieties of quartz have been used, since antiquity. It is one of the most commonly used minerals in the making of jewelry and hardstone carvings.
Pure quartz, traditionally called rock crystal (sometimes called clear quartz), is colorless and transparent (clear) or translucent, and has often been used for hardstone carvings, such as the Lothair Crystal. Common colored varieties include citrine, rose quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, milky quartz, mint quartz and others.
The word "quartz" comes from the German Quarz in which is of Slavic origin (Czech miners called it křemen). Other sources attribute the word's origin to the Saxon word Querkluftertz, meaning cross-vein ore.
Quartz is the most common material identified as the mystical substance maban in Australian Aboriginal mythology. It is found regularly in passage tomb cemeteries in Europe in a burial context, such as Newgrange or Carrowmore in Ireland. The Irish word for quartz is grian cloch, which means 'stone of the sun'. Quartz was also used in Prehistoric Ireland, as well as many other countries, for stone tools; both vein quartz and rock crystal were knapped as part of the lithic technology of the prehistoric peoples.
While jade has been since earliest times the most prized semi-precious stone for carving in East Asia and Pre-Columbian America, in Europe and the Middle East the different varieties of quartz were the most commonly used for the various types of jewelry and hardstone carving, including engraved gems and cameo gems, rock crystal vases, and extravagant vessels. The tradition continued to produce objects that were very highly valued until the mid-19th century, when it largely fell from fashion except in jewelry. Cameo technique exploits the bands of color in onyx and other varieties.
In the 17th century, Nicolas Steno's study of quartz paved the way for modern crystallography. He discovered that regardless of a quartz crystal's size or shape, its long prism faces always joined at a perfect 60° angle.
Iolite
Birthstone Month:
Iolite is not associated with any particular birthstone month.
History & Lore:
The name Iolite is derived from the Greek words “ios” meaning violet and “lithos” meaning stone. Iolite has also been referenced as water Sapphire, though the origin of this is uncertain. Some believe that it dates back to when the Vikings used Iolite as a navigational aid on their legendary sea journeys. Others believe that it was derived from an Iolite trait known as Pleochroism. Regardless of which origin is correct, the name water Sapphire is no longer in use.
Iolite's earliest recording dates back to the legendary sea journeys of Leif Erikson and his tribe of Viking explorers who ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, away from any coastline, in search of the New World. With them on this venture the Vikings carried thin slices of Iolite that would be used as the World's first polarizing filter. Looking through the Iolite lenses they could determine the exact position of the sun, therefore being able to navigate safely to the New World and back.
Iolite aids in leading the wearer to inner knowledge, increases spiritual insight, and helps with viewing an issue from both sides clearly. Iolite is said to bring harmony to one's self and helps eliminate tension in relationships. It has also been said to contribute to leadership ability, inner strength, and self-confidence.
Physically, it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and can eliminate harmful toxins. It is also said to fight against malaria and fever producing disorders.
When cut correctly, Iolite should appear a purplish-blue, with a softness to its color that is both desirable and attractive. The value of Iolite depends on the blue coloration. The richer the blue, the better.
Iolite has an extraordinary property of exhibiting three different colors when viewed at different axes. This property is known as Pleochroism. Iolite will look a violet blue from one side, a clear water from the opposite side, and a honey yellow when viewed at its top. Because of this factor, it makes cutting this gemstone a somewhat difficult task. The gemstone cutter needs to cut from the exact correct direction relative to its axis, regardless of the shape of the rough stone, for it to exhibit its finest color. The most common shape that Iolite is cut into is Oval because of the strong distinction in color it produces.
There are no known enhancements for Iolite.
Topaz
Birthstone Month:
Yellow Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of November and Blue Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of December.
History
& Lore:
Topaz has long been related to desire and the name is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word 'tapas' meaning heat, fire and passion. It is also said to have been derived from the Greek word 'topazos' or 'topazion', meaning “to
search.” Topazion was also the name of an island in the Red Sea which today is commonly known as Zebirget or St. John's Island in Egypt.
The Egyptians believed that Topaz would protect them from harm because they believed it was colored by the sun god Ra's golden arms. The Romans believed in a similar theory and associated Topaz with their sun god, Jupiter.
Topaz has also been biblically referenced as one of the gemstones used to make the 'Breastplate of Judgement' worn by Aaron.
Topaz is said to increase the wearer’s intelligence, creativity and wisdom, and can enhance one's spiritual potential. It is also known to aid in meditation and in the divine manifestation of desired objects.
Topaz is said to bring physical and intellectual vigor, good health, and is said to
offer protection against infectious diseases.
Topaz comes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Its brilliance and clarity are its chief attractions. A hard stone, Topaz is very difficult to scratch, although it can be brittle. Imperial Topaz occurs naturally in colors ranging from a light golden yellow to deep reddish orange. Red and intense pink are the rarest and desirable colors for Topaz. A gem with these colors will command a relatively high price. Bright orange colored Topaz, also known as Imperial
Topaz, falls into the moderate price range and is easier to find. Blue Topaz, having a low to moderate price range, is very popular, primarily because of moderate pricing and the availability of a wide variety of shades, sizes and shapes.