Cultured Onyx

... The rest of the process of the actual formation of the pearl is the same as a natural pearl. [...] Imitation pearls are typically sold as costume or designer jewelry and do not have any gem value.

... They want something feminine and practical, and, most importantly, something that the recipient will want to keep forever. [...] When deciding upon color, keep in mind that as a very general rule, lighter pearls tend to flatter lighter skins, and darker pearls tend to flatter darker skins.

... Man-made pearls are also called faux pearls, fashion pearls, simulated pearls or manufactured pearls. [...] But the only sure-fire way to determine the authenticity of a pearl, for those who aren't in the know, is an X-ray machine.

... The enormous drop pearl had been in possession of European royalty for hundreds of years before it ended up in Liz's jewelry box. [...] Their history not only makes up for their smallness, but also adds to their allure, which why natural pearl lovers will go to great lengths to find them.

... Their luminosity, simple elegance, and grace have made cultured Akoya pearls a top fashion pick, year after year. [...] A single pearl or several pearls on a gold chain prove yet again that less is more.

... However, scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of "slightly included" may represent a different grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in the scale. [...] Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.

... This popular stone can range in color from vivid sky blue to a yellowish green color and is found in mines all over the world. [...] Blue stones are found where copper is present, green stones are found where iron is present a yellowish green stone which is quite rare is found where zinc is present and the White Buffalo turquoise found in Nevada is ...

... Jewelry lovers have often purchased Chrysoprase when it was sold as 'Apple green jade'. [...] There are just two major categories of gemstones that are referred to as jade.

... All but the rare flawless diamonds contain inclusions of varying number and size. [...] Settings should enhance the brilliance and size of the stones, not detract from them.

... The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. [...] These rings date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages.