[Jewelry making - Article 01060] - Re: [Orchid] Are they Rubies?

[The Doctor]

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>         And I wonder if you know: the Crown Jewels of England for
>     centuries had a worshipped center gem thought to be Ruby. With
>     modern testing it showed itself to be a Spinel. 

    I would guess that most gemology programs reference the Black
    Prince's Ruby in their curriculum, along with the fact that this
    particular Spinel is still referred to as a Ruby due to its'
    provenance. Even as a Spinel, it's size and quality make it a
    world-class gem in it's own right. 

    All, gemology does not have to be particularly expensive. Sure, you
    can spend several thousand dollars on gemological training and arm
    yourself with a complete $10,000 gem lab, complete with everything
    you need to assault all of the synthetic, natural and simulant gems.
    But there are alternatives. The books listed below are excellent
    resources for people who would like to become proficient in gem
    identification without extensive academia. 

    Gem Identification Made Easy:
    http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books/us/product/0943763347.htm 

    The author claims that with this book, a person can identify 80% of
    all gemstones, using four pieces of equipment that can be carried in
    your pocket. While a simple read-through of this book won't likely
    lend a rank novice that ability, I agree that, with some study, it
    is absolutely possible. A loupe, chelsea filter and dichroscope  can
    provide most of the clues you need. Add a set of specific gravity
    liquids and you have a potent mini lab. Break apart an old pair of
    polarizing sunglasses and you have the makings of a very affordable
    polariscope. 

    Guide to Affordable Gemology:
    http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books/us/product/0966906306.htm 

    The author of this book, Dr. W. Hanneman, is a gemological genius
    who laughs at the expensive equipment requirements of gemological
    schools. His solutions to the "detective" a gemologist must be to
    ply his trade are innovative and often require very simple,
    inexpensive alternatives to, say, the $670 gem refractometer. He
    also has plenty of affordable equipment of his invention available
    at: 

    Hanneman Gemological Instruments
    P.O. Box 942
    Poulsbo, WA 98370

    His filter systems alone are worth the price. Write and ask for the
    "catalog."  You'll receive a rather unimpressive-looking two pieces
    of photocopied paper, listing equipment and articles authored by Dr.
    Hanneman. I am in no way affiliated with Dr. Hanneman or Hanneman
    Gemological Instruments, just a very happy customer who appreciates
    his approach. 

    Anyone who buys and sells gem materials and would like to know more
    about properly identifying them should look into Gem Identification
    Made Easy. Those who have learned the basic principles of gemology
    will find Hanneman's approach affordable and, in many instances,
    simple. 

James in SoFl who is 48 and glad that somebody regards him as a "younger 
gemologist" 

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