10 Hot Facts About Cool Gems (How many do you know?)

With summer’s heat, here are some fun facts about jewelry to take your mind off the weather. Amaze your friends with your knowledge—and if you know more than 7, you’re a jewelry genius!

1. Ancient Egyptians believed that gold was “the flesh of the gods” (since it was so soft) and held mystical powers.
2. The first engagement ring was given in 1477 by Maximilian of Austria. The idea caught on, and the rest is history.
3. The only gemstone that comes from a living animal (really organic!) is the pearl.
4. Platinum is so precious that the entire amount ever mined would fit in an average living room.
5. You probably know that a diamond is the hardest gemstone; but do you know which one is the softest? Amber! It’s so light, it floats in salt water. (Amber is created from the resin and sap from fossilized prehistoric trees.)
6. Rubies and sapphires come from the same mineral, corundum. The difference in color is due to other minerals that color the crystal.
7. In the Middle Ages, women would wear opals to protect their blonde hair. (Today, it’s Lady Clairol.)
8. The rarest color diamond is red; only a few have ever been found.
9. The stamp you see on 18K gold is “750.” It indicates that it’s 75% pure gold. (The other 25% is an alloy, usually silver and copper to strengthen the gold.)
10. Have an allergic reaction to white gold? The culprit is probably nickel, which is used as an alloy.

And one more fact for extra credit:

11. You generally need 3 things to insure your jewelry: 1) the original receipt (for new purchases); 2) a certificate for larger stones, like diamonds; and 3) an updated appraisal from a certified appraiser.

An updated appraisal isn’t trivial—it’s an important part of keeping your jewelry safe. Contact me to set up an appointment at 617-304-0174 or aimee@ambappraisal.com.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee