KNOW THE GEM
TERMINOLOGY

Every gem has its own unique characteristics. Those characteristics my could color or lack of color. They may have to do with - whether gem is transparent, translucent, or opaque. They may also concern such factors as clarity or flawlessness.

These are only a few of the terms used to describe gems you ,.now. Other terms refer to hardness, size, weight, and cut. To understand how they pertain to each gem, you have to begin by understanding what the terms mean in general.

Some terms may be familiar. Other terms may be new and seem Yet all are necessary to describe gems and to answer with you have about various gems. They are also essential in buying gems. Often, names and terms are used all too casually, as jewelry were a game, but buying jewelry is not a game and mitakes can be costly.

Thus, even though some of the terms at first may seem pertinent only to experts, they do have a bearing on what should know. For example, if you are told that a gem is -e cat's-eye," what do you think you are buying? Keep that question-and your answer-in mind while you read this chapter.

Some qualities of gems are intrinsic. They are what make one diamond and another an emerald. They are, in fact, what make stones gems or precious stones and not ordinary stones minerals. In this sense, durability or hardness and color are intrinsic.