Gemstones have been prized possessions throughout recorded history. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks wore gemstones not just as decorative items but also as a display of wealth and status. Precious gems like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds were highly valued and only worn by royalty and the elite classes. The earliest evidence of gemstone cutting and polishing dates back to around 3000 BC in the ancientNear East. Gemstones were often used in royal crowns and other regalia to symbolize power. They were also believed by some cultures to have magical or mystical powers. Trade routes developed to transport gems across the known world.

Types of Gemstones

There are several categories of gemstones based on their composition, uniqueness, durability, and rarity. Precious gemstones are the rarest and most valuable, including the big three - diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Gems And Jewelry Semi-precious stones are more abundant though can still be quite expensive, such as aquamarine, amethyst, topaz, tourmaline, citrine, and garnet. Other categories include organic gems formed from animal or plant matter like pearls, coral, and amber. Synthetic gemstones that are indistinguishable from natural ones can now be manufactured in labs as well. Stones are also classified based on their crystalline structure as crystalline or non-crystalline.

Cutting and Polishing Gemstones

Rough gemstones must go through extensive processes to reveal their true beauty. The cutting and polishing helps bring out the light and color within them. A gem cutter first determines the orientation of a rough stone, then proceeds to carefully cleave and shape it. The facets or flat polished surfaces are cut to form symmetrical geometric patterns, with the aim of optimizing brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Popular cuts for different stones include the round brilliant, princess, emerald, oval, pear, marquise cuts and more. Fine abrasives and polishing Wheels are used to smoothen the surfaces at a microscopic level achieving mirror-like reflections. This reveals the gem's intense color and sparkling brilliance admired in jewelry.

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