Women of African Ancestry Shine With the Beauty, Value, and Uniqueness of Precious Jewels. If any race of women should recognize that their value is far above rubies, pearls, and sapphires, says author Terri McFaddin, it is those of African ancestry. Like precious gemstones formed within the earth, we have endured hard times, the heat of adversity, and intense pressures, and have come out of the fire as a rare and beautiful treasure. We have made tremendous progress in the struggle for racial equality. Yet many women of color do not fully understand their true worth and God-given potential. Exploring vital biblical truths, Sapphires and Other Precious Jewels empowers us to recognize and fully embrace the qualities that make us precious, valuable, and strong–sapphires of great price. Explore the Treasured Qualities of Black Women Through the Twelve Jewels in the Breastplate of the High Priest. As you examine the scriptural principles drawn from Exodus 28, you’ll discover, perhaps for the first time, that your beauty is both natural and spiritual, that God created and affirms your beauty and uniqueness, and that he calls you to demonstrate and celebrate the extraordinary ways in which you are fearfully and wonderfully made. From the Trade Paperback edition.

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Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones provides both the connoisseur and the casual collector with a compact, easy-to-use volume describing more than 100 rare varieties of minerals whose beauty and mystery have possessed our imaginations from time immemorial. More than 450 brilliant photographs accompany profiles of each gem, covering such aspects as appearance, physical properties -- density, hardness, refraction -- occurrence, and how to judge quality and value. Additional sections describe the process of cutting gemstones and the techniques professional gemologists use to evaluate a stone's weight and optical properties. Detailed and comprehensive, this book is essential for anyone interested in the study of gems and precious stones.

From the dawn of time, ruby and sapphire have both attracted and fascinated humans. While objects of desire are found throughout the natural world, physical beauty is too often ephemeral. From the allure of a man, woman, flower or butterfly, through the fleeting moments of a sunset, there is little that lasts and practically nothing that can be passed down to our descendants. The exception is precious stones. Not only are they the most durable creations of mother nature, but their visual splendor is truly eternal. In this companion to his 2013 book, Ruby & Sapphire--A Collector's Guide, Richard Hughes examines these gems from the gemological standpoint, delving into them not just from the aesthetic, but also from the scientific point of view. The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience, it covers every aspect of the subject from A-Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. Ruby & Sapphire--A Gemologist's Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, it is nothing less than a tour-de-force of gemological scholarship.

From the dawn of time, ruby and sapphire have both attracted and fascinated humans in ways that few other items could.While objects of desire are found throughout the natural world, physical beauty is too often ephemeral. From the allure of a man, woman, flower or butterfly, through the fleeting moments of a sunset, there is little that lasts and practically nothing that can be passed down to our descendants. The exception is precious stones. Not only are they the most durable creations of mother nature, but their visual splendor is truly eternal.In this companion to his 2013 book, Ruby & Sapphire--A Collector's Guide, Richard Hughes examines these gems from the gemological standpoint, delving into these gems not just from the aesthetic, but also from the scientific point of view.The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience, it covers every aspect of the subject from A-Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. Ruby & Sapphire--A Gemologist's Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, it is nothing less than a tour-de-force of gemological scholarship.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE.. 4 Chapter I: Superstitions and Their Sources. 18 Chapter II: On the Use of Precious and Semi-Precious Stones as Talismans and Amulets. 46 Chapter III: On the Talismanic Use of Special Stones. 89 Chapter IV: On the Use of Engraved and Carved Gems as Talismans. 166 Chapter V: On Ominous and Luminous Stones. 202 Chapter VI: On Crystal Balls and Crystal Gazing. 242 Chapter VII: Religious Uses of Precious Stones, Pagan, Hebrew, and Christian. 310 Chapter VIII: On the High-Priest’s Breastplate. 379 Chapter IX: Birth-Stones. 422 Chapter X: Planetary and Astral Influences of Precious Stones. 471 Chapter XI: On the Therapeutic Use of Precious and Semi-Precious Stones. 519 Index. 552 ABOUT THE AUTHOR.. 609 PREFACE 1. Ruby: The Stone of Passion Rubies are one of the most coveted gemstones in the world, known for their striking red hue. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red. Rubies have been cherished for centuries, symbolizing passion, love, and power. In ancient times, they were believed to have the power to protect warriors in battle and bring good fortune. Today, rubies are still associated with love and are often used in engagement rings or jewelry that symbolizes deep affection. The rich red color of rubies is due to the presence of chromium. The intensity of the red varies depending on the amount of chromium present, with the most valuable rubies displaying a vibrant, deep red. Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them one of the hardest and most durable gemstones, second only to diamonds. This durability makes rubies perfect for everyday wear, especially in rings or other jewelry that is frequently worn. In addition to their beauty, rubies are also believed to have various metaphysical properties. Many believe that rubies can stimulate the heart chakra, promoting feelings of love, passion, and vitality. It is also said that wearing rubies can boost confidence and energy, making them a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their personal power and assertiveness. 2. Sapphire: The Stone of Wisdom Sapphires are most commonly associated with a rich blue color, but they actually come in a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, and green. The name "sapphire" comes from the Greek word "sappheiros," meaning blue. Sapphires have long been symbols of wisdom, truth, and nobility. In ancient cultures, they were believed to protect their wearers from envy and harm. Sapphires are often used in engagement rings and other meaningful jewelry, symbolizing loyalty and trust. The blue color of sapphires is caused by the presence of trace elements like iron and titanium. Like rubies, sapphires are also made of corundum, making them incredibly durable with a ranking of 9 on the Mohs scale. This hardness, combined with their beautiful colors, makes sapphires a popular choice for all types of jewelry. Some of the most famous sapphires in history have been worn by royalty, further cementing their status as a symbol of nobility. In addition to their physical beauty, sapphires are also believed to have healing and protective properties. Many people believe that wearing a sapphire can promote mental clarity, focus, and wisdom. Sapphires are also associated with the throat chakra, encouraging clear communication and the expression of one's truth. 3. Emerald: The Stone of Rebirth Emeralds are known for their vibrant green color, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and growth. The name "emerald" comes from the Greek word "smaragdos," which means green gem. Throughout history, emeralds have been prized for their beauty and rarity, often associated with royalty and wealth. The ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds symbolized eternal life, and they were often buried with pharaohs to ensure a safe passage into the afterlife. The green color of emeralds comes from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Unlike sapphires and rubies, emeralds are relatively soft, ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes them more prone to chipping and scratching, so they are often set in jewelry pieces that are less likely to be exposed to daily wear. Despite their relative softness, emeralds remain one of the most popular gemstones for high-end jewelry, particularly in rings and necklaces. Emeralds are also believed to have powerful metaphysical properties. Many people associate them with the heart chakra, believing that they can promote love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is said that wearing an emerald can bring harmony and balance to relationships, making them a popular choice for those seeking emotional growth and connection. 4. Diamond: The Stone of Invincibility Diamonds are perhaps the most famous gemstones in the world, known for their unparalleled brilliance and hardness. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas," meaning invincible or unbreakable. Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and heat, which gives them their remarkable durability. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, making them perfect for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry. In addition to their physical strength, diamonds have long been associated with love, purity, and eternal commitment. This makes them the most popular choice for engagement rings. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring dates back to the 15th century, and it continues to be a symbol of enduring love and fidelity. The clarity and brilliance of a diamond are often seen as a reflection of the pure and unbreakable bond between two people. Diamonds are also believed to have strong metaphysical properties. Many people believe that diamonds can enhance the strength of the wearer, both physically and emotionally. They are thought to bring clarity of mind, increase focus, and inspire courage. Because of their powerful energy, diamonds are often used in meditation and healing practices to amplify intentions and promote spiritual growth. 5. Amethyst: The Stone of Sobriety Amethyst is a beautiful purple gemstone that has been treasured for centuries for both its beauty and its believed healing properties. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," which means not intoxicated, and the stone was believed to protect its wearer from drunkenness. In ancient Greece and Rome, amethyst cups were used to prevent intoxication, and the stone was often worn as an amulet to promote sobriety and clear-headedness. The purple color of amethyst is caused by the presence of iron and irradiation. Amethyst is a variety of quartz and ranks 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for everyday wear. It is commonly used in all types of jewelry, from rings and earrings to pendants and bracelets. The deep purple color of amethyst has made it a favorite for royalty and clergy, symbolizing power, spirituality, and inner strength. Amethyst is also believed to have calming and protective properties. Many people associate it with the crown chakra, believing that it can enhance spiritual awareness and promote a sense of peace and tranquility. It is often used in meditation to clear the mind and reduce stress, making it a popular choice for those seeking balance and clarity in their lives.

This book is a comprehensive guide to precious stones, including their properties and characteristics, as well as their uses in jewelry and other applications. It includes detailed descriptions of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and many other gems. Beautifully illustrated and expertly written, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in precious stones and jewelry making. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.