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Have you always wanted to collect rocks, minerals and gemstones, but don’t know where to begin? We can help you start a collection you’ll love and treasure.

When it comes to describing a gemstone’s appearance, luster refers to how a gem’s surface looks when it reflects light.

Remember when you were a child and kept your most prized possessions in your pocket? Perhaps you hoarded your precious treasures in a little box hidden under your bed, protected from snooping siblings.

What makes a gemstone come to life? Or as my friend used to say, be "pretty"? A number of factors will have some effect on the overall appearance of a gemstone, either negatively or positively. For the sake of space and time, I will talk about only five concepts that should be understood when discussing gemstones: luster, brilliance, dispersion, refraction, and scintillation.

Shape and cut...it doesn't sound too difficult, yet when asked, most people are a little "fuzzy" about the two concepts as they relate to gemstones. And not just the public! Even many employees of jewelry manufacturers are cloudy on this topic.

Most people have heard about the four C's of diamonds through advertisements or direct contact with jewelry salespeople. However, while familiar with the concept, most individuals are a little sketchy on the details. The four C's include diamond carat weight, clarity, color, and cut.