Humanities Information


Precious Stones v.s. Semi-Precious Stones


Stones have been worn by both women and men since prehistoric times. Just as in the jewelry of modern times, beautiful stones, rare and colorful, are most often the dominant feature of a piece with a metallic setting for ornamentation.

The stones used in the crafting of fine jewelry are generally divided into two classes- precious stones and semi-precious stones.

These terms are used heavily in the commercial world of jewelry when considering variety and value. While artistic merits are only a matter of opinion, the value of a stone is what it will bring in the marketplace. It should also be mentioned that many people, collectors and general consumers alike, prefer the rare to the beautiful.

These stones are simply rocks (minerals) taken from the earth, and after they have been enhanced by the artisans cutting and polishing, the finest and rarest of them are what we call gems.

Precious Stones

The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Although strictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.

Semi-Precious Stones

A large number of stones used in jewelry are known as semi-precious; the most important ones are as follow: amethyst, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, peridot, opal, tourmaline, zircon, chrysoberyl, alexandrite. Others of less importance although much used are: chrysoprase, jade, garnet, agate, azurite, malachite, bloodstone, coral, carnelian and many others. These stones while comparatively common and inexpensive are indispensable to the worker in jewelry. The variety of colors to be had in these stones make it possible to produce unusual designs of artistic merit and to adapt them to the personality and costume of the wearer. For more detailed information regarding gem stones the reader is referred to "Gem Stones" by G.F. Herbert Smith, also "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones," by George Frederick Kunz.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com


MORE RESOURCES:

U. establishes new humanities certificate
The Daily Princetonian
By Catherine Lei The Humanities Council recently introduced a new certificate program titled Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities to the undergraduate curriculum. The certificate will be available to all current students except seniors.



GigaOm

A Reason to Major in the Humanities
New York Times (blog)
Daniel Jelski, a chemistry professor at the State University of New York at New Paltz and previous dean of New Paltz's School of Science & Engineering, argues in a New Geography essay that humanities degrees may be more important for tomorrow's job ...
Study science and math to get ahead in the future of work, right?GigaOm

all 2 news articles »


State humanities council seeks board members
Topeka Capital Journal
By The Capital-Journal The Kansas Humanities Council is seeking nominations of Kansans for service on its 22-member board of directors, the organization said Wednesday in a news release. Nominations for the volunteer board are due April 6.
Kansas Humanities Council Seeks Board MembersGardnerEDGE

all 2 news articles »


Experts highlight local African-American history landmarks
UI The Daily Iowan
On Thursday, the Senior Center hosted the Outside In program, part of a traveling exhibit funded by Humanities Iowa in celebration of Black History Month. Dr. Hal Chase, a speaker from the Iowa Humanities Speakers Bureau, presented a documentary of ...

and more »


WSU News

Seattle woman named state's poet laureate
The Seattle Times (blog)
“This is a dream job — speaking in support of the arts and humanities, and of poetry in particular, getting a chance to organize poetry events around the state, visit schools, reach kids and teachers and remote communities,” she said as quoted in a ...
WSU alumna named Washington state poet laureateWSU News
Kathleen Flenniken is Washington's Newest Poet LaureateKXLY Spokane

all 4 news articles »


Straits Times

No humanities exams for lower secondary school students
Straits Times
ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM By Stacey Chia The Ministry of Education (MOE) is starting a new syllabus for humanities subjects, one that will do away with the mid-term and year-end examinations at the lower secondary level. Instead, students will have to do ...
MOE introduces new component in lower secondary humanities subjectsChannel News Asia

all 3 news articles »


Submissions still being accepted for Kansas Voices writing contest
Winfield Daily Courier Online
10, or write to the Winfield Arts and Humanities Council, 700 Gary, Suite A & B, Winfield, KS 67156. Guidelines and entry forms may also be downloaded from the WAHC Web site at www.winfieldarts.com Winners will be honored and invited to read their work ...

and more »


Sewanee art historian next MSU humanities lecturer
Mississippi State Newsroom
University of the South art history professor Greg Clark kicks off the spring semester of Mississippi State's Institute for the Humanities Distinguished Lecture Series. His free presentation, "Betty Boop: A Roaring 20s Flapper in Depression-Era ...



Guam Humanities Council Grant Cycle 2012 - Call for Proposals
Pacific News Center
Guam - The Guam Humanities Council is pleased to announce the opening of the organization's Community Grant Cycle for 2012. Working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Guam Humanities Council provides financial support to ...



CHAT conference exposes students to art
The Chronicle
Over the past week, the Collaborations: Humanities, Arts and Technology project has lit up Duke. CHAT—a biannual festival that rotates between Duke, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University—presented more ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2007