To read a Chapter from Gemstones:
Beauty, Lore and Fascination by our own Michael Babinski,
simply click on the Gemstone listed below.
The Enhancement of Natural Gemstones
Babinski, Michael F.
Gemstones: Beauty, Lore and Fascination.
(Illus.) 90p. April 1995. 7.95 (0-9644079-0-6)
Intarsia Press.
A concise, intriguing compilation describing both the physical
and mythical properties of gemstones. Notes, among other things,
that:
- Rubies and sapphires are different colors of the mineral
corundum;
- Viking mariners used thin slices of the gem iolite to help
determine the true position of the sun on cloudy days;
- The Chinese have a legend that pearls fall to the earth as rain
when dragons fight in the sky;
- Scandinavian women wore opals in their hair to prevent the blond
locks from turning gray.
Organized alphabetically, covering most precious stones from agate
to zircon. Sections devoted to each stone's history, legends from
different parts of the world and its color varieties. Gems are
rated for hardness and durability. Birthstones and anniversary
gemstones are listed. Describes the process by which gems are
excavated, graded and turned into jewelry; explains the technical
descriptions of a stone's physical characteristics; and, discusses
the magical connotations applied to many gems.
Gemstones: Beauty, Lore and Fascination is available through
Intarsia Press, 14176 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd., Woodinville,
WA 98072 (425) 485-0625.
Jewelry shown is not avaliable for sale online. Some
pieces may be available in our store, but generally, photos are
only to demonstrate the type of jewelry we make. Please contact
us at Foxfire Jewelers by emailing 
or by calling (425)-485-0625.
Our address is:
Foxfire Jewelers
14176 NE Woodinville-Duvall Road
Woodinville, WA 98072