Treasure!

Treasure = Gold, Gems & Pearls... We know this because every pirate treasure chest in every movie has been heaped and spilling over with .... gold, gems and pearls!!! If you aren't convinced just check out the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim and tell me that your heart doesn't skip a beat and then race at the sight.

Rarity adds to the value of gems, but man has added to their value with myth. We imbue them with power. We use them for healing, spiritually and scientifically (laser). They enchanted us long before the cuts that revealed a greater beauty.

One of my favorite stones is the Amethyst. I fell in love at first site of a geode... a rock egg lined with rough Amethyst. It may look regal but what is it really? Quartz. Quartz with trace amounts of iron. It's the most valuable of the quartz family...and the color can range from deep purple, light lilac, lavender or mauve. The amount of iron determines the depth of the purple. color. It might surprise you to know that most natural gemstones sold today are treated to bring out their beauty. Amethyst are often heat treated.

What legend surrounds Amethyst? It's said that wearing this stone can ward off drunkenness! It's also been used for treating headaches and sleeplessness. For those who believe, it's a healing stone. A stone of Love, Peace, Spiritual Uplifting, Courage, Psychic strengthening, protection against thieves, and enrichment of happiness. Stay tuned for more about different gemstones and the difference between Natural, Natural Enhanced, Simulated and Synthetic!