Best known among the members of the Garnet family are the deep red varieties, Pyrope and Almandite. Pyrope, which derives its name from the Greek word meaning “fire-like,” lends itself especially well to massed effects. It is seen most often in the elaborate designs popular during the Victorian era. It was the Pyrope Garnet also that figured in the ancient Talmudic legend that held that the only light in Noah’s Ark was supplied by an enormous red Garnet. The connection with fire remained strong with the Romans, too. It was they who coined the name “Carbuncle,” meaning fiery gem, by which red Garnet was known until very recently. Long before that the sages in India identified red Garnet with the sun, the chief astrological influence on men’s lives.

Many persons rank as their favorite Garnet the green Demantoid, so called because it possesses more dispersion than that of a diamond (Dutch “demant,” meaning diamond-like) — the rarest and most expensive of all Garnets. Many pieces of Victorian jewelry made between 1885 and 1915 featured Demantoid.

The Hessonite, known as “the cinnamon stone of Ceylon” (Sri Lanka), is a handsome stone found in shades of golden orange and cinnamon brown. A cameo of this stone depicting the head of Christ is in the gem collection of the American Museum of Natural History.

A violet shade of Garnet, known now as Rhodolite, came into particular vogue in Greece during the period between the reign of Alexander and the conquest of Rome. It happened to have been newly imported into the country soon after Alexander had popularized the cutting of cameos from various precious stones. Gem cutters immediately took to this gem because a Garnet could be cameo-cut with relative ease and the public admired the attractive purplish color. The term “Rhodolite” dates from 1898 when it was first proposed as a descriptive term for some newly discovered, rhododendron-color garnets found in North Carolina (hence the name “Rhodolite”).

Being quite hard and tough, Garnet is a very practical stone and therefore makes an excellent gemstone for ring wear.

There are other Garnets, called Malaya and Spessartite, but they remain as stones mostly sought by collectors.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

According to the ancients, the topaz cooled not only boiling water, but angry temper, too; it cured insanity, asthma, and insomnia; gave strength and best of all, averted sudden death. In Biblical times, the topaz was the symbol of uprightness, while more recently it has stood for loyalty and healing powers.

The most popular topaz is the tawny yellow variety, most of which comes from Brazil. Since at one time, all such yellow gemstones were known as topaz, the most valuable type is frequently called “precious topaz,” which has a pinkish overtone.

In recent years yellow topaz has been greatly in demand, as has been citrine, an attractive variety of quartz, considered an alternate birthstone for November.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Only scientists from the Arab world, like al-Biruni (973-1050) and Teifaschi (1184-1253), had the insight that ruby and sapphire are the same species. Writing of his world travels, trader Marco Polo (1254-1324) mentions being shown both rubies and sapphires when he visited “Seilan.” Since ruby was then— and for more than six centuries afterward— the world’s most valuable gem, it’s understandable that this Italian merchant would focus almost exclusively on red corundum.

Sapphire is becoming the color-category leader for pink and yellow, too. As sapphire becomes the yardstick for perfection of colors beyond blue, connoisseurs are seeking out some of its rarer hues such as orange, purple and particularly, the lively orange-pink variety known as “Padparadscha.”

Kashmir’s mountainside deposits were pretty much exhausted by 1930, leaving Sri Lanka as the world’s primary supplier. In the late 1990s, the gem trade was flooded with inky-blue, often over-dark stones from Australia and Thailand.

As far back as Pliny’s time (29-73 ad.), it was known that subjecting rubies to heat via blowpipe or crucible in fire would permanently improve their color and appearance. Marco Polo observed heat treating. This is a common practice with many gemstones today.

Sapphire excels in durability. It is second only to diamond in hardness, which means it will preserve its looks when stones of similar colors from other species start to look the worse for wear.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Pearls were once considered an exclusive privilege for royalty. A law of 1612 drawn up by the Duke of Saxony prohibited the wearing of pearls by nobility, professors, doctors or their wives.

On the other side of the world, pearls were being worn for adornment by the American Indians. The freshwater pearls of the Mississippi River were strung into necklaces, sewn onto headdresses and set into copper ornaments.

A natural pearl forms when an irritant works its way into a particular species of oyster, mussel or clam. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk secretes a fluid to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating is deposited on the irritant until a lustrous pearl is formed.

A cultured pearl undergoes the same process. The only difference is that the irritant is a surgically-implanted mother-of-pearl bead or piece of shell. The core is, therefore, much larger than in a natural pearl.

Freshwater pearls occur naturally, but in recent years, a strong cultured pearl industry is developing this product.

Pearls of all sizes, shapes and colors are a highly versatile accessory for a modern woman’s wardrobe.

Because of the chemical content in perfumes and cosmetics, they can dull the surface of pearls. Wipe them with a soft cloth after removing them from being worn to remove any of the cosmetics which may have been deposited on them.

It is advisable to have the strand knotted between each pearl to prevent loss of more than one pearl should the strand break. If you can detect the fibers of the nylon beginning to fray, your strand needs to be restrung.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness. He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times. Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

The Emerald was among the dearest treasures of the gem markets of Babylon, and today — nearly 6,000 years later — this lovely stone remains one of the most valuable objects in the world. South America’s rich bounty of Emeralds was discovered by 16th century Spanish explorers who found large Emeralds in the possession of the Aztecs and Incas.

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, wore wonderful Emeralds that came from her own Emerald mine in Upper Egypt. Nero, too, had a famous Emerald through which he was said to have watched the gladiators. In the days of the Russian Czars, Emeralds were the most prized possession of the Russian Crown Jewels.

Emerald is a variety of the mineral Beryl and is distinguished from other Beryls by its color. Unlike many other precious stones, it appears the same color in artificial light as in sunlight.

Value is determined by color, by the lack of natural inclusions and by size. Flawless emeralds (to the unaided eye) are so rare and valuable as to be seldom seen — even in a jewelry store. However, those of moderate size with slight inclusions still possess all the beauty of color that is the Emerald’s principal lure.

A knowledgeable jeweler/gemologist should always be used when any attention is needed for cleaning and repairs.

Cos Altobelli, is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank — previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books and has appeared on Prime Time Live several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Greek goldsmiths of the period, before the conquest of Rome, used Aquamarines in their jewelry. The gemstones came to them from the Far East, traveling from across the Arabian sands and then to Hellenic ports on the Mediterranean Sea.

Aquamarine is a variety of Beryl, belonging to the same family of gems as the Emerald. It is found in such widely separated parts of the world as Brazil, Madagascar, Russia and the United States.

With the advent of blue Topaz, Aquamarine lost its importance due to the vast difference in price. However, blue Topaz cannot equal the fine greenish-blue color in Aquamarine. Blue Topaz also is readily damaged and abraded, whereas Aquamarine is a very durable and practical stone.

Men, most often, will prefer the alternate birthstone for March, Bloodstone, a variety of Quartz and a gem which offers a sharp contrast in appearance.

Medieval folk believed that the Bloodstone received its coloring from Christ’s own blood falling upon a green stone at the foot of the Cross. Legend ascribes the Bloodstone with the power to impart wisdom to the wearer. Nineteenth century lapidaries used Bloodstone for carved objects, including family crests, signet rings and seals.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in North Hollywood, where his store has been located for 55 years. His specialty is creating one-of-a-kind custom handmade jewelry in platinum and gold.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “PrimeTime Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

From Egypt, where it had been known for centuries, the amethyst was brought to Greece in the period just following the death of Alexander the Great. Amethyst, taken from the Greek word amethustos (meaning unaffected by drink), had a soaring reputation up until the 1800s. When the Roman Empire came into being, the Greeks, while no longer the masters, went on making beautiful jewelry. Roman women in particular prized amethyst jewelry for they believed the amethyst could ensure their husbands’ love.

South American neighbors, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Uruguay, are producing at least 85% of the world’s most popular, affordably priced gems. Nevertheless, it is Russia and Africa that supply the finest quality stones. These stones have a regal appearance, containing a reddish overtone, which gives the appearance of a king’s velvet cape. Amethyst is a precious variety of crystalline quartz. It is quite durable and can be worn without worry of easy damage or abrasion.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness. He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books and has appeared on ‘Prime Time Live’ several times. Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Best known among the members of the Garnet family are the deep red varieties, Pyrope and Almandite. Pyrope, which derives its name from the Greek word meaning “firelike,” lends itself especially well to massed effects. It is seen most often in the elaborate designs popular during the Victorian era. It was the Pyrope Garnet also that figured in the ancient Talmudic legend which held that the only light in Noah’s Ark was supplied by an enormous red Garnet. The connection with fire remained strong with the Romans, too. It was they who coined the name “Carbuncle,” meaning fiery gem, by which red garnet was known until very recently. Long before that the sages in India identified red garnet with the sun, the chief astrological influence on men’s lives.

Many people rank as their favorite Garnet the green Demantoid, so called because it possesses more dispersion than that of a diamond (Dutch “demant,” meaning diamond-like). The rarest and most expensive of all Garnets. Many pieces of Victorian jewelry made between 1885 and 1915 featured Demantoid.

The Hessonite, known as “the cinnamon stone of Ceylon” (Sri Lanka), is a handsome stone found in shades of golden orange and cinnamon brown. A cameo of this stone depicting the head of Christ is in the gem collection of the American Museum of Natural History.

A violet shade of Garnet, known now as Rhodolite, came into particular vogue in Greece during the period between the reign of Alexander and the conquest of Rome. It happened to have been newly imported into the country soon after Alexander had popularized the cutting of cameos from various precious stones. Gem cutters immediately took to this gem because a Garnet could be cameo-cut with relative ease and the public admired the attractive purplish color. The term “Rhodolite” dates from 1898 when it was first proposed as a descriptive term for some newly discovered, rhododendron-color garnets found in North Carolina (hence the name “Rhodolite”).

Garnet is a very practical stone being quite hard and tough and therefore, makes an excellent gemstone for ring wear.

There are other Garnets, called Malaya and Spessartite, but remain as stones mostly sought by collectors.

Cos Altobelli, is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

So he called in the royal jewelers and told them to search the land for the most precious stone in existence. The Pharaoh had the stone mounted on a ring of gold and took it to his loved one. As he slipped the ring on her finger, he told her, “Until I can place a wedding band on your finger and claim you for my bride, wear this ring as a reminder of my devotion. Just as the gem is priceless, so is my love for you.”

And down through the ages, the engagement ring has served as a pledge of true love and as a symbol to the rest of the world that two people have chosen to spend their lives together.

From the writings of Amenophis 11: Circa 3300 B.C.

Cos Altobelli, is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on Prime Time Live several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

To begin with, what if after returning home you find out what you purchased is not worth anywhere near what you paid for it? Can you return it for credit or exchange? In most cases, that’s not possible or practical. The customs problem enters into the picture. Is there going to be duty on it going each way?

What if the gem has been treated or enhanced in some manner to improve its appearance and they haven’t disclosed that it is not natural? You still have the same problem about returning it. They may give you a certificate authenticating origin, being natural and untreated, etc., but will they honor the certificate? Good luck! Is there a Better Business Bureau or Consumers Affairs Agency there? I doubt it. One possible safeguard is paying with a check or credit card, provided you get home in time to challenge it.

Unless a very reliable source has recommended someone beyond reproach, I would advise your purchases to be monetarily insignificant. An inexpensive curio, perhaps, to give you fond memories of the trip is what I would advise.

Bon Voyage!

Cos Altobelli, is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.