It was hard to tell who was the big winner on Emmy night – the celebrities or their diamonds In celebration of the Primetime Emmy Award's 60th diamond anniversary, there was plenty of bling to mark the occasion – from Heidi Klum's diamond butterfly earrings to the commissioned $10 million Hearts On Fire Diamond Chandelier

The naturally occurring gemstone is a crystalline form of a mineral Desirable for their beauty, gemstones are also loved for their rarity and durability

Jewelry collectors of the world know that often a piece of jewelry's value lies not only its karat worth but also its past – where it came from, how it was acquired and the intrigue it has created through the years These individual pieces, brought together, form prized collections that hold stories of conquest and mystery

Among the oldest human art forms, bead making dates back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where glass beads were fashioned from clay with a vitreous coating In 1500 B

Imagine a place where gems are so prolific, they are scattered among the sandy bottoms of smooth-flowing streams The beautiful and exotic island of Sri Lanka is just such a place

While it may seem Greek to some, the grandidierite, majorite or painite are just a few of the world's rarest gemstones And while some may be considered costly, others are surprisingly affordable thanks to their general anonymity to the public

The wedding ring – a romantic expression and symbol of fidelity and love – is an important element to today's marriage ceremony Through the centuries, the wedding ring has symbolized many things for couples – and not always the romantic notions we hold today

More than just ornamentation for the body, jewelry has long served as a palette for artistic expression From Bulgari to Cartier to Harry Winston, the world's famous jewelers have created pieces of bejeweled art that have captured the attention of collectors worldwide, as well as the imagination of those who appreciate fine jewelry

A representation of feminine beauty and mystique, the necklace has been an integral part of a woman's decoration and beauty for ages Whether a choker, rosary or chain, the necklace has achieved a timeless appeal

Glassmaking in Murano, Italy has a long and impressive history In fact, it is the longest lasting center for glass making in history

For many couples considering engagement, a diamond ring is the preferred choice for a ring It was the preferred choice for Archduke Maximilian of Austria who presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgandy in 1477, and the diamond wedding ring was first introduced

Subject to a turbulent history and much thievery, the British Crown Jewels represent the regalia and vestments worn by the king or queen of the United Kingdom during a coronation ceremony and other state functions In all, the collection includes crowns, orbs, swords, scepters, and other regalia

Some of the world's most spectacular diamonds and other gems can be admired in the National Gem Collection in the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Collection in Washington, DC

People have long sought after diamonds Ever since man first discovered how to cut and polish gemstones they found or dug from the earth, diamonds have been considered highly valued

As far back as the Neolithic era, humankind chose to carry unusual stones or a piece of wood as protection from enemies or evil spirits During the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, the first recognizable charm bracelets and necklaces appeared

The history of a mineral, crystal or metal can unlock a deeper, more meaningful value to jewelry Indeed, the anthropology, archaeology, geography, and technology of special gems and elements can provide rich stories

The top jewelry trends for 2008 call for less, but the key ingredient for fashionistas is bold and unique pieces For those who like to draw a bit of attention, think show-stopper pieces that make a statement and are gem-intensive

There is a rich body of myth, legend and folklore surrounding the gemstones that are found in gold jewelry Let’s take a look at the qualities that are associated with the most popular gemstones

Diamonds and gold are precious materials and after investing so much in purchasing them, it is important to clean them in a way that will retain and enhance their original beauty If you are not sure about how to do it, I would like to present some basic maintenance tips for diamond and gold jewelry

People have been wearing gems and gemstones for thousands of years, and these gemstones are usually associated with many widely held beliefs and with folkloric knowledge Let’s take a look at some of the most popular gemstones and see what beliefs they are associated with