Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette Although Islamic culture does not accept such legends, a lot of people believe there's a connection between gems and horoscope or character, also people in some Far Eastern cultures use certain gems for treatment and they believe that it has a healing power. Some use gems for a certain purpose that they believe the gemstone will serve, such as turquoise; protects from black eye, or coral the stone for lovers, tourmaline that brings good luck. A lot of legends are there about the gemstones but for me “It is the beauty of the Allah creation that gives the gem its value and charm,” said gem fan and jewelry designer Dina Mufti. Gems are really a complicated field there are hundreds of stones that come from all areas and destinations earth-wide, sea, and all other sources of nature. A gemstone is a piece of mineral, which, is in cut and polished form. However, certain rocks (such as lapis lazuli), or organic materials that are not minerals (such as amber or jet), are also used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone. Mufti advises everyone to buy from a trustworthy source. “It depends on what gem you are looking for. Let me explain with an example; when you are looking for a diamond you look for the famous 4Cs, clarity, color, cut, & carat, a stone rated vs2. in clarity with an excellent cut will look much better than a vvs1. rated stone with a good cut. While in amber the case is different, the clear pure stones are the cheapest.” Mufti's designs are a mixture of antique silver and gemstones. She depends on the piece itself, the shape, the color of the stone, or the silver piece she is working on to decide the design. Some designs are good from the first time while others might need several changes until she is satisfied with the result. Her customers also inspire her with designs. In the world of gems, there is also fashion of the season and of course some gems suit the morning and while others are perfect for night outings or parties. In addition, gems are used with all types of accessories, gems and antique silver for shawls, scarves, hair bands, handbags and many other accessories, even for wedding dresses. Gemstones are expensive and if one is looking for good quality and unique pieces it gets really very expensive. Mufti has come from a totally different background and experience. She graduated from Law School Aleppo University and practiced law in Syria for several years. But she was an art lover all her life also interested in antique silver jewelry. Her love for silver drove her to appreciate gemstones and getting to know more about them. To Mufti it is a time consuming hobby and becomes an obsession for the person who falls in love with such a hobby and she dreams to have her own brand for silver & gemstones jewelry.
