One question we hear frequently from prospective buyers is, "What are the best values in natural gemstones in today's market?". We've given the matter some serious consideration over the last year so here are our thoughts on the matter.
Prices on gemstones go up and down depending on supply and demand, but generally they go up over time, sometimes dramatically. According to one service that has been tracking gemstone prices over the last 3 years, prices have risen an average of 20% since mid-2005. Those that have risen the fastest (around 30%) include tanzanite and Burmese ruby. Smaller increases (around 15%) have been seen in tsavorite garnet, tourmaline and zircon. Blue sapphire, spessartite garnet, spinel and peridot have seen increases around the average of 20%.
Since beauty is to some considerable degree in the eye of the beholder, we wouldn't presume to tell you what the most beautiful gemstone is for your money. But we can tell you which stones have the best gemstone characteristics based on their per carat price. And that seems to us to be a reasonable way of defining gemstone value.
Good gemstone characteristics, in our view, include superior hardness (greater than 7 on the Mohs scale), durability (absence of cleavage), very good transparency and clarity, and interesting colors. Absence of any sort of gem treatment would be would be a definite plus as well.
Since there are not that many gem varieties with a hardness greater than 7, it didn't take us too long to put together a short list of the best gemstone values. To see the complete list of our recommendations, see the full article at Best Value Gemstones.
Best Value All Inclusive
However, there are still some spa destinations out there that cater to the budget-minded.
This budget destination spas listing was complied by the Travel + Leisure Website as a part of a readership survey.
Combining international standards with Thai values and beliefs, the Chiva-Som in Thailand offers an individualized, holistic approach to health that incorporates the mind, body and spirit. Guests may immerse themselves in relaxing views from a lakeside room, while indulging in an aromatherapy facial or traditional Chinese medicine sessions. Ocean View rooms face the Gulf of Thailand and offer private balconies. The resort's signature treatment is called Chi Nei Tsang, a 45-minute abdominal massage based on traditional Chinese medicine, which is designed to aid digestion. Chiva-Som equates good health to vitality, wellness, peace, harmony, and balance.
Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, the original destination fitness resort and spa, opened some 65 years ago, and provides guests with space to breathe clean air, relax, and renew. The ranch practices sustainable organic gardening and was probably one of the world's first "eco" resorts. Spa treatments use aromatic and medicinal herbs and other healing plants grown in the resort's gardens. All Rancho La Puerta guests receive complimentary skin-care analysis and consultation. Highlight treatments and services include the mineral-essential Golden Door Facial, Hot Riverstone Massage, tai chi, and yoga.
Surrounded by wildlife and the Teton Mountain Range, guests at the Wilderness Adventure Spa at Spring Creek Ranch find true relaxation and rejuvenation. Here, guests can choose from hotel rooms, condominiums, or homes during their stay. One thousand feet above the town of Jackson, the spa is an ideal place to disconnect from the outside world with signature treatments such as the Moisture Drench Body Treatment. Parched skin is soothed with coconut, buffing grains, and shea butter containing orange and cedar extracts. Or guests might indulge in the Divine Detox, which includes the 45-minute custom Rocky Mountain Relaxation Massage with Juniper Cypress Detoxifying. In the summer months, guests embark on guided hiking expeditions and in the winter, wildlife safaris reveal some of the best wildlife viewing available anytime of the year.
Nestled in another range of mountains, the Westglow Resort & Spa makes its home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The full-service, European-style spa is housed in an elegantly restored Greek Revival mansion with a beautiful fireside lounge offering spectacular mountain views. Here, guests indulge in oxygen facials, Grandfather Stone therapy, or a Thai Massage. Westglow also offers a variety of outdoor activities including supervised mountain biking, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting.
Taking its inspiration from its Native American roots, Mii amo Spa at Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona, is situated in red-rock country. The spa takes its name from the Native American word for Journey. Guests here take an amazing journey in the transformation of their physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual renewal. The resort's signature treatment, the Mii amo Spirit, helps to restore energy flow with the use of oils which are applied to chakras and citrine and rose quartz stones. The Crystal Room, used for quiet contemplation, is the heart and soul of the Mii amo. The spa's full schedule of activities feature hikes in the Red Rocks, aqua aerobics, yoga, and meditation.
Both GemSelect & Ann Knapp are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
GemSelect has sinced written about articles on various topics from Women, Seat Cover and Women. GemSelect is a leading online dealer in tourmaline, sapphire, spinel, zircon and other fine gemstones.http://www.gemselect.com … maline.p. GemSelect's top article generates over 880 views. Bookmark GemSelect to your Favourites.
Ann Knapp has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diamonds, Finances and Skin Care. Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin -- a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world.. Ann Knapp's top article generates over 14800 views. Bookmark Ann Knapp to your Favourites.
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