Colored Gemstones
Facts & History

Gemstones

Colored Gemstone Facts and History

A gemstone is a mineral or organic material used for personal adornment, display, or as an object of art because it possesses beauty, rarity, and durability. Of the 2,700 mineral species, only about 100 possess all of these attributes. Silicates compose the largest group of gemstones; oxides and quartz compose the second largest.

The standards for grading colored stones are more complex and subjective than those for diamonds. The classic four C's hold true, but they are applied differently for colored stones. In addition, there is a fifth C to consider: Country of Origin.

In our complex world, we must consider the origins of every product we buy. Concerning colored gems, many of the world's most coveted stones have their origins in some of the most politically troubled and frequently impoverished nations on the globe. It is a necessity to consider all those involved in procuring any gemstone, from the miners to the cutters, and to seek assurances that they are paid a living wage.

Color: The hue, tone, and saturation of a precious gemstone is the most important aesthetic factor in its grading - and in its value.

Clarity: The second most important aesthetic factor of the four C's is clarity. In most cases, colored stones that are free of inclusions are more valuable than those with flaws. Each species of colored stone has its own limit for the acceptable amount of inclusions. Colored stones without inclusions are very rare.

Cut: As with diamonds, cut plays an important role in the grading of colored stones. In the hands of a skilled cutter, an exceptional piece of rough gem material can be transformed into a true wonder.

Carat: Colored stones, like diamonds, are measured in carats.

Our colored gemstone pieces include:
Rings, Earrings, Necklaces, Pendants, Bracelets, Broaches, and Men's Jewelry

Sapphire

The sky is just a gigantic blue Sapphire stone into which the earth is embedded. This beautiful gemstone exists in all the shades of blue from the deep blue of evening skies to the bright and deep blue of a clear and beautiful summer sky, which charms all people. The splendid gemstone, however, also comes in many other colors, not only in the transparent grayish misty blue of far horizons, but also displaying the bright fireworks of sunset colors - yellow, pink, orange, and purple. Sapphire belongs to the corundum group, which is set apart from other gemstones by their very good hardness (Grade 9 on the Mohs' scale). They are second in hardness to diamonds only, and diamonds represent the hardest mineral on Earth! Because of their good harness, sapphires are easy to care for as gemstones and demand from their wearers only the usual and normal care.

Emerald

Emeralds are fascinating gemstones. They have the most beautiful, most intense and most radiant green that can possibly be imagined: emerald green. Inclusions are tolerated. In top quality, fine emeralds are even more valuable than diamonds.

Tourmaline

Tourmalines are precious stones displaying a unique splendor of colors. According to an ancient Egyptian legend, this is the result of the fact that on the long way from the Earth's heart up towards the sun, Tourmaline traveled along a rainbow. In addition, on its way it collected all the colors of the rainbow. This is why nowadays it is called the "Rainbow gemstone". However, the name "Tourmaline" has been derived from the Singhalese expression "tura mali", which translates as "stone of mixed colors." The very name already refers to the unique spectrum of colors displayed by this gemstone, which is the best in the realm of precious stones.

Ruby

Which color would you spontaneously associate with love and vividness, passion and power? Obviously, this will evoke the color red. Red symbolizes love; it emanates warmth and a strong sense of life. Red is also the color of Ruby, the King of gemstones. After all, in the fascinating realm of gemstones rubies are the generally accepted emperors.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite are a rare gemstone that is named after the Russian tsar Alexander II (1818-1881). The most sensational feature about this stone, however, is its surprising ability to change its color. Green or bluish-green in daylight, alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities.

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