Gemstones

Emeralds are a highly valued gemstone known for their electrifying green hue. They are from the Beryl family and come in a mixture of colours including yellow/green and blue/green, with the most desirable being the blue/green and pure green. Emerald is graded at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale indicating that it’s resistance to breakage is low, however with proper care an emerald gemstone will last generations. Emeralds are most often found in Columbia, Brazil, and Zambia but can also be found in other areas throughout the world. Emerald is the birthstone of May and symbolises true love and abundant wealth. This rare gemstone is considered rich, sophisticated, and royal.

Rubies are a highly sought-after gemstone with a beautiful red colour – their hue can range from a strong red, blood red, orange red, purple red, brown red, or pink red. The most desired is the blood red, otherwise known as ‘pigeon blood’ which depicts a deep intense red hue. With a grading of 9 on the Mohs scale, the ruby sits with the sapphire as the strongest gemstone after a diamond – providing comfort to its wearer that it is extremely durable! Like the sapphire, ruby originates from the mineral corundum. They can be found all around the world but most commonly in Southeast Asia. It is often quite a cloudy gemstone, so an incredibly clear ruby will likely indicate that it has been treated. Ruby is the birthstone for July and symbolises nobility, purity, and passion. They can also be often mistaken as a red spinel and vice versa, so take caution when purchasing and ensure you have the utmost confidence.

Sapphires are one of the most popular gemstones. They are mostly found in blue hues are available in other colours including pink, orange, yellow, green, and purple. In some cases, a combination of two or more colours can be found, this is referred to as a parti sapphire. With a grading of 9 on the Mohs scale, the sapphire (and ruby) are the strongest gemstones after a diamond – providing comfort to its wearer that it is extremely durable! Sapphire gemstones originate from the mineral corundum, the same mineral as ruby. When red corundum is found, it is classified as a ruby. Whereas pink corundum will be deemed either a sapphire or ruby based on the gemstone's origin. This gemstone can be found in several countries including Australia, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The sapphire is the birthstone for September and symbolises nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Due to the vibrant hue of sapphires, the blue sapphire is now used as a scale in which all blue gemstones are measured.

Spinels are a gemstone that can be found in an abundant of colours such as red, purple, blue, green, grey, brown, black, or yellow. They are an 8 on the Mohs scale which provides the security of knowing it is durable enough for everyday wear with the proper care. Spinels are most often found in Sri Lanka but can also be discovered in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. It is the birthstone for August and symbolise devotion and longevity. Spinels are believed to encourage passion and devotion to another person.

Tanzanite's are a blue coloured gemstone that vary from blue to blue/purple to blue/violet. Like the name suggests, tanzanite is only found in Tanzania. It is a 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is more vulnerable to scratches, therefore is recommended to be worn with care. It is the birthstone for December and symbolises positivity – meaning all thoughts and energies transform positively. It is also believed to be a gemstone that provides a calming and soothing presence to help detoxify the body and improve vitality.

Garnets are a gemstone that is untreated as heat and irradiation have no effect on it. These gemstones are available in multiple colours with the red garnet being the most desirable and popular. Among the rarer of garnets are peach, green, yellow, purple, and clear. However, the rarest of all is the blue garnet which was discovered most recently in the 1990s. Garnet are a 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and can be worn everyday with proper precautions due to its vulnerability to scratches. Garnets are found in Australia, China, India, and the US while rhodolite garnet is found in India and Sri Lanka, and the mandarin garnet is found in Namibia. It is the birthstone for January and symbolises love that extends to friendship. As a bonus, it is a gemstone that is believed to strengthen love, and balance anger whether it be towards yourself or others.

Tourmalines are gemstones mostly found in black but available in almost every colour on the spectrum, with the most desirable being a bright and pure tone. Fascinatingly, the gemstone can even be discovered with two colours in the one rough. It is a 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and can be worn everyday with proper caution. Madagascar, Afghanistan, and Brazil are the most common places a tourmaline is discovered but can be found in other parts of the world too. It is the birthstone for October. Tourmaline is a grounding gemstone that symbolises compassion and reconciliation. It is also believed to foster happiness, build self-confidence, and reduce fear.

The gemstones listed above are among the most popular. However, other gemstones that are also available include amethyst, aquamarine, pearl, peridot, opal, citrine, topaz, and turquoise. Each gemstone is unique to their own and it is essential to understand the attributes of each prior to purchasing. A key factor to selecting a good quality gemstone is an even distribution of colour and intensity. Book a consultation today to be certain you choose the perfect gemstone.