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GEMSTONES &
ANNIVERSARIES
Discover an exquisite selection of top-rated coloured gemstones, ranging from luxurious sapphires to fiery rubies and alluring pearls. Unveil their unique characteristics and explore the most effective ways to incorporate them into your exceptional jewellery designs.
RUBY
Mineral: Corundum
Colour: Pink to red
Moh's Hardness: 9
Birthstone: July
Anniversary: 15th and 40th
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Exceptional quality rubies, especially those exceeding three carats, are undeniably rare and highly valuable. They are, in fact, often more valuable than any other coloured gemstone, and it is not uncommon for them to surpass the value of a white diamond of equivalent weight. If you're trying to determine the quality of a ruby, the first thing to check out is its colour. The hue is essential, as it tells you what shade the ruby is. Typically, rubies are deep red, but you might also see other hues like brown, purple, violet, and pink. The Mogok valley in Myanmar is famous for its pink, red "pigeon's blood" hue, while Thai and Cambodian rubies are deep red. African rubies tend to be reddish-brown. High-quality rubies are now sourced from Thailand, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka for ethical reasons rather than from Myanmar.
PEARL
Mineral: Calcium carbonate
Colour: Various colours
Moh's Hardness: 2.5-3
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 3rd & 30th
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Pearls are the only gemstones that come from living creatures and are created by oysters. While pearls can take on different shapes and sizes, round pearls remain the most popular choice.
It's worth noting that natural pearls are scarce and highly valued. These days, most pearls available for purchase are cultured, meaning they are grown under controlled conditions with human guidance. The two main types of cultured pearls are freshwater and saltwater varieties.
Pearls are June's birthstone and are often given for third wedding anniversaries. It is crucial to exercise caution when handling pearl jewellery due to the delicate nature of the nacre. Improper handling may cause unwanted scratches or damage. While pearl jewellery can be an attractive choice for specific events and occasions, there may be more practical options for engagement or wedding jewellery intended for everyday wear.
OPAL
Mineral: Hydrated Silica
Colour: Many Colours
Moh's Hardness: 5 - 6.5
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
There are two main types of opal: precious and common. Precious opal is characterised by its breathtaking play-of-colour iridescence, while common opal does not possess this feature.
Experts categorise gem opals into several types, with the five main ones being:
1. White or light opal, which displays a translucent to semitranslucent appearance and showcases play-of-colour against a white or light grey background colour, referred to as the body colour.
2. Black opal, which features play-of-colour against a black or other dark background and can be either translucent or opaque.
3. The fire opal, also known as the "Mexican opal," is a gemstone that comes in a range of body colours, including brown, yellow, orange, and red. Although it doesn't display play-of-colour, it can be transparent or translucent.
4. Boulder opal is a unique gemstone that displays a play of colour against a light-to-dark background. It is often characterised by fragments of the surrounding rock.
5. Crystal or water opals are stunning gems that are both transparent and semitransparent, with a clear background and captivating play of colours.
SAPPHIRE
Mineral: Corundum
Colour: All colours except red
Moh's Hardness: 9
Birthstone: September
Anniversary: 5th & 45th
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When it comes to jewellery, sapphires are an excellent choice due to their durability and wide range of colour options. Blue sapphire is the most sought-after type, ranging from a deep royal blue (Australian Blue) to a lighter periwinkle shade and the famous Ceylon blue.
You can find sapphires in various colours like pink, green, yellow, and blue. Some sapphires even have two colours, which are called Parti sapphires. Sapphires are primarily mined in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Madagascar, and India.
Sapphires' value is based on colour and clarity. Heat treatment can enhance lighter hues. Sellers should disclose potential treatments.