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| About Our Gemstones |
Alexandrite
Night and Day, the changing hues of Alexandrite enchant the eye and fuel the imagination. Its mesmerizing color swings from rasberry to plum to bluish-green make it the most famous and popular of all color-change stones. .
Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830. Prized immediately for its hypnotic beauty, the stone was named after Czar Alexander II, in honor of his coming of age. Because of its ability to change dramatically in shifting light, Alexandrite has become associated with balance of life, self-esteem, and the ability to experience joy - powers that, according to legend, the stone may impart to its wearers..
Mysterious stimulating, endlessly facinating, Alexandrite attracts buyers of all ages - from Baby Boomers to the youngest generation. Its shifting colors make it a great accessory for fall and winter wardrobes. Look to the desigh inspirations in the Natural Edge and Blue Music color stories.
Major Sources: Brazil, Russia, Madagascar, Sir Lanka
Hardness: 8.5
Amethyst
Purple passion. From refreshing lilac to ripe plum, the drama and excitement of purple are fully reflected in Amethyst.
Perhaps because of its depth and richness, Amethyst has always been associated with intense emotion. It is fitting, thenm that the legend of its origin is a tale of revenge, devotion, and immortal remorse.
The story is told that Dionysus, the Greek God of wine, was insulted one day by a mortal. Enraged, he called forth vicious tigers to exact revenge on the next mortal who would cross his path. This next mortal, unfortunately, was the maiden Amethyst. On her way to pay tribute to the Goddess Diana, the innocent girl suddenly found herself face-to-face with the tigers of the vengeful God. To save her from the beasts, Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz. So beautiful was the maiden that Dionysus, in sorrow and remorse, wept tears of rich wine over the statue. His tears stained the quartz, thus creating the poetic gem which still bears her name.
Major Sources: Africa, South America
Hardness: 7
Ametrine
A Dyamic exapmle of shifting color, Ametrine is a nature's blend of Ametyst and Citrine. Its purple and yellow tones, noramally found on oppsite sides of the spectrum, offer a visually arresting balance..
Ametine stones were first seen by Eurpeans in the 17th century, a gift to the Spanish queen by the returning conquistador. Having married the beautiful princess Anahf, from the Ayoros tribe of Bolbia, he had received an Ametrine mine as part of his wife's dowery. Today, the Anahi mine is the worlds primary source for this rare gem..
Flattering to all skin tones, Ametrine's blend of calming purlpe and hopeful saffon also attracts those seeking balance and serenity..
Ametrine is also attractive to the individuals who desire a stone that is both conserative and modern. Ametrine can been seen in both the NaturalEdge and Vibe color stories for 2008, and is appealing in men's and wemen's designs..
Ametine is rated good for everday wear. It has a hardness of 7 and is from Bolivia
Aquamarine
Imagine a dip in a crystal blue mountain lake - the morning air crisp and expectant, the sky soaring high and cloudless overhead. This is the unique refreshment of Aquamarine.
The name means "ocean water," and tales of Aquamarine date back to the ancient seafaring days. Sailors of old believed that these glittering, watery gems came from the treasure chests of mermaids. Perhaps it's no wonder that Aquamarine is said to bring luck to all who sail the seas.
Major Sources: South America, Africa, China
Hardness: 7.5-8
Chalcedony
Softly translucent, the serene hues of Blue and Lavender Chalcedony remind us of a calm sea, or the muted purple shades of dusk. Native Americans used Chalcedony to promote emotional balance and enhance vitality. Today the wistful shades of Chalcedony, either alone or in combination with other pastel-colored gems, attract those looking to escape the daily grind.
Major Sources: Africa, United States
Hardness: 6.5-7
Citrine
The mellow gold of Citrine draws us in and brightens our moods. A golden quartz whose name comes from the french word for "lemon," Citrine brings the enervizing refreshment of an icy summer drink.
Sunny and full of light, this sparkling gem was once thought to protect the wearer against various evils - from snake venom to wicked thoughts. Today, its radiant color is associated with cheerfulness, youth, and vitality.
Major Sources: Brazil, Bolivia
Hardness: 7
Diamond
The fire of passion. The perfection of hope. The brilliance of joy. All these are part of a couple's love for one another - a love that finds its ideal expression in a diamond.
No other stone offers the clarity, brilliance, and breathtaking depth of a diamond. And for centuries those who wore such stones were believed to share their virtues. Fabulous tales abound of luck and sucess, fearlessness and invincibility. Legends of seduction, intrigue, and irresistible attraction.
Perhaps the old tales were true. Today, diamonds remain the most potent symbol of devotion as you begin your life together. And while a gift of diamonds is traditional on the 10th and 16th anniversaries, there's never a better way to say that your love has only grown stronger, deeper, and more enduring with the passage of time.
Diamonds are also the most classic of all jewels., Their unmatched beauty and elegance make them ideal for marking life's most important occasions, from the birth of a child to milestones like graduation or a major promotion. But then... why wait? The gift of a diamond can transform any moment into a moment sure to be treasured forever.
Major Sources: Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Australia, Nambia, Zaire, Brazil, China
Hardness: 10
Emerald
Lush. Exotic. Untamed. This is no polite, garden-variety green: Emerald pulses with life and vitality. In its depths beats the heart of the rain forest, its shadows alive with promise, expectation... even danger.
More valuable than even diamonds, fine-quality Emeralds of significant size are among the world's most bewitching jewels. Their incomparable dark green color is produced only under extremely rare conditions. Because these conditions also result in tiny cracks and cavities in the stone, inclusions are allowed in top-quality Emeralds.
Ancient history records Emerald mines near the Red Sea, "Cleopatra's Mines," where the Pharaohs gathered gems between 3000 and 1500 B.C. The Incas and Aztecs of South America once worshipped Emerald as a holy stone. And Maharajas of India, who believed the gem brought luck and restored health, had multitudes of Emeralds in their treasure vaults.
Major Sources: Afganistan, Columbia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe
Hardness: 7.5-8
Garnet, Mozambique
Mozambique Garnet, glowing deep red with hints of orange and brown, reminds us of an autumn harvest or Indian summer. Wrapped in its warmth, we feel protected against the storms ahead. It's no wonder that Garnet was once believed to have healing properties, particularly in diseases related to the blood.
The rich hue of Mozambique Garnet enhances designs that blend the exotic flavors of India, Africa, and the Orient. These styles reflect today's culturally diverse society, giving Mozambique Garnet special appeal to consumers who seek a sophisticated urban look. The affordability of Garnet adds to its allure, making this gem readily accessible to the youth market.
Major Sources: Africa
Hardness: 7-7.5
Garnet, Tsavorite
Rich ant intense, boasting very high brilliance, Tsavorite is a refreshing surprise of sparkling verdant color. Its tone makes it one of the few gems to rival emerald in color and beauty.
A grossularite form of Granet, Tsavorite was discovered near Tsavo National Park in the Northeasteren part of Tanzania. Worldwide recognition of the gem came in 1974, when Tiffany & co. began promoting its magnificent color, depth, and transparency. Today, the gem is mined in various African countries as well as Brazil, Sri Lanka, and India. Rough Tsavorite crystals weighing over five carats are found oly occasionally, making cut stones over two carats both rare and valuable.
Major Sources: Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Brazil, India
Hardness: 7-7.5
Iolite
At one end of the color spectrum lies firey, brilliant red; at the other end is violet. The last color visible to the human eye, violet seems always on the verge of melting from sight.
Few gems express the hue's ethereal delicacy like Iolite. Its watery, purplish-blue can offer a tranqul escape or an uplifting experience, promising rejuvenation for its wearer.
The stone must be very carefully cut, for Iolite is an extreme example of the color-shirting property called pleochroism. A cube of pure oplite will appear violet blue from one side, clear from the other, and golden yellow from the top. This unique property helped guide the ancient Vikings on their legendary sea journeys: gazing through an thin disc of Iolite, they were able to tell by its shifting color the exact position of the sun.
Major Sources: India, Tanzania, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Namibia, Myanmar.
Hardness: 7-7.5
Moonstone
Sensous and intriguing, Moonstone seems to glow with the light of the moon isteslf. Its milky tarnslucence changes with every movement, offering an ever-shifting play of light and shadow within its mysterous depths.
With its rich luster and subdued color, the gem was held by the ancients to have been formed by moonlight. Another legend promised a vision of the future to one who held a Moonstone in his mouth during a full moon.
Major Sources: Sri Lanka, India, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, United States, Myanmar
Hardness: 6-6.5
Mexican Fire Opal
Brilliant orange, shot through with bolts of flaming red or electrifying yellow. Bold, intense, juicy color - strengthened by the sparkle of a richly faceted surface and smoldering with enterior fire.
These are not your grandmothers opals. One of the most vibrant gems of our time, Mexican Fire Opals brings life to jewelry that demands attention.
Major Sources: Mexico
Hardness: 5.5-6
Opal
The color of the rainbow. The glow of the Northern Lights. The dramatic flash of summer lightning. All the lights of the evening sky are captured in the mysterious, shifting hues of Opal.
With its pulsating display of fire and color, Opal was long thought to hold magical powers. For this reason, rare opals were often reserved for royalty. The crown of the Holy Roman Emperor held a superb example, a fiery red Opal called "The Burning of Troy". This was given as a gift from Napoleon to Josephine - forming part of the crown jewels of France. Queen Victoria also loved Opals, and often presented them as wedding gifts.
Major Sources: Austrailia
Hardness: 10
Peridot
The green-apple crispness of Peridot is a perfect complement to today's lively fashion scene. As the popularity of lime green continues to grow, so does the youthful appeal of this citrus-hued gem.
Peridot is treasured by the Hawaiian peoples who believe the gem to be the tears of the Goddess Pele. Peridot was known in the ancient world as well; the Romans named the gem "Evening Emerald" as its brilliant color did not fade in lamplight, but instead seemed to glow in the evening hours. Partly for this reason, Peridot was believed to help dreams become reality and to drive away the evil spirits of night.
Much of the peridot available on the market is mined by Native Americans on Arizona's San Carlos Reservation. Peridot's freshness invigorates and delights the senses. Intense and dazzling, its juicy color finds appeal across the generations.
Major Sources: China, Austrailia, Brazil, Myanmar, Kenya, Mexico, Sri Lanka, United States
Hardness: 6.5-7
Ruby
Blood-red. Fire-red. COlor that burns along the veins, and gives brightness to the night. If you're looking for the color of life itself, look no further than red. ANd the gemstone that brings red to vivid life can have only one name: Ruby.
The "king of gems," Ruby is one of the world's oldest and most revered gemstones. It is also one of the rarest. The mineral Chromium is responsible for the gem's startling color. Rubies with hardly any inclusions are so rare that large stones of good color fetch higher prices at auction than even diamonds.
Major Sources: Thailand, Myanmar, Kampuchea, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tanzania, Madagascar
Hardness: 9
Blue Sapphire
The color blue holds an endless fascination. From the high dome of the sky to the oceans that cover two-thirds of the globe's surface, blue literally surrounds us. Seen from space, Earth is revealed as a shimmering blue planet. It's littler wonder, then, that the breathtaking blue of Sapphire has captured man's imagination from the beginning. Sapphires have long been prized for their intense, velvety color.
The ancients believed that Blue Sapphire - holding in its depths the power of sea and sky - had influence over the spirit world as well; among its reputed powers was the ability to make peace between warring parties. The calming influence of blue has also made it an enduring symbol for loyalty and trust - one reason that women around the world choose Sapphire for their engagement rings.
Major Sources: Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Kampuchea, Kenya, Tanzania, United States, Madagascar
Hardness: 9
Pink Sapphire
No other color has the power to render men weak in the kees as a woman wearing pink. THe luster and brilliance of Pink Sapphire speaks to a woman's desire to feel glamorous and feminine. And with the rising demand for Pink Diamonds, Pink Sapphire gives customers a sparkling alternative.
Major Sources: Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Kampuchea, Kenya, Tanzania, United States, Madagascar
Hardness: 9
Yellow Sapphire
Bright and fresh, the brilliant hue of Yellow Sapphire draws the eye, making a cheerful statement in jewelry designs. This sapphire's yellow makes a stunning addition to summer and fall wardrobes.
Major Sources: Austrailia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Kampuchea, Kenya, Tanzania, United States, Madagascar
Hardness: 9
Tanzanite
The first thing you notice is the color: Deep, vivid blue with a purplish tinge that dances about the stone as it moves in the light. WIth its dazzling intensity and complex play of color, Tanzanite boasts a uniquely sensuous appeal.
Tanzanite's rarity and exotic origin are also part of its fascination. This modern gemstone was unknown until 1967, when Massai herdsmen in eastern Africa noticed blue crystals sparkling in the sun. Thanzanite's dramatic discovery, coupled with its scintillating beauty, caused a worldwide sensation. To date, the world's only source for the gem remains in the hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite's dual color - brilliant blue with hings of purple - makes it both warm and cool. Bold yet meltingly beautiful, it is a favorite of both men and women.
Major Sources: Tanzania
Hardness: 6-7
Yellow Topaz
The color of certain gems can be, quite literally, intoxicating. From the pale amber gold of old cognac to the warmly glowing browns of aged whiskey and fine sherry, Yellow Topaz invites us to drink in its beauty. Its warm golden hues, touched with peach overtones, bring a youthful blush of color to those who wear it.
Topaz was revered by the Egyptians and Romans, who associated it with the setting sun. In modern times, rich stores of Yellow Topaz were discovered in Russia; placed in the jewels of Russian Czarinas's, the gem earned the name of "Imperial Topaz."
The mesmerizing hue of Precious Topaz is symbolic of love and affection. And so remarkable is the gemstone's transparency and brilliance that famous examples have been confused with diamonds.
Major Sources: Brazil
Hardness: 8
London/Sky Blue Topaz
Blue is the color of communication and self-expression. And the clear, voluptuous color of Blue Topaz certainly speaks for itself. Refreshing Blue Topaz brings a breath of fresh air to contemporary jewelery designs.
The ancients prized Topaz as a stone of divine majesty. It was believed to dispel enchantments, detext poisons - even render the wearer invisible at will.
Major Sources: Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Myanmar, Mexico, Namibia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Hardness: 8
Green Tourmaline
The color of growth and fertility, green is naturally linked to hope, strength, and physical health. Vivid Green Tourmaline makes the most of green's positive associations. Legend tells of Tourmaline's power to attract friends and lovers, protect the wearer against bad decisions, and shield its owner from danger.
One of the more popular stones amonge male buyers, Green Tourmaline will also grace the most feminine of jewelry designs. Its rich olive green hue provides a stunning year-round fashion accessory.
Major Sources: Brazil, Afghanistan, Myanmar, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States
Hardness: 7-7.5
Pink Tourmaline
No one, it's been said, can resist a woman wearing pink. This enthralling, positive hue not only enhances the energy of its wearer, but also attracts the attention and energy of others.
Bold, confident, at once beautifully sensitive and self assured: exhilarating Pink Tourmaline expresses timeless feminine charm with a decidedly modern edge. Its hue complements all skin tones and offers year round fashion appeal.
Major Sources: Brazil, Afghanistan, Myanmar, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States
Hardness: 7-7.5
Blue Zircon
A gem of great beauty and rarity, sparkling Blue Zircon might be mistaken for the far more expensive blue diamond. Indeed, colorless forms of Zircon were long favored by consumers because this breathtaking gem, with its superb brilliance and dispersion, looks more like diamond than any other stone.
Major Sources: Kampuchea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia, Thailand, China
Hardness: 7.5 |
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