On Colored Gemstones
If the saying that diamonds are the girls’ best friends is true, then colored gemstones most definitely are the jewelry designers’ best friends – the infinite range of colors and structures of minerals virtually calls for creativity. They are found in all sorts of hues and color combinations; some appear basically all over the world, while others can be found only at a few exotic locations.
Sapphire
Sapphire is the symbol of nobility, truth-lovingness, honesty and loyalty. For many centuries, it served as a decoration on the garments of kings; among others, the engagement ring of the British Princess Diana was also decorated with a sapphire. Usually they are cut in the shape of a brilliant, a pad, a pear or a cabochon, and they can be recognized by their characteristic silky luster, which is created by the inclusions, characteristic of sapphires. They usually appear in different shades of blue, while the so-called 'fancy' sapphires can also be found in other hues, with the exception of red; for the red sapphire carries a very special name: a ruby.
Name of mineral: corundum
Color: all except red
Resistance: extremely hard
Special features: due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire glass is also used in watchmaking.
Deposits: Thailand, India, East Africa, USA
The red sapphire carries a very special name: a ruby.
Jewels with Sapphires
Ruby
The ruby is known as the "king of gemstones" and is also the most valuable. Its deep red color represents strong emotions, vitality and lust. In Myanmar – which is one of the largest deposits – in the past they believed that warriors, decorated in a special way with the distinctive red jewels, were invincible. They did not just set the rubies in precious metals; they set them into their own bodies. In the Middle Ages, they were extremely popular among the aristocratic classes as a talisman of health, wealth, wisdom and love, and even today they are a common choice for romantic gifts.
Name of mineral: corundum
Color: red
Resistance: extremely hard
Special features: They are used in the laser industry.
Deposits: Thailand, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Madagascar, Greenland
In the Middle Ages, they were extremely popular among the aristocratic classes as a talisman of health, wealth, wisdom and love, and even today they are a common choice for romantic gifts.
Emerald
The Romans used the green gemstones to mitigate the effects of eye fatigue, but even before them, the rich green charmed the Egyptians; even Cleopatra adorned herself with emeralds. The inclusions within these green minerals contribute to the uniqueness of each gemstone, while the pattern that they make is called "jardin" - garden. Due to the inclusions and the properties of the mineral beryl they are somewhat less resistant, which is why emerald jewelry requires a more careful care. It is often shaped in the form of step cuts, which is why some people call it the emerald cut.
Name of mineral: beryl
Color: bright green
Resistance: medium hard
Special features: Inclusions in all physical states: rock salt, liquid and gas
Deposits: Colombia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China
It is often shaped in the form of step cuts, which is why some people call it the emerald cut.
Citrine
The most common mineral, quartz, is found in all sorts of colors and shapes, but the rarest is yellow citrine. It can be found in lighter shades, as well as the darker, resinous yellow. The natural citrine has been highly prized for millennia due to its rarity; it has been used as a talisman by the Egyptians, while the Greeks embellished it with various carved ornaments. The Romans made jewelry with giant purple amethysts, which are the basis for the today's hued citrine, made with a heating process of amethysts.
Name of mineral: quartz
Color: yellow, orange or orange-red
Resistance: softer
Special features: ametryn is a variation of amethyst and citrine in a single crystal, which can be found in Bolivia
Deposits: Brazil, Bolivia
Ametryn is a variation of amethyst and citrine in a single crystal, which can be found in Bolivia.
Jewels with Quartz
Rose Quartz
In the past, quartz was considered to be the stone with magical powers, and the oldest jewelry with the rose quartz has allegedly been created in 7000 BC! The ancient Egyptians believed that wearing this rose-hued jewel slowed down aging, it was popular with the Romans, and in the Middle Ages, it was an essential ingredient for healing potions. The rose quartz is of particular interest recently, since its delicate rose hue coincides with the current fashion trends.
Name of mineral: quartz
Color: pale to medium dark pink
Resistance: softer
Special features: Due to the combination of inclusions and with the right cut, it can develop a star-shaped reflection
Deposits: Brazil, East Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka
The ancient Egyptians believed that wearing this rose-hued jewel slowed down aging.
Tanzanite
About a half-century ago, in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, they discovered minerals of deep blue color. They were convinced that they found sapphire, but it turned out to be an unknown gemstone – tanzanite. In its short history, due to its beautiful colors ranging from purple to dark blue, and the possibility for creation of larger pieces due to rare inclusions, it has become extremely desirable for many jewelers. The tanzanite crystal changes its color in accordance with the angle of viewing; hence, its cut is often defined by the desired color that we wish the greater surface of the gemstone to have.
Name of mineral: zoisite, named after the Slovenian natural scientist Sigmund Zois.
Color: blue, purple or violet blue
Resistance: medium hard
Special features: Pleochroism, three different colors seen from three different sides.
Deposits: Tanzania
Zoisite was named after the Slovenian natural scientist Sigmund Zois.
