GEMSTONE PROPERTIES
AMETHYST
Amethyst is derived from the Greek language and means “not intoxicated.” Thus the stone is thought to prevent intoxication. Amethyst is mined in many places around the world including Africa, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Russia and USA.
Birthstone – February
AQUAMARINE
The word Aquamarine means seawater in Latin. Aquamarines are mined in many places around the world including Brazil, Sri Lanka, USA, Russia and many African countries. It ranges in colour from light blue to dark with a touch of green.
Birthstone – March
CUBIC ZIRCONIA
CZ or Cubic Zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. This stone is man made and usually flawless and colourless, however it does come in a variety of other colours. It is known to resemble a diamond.
CRYSTAL
A Crystal or crystalline solid is known for its high quality, brilliance and purity. Crystals are historically known for their healing powers and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
DIAMOND
Diamonds are made of carbon and are the hardest natural mineral. They are mined in many countries around the world including South Africa, India, Australia, Russia and China. Clear diamonds are commonly used in engagement rings, however they come in a variety of colours including black, yellow and pink.
Birthstone – April
MARCASITE
Marcasite has the same chemical formula as Pyrite, but crystallizes differently. It is scientifically classified as a unique mineral species separate from Pyrite. Marcasite jewellery has been made since the Ancient Greek period.
ONYX
Onyx is a semi-precious variation of Agate. It’s most commonly seen in its black variety, however does come in other shades. It is mined all over the world, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Madagascar, Latin America, the UK and some US states. It is known to help release negative emotions.
OPAL
The stone name opal comes from the Sanskrit word Upala for stone or precious stone. Opal has a larger proportion of water than most stones and is considered a “water stone”. A large percentage of the world's opals are found in Australia. Opal is thought to enhance imagination and creativity.
Birthstone – October
QUARTZ
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is a gentle pink, ranging from almost white to dark pink. Known as the gemstone for unconditional love.
Smokey Quartz
Smokey Quartz is found in a variety of colours from grey, brown to almost black. It is mined across the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada and China.
Tourmalated Quartz
Tourmalated Quartz is clear or white quartz with Black Tourmaline pieces throughout. These stones have strong metaphysical healing properties and are mined in Brazil.
SAPPHIRE
The word Sapphire comes from the Greek word meaning blue. The stone is most frequently mined in Sri Lanka, Australia, Madagascar and Thailand. Sapphires most commonly used in jewellery are blue, however green, purple, yellow and white are also used.
Birthstone – September
TOPAZ
Most commonly mined in Australia, Brazil and Nigeria. Topaz is found in a variety of colours ranging blue, brown, green, gold, pink, red to yellow. Topaz is referred to as the stone of true love, allowing the wearer to see good and bad in their relationships.
Birthstone – November
PEARLS
Akoya
1893 was the year Akoya pearls were first cultured. These stunners can be found on the coast of Japan. Available in roughly 3-10mm, they are best known for their perfectly white round shape and reflective lustre.
Baroque
Baroque means irregular, non-spherical shape. Shapes can range from minor imperfections to curved or irregular shapes. Baroque pearls are mantle-tissue nucleated as opposed to bead nucleated. This type of pearl is extremely popular in the 21st Century.
Freshwater
Fresh water pearls are the most commonly produced. Their wide array of colours and reasonable prices make them even more attractive. Fresh water pearls are unique in there production; one freshwater pearl mussel can produce up to 50 individual pearls at once.
South Sea
South Sea pearls take on the colour of their host Pinctada Maxima oyster. Its colour ranges from white, cream, pink, gold to silver. They are primarily grown in Australia, Philippines, and Indonesia. They are the largest saltwater pearls grown today.
Tahitian
Tahitian Pearls are formed from black lip oysters and are the only naturally dark pearl. They are one of the most sought-after and exotic pearl in the world. The Tahitian pearl is grown in the French Polynesia surrounding Tahiti. Although Tahitian pearls are usually blue-black they range in colour to silver-white and everything in between.
