Aquamarine
Aquamarines are found in a wide spectrum of blue shades, from the lightest blue to greenish-blue to a deep-sea blue, they owe their colour to the presence of iron. While the choice of colour is a personal preference, the intense blue gemstones are quiet rare. Aquamarines are durable gemstones, and are rated at 7.5 on the Mohs scale (compared to diamond at 10).
The elegantly coloured aquamarines are the birthstone for the month of March, and are the symbol of optimism, wellbeing and commitment. Throughout history, aquamarines have been thought to impart an element of harmony for couples. This makes Aquamarines a great choice for an anniversary gift.
Aquamarines are derived from the mineral stone beryl, the same family to which emeralds belong. Aquamarines are mined in different parts of the world including Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan and Mozambique, but the majority are mined in Brazil.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is an exquisite gemstone with unique attributes. The name was originated from the Singhalese word “turamali”, meaning mixed coloured gemstone. Tourmalines are found in a wide spectrum of colours from red, blue ,green, pink, and even black.
Tourmaline is the birthstone for the month of October and is common believed to be the gemstone of friendship and love. It is also considered to be a perfect gift for a 38th wedding anniversary. Tourmalines are often used as the focal point of a jewellery piece, because each stone has its own distinctive variation of colour. Rings, necklaces, and earrings would all make fabulous anniversary gifts.
Tourmalines are found mainly in Brazil and Africa, namely Tanzania and Nigeria, but they are also mined in several parts of the world, such as in the United States, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite’s introduction into the jewellery industry has been a relatively new phenomenon. This transparent blue gemstone was first found in 1962, dispersed on the Earth’s surface in Tanzania, in eastern Africa. In 1968 after intense marketing, Tanzanite was promoted as a superb gem for consumers seeking bespoke jewellery.
The pure blue coloured Tanzanite is very high demand and considered to be the highest grade. However some consumers prefer the lighter and more purplish colours that some Tanzanites exhibit.
In October 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added the Tanzanite as an additional birthstone for the month of December. Also Tanzanite is popularly used as the 24th anniversary gemstone. Paired with 2 brilliant cut diamonds on either sides in a white gold setting, this gemstone can truly become the envy of many.
Amethyst
Amethyst belongs to the purple variety of Quartz and is the most appreciated member of the quartz family. Amethyst is considered to be the official birthstone for the month of February. It is commonly used as the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.
The name Amethyst comes from the Greek word “Amethystos”, meaning “not drunken”. According to the myth, Greek gods believed that drinking from an amethyst cup would prevent intoxication. Leonardo da Vinci alleged that amethyst could accelerate someone’s intelligence.
From time immemorial, Purple was considered to be a royal colour. As a result throughout ancient times amethyst was worn by many royalties. Intense purple coloured amethysts are found to feature in the British crown jewels and also in the ornaments of bishops and cardinals.
Citrine
The name Citrine is derived from its colour, the Yellow of the lemon. The most desirable Citrines are the ones with a clear, radiant yellowish to reddish brown hues. Citrine belongs to the crystal Quartz family with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.
Throughout time, Citrine has been linked to the autumn season. The presence of smooth, mellow tone in this gemstone reflects the last glimmering light of autumn. The vibrant yellow colour gleams and reminds us of a tinge of sunshine in a rather grey autumn sky.
Traditionally, Citrine has been found in Spain, on the Scottish island of Arran, in Hungary, and France amongst other places. There are not many yellow gemstones in the world of jewels. A diamond or a sapphire may be lemony-yellow, however they command high prices due to their scarcity, or perhaps a tourmaline, though it tends to gravitate towards greenish colour. However, the Citrine with its vibrant lemon yellow colour can definitely satisfy a person’s quest to acquire that unique piece of jewellery.
Garnet
Garnets are one of those rare gemstones that possess distinctive deep, warm red hues. The name garnet comes from the Latin word “Granum”, which means grain. Garnets are found in a spectrum colours, including purple, orange, yellow green brown and even black. The only colour that Garnets do not offer is the blue. However during the 1990s the discovery of garnets, with colours changing from blue to red-pink under sunlight, has somewhat added to the decorum of this gemstone.
Garnets are quite hard, measuring 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. With their rich colour spectrum, especially the highly prized deep red and mild green stones, garnets are much sought after by jewellery designers and consumers alike. Their relative abundant existence in mines makes Garnets affordable and worthwhile to be considered an excellent gift for that special occasion.
Garnet is the birthstone of the month of January. Garnets look magnificent surrounded by small brilliant cut diamonds in a claw setting.
Peridot
The Peridot with its rich green and dash of gold hues, is the perfect gemstone for someone seeking a piece of jewellery that has a strong reminiscence of Summer. The word Peridot is a French word originated from the Arabic word “ Faridat” which means Gemstone.
Peridot’s usage was documented as early as 1500 BC by the Egyptians. It is believed that Cleopatra mistakenly used dark green Peridots as Emeralds on some of her royal jewellery. This Gemstone was once called ’’ the Sun Gem’’, because of a strong belief that once set in gold, it possessed mystical powers of protection from evil at night. Currently in Hawaii the Peridot is treasured as the goddess Pele’s tears.
Peridots are presently found in the Unites States, Burma, China and Sri Lanka. In the early parts of the 1990’s, huge rich deposits of the finest Peridot were found in Kashmir, Pakistan. Coincidently, around that time, the world of fashion reintroduced the colour green into its designs. As a result, the attractiveness of this stone has contributed to its high demand amongst jewellery lovers. A peridot set in a yellow gold full bezel setting makes a stunning piece of jewellery to cherish for endless time.
The Peridot is measured 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which is relatively softer than its peers. It is advisable not to expose it to high or sudden change in temperature.