ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GEMS
DIAMONDS AND PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
In jewellery, all gemstones are classified based on the 4Cs: Colour, Cut, Clarity, Carat as defined by the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America). These characteristics will determine the quality and price of the stone.
All precious stones can be cut in different forms, the most common being, round, oval, emerald, cushion and pear. Our gemstones are are always guaranteed by an official report from 0,30 carats and our jewels come with an authenticity certificate Lismay Badart.
DIAMOND
Diamonds are gems composed of pure carbon which crystallises around 100 miles beneath the Earth surface. It is the hardest mineral of all with a grade of 10/10 under Mohs' scale. Known since Ancient times, it started to be cut in the XIVth century.
We find diamonds in different colours, the most common used in jewellery having no colour. We also know fancy yellow diamonds, blue diamonds, green, pink and brown diamonds. These being more rare and as a result more expensive.
Given its rarity and difficulty to be cut due to its hardness, diamonds are the most valued gems of all.
RUBY
Ruby is a variety of corundum, a relatively rare mineral that has a hardness of 9/10 under Mohs' scale. With a deep red color, ruby is the most expensive coloured gem per carat.
The most recognised rubies are formed within marble from Myanmar, Vietnam or the Himalayas.
In ancient times, it was believed that rubies possessed the power of life since their colour was compared to that of the blood that runs through our veins.
Colour is the most important factor when giving value to this incredible gem, symbol of love and passion.
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire is a variety of corundum, a relatively rare mineral that has a hardness of 9/10 and a wide variety of colours, blue being the best known and used in jewellery. Royal Blue, a very dark blue, is known for Lady Di's engagement ring.
Other so-called "fancy" sapphire colours include pink, violet, yellow, green, and orange.
Color and clarity are the most important factors in establishing its value.
The sapphire according to tradition symbolizes sincerity, nobility, loyalty and truth, and is associated with romance and royalty.
EMERALD
The emerald is a variety of beryl, known for its intense green to green bluish green colour. The colour of this gem is actually the most important factor of its value. Emeralds present a hardness of 7,5-8/10 under Mohs scale, being a gemstone relatively delicate which usually has inclusions and fissures.
The oldest emeralds we know come from South Africa, but they were especially used in Egypt under Cleopatra who was deeply passionate about them.
Emeralds are usually cut in a rectangular shape and actually gives name to that cut shape for every other gem, including diamonds; "emerald cut diamonds".
tourmaline
Tourmaline is the gemstone with the greatest variety of colours that we know of. Thus, for centuries and until the development of modern mineralogy, tourmalines were confused with other precious stones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
Now, the colours most used in jewellery have been given their own names: Paraiba tourmaline, for example, comes from Brazil and its blue turquoise colour is as transparent as the Caribbean Sea; Rubellite tourmaline encompasses shades from pink to brown through orange and red; Chrome tourmaline is confused with the colour of emerald. There are also tourmalines that have different colours within the same stone. With a hardness of 7-7,5/10, tourmalines are quite delicate and need to be treated with care.
AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine, like emerald, is a variety of beryl recognised for its transparent blue color from which it gets its name. Aquamarines are mined from high-altitude deposits in the mountains of Pakistan.
The crystals that are mined are so large that gemstones of up to 100 carats can be cut for use in jewellery.
Aquamarines are believed to help bring happiness to marriages.
OTHER GEMSTONES USED IN JEWELLERY
AMETHYST – a purple gem which was as valuable and expensive as ruby or emerald until the 19th century when a large deposit was found in Brazil.
CITRINE - light yellow to brown through orange in color, Citrine is a rare gem to find in nature. It is the best-selling yellow gem.
SPINEL - very similar in color to ruby, for centuries it was confused with it and was used as such in the jewels of the great monarchies.
KUNZITE - a pink colored gem discovered in the early 20th century. The more intense the color, the more valuable the stone.
PERIDOT - grassy green in color, peridot is the most extreme gem we know as it is found in lava and meteorites.
TANZANITE - found only in northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, and its most valuable color is blue or blue-violet.
TOPAZ - with a variety of colors including: yellow, orange, pink, red, green and blue, the most valuable topazes are orange and red.
COLORED STONES AND DIAMONDS GRADING REPORTS
Gem reports are professional evaluations carried out with advanced technological techniques and instruments to guarantee the authenticity of precious stones and their natural origin.
They present the characteristics that make the gems unique and give them their value: color, cut, clarity and carat weight.
Sources: www.gia.edu and www.ige.org
