Coloured Gemstones
Sapphire
The name "Sapphire" relates to any Corundum mineral species other than Ruby. Sapphire can come in many fancy colours including Violet, Green, Yellow, Pink & Purple but the ultimate Sapphire has always been a deep Blue colour. Sapphire has been a Royal favorite for years with Princess Diana's engagement ring featuring a 12ct Blue Sapphire.
Birthstone - September
Emerald
Sometimes mistaken for its much less expensive cousin the Green Beryl, a true Emerald has a strong and deep Green hue. Dating back almost 3 Billion years the Emerald is a prized piece for many people's collections, Cleopatra even had a well documented love for Emeralds with many of her Jewels having this stunning Gemstone.
Birthstone - May
Ruby
Rubies are the most expensive coloured Gemstone, commanding the highest per-carat price. Sought after by people all over the world, the Ruby is literally known in Sanskrit as "the king of gems". Ruby is a Corundum mineral species which in its purist form is colourless, its actually trace elements of Chromium which give the Ruby its unmistakable Red colour.
Birthstone - July
Amethyst
Known in ancient Greece for its ability to prevent intoxication, Amethyst has a long and profound history. Once as expensive as Ruby & Emerald until new deposits were discovered in Brazil, Amethyst is beautiful enough for Crown jewels yet affordable enough to bring vibrance to any Ring or Pendant.
Birthstone - February
Aquamarine
Lovers of the sea will be drawn to the fresh Blue hue of Aquamarine, somewhat at odds with its typically high altitude mines, primarily in Pakistan. In fact its name comes from the Latin words: aqua, meaning "water" & marina, meaning "of the sea". A form of Beryl, Aquamarines can be found in large formations making it relatively easy to find larger cuts for a more impactful piece.
Birthstone - March
Tourmaline
Tourmaline have some of the widest colour ranges of any Gem. They are often found in Red, Pink, Green, Blue & Yellow. The colours are caused by different amounts of trace elements including Iron, Titanium, Manganese & even Radiation. Because of their multitude of colours, buyers should be wary they can often be mis-sold as Emeralds, Rubies or Sapphires.
Birthstone - October
Citrine
Citrine is a Yellow to Brownish-Orange variant of Quartz. Its durability and affordability makes it a very popular Gemstone for people looking for a Yellow or Orange Gem. Natural Citrine's can be very rare, most Citrine's in the market are actually Amethysts that have been heat treated.
Birthstone - November
Topaz
Discovered in 1768 in Portugal, the Topaz can be found in a wide range of colours including Brown, Blue, Green, Yellow & Red. Topaz can also be found colourless and this is actually the most plentiful variant. The colourless variety can then be treated to give it a Blue colour which is why Blue Topaz is often the most common colour seen.
Birthstone - November
Peridot
Found in lava, meteorites & deep in the earth's mantel, Peridot is a strongly coloured Yellow-Green Gemstone. Originally mined by the ancient Egyptians on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, many large Peridot can be found in museums around the world. Peridot can be found at many different price-points making it a sought after Gemstone.
Birthstone - August