Precious Stones
Precious Stones
Precious Stones are a type of gemstone, which are mineral crystals that are used for jewellery. They are often cut in a way that makes them look interesting, and they are polished to give them a shine. The exact definition of what gemstones are and aren't precious stones varies, though there are five types of gemstones known as the Cardinal gems which are considered the most precious, these are rubies, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and amethysts, though there are some other stones that are sometimes considered precious stones such as pearls or opals. The generally accepted definition of a precious stone is a gemstone that is considered very valuable.
RUBIES
Rubies are coloured red due to chromium, and they are often valued based on the intensity of their red colour. The fact that some sapphires can appear red due to impurities in the crystal, and that there are other red gemstones that exist such as spinel, it is easy to mistake less valuable red gems for rubies. Rubies are usually cut into an oval shape, unlike other gemstones which are usually angular shapes.
Emeralds
Emeralds are green gemstones whose name literally means 'green gem' that are often cut into a square or oblong shape. Emeralds are green because they are made of the mineral beryl which has been coloured green by another element such as chromium or vanadium. The earliest Emeralds discovered by civilization were mined in Egypt in 1500 BC.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine gemstones can range from a very light hue to much deeper, vibrant shades of blue. The term aquamarine is derived from a combination of two Latin words. The first one, aqua, means water and the second, marina means sea. Together, the word translates to the colour of the sea.
Sapphire
Sapphires are typically blue gemstones that can also appear yellow, green, purple or orange. These gemstones are made of corundum and are mined across the world in many countries including the United States, Australia, China, Madagascar and India. Sapphires are usually valued based on the quality of their blue hue, but they can occur in other colours and can even be completely colourless.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a bluish, translucent gemstone that seems to glow mysteriously from within, like a clear running stream. It has a refreshing quality that works with any color, but particularly with the many shades of blue that are dominating fashion right now.
Ethiopian
Natural Opals
Ethiopian Opal is found on the rocks of water which makes the water its main constituent along with silica. The Ethiopian Opals are treated in labs to improve and enhance their colour by inducing them in sulphuric acid and with sugar solution thus generating carbon texture and colour quality.