Coloured Gems

Your desire to own or wear a coloured gemstone isn't new or unique. Throughout all civilisations, gems have held a fascination - sometimes even a legendary power - for people from all cultures. The mystery and romance of gemstones goes back as far as we can trace - to those primitive days when people coveted these beautiful stones as "charms" or "amulets" to ward off evil. And later, as life became more sophisticated, the rarity and beauty of gems established them as the ultimate symbol of status to the rich and powerful.

Today, the pride of possessing a rare a beautiful gemstone is as great as ever. There is, however, one major difference. At one time, only the very wealthy - or the very powerful - could hope to own a gemstone. Today, thanks to discoveries of rich mining and alluvial sources, you no longer have to be a millionaire to afford a gemstone.

What is a gemstone?

Most simply stated - the majority of gemstones are minerals. Important exceptions are pearl and coral which are of animal origin, jet and amber which are of vegetable origin. These minerals have been crystallised as a result of the high temperatures and pressures exerted by nature on the elements that form the earth's crust.

Of more than 3000 minerals found on the earth, only a small percentage qualify as "gemstones" due to their beauty, durability, colour and rarity. The most sough after are transparent gems, drops of pure colour cut from single crystals. These gems were once divided into precious and semiprecious categories. But this is no longer true today. Gem discoveries have added new varieties to the traditional selection of Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire. Some of these more unusual gemstones command higher prices than more well known gemstones due to their beauty and rarity. For example, fine jade and fine opal, tsavorite or alexandrite would be more valuable than lesser quality diamonds or emeralds of the same carat weight.

The selection of fine quality gemstones include such stones as alexandrite, amber, amethyst, aquamarine, chysoberyl, citrine, garnet, iolite, jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, opal, peridot, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, tsavorite, turquoise and zircon. Each of these gemstones has a particular charm, colour and identity.

Why buy a coloured gemstone ?

Each person has his or her own reason for wanting to buy, own or wear a coloured gemstone. There are, however, several basics - and valued - reasons which make gemstones a desirable possession.

Gemstones are primarily beautiful. Every stone is a natural work of art, each one having a distinctive and separate personality possessing unique and distinguishing beauty marks.

Gemstones are durable. Gemstones of capable of lasting for generations - even in some cases - for centuries. The treasures of King Tutankhamen prove that gemstones endure through many lifetimes.

Gemstones are rare. While it is true that there are new sources of gemstones, today's economy has brought "expendable" income to more people than ever, and this affluent public shares the historic love of gemstones. Therefore, since the demand for gemstones is greater than ever, the supply is, in fact, limited in its ability to meet this demand.

What determines the value of a gemstone?

There are several facts which determine the value (and price) of a gemstone:

Your gemstone and you

Buying a gemstone is your investment in lasting beauty. Treat it accordingly. A gemstone's durability makes it capable of lasting for generations - but it must be handled with care. Information on caring for various gemstones is available from our caring for jewellery page.

Gemstones & Birthstones

The variety of colours and qualities of valuable gemstones is almost limitless. Some of the most popular ones have been allocated to months of the year, bringing all people born in their months under the protection of the stone of that month.