LEARNING HUB
GEM TYPES & CLASSIFICATION
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire is a precious gemstone, which is one of the two primary varieties of the mineral called ‘corundum’. Sapphires are typically blue and red, where red sapphires are commonly called ‘Rubies’. However, depending on the oxidation of the corundum mineral, they can sometimes be found in other colours such as yellow, purple, orange and green. Sri Lanka, Jammu & Kashmir province in India, Madagascar and Burma are famous for their high-quality sapphires. Like most gemstones, sapphires are usually evaluated based on the purity of their colour, brightness and the shade, which can be enhanced by heating the stone at temperatures between 800c to 1800c for hours to even weeks. ‘The Blue Belle of Asia’ with 392.52 carats is considered to be the most expensive blue sapphire in the world (valued at $17.56 million USD in 2014) while the “Sunrise Ruby'' is considered to be the most expensive red sapphire (valued at $32Million USD in 2015). The spiritual energy of the sapphires are believed to bring balance and stability in life and symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, intuition and trustworthiness. Sapphire is a timeless and elegant gemstone that continues to be cherished and sought after. Its deep colour and durability make it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary jewellery designs.
AMETHYST
Amethyst is a beautiful and highly prized gemstone known for its stunning purple colour. It is a variety of quartz and is often used in jewellery and decorative pieces. Amethyst ranges in shade from light lavender to deep violet, with the most valuable stones being a rich, vibrant purple. The most expensive amethyst ever sold was the ‘Dom Pedro Amethyst” which was sold for 1.2 Million USD in 2011. Amethyst is also associated with spiritual growth and protection against negative energies. Its unique beauty and symbolism make it a popular choice for both personal adornment and spiritual practices.
GARNET
Garnet is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colours, with the most commonly known being a deep red shade. However, it can also be found in shades of orange, yellow, green, and even rare blue. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word "granatum," meaning pomegranate, due to its resemblance to the vibrant red seeds of the fruit. Garnet is a durable gemstone, making it suitable for use in various types of jewellery. With its wide range of colours and positive energies, garnet is a popular choice for those seeking a unique and meaningful gemstone. Whether used as a birthstone, a gift, or simply for personal adornment, garnet is a versatile and captivating gemstone
TOURMALINE
Tourmaline is a fascinating and versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colours. It is known for its unique crystal structure, which allows it to exhibit different colours within the same stone. Common colours of tourmaline include pink, green, blue, yellow, and even black. One of the most popular varieties of tourmaline is the watermelon tourmaline, which displays a combination of pink and green shade, resembling the colours of a watermelon. This gemstone is highly valued for its vibrant colours and is often used in jewellery. Different colours of tourmaline are associated with different energies and intentions.
Due to its wide range of colours and metaphysical properties, tourmaline is a popular choice for both collectors and jewellery enthusiasts. Its unique beauty and versatility make it a captivating gemstone that is appreciated by many.
CHRYSOBERYL
Chrysoberyl is a gemstone that is prized for its stunning colour and remarkable durability. It is composed of beryllium aluminium oxide and is known for its high refractive index, which gives it excellent brilliance and sparkle. Chrysoberyl comes in various colours, with the most well-known being a vibrant green, often referred to as "chrysoberyl green."One of the most famous varieties of chrysoberyl is alexandrite, which is known for its unique colour-changing properties. Alexandrite appears green in daylight or fluorescent light, but under incandescent light, it transforms into shades of red or purplish-red. This colour change phenomenon is highly sought after and adds to the allure of the gemstone. Whether in the form of alexandrite or other variations, chrysoberyl is highly regarded and appreciated by gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The four Cs of gemmology are a set of criteria used to evaluate and assess the quality and value of a gemstone. They are:
1. Colour: The colour of a gemstone is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Gemstones come in a wide range of colours, and the intensity, hue, and saturation of the colour can greatly impact the gem's desirability. For example, in diamonds, colourless stones are highly valued, while in coloured gemstones, the intensity and purity of the colour are important.
2. Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of any internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively, within a gemstone. The clarity of a gemstone can affect its brilliance and overall appearance. Gemstones with fewer and less visible inclusions are considered more valuable.
3. Cut: The cut of a gemstone refers to its shape, proportions, and faceting. A well-cut gemstone will reflect light in a way that maximizes its brilliance and enhances its beauty. The cut also affects the gemstone's durability. Different gemstones have specific cutting styles that are considered ideal for their respective varieties.
4. Carat Weight: Carat weight is a measure of a gemstone's size and weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. In general, larger gemstones are rarer and more valuable, all other factors being equal. However, it is important to note that carat weight alone does not determine a gemstone's value, as the other three Cs (colour, clarity, and cut) also play crucial roles.
By considering these four Cs together, gemmologists and buyers can assess and compare the quality and value of different gemstones. Each C contributes to the overall beauty and worth of a gemstone, and the balance between them is important for determining its overall desirability.
THE JOURNEY FROM MINE TO THE SHOP
Gem mining involves the extraction of gemstones from the earth or other geological sources. The process can vary depending on the type of gemstone, the mining location, and the geological conditions.
Our gem collection is sourced through responsible mining practices, emphasising ethical and fair trade practices. Explore our collection with confidence, knowing that each gemstone represents a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in the gemstone industry.
Traditional, age-old techniques have been used for centuries in Sri Lanka, adhering to the government regulations on promoting low impact mining methods that cause minimum damage to the environment.
After mining activities, all sites go through a land restoration process to mitigate the environmental impact of the activities and rejuvenate the ecosystems that have been disturbed through the process.
This is a critical component in our mining process and we ensure that effective land restoration methods are followed as this is essential for environmental conservation, sustainable development, and the well-being of surrounding communities.
Once the gem-bearing rocks or deposits are reached, extraction methods are employed to remove the gemstones. In traditional mines, this is mainly carried through manual extraction or drilling methods, depending on the scale and location of the operation.
Extracted gemstones are then sorted and graded based on their quality, size, colour, and other characteristics. This is a crucial step in determining the value of each gemstone.
The rough gemstones undergo further cleaning and preparation in our gem laboratories. This may include washing, cutting and initial shaping to enhance the gem's appearance. Some gemstones go through standard heating and treatment processes to enhance the gem's beauty and colour. (Please refer to our standard heating method description in Learning Hub for further information on heating and treatment processes)
Our gemstones reach the happy customers with each stone having their own story to deliver throughtout their mesmerising journey…