Bespoke Jewellery

Gem Guide

	Ruby: Ruby is a crystallized aluminium oxide, and has exactly the same chemical composition as sapphire. Only small amounts of colouring trace elements separates them. Rubies vary from a dark “pigeon-blood” red to a light pink. Perhaps the finest stones come from Myanmar (Burma). Until recently all mining was state-run and private mining of these rubies was prohibited and the trade in them illegal. Rubies can also be found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Madagascar and Africa. The ruby wearer is thought to be endowed with health, happiness and wisdom. Rubies are supposed to strengthen the heart emotionally, provide an energy boost and to increase personal courage.
	Sapphire: Sapphire is a crystallized aluminium oxide, and has exactly the same chemical composition as ruby. Only small amounts of colouring trace elements separates them. Sapphires come in varying qualities from the dark, blackish blue usually sourced from Australia, to the beautiful corn- flower blue of the Kashmir stones. As well as differing qualities, Sapphire can be found in many colours ; pink, purple, yellow, lilac, green, white, and even orange. Pink sapphire is a stone that is growing in popularity. More durable than pink tourmaline - it's closest colour rival - and with a brilliance that's hard to match. The sapphire is associated with many magical powers, including the ability to heal wounds, and as an antidote for poisons. It is believed to amplify intuitive ability, and is useful as an aid to meditation. Sapphires are mined in Australia, Thailand, Africa, Sri Lanka and USA.
	Emerald: Emerald is one of the most valuable stones found in nature. A member of the beryl family with the element chromium giving it its distinctive green colour. First mined in Egypt at the Cleopatra mine, emeralds have long been valued and desired as symbol of wealth and prosperity. Today the country most associated with emerald is Columbia, though the Columbians’ domination of world markets ceased when mines were discovered in Africa, Russia, Pakistan and India. Emeralds are notorious for their flaws, which makes them more brittle than other stones. Emerald is believed to strengthen the heart, liver and kidneys, and supposedly calms the mind and relieves eye-strain. Prices range from a few pounds per carat/stone to £1000per ct +.
	Garnet: The colours of garnet span the rainbow, from red to purple, from light to dark green. Ranging in price from a few pence to hundreds of pounds. Other members of the family include almandine (purplish red), rhodolite (pinkish to purplish red), tsavorite (bright green), demantoid (yellowish green), hessonite (brownish yellow). Garnet inspires love and stimulates blood-flow, or so it’s believed. It is supposed to aid creativity, and enhance passion. Garnets can be found in Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Thailand, India.
	Tourmaline: Tourmaline is found in a variety of colours but by far the most recognised is a characteristic bottle green. Tourmalines show interesting colour effects. At times these colours appear in layers, giving what is known as a "watermelon" effect. Pink tourmaline (also known as Rubelite) tends to be more valuable than the common green. More valuable still is the very rare red tourmaline. The green tourmaline is said help asthma sufferers and to reinvigorate the heart. Pink tourmaline helps with emotional and spiritual love and brings trust. Tourmalines are found inBrazil, Madagascar, Russia, USA, Sri Lanka and Africa.
	Amethyst: Amethyst is one of the most popular of all the quartz’s, ranging in colour from an almost colourless lilac to a rich velvety purple. The mines of the Ural mountains in Russia have always been thought to produce the very finest specimens, although beautiful stones are also found in Namibia, Zambia and Brazil. Amethyst is the most valuable of all the quartzes. With its association with the god Bacchus amethyst has long been associated with drink and is believed to help prevent drunkenness. Worn while sleeping it supposedly has the effect of reducing anger and impatience.
	Green Quatz: Some amethysts from certain localities change colour to green when heated under appropriate condition. They are known as “prasiolite” or green amethyst. Green quartz is irradiation-treated quartz and very similar in colour to green amethyst.
	Blue Topaz: In recent years millions of carats of white topaz has been irradiated to turn it blue and has found its way onto the world market. From pale aqua-like blue (sky), through a rich electric blue (Swiss) to a deep metallic blue (London), these stones have found popularity with the jewellery buying public. Early fears that the irradiation process left stones with dangerously high levels of radiation have been assuaged by the rigorous testing of the stones before they reach the market place. Blue topaz is a stone for those of a creative nature, being especially useful for writers. It is also supposed to aid alignment with one's higher self.
	Iolite: Ioloite has a unique indigo colour. It is also known as the 'water sapphire' and gets its name from the latin word 'los' meaning violet. Located in Shri Lanka, Madagascar, India, Brazil and the US, Iolite can sometimes be mistaken for sapphire or tanzanite. It is believed to be a detoxifier for addictions.
	Black Diamond: Black diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique colour, low prices and fashionable appearance. They are typically opaque and usually included. Natural fancy black diamonds are very rare and expensive, therefore most of the black diamonds are heat treated.