![]() ![]() Jasper is an opaque and impure variety of silica that’s found in colours of red, yellow, brown or green. ![]() It has been used in jewellery and ornaments for thousands of years across the East, in China and Japan in particular. Jade with even bright colour and a high degree of translucency is given the designation ‘imperial jade’. Imperial Jadeįound in Myanmar (Burma), Imperial Jade is incredibly rare and highly prized, and because of this it is known to be the most expensive gem in the world – worth more per gram than even the finest diamond. It can be cut and polished into jewellery. When in the dark, the mineral will be purple, but after exposure to sunlight, it can fade to a grayish white colour. Hackmanite is an extremely rare variety of sodalite that changes colour when exposed to sunlight – this phenomenon is called tenebrescence. Garnet is known for its gorgeous red colour, but it is also possible to find red, pink and yellow garnets, with very rare green Tsavorite garnets being the most sought after. ![]() Garnet is January’s birthstone, and with a rating of 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale it is often used in earrings, necklaces and brooches but is not suitable for everyday use. However, despite this, they were particularly popular in Victorian jewellery and then again in mid-century jewellery. These magical stones are highly prized, but often don’t sell for high prices as in some circles, they are regarded as being unlucky. Commonly found in Mexico, they are often referred to as Mexican fire opals. Fire Opalįire opals are translucent opals with warm body colours: yellow, orange and gold. Because of this, emeralds were particularly popular in mid-century cocktail jewellery like rings or necklaces. With a rating of around 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale making it suitable for everyday wear. A truly stunning beautiful stone of deep green, it can be found all over the world. Sitting at 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds are one of the hardest materials on the planet. The diamond is April’s birthstone and they have been commonly used in engagement rings for at least the last century. Diamondĭiamonds are one of the world’s most valuable gemstones, prized for their beauty and clarity. The stone is thought to be able to dissolve negative vibrations and put the heart and mind into balance. It can be opaque or transparent and has a 6.5-7 rating on the Mohs scale. ChalcedonyĬhalcedony is a crystalline form of silica, composed of intergrowths of quartz and moganite. It is a strong gemstone, with a rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Beryl is common and can be found in massive crops across the world. Berylīeryl is a mineral composed of many different elements that can result in different varieties: the most well-known are emerald and aquamarine. As February’s birthstone, it is thought to repel ill wishes from others and turn energy into love. Ten most common gemstonesĪmethyst is a variety of quartz and is a purple stone that rates relatively highly on the Mohs scale of hardness with a score of 8. All of these twelve stones have become popular in jewellery design, and some have gained popularity as fashions have changed. Today, we recognise twelve gemstones in particular as being ‘birthstones’ – stones that are associated with zodiac signs and bring good fortune to the wearer. Throughout time, different gemstones and precious minerals have acquired specific meanings. Some organic materials that are used for jewellery are often described as being gemstones even though they aren’t technically: amber, pearl, and jet are all examples of this. Diamonds, emeralds, amethysts, and rubies are all examples of gemstones. They come in all shapes and sizes, and there are hundreds of types out there on the market. Gemstones are pieces of mineral crystal that can be cut and polished to make jewellery. ![]()
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