“The gemstone of the 20th Century” Its unique and vibrant blue-lavender color has made the gemstone tanzanite a welcome recent (in gemstone terms) addition to the gemstone family. First discovered in northern Tanzania in 1967, tanzanite has still only been discovered at this five mile square source in the Merelani Hills at Mererani. Tanzanite is the gem variety of the mineral zoisi...

Considered one of the most fascinating and feminine of all gemstones, the pearl is the only gem that is created by a living organism, being minute crystals of calcium carbonate that are produced within the soft tissue of various species of living mollusks, most notably pearl oysters. The most desirable and most valuable pearls are smooth and round in appearance, though other shapes of pearls (know...

Cut is the single most important factor in the appearance of a diamond, and should never be underestimated when selecting a stone. Diamonds that have been poorly cut can appear dull and sometimes have dark spots on them, whilst well-cut stones can be enchanting, brilliant and fiery - exactly what we expect a diamond to be like. There are three accepted sets of proportions that are considered ideal...

What is the difference between a diamond engagement ring and diamond wedding ring? A diamond engagement ring is traditionally given by a man to a woman when he proposes to her. This ring will usually be worn for the duration of the engagement and is identified by its single diamond - known as a ’solitaire’ diamond. Although many other types of rings can be used as an engagement ring, a...

The stunning green of the emerald has long been popular in all forms of jewelry. Back in Victorian times, emerald rings could often be found as part of a matching set, which also included a necklace, a bracelet and earrings, and having looked at the classic emerald ring in previous articles, here we look at emerald bracelets and earrings. Emeralds of course date back to long before Victorian times...

Diamonds have long been the stone of choice for engagement rings, but in recent times stones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds have become popular alternatives. We have already looked at the ruby and the sapphire, and in this article we look at the emerald engagement ring. There are many reasons why a couple may opt against the usual route of a diamond engagement ring and choose an emerald de...

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl, and perhaps the most recognizable green gemstone. It is also the birthstone for the month of May, making emerald items of jewelry of particular significance for those born during this month. In this article we look at the classic emerald ring. Throughout the years the emerald has never gone out of style, and on occasion comes to the forefront of l...

In the previous article we looked at the classic sapphire ring, and here we look at the perfect accompaniments to that special item.Bracelets have long been favorite items of jewelry, with their popularity dating back to Roman times, and sapphire bracelets can be found in many different styles. Classic styles usually feature a number of small sapphires placed around the outside of the band at regu...

Whereas red gemstones from the mineral corundum are known as rubies, all other colors are labeled as sapphires. Sapphires are some of the most desirable gemstones, particularly in their famous blue hues, and specifically in the shade known as ‘Cornflower Blue’. It is blue sapphire gems that are most commonly used in the many types of sapphire ring, with the stones often displaying se...

The classic ruby bracelet and earrings are the perfect compliments to eachother and excellent extras to accompany the simple ruby ring. A ruby bracelet usually consists of a shimmering circle of gems that run for the entire length of the piece. This gives the bracelet a classy and identical appearance whichever part of it is on display. Although rubies can be used by themselves, a more common opti...

The simple ruby ring has always been a favorite with both those buying and receiving it as a token of love, Christmas present or gift for any other special occasion. In recent times, however, this timeless classic has become increasingly popular as an engagement ring. Although diamonds have historically been the most popular choice for this special item of jewelry, modern brides are embracing th...

The Ruby has long been a hugely popular gemstone, and is instantly recognizable for its deep red color, with ‘Pigeon Blood Red’ being the most valuable hue. It is also one of the four precious stones and a gem of huge symbolic significance. The simple ruby ring is a truly classic piece. It is the deep red hue of the ruby that has long drawn the eye of women all over the world, prompt...