Gemstone Guide

The Akoya pearl is known for its high quality, vibrant luster, and origins in Japanese pearl farms. This pearl comes from Akoya oysters found in the hidden bays off the coast of Japan. Coco Chanel, Jackie O, and Princess Diana have all contributed to the pearls' timeless appeal. Choose the shade of Akoya pearl that complements your skin best.

Amazonite is a captivating stone found in extraordinary locations like Madagascar and Russia's tundra. Known as the "Stone of Courage" or "Stone of Truth," it empowers self-discovery and inner strength. Highly valued by the Egyptians, amazonite is also considered a symbol of luck and fertility.

Amethyst has captivated people for centuries with its deep purple hue and mystical allure. From ancient cultures using amethysts as amulets for prayer and protection, to Greek mythology associating them with Bacchus, the god of wine, these gemstones hold rich history and symbolism. Today, the amethyst is revered as a symbol of purity of spirit, and is believed to bring spiritual healing, calmness, and wisdom.

Aquamarine, a symbol of youthfulness and hope, is the birthstone for March. Its mesmerizing range of blues is reminiscent of the ocean, evoking a sense of calm and purity. The aquamarine's rich history includes enchanting legends, such as being treasured by mermaids and used by Roman fishermen for protection and good luck.

Blue sapphire, deriving its name from the Latin word "saphirus" and the Greek word "sapheiros," is revered for its deep blue hue and regal history. With mystical meanings throughout history and believed to bring peace and good health, sapphire has become synonymous with royalty and romance. From being the birthstone for September to being used in engagement rings, sapphire embodies qualities of loyalty, fidelity, and romantic devotion.

Blue topaz has a rich history intertwined with royalty and mythology. Believed to have adorned the royal necklace of Maria Pavlona of Sweden, this gemstone has been cherished for centuries. Discovered by the Romans on the sacred island of Topazios in the Red Sea, it was revered in ancient Egypt as a symbol of the sun god Ra, granting wisdom and power. With a hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, blue topaz is both beautiful and durable, representing calmness, spiritual connection, and inner peace.

Chrysoprase, from the Greek words "chrys" meaning 'gold or yellow' and "prase" meaning 'green', is a highly valued gemstone in the chalcedony family. Its bright green color and translucent clarity make it truly captivating. Throughout history, chrysoprase has been associated with victory and has inspired leaders like Alexander the Great and Prussia's Frederick the Great.

Citrine, a yellow variety of quartz, derives its name from the French word "citron" meaning lemon. It gained popularity in the Art Deco era and is known as the "success stone", believed to bring prosperity. With its radiant and positive energy, citrine embodies a summertime vibe and remains a valuable gemstone.

The diamond comes in a range of hues, with more saturated colours being more valuable. The ancient belief that diamonds are unbreakable has solidified their status as symbols of affection. Admired for their sparkle, the "brilliant cut" diamond reigns supreme as the most beloved diamond cut of all.

Emerald, believed to derive its name from the Sanskrit word for green, smarahato, has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra famously adorned herself and her palace with these stunning gems. Estimated to be nearly 3 billion years old, emeralds have long symbolized eternal life and power, cherished by civilizations from the Aztecs to the Greeks. Associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emeralds inspire balance, wisdom, and unconditional love. Revered by royalty throughout history, from Cleopatra to Jackie Kennedy, emeralds remain a timeless symbol of status and beauty.

Amethyst has captivated people for centuries. From ancient cultures using amethysts as amulets for prayer and protection, to Greek mythology associating them with Bacchus, the god of wine, these gemstones hold rich history and symbolism. Today, the amethyst is revered as a symbol of purity of spirit, and is believed to bring spiritual healing, calmness, and wisdom.

In the 1500s, a Spanish conquistador mistook a green tourmaline crystal for an emerald. Egyptian legend tells of the gemstone gathering colors as it traveled along a rainbow. Tourmaline has been revered for its reconciliation qualities and creative inspiration, used by artists like Shakespeare himself. The versatile tourmaline is cherished by cultures worldwide, from African tribes to Native Americans as a protective talisman.

Grey moonstone, with its Hindi origin "kanta" meaning "beloved" and "Sanskrit chandra" meaning "moon," boasts a grey hue complemented by a subtle blue or silver undertone. In India, it has always been considered sacred, cherished as a talisman for protection against danger and a symbol shared with women. Grey moonstone is known for its ability to bring calmness, serenity, and introspection, making it especially beneficial during life changes or transitions.

Guava Quartz, a variation of clear quartz with mineral impurities, draws its name from the soft pink hue of guava fruit. Associated with universal love, this gemstone is believed to purify, detoxify, and provide a deep connection to higher spiritual realms, calling in guardian angels and spirit guides. Known for its soothing and calming energy, Guava Quartz is often worn by those in fast-paced environments or by those seeking to attract a soulmate.

Iolite, also known as "Water Sapphire," is a blue/violet gemstone with a grey "watery" tint. It was used by Vikings for navigation and spiritual healers in European rituals. Iolite's majestic hues symbolize hope and heightened intuition.

Chalcedony, is an ancient quartz gem with a waxy luster. It has been cherished throughout history for its believed powers to emit calming energy and enhance emotional balance. From ancient civilizations to American tribes, Chalcedony continues to be a sacred symbol of inner peace and positive alignment of thoughts.

Lavender jade, also known as lilac jade or dream stone, holds symbolic significance in ancient civilizations. It has been utilized in various rituals, medicinal cures, and spiritual practices. Confucius even played a flute made out of Jade. The value of lavender jade is determined by its natural, treated, or synthetic origins.

Lavender quartz is a high-vibration type of rose quartz, infused with either titanium or manganese. It is known for its soothing and calming color, and its calming energy is associated with tranquility, serenity, and relaxation. The powerful lavender quartz helps manifest love on spiritual and physical planes, gently removing negativity and promoting self-love.

Lemon chrysoprase, aka citron chrysoprase, features a delightful lemon sherbet hue. The lemon chrysoprase balances emotions, enhances creativity, and promotes inner peace. Additionally, it harmonizes relationships, igniting self-love and passion.

Malachite, derived from the Greek word for "mallow," boasts a vibrant green colour. Its mesmerizing beauty has enchanted humans for centuries, with historical uses ranging from eye paint by Cleopatra to palace decoration. Today, malachite is believed to bring wealth and prosperity when kept with money.

Milky quartz, with its shiny and translucent appearance, gets its name from the cloudy facade caused by tiny gas or fluid inclusions. It holds various cultural beliefs and symbolism, representing wisdom, spirituality, and perfection in different cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, and even ancient Japan. Additionally, Tibetan singing bowls have found a newfound use for milky quartz in their fashioning.

Onyx is a captivating variety of silicate mineral known for its parallel bands. Legends, like the myth of Venus and Cupid, surround its origin, adding to its mysterious aura. Across different cultures, onyx has been revered for its protective qualities and association with elegance, strength, and emotional well-being.

Orange moonstone, with its Hindi etymology derived from "kanta" meaning "beloved" and "Sanskrit chandra" meaning "moon," holds a special place in ancient Indian folklore. It is revered for its powerful properties and association with women, cherished as a talisman for protection and new beginnings. With its calming and stabilizing effects, orange moonstone enhances intuition and inspires creativity.

Deep in the ground, hidden like a real treasure, peridot emerges through volcanic eruptions, radiating its glimmering green hue. Adored by Ancient Egyptians as the "Gem of the sun", peridot was believed to protect high priests and kings from evil spirits, signifying youthfulness. Peridot, the August birthstone, was a favorite gemstone of Cleopatra, and she frequently wore it as part of her jewelry.

Pink opal is an alluring variety of opal gemstone known for its diverse and vibrant hues. This precious stone derives its name from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning "precious stone." With a romantic and sensual energy, pink opal symbolizes hope, purity, and innocence in various mythologies and folklores.

Egyptian legend tells of the gemstone gathering colors as it traveled along a rainbow. Tourmaline has been revered for its reconciliation qualities and creative inspiration, used by artists like Shakespeare himself. The versatile tourmaline is cherished by cultures worldwide, from African tribes to Native Americans as a protective talisman.

Sunstone is a type of feldspar that exhibits a warm iridescence, creating a spangled reflection when light hits its inclusions—a phenomenon known as aventurescence. With shades ranging from bright orange to midnight blue, sunstone has long been associated with sun gods across different cultures. It is believed to possess healing properties in Native American cultures and symbolizes confidence, happiness, good luck, and success.

Rhodolite is a gemstone named after the Greek word "rhodon", meaning rose-colored, due to its beautiful hue. It was discovered by a Rhode Island mineralogist named William Earl Hidden in the gem-rich Cowee Valley, North Carolina. With its warm and inspiring energy, rhodolite is believed to symbolize passion, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.

Rock crystal, also known as colorless quartz, is a transparent form of quartz that resembles frozen rock. It has been used for carving since ancient times, with examples found in Egyptian tombs and prized by the Greeks and Romans for its ornamental value. This powerful stone is associated with balance, clarity, and spiritual growth.

Rose quartz, also known as the "love stone," is associated with love, romance, and beauty. It has a rich history, including its connection to Greek mythology and positive energy symbolism. In various cultures, from ancient Egyptians to traditional Chinese, rose quartz is believed to bring joy, peace, and heighten intuition and psychic abilities.

Rubellite, also known as Pink tourmaline, is a gemstone with various hues of pink and even ruby-red, symbolizing love, spirituality, and compassion. From ancient times, this stone has been cherished for its calming and relaxing properties, with legends speaking of its journey from the Earth's center over a rainbow, acquiring vibrant colors along the way.

Ruby, deriving its name from the Latin ruber, meaning red, has long been regarded as "The King of Gems" by ancient Hindus and the most precious gemstone in Sanskrit writings. Coveted by royalty and warriors alike, rubies symbolize courage, passion, and protection. With their deep red hue mimicking the power of life, these gems have been believed to ward off evil and misfortune. Associated with the sun and often described as "a drop of the heart's blood of Mother Earth," rubies remain a timeless symbol of love and power, making them a perfect choice for romantic jewelry.

Rutilated quartz is a captivating gemstone with golden rutile inclusions, also known as "Venus' Hair Stone" for its thin needle-like strands and glorious golden shine. It comes in two varieties, gold and pink, and symbolises intuition, spiritual growth, and self-confidence. The sought-after rutilated quartz is believed to reduce stress, bring inner peace, and provide divine guidance.

Smokey quartz, derived from the German Quartz and with striking bands of darkness caused by natural irradiation, has been widely used in jewelry making since ancient times. This gemstone is prized for its ability to bring balance, grounding, and protection. Renaissance Europe witnessed a resurgence in the popularity of smoky quartz, often worn by royalty.

South Sea pearls are cultivated in the southern hemisphere, particularly around Australia, earning their name. These pearls are highly valuable due to limited cultivation resulting from the susceptibility of oysters to disease and stress. With thicker nacre layers and a radiant glow, South Sea pearls are known for their larger size, ranging from 8-20mm.

Spinel, deriving its name from the Greek word for spark and the Latin spina for spine, is known for its sharp crystal formations and vibrant colors. Earliest red spinels were found in Buddhist tombs dating back to 100 B.C., while large red spinels, like the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the Crown Jewels of England, were later distinguished from rubies in the 19th century. Cherished by monarchs such as Henry VIII and Catherine the Great, spinel is prized for its beauty and rarity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, spinel is believed to boost confidence, reduce stress, and enhance vitality.

Tahitian pearl, with its enigmatic dark grey orbs and compelling mystique, captivates with legends of wealth and prosperity, everlasting love, wisdom, and protection. Cultivated throughout the waters of French Polynesia, this exotic gem was once scarce due to overharvesting, but local Japanese pearl technicians invested in pearl farming to protect the waning resource. Traditionally adorned by indigenous peoples of Polynesia, the Tahitian pearl symbolizes beauty, rarity, and mystical power.

Tiger eye is a captivating gemstone renowned for its chatoyant effect. With a history dating back to ancient civilizations, it has symbolized prosperity, strength, and courage. The mystical tiger eye is not only believed to ward off negative energies but also aids in achieving clarity for success.

Tsavorite is a rare member of the garnet family, known for its intense green color and natural beauty. Discovered in Kenya in 1967 and named by the former Tiffany chairman Henry Platt in 1974, this gemstone formed over 2 billion years ago. The tsavorite is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for its benevolent properties of vitality, prosperity, vigor, and compassion.

Turquoise, derived from the French word meaning Turkish, arrived in Europe through Turkey from Iran. The turquoise's hues range from sky blue to pale green, influenced by varying amounts of iron and copper. Throughout history, turquoise has held significance; from its association with ancient Egyptians and Aztecs, to its representation of power, luck, and protection. Today, turquoise remains a talisman of luck, success, ambition, and creativity, also serving as December's birthstone.

White agate is a form of chalcedony discovered in the Achates River in Sicily. It comes in white or light gray shades with bands of varying translucency and opacity. The white agate is historically valued for its protective and healing properties, believed to balance yin-yang energy and enhance intuition.

The white opal, known as the "Queen of the Gems," holds ancient significance. With supernatural origins and powers, it's been cherished by many cultures throughout history. The white opal's remarkable ability to display a full spectrum of colors makes it an extraordinary and magical gemstone.

Yellow agate is a vibrant, translucent stone that promotes self-confidence and mental clarity. The yellow agate is known to empower personal growth, bring good fortune, and is believed to offer protection from nightmares, as the Romans used to do by placing it under their pillows for peaceful dreams.

Yellow opal, also known as canary opal, gets its name from the vibrant yellow hue resembling the plumage of canary birds and its discovery on the Canary Islands. The yellow opal exhibits a mesmerising range of colours, from pale yellow to deep golden hues, with a shiny and polished appearance that adds to its allure. Australian Aborigines believe that when the Creator God touched the ground upon arriving on Earth, the stones of all rainbow colours shone brightly. Yellow opal is a symbol of hope, good luck, and success.