Enter the enchanting world of nature’s masterpieces—gemstones. The alluring beauty and deep mystique of multicoloured gemstones have captivated humanity for centuries, with each gemstone possessing its own unique story and set of characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- From rubies to amethysts, exploring the diverse world of gemstones can enhance your appreciation of their beauty and value.
- Apart from rarity, the factors that determine a gemstone’s value are the 4 C’s of colour, clarity, cut and carat weight together with the hardness of the gem.
- Sapphire, emerald and rubies are among the most popular precious gemstones. Sapphire and ruby are extremely durable and suited for daily wear, whereas emerald tends to be softer but highly prized for its colour and rarity.
- Amethyst, topaz and peridot are some of the most favoured semi-precious gemstones. As they are more abundant, semi-precious gems tend to be more affordable but equally well-loved for their unique colours.
Understanding Gemstones
Gemstones immediately arrest our attention with their dazzling colours and charisma, but they each have a hidden depth. Get to know the striking characteristics that set them apart.
Precious & Semi-Precious Gemstones
Gemstones are traditionally divided into two categories: precious and semi-precious. Precious gemstones include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, which are valued for their rarity, brilliance and remarkable durability. Historically, precious gemstones have adorned the crowns and jewellery of royalty as a symbol of wealth and power.
In comparison, semi-precious gemstones are generally more abundant and affordable while still colourful and charming. Some examples include amethyst, topaz and peridot.
In recent years, the distinction between the two categories has become less rigid, as many semi-precious gemstones are now highly prized and sought after for their beauty.
Evaluating Gemstones
A gemstone’s value is defined by the 4 C’s (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight) and hardness.
Colour encompasses the hue, saturation, and tone of the gemstone, while clarity assesses the presence of inclusions or blemishes. Cut evaluates how well the gemstone has been shaped and faceted, which affects its brilliance and sparkle. Lastly, carat weight measures the gemstone's size.
Hardness, measured on the Mohs scale, is an additional factor that indicates a gemstone's resistance to scratches and daily wear alongside its suitability for various types of jewellery. Diamond, being the hardest, ranks at the highest level on the Mohs scale at a 10.
The Kaleidoscope of Gemstones
Sapphire
Originating from the Greek word “sappheiros”, meaning blue stone, sapphires typically come in a striking blue. Despite its etymology, sapphires can come in nearly every colour.
Apart from their vibrant colour, sapphires are also known for their exceptional durability. They are ideal for engagement rings and daily wear, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale.
A sapphire’s cut has a great influence on its colour. To enhance brilliance, sapphires might be cut with a shallower profile to increase light entry and sparkle, or they might be cut more deeply to highlight a richer color saturation.
Emerald
Emeralds are known for their rich, unique green hue. Among the most precious of natural gemstones, their colours range from light yellow-green to a very deep, dark green.
Emeralds are best suited for occasional wear due to their relative softness. They have a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, but remain a favourite in high-end jewellery for their desirable colour and rarity.
An emerald’s value is determined by its hue, saturation and clarity. A deep, intense green is preferred over a light or yellowish green, and even colour distribution throughout the stone is highly sought after. Emerald also tends to have numerous inclusions that many consider to be part of its beauty and a sign of the stone’s authenticity. The more expensive emeralds, however, are eye-clean with no visible inclusions to the eye.
Ruby
With their name coming from the Latin word for red, "ruber", rubies are famed for their deep and fiery red colour. Its colour varies from a pinkish red to a vivid or even purplish red.
Extremely durable, rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Showing excellent toughness, they are suited for daily wear and all types of jewellery.
Colour is the most important factor that contributes to a ruby’s value, where the ideal shade is an intense, medium-dark red to a slightly purplish red. Strong colours with an even colour distribution make a quality ruby.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a stunning purple gemstone known for its captivating hue, affordability and versatility. While it is commonly associated with deep, rich purple, amethyst can range from pale lavender to intense violet.
It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for regular wear but shouldn’t be worn during rough activities.
The value of amethyst is primarily determined by its colour, with deeper, more vibrant purples commanding higher prices. The best amethysts exhibit a strong saturation of purple without any brown or bronze tones.
Topaz
Topaz can be found in a variety of colours, including blue, yellow, pink, and even colourless. The most popular and widely recognised colour of topaz is blue, often treated to achieve a vivid hue.
Cherished for its versatility and vibrant colours, Topaz also boasts a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, ensuring excellent durability.
The value of topaz depends largely on its colour and clarity. Blue topaz, particularly the sky blue and London blue varieties, are highly sought after. A well-cut topaz will showcase its brilliance and colour, with minimal inclusions to maximise its visual appeal.
Peridot
Peridot is an olive to lime green gemstone with an extremely unique colour. Unlike other gemstones, peridot’s green hue is due to the presence of iron in its structure, giving it a distinctive, natural glow.
Valued for its inexpensiveness and vibrant colour, peridot is best suited for earrings and pendants. It has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it more susceptible to scratches compared to harder gemstones, hence best used in jewellery that is less exposed to wear and tear.
The most desirable peridots are those with a rich green colour with no visble inclusions.
The Intricacies of Gemstones
Rarity
In addition to the 4 C’s, the rarity and uniqueness of a gemstone significantly affect its value and desirability. Precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are highly valued due to their rarity and the difficulty of finding high-quality stones. Semi-precious gemstones can also be unique and valuable despite their abundance, especially when they exhibit exceptional colour or clarity.
Natural & Synthetic Gems
Natural gemstones are formed in the Earth over millions of years, while synthetic gemstones are created in laboratories through advanced processes to replicate the physical and optical characteristics of their natural counterparts.
Both types have their own set of advantages and can be visually indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Natural gemstones are valued for their rarity and natural origin, while synthetic gemstones are more affordable and environmentally friendly. The choice between natural and synthetic gems ultimately depends on your own needs and preferences.
Uses in Jewellery
Gemstones can be used in various types of jewellery, from rings and necklaces to earrings and bracelets. Rings face more daily wear and tear than other jewellery types, so gemstones on rings need to be durable enough to withstand daily wear. Earrings and pendants, on the other hand, can feature softer or larger gemstones since they are less exposed to damage.
Adding gemstones to your jewellery gives them a splash of colour, conveys significant meanings or symbolisms, and a personalised touch that makes your jewellery uniquely yours.
Closing Thoughts
Beyond their colourful exterior, gemstones are also meaningful additions to jewellery and a testament to the Earth’s natural wonders. Whether you love the intense blue of sapphires or the unique green of peridot, our Poh Heng boutiques offer a wide range of gemstones to match your individual style. Visit your nearest store to explore our collection and add a little extra sparkle to your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of gemstones?
Gemstones are broadly categorised into precious and semi-precious stones, with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds being the most renowned precious stones. Semi-precious stones include amethyst, topaz and peridot.
What factors affect a gemstone's value?
Apart from its rarity, the value of a gemstone is determined by its colour, clarity, cut, carat weight and hardness. The more exceptional these qualities are in a stone, the higher its value.
How are gemstones used in jewellery?
Popular types of gemstone jewellery include rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Each piece can be designed with various settings and metals to enhance the natural beauty of the gemstones, though rings are usually fit with harder gems to withstand daily wear.
Discover the beauty of gemstone jewellery at our Poh Heng boutiques, where we have a colourful range of options to suit your style and needs.
How is the art of gem cutting important?
Gem cutting is crucial as it affects a stone's brilliance and value. Expert cutting maximises the gemstone’s reflective qualities and ensures it fits well into jewellery designs. It is an art that requires precision and skill to reveal the stone's beauty fully.