Colored Gemstones

In their simplest terms, most gemstones are minerals, complex chemical recipes that have crystallized over millennia into all the varied forms and colors that we know and treasure today.  Exceptions to this are pearls, coral and amber, which, although considered gems, are all organic in origin.

Of the more than 300 minerals found on earth, only a small percentage qualify as gemstones due to their beauty, durability color and rarity.  The most sought after are the transparent gems, the stones of pure spectral color cut from single crystals.  Gems were once divided into precious and semi-precious, but that is no longer the case today. 

Today's selection of gemstones includes every color of the rainbow, and a price to fit every budget.  Gemstones have been associated with the signs of the Zodiac and the months of the year, they have been attributed magical, spiritual and medicinal properties, they are endowed with the power to influence matters of state and matters of the heart. 

A short list of the more common colored gems includes Alexandrite, Amber, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Chrysoberyl, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Iolite, Jade, Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Topaz, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, Turquoise and Zircon.

What Determines Value?

Color:  Without question, the most important factor in selecting a colored gemstone in its color.  The strength and purity of color is critical, and the closer each stone is to its pure, spectral color, the more valuable it becomes.  When it comes to picking color, your personal taste rules, and you have the entire spectrum of the rainbow to select from.

Cut:  The cut is of extraordinary importance.  A proper cut emphasizes the richness of the gemstone's inherent color, which is obviously the focal point of the gem's beauty.

Clarity:  While clarity is certainly important, it should be noted that completely "flawless" gemstones only rarely occur.  Inclusions are inherent in practically every gemstone and are Nature's way of making every piece a unique work of art, like their owners.

Carat Weight:  The weight of the stone will affect its value as well, and larger stones of good color will be worth more per carat than a smaller stone of the same color.

Here's a brief lesson on several of the most popular gemstones.

Alexandrite - is one of the rarest and most coveted of the gemstones known as Chrysoberyl and is prized for its ability to completely change color - from shades of green in daylight to shades of red in incandescent light.  Originally discovered in Russia in 1831, it was named for Alexander II.  Legend holds that Alexndrite brings good fortune when the sun is shining and stimulates pleasure and love at night.  Today, it is primarily mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Africa, Burma and Russia.

Amber - Ranging in color from pale yellow to almost black, Amber is one of three gemstones that are organic in origin.  Amber is the fossilized resin from prehistoric evergreens that grew before the Ice Age.  Occasionally it is recovered with foreign fragments or insects trapped inside which usually adds to its value because of the curiosity factor.    It is reputed to cure all disorders of the throat, it is good against poison, it will tighten loose teeth and will drive off poisonous insects.  Occasionally amber is heated to remove cloudiness, intensify "sun spangle" inclusions and deepen its color.  It is found in the Baltic region, in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

Amethyst - is a purple variety of the mineral quartz and ranges in color from pale lilac to nearly black purple shades.  A legend from Greece says that amethyst will prevent the wearer from getting drunk.  Not only would it have a sobering effect on those who imbibed, but on those over-excited by love's passion as well.  It symbolized peace, tranquility and protection.  Some claim that it will even prevent baldness and improve the complexion while protecting the wearer from treason and deceit.  It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

Ametrine - is another variety of the mineral quartz which exhibits the best aspects of both purple amethyst and yellow citrine within the same crystal.  Discovered in Bolivia in the 1970's, it is usually found in large sizes, which allows us to see and appreciate the distinct colored sections. 

Aquamarine - the name is derived from the Latin meaning "sea water", which alludes to its beautiful pale blue color with green undertones.  It is a member of the Beryl family, which includes emeralds, and it, too, makes a beautiful stone when cut in an emerald cut.  In ancient times it was said to aid seafarers: a popular gift for friends who cruise frequently!  It was also said to give wearers knowledge and foresight and assist in an individual's inspiration.  It is a universal symbol of youth, hope and health and is believed to induce a peaceful night's rest.  Aquamarine is mined primarily in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.

Tourmaline - Tourmaline occurs in the widest array of colors of any gemstone species, and sometimes there are two or three colors in the same stone.  Some specific colors have been given their own name: Rubelite is the pure red variety, Chrome is a beautiful emerald green and Indicolite covers the blue spectrum from light to dark.  Ancient lore says that tourmaline aids against misfortune and protects travelers against falls.  Tourmaline is found mainly in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa and the US.

Tsavorite -  This beautiful green stone is a rare and beautiful member of the garmet family.  The name Tsavorite was given by Tiffany & Co. in 1974 in honour of the famous Tsavo Park in Kenya.  While similar in color to emerald, it has greater brilliance, is harder and is considerably less included.  Because of the way it is formed in the earth it is very rare to find a cut stone any larger than 3 carats, so stones of this size are very valuable.  These stones are mined in Kenya and Tanzania.

Turquoise - The name Turquoise means the "Turkish Stone", and it comes in a variety of colors ranging from sky blue to apple green.  The best quality stones come from Iran, however the southwestern US is now the world leader in production.  The Indians from this part of the world used the stone as currency and believed that the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter and happiness and good fortune to all.  Although large quantities of turquoise which have not been color enhanced are available, most is stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability.

Zircon - Zircon comes in a wide variety of colors - blue, green yellow, orange, red and brown, in addition to colorless.  Prized for its brilliance and fire as well as being a very "clean" stone, zircon has long been associated with the zodiac sign of Leo.  Rare red zircon was said to cure insomnia and was considered a must for travelers because it was a powerful protection against wounds and plagues.  It was also said to increase its wearer's riches because it gave wisdom with which to conduct his finances.  Zircons are found in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia.