Gemstone Basics – Part 2

Gemstone Basics – Part 2

Colour is not the best way to determine what a stone is. The colour is a clue, but not the answer as gemstones usually come in a variety of colours for each species. Just because it is blue doesn’t make it a sapphire, red doesn’t make it a garnet and purple doesn’t make it an amethyst.

These are the most commonly recognized colours for each of the mentioned stones, but gemstones have a specific chemical composition and the presence of different minerals within the composition creates different colours.

Some examples of gemstones that are easily confused include sapphire, ruby, garnet, beryl, iolite and amethyst. Sapphires come in every colour of the rainbow except red with the red being referred to as ruby. Beryl comes in a variety of colours and the red variety can closely resemble garnet and ruby. iolite and tanzanite are purple stones that can be confused with amethyst.

Most people have a particular colour I mind when looking for a gemstone rather than a concern over the species of the stone. Ask your jeweller about your options for stones based on what colour you want. Different stones have different price points and contain different properties that will affect how you wear and care for them.

Conversely, if you know you want a particular variety of stone (for working properties, historical significance, rarity etc.) ask about colour options so you know the full range of possibilities for the stone in your new piece.

If you are uncertain about the types of stones in your jewellery, ask a jeweller to get an appraisal for you before doing any work on the piece of jewellery. Most jewellers are not gemologists, but many will be able to identify stones based on their personal studies or experience. Goldsmiths will rarely give you a definitive answer on an expensive stone without an appraisal.

See last month’s blog for part 1. An overview of the different types of gemstones and their suitability in jewellery.

Hanukkah/Christmas 2024!

Two in one this year! For the end of 2024 Christmas and Hanukkah arrive at the same on December 25th. This is a great chance to get gifts that can be given for both holidays. Here are a few new wonderful pieces under $150 that may be perfect for your loved ones. (In the store look for the red and green bows marked under $150).

Custom process

These designs started with centering the design around sourcing unique green gemstones. The first round combining sketches with overlayed gemstone images helped to narrow the focus onto a deeper green colour. The second round of sketches helped to determine the placement and choice of secondary gemstones along with the design.
The final adjustment in design was switching over the type of earring hook to a leverback.
Here is the final result – one of a kind, custom earrings!

December Birthstone Jewellery

December is just around the corner! Birthstones for December include turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz, and zircon. Take a look at some of the beautiful jewellery made by our resident goldsmiths featuring blue topaz and turquoise!

Necklace featuring blue topaz by Aurora Simmons (Handmade Revolution)

Necklace with blue topaz and 14K gold by Aurora Simmons (Handmade Revolution)

Bangle featuring blue topaz by Robin Cassady-Cain (House of Cassady)

Carved turquoise ring with pink tourmaline by Alexis Kostuk (Glaciale Goldsmith)

Ring with turquoise and green tourmalines by Alexis Kostuk (Glaciale Goldsmith)

WIRE WEAVING

The first ever recorded history of wire weaving was in ancient Egypt. It was used to create gold and silver jewellery. Not only did the ancient Egyptians use it but so did the Vikings.

The Vikings used gold and silver to weave ropes worn by their important leaders. This process was called the viking knit.

It was also used for body armour like chainmail.

I bring up weaving because it is still done to this day.

This was created by Edna and also weaved. However, soldering was also used for many many parts. Then she added the pearls as an embellishment. I think it’s gorgeous. What do you think?

Pink and Blue Era

We are feeling hot pink and electric blue at the Big Blue House today.

This colour combination is a popular one in the studio.

The gems available in these tones are spectacular, and we love the contrast.

To engage, celebrate, or flash out, there are many style choices.

Paired or mismatched, a beautiful duo is a beautiful duo.

Check out the new additions to our online store, or drop by Tues-Sun to try something on.

Gemstone Basics

Which stones are good for a particular type of jewellery? What settings are best?

Some stones are perfect for any setting and type of jewellery, while others will have a longer wearable life if you plan their use a little more strategically. Below are some common stones and the best ways to use them in jewellery. These suggestions assume an average quality stone.

The following stones are suitable for any setting and any type of jewellery;

  • Diamonds
  • Sapphires
  • Rubies
  • Garnets
  • Citrine
  • Topaz

Emeralds – Very fragile. Best suited to bezel settings in earrings and necklaces where they will be protected

Tourmalines – can be fragile due to many natural inclusions, best with a bezel setting to protect the stones

Aquamarine – good hardness but surface loses surface luster quickly, better for jewellery not on the hands

Pearls – Soft.  Used in earrings, beads in necklaces, on pendants and in some circumstances pins. Avoid use in everyday rings

The following stones are all fragile so when used they should be in a protected setting. Often glueing into a setting is advisable. Avoid use in rings;

  • Opals
  • Coral

Reference:

Batcher, Gillian E. (2013) 20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery. Toronto. Blurb Inc.

New items added to our online shop

Have you checked out the newest additions to our online shop?!

We want to make shopping easier from the comfort of your home, so online is a great place to start your shopping.

Every pic below has a link to our online shop <3

To knot or not to knot.

To knot or not to knot, which gems need a knot for protection?

Knots between beads are often used as a decorative element but they also serve a function within some pieces of jewellery, creating a protective barrier between beads so that they are not damaged by rubbing against each other during normal wear.

Pearls benefit from knots between each bead but this is only necessary in higher quality pearl pieces.

Rice and seed pearls rarely have knots between each bead as they are inexpensive and worn more as fashion pieces than as fine jewellery pieces, although there are higher end pearls from these families that you would want to protect.

Other soft stones that benefit from knotting between beads include turquoise, amber, jet and coral, but there are many more.

’20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery’, Gillian E. Batcher, 2013




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