Introduction Sapphires derive their name from the Latin word "sapphirus", meaning blue, and are often referred to as the "gem of the heavens" or the "celestial gem" as their colours mirror the sky at...
Introduction Known in Russia as the "Gem of the Tsars" where it was first discovered, Alexandrite is one of the world's most valuable gemstones. Often described as "Emerald By Day" and "Ruby By Night",...
Introduction While it sounds like its hungry, it's actually trying to fool you! The name Apatite comes from the Greek word "Apatao", meaning "To Deceive", as Apatite has often been confused with more...
Pearl Pricing Guide 101 Buying pearl can be a fun and gratifying experience. You must wish the pearls you buy can worth the money you pay for them. However, there are many factors to consider before...
Amethyst: Translucent, purple/lavendar Qtz. Psychicness, imagery, mind quieting. Wear when sleeping or when awake to reduce anger, impatience, and nightmares. Brow + Crown Chakra. Headaches,eyes, scalp/hair,...
Introduction A true gem of antiquity, Moonstone is surrounded by folklore regarding its origins. An Indian sacred gem, Moonstone was once believed to be a magical solidification of actual moonlight....
Introduction Diopside is a Calcium Magnesium Silicate found in metamorphosed impure limestone, meteorites and igneous basalts. Diopside was named in 1800 from the Greek word "Dis" meaning double and...
Ruby comes from the latin word ruber meaning red Rubies are probably the rarest of the four main precious stones and are red in colour. They belong to the gem species called corundum which has only one other...
THEANTIQUARIUS F-O ENCYCLOPEDIA OF JEWELLERY TERMS Faience: Glazed earthenware, also used for marking beads, scarabs, etc. from the egyptian period onwards Fancy-Coloured: Any colour in a stone other than...
Coloured Gemstones Gemstones come in many varied colours due to the chemical compounds they contain it is for this reason that they also display different physical characteristics such as hardness,...