Gemstones Education

Rubies

Since the beginning of time, rubies have been the most highly prized gemstones and are referred to as the King of Gems. For centuries, rubies were even more highly valued than diamonds. Ancient Egyptians considered them the stone of love. 

Why rubies are great for gifts?

The 40th anniversary is called the "Ruby" anniversary and should be celebrated by giving the gift of a ruby. Ruby is also the birthstone for the month of July; a great birthday gift. It has a beautiful rich deep red color and looks beautiful in any jewelry piece. loose-rubies.jpg

 

Some characteristics of rubies

It is important to understand that both ruby and sapphire are the same mineral, from the corundum family. The reason a ruby is not a sapphire is the color. Rubies are red-not pink or shades of pink but a true red. It is named so because of its vibrant red color. The coloring pigment is chrome and for some brown hues, a bit of iron. The hardest stone after diamond with a rating of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. 

Tips to care for Rubies

Rubies should be protected from scratches and harsh blows. Rubies can be cleaned by gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Rubies are rated excellent for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. 

Sapphires

Sapphires has been considered symbolic of celestial hope and believed to promote devotion, tranquility, and spiritual enlightenment. 

Why sapphires are great for engagement rings and gifts?

Sapphire is the September birthstone and the 45th wedding anniversary. It, also, comes in every range of color except for pure red (that's a ruby). Sapphires are great alternative for diamonds in an engagement ring because the hardness of the stone is right after a diamond, a 9.0 on the Mohs scale. A great choice for that will stand up to generations of wear. 
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Some characteristics of sapphires

Sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral. Blue is by far the most popular color for sapphires, but they can be almost any color: yellow, green, white, colorless, pink, orange, brown, and purple. Padparadscha is the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire and has a higher value than blue sapphires. 

Tips to care for sapphires

Like any other gem, the simplest method of cleaning for sapphires is to use warm soapy water and a toothbrush. 

Emeralds

Emeralds have long been held in high regard for its "magical" properties and have a lengthy myth and folklore history. It has been thought to symbolize everything from psychic powers, purity, and immortality to good fortune. Cleopatra was an avid collector of emeralds. 

Why are emeralds a great gift?

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and the 55th wedding anniversary (an exceptional gem for an exceptional milestone). A beautiful and vibrant emerald looks stunning in any piece of jewelry and is a necessary item in a person's jewelry collection. 

Some characteristics of emeralds

Most emeralds of the world are mined in Columbia, Brazil and Zambia. The hardness rating of emeralds is 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs scale. They are softer than sapphires and rubies. The cuts of emeralds range from the traditional rectangular step-cut (emerald cut), to rounds, ovals, squares, and cabochons. These days emeralds can come in almost any shape. Just as rubies and sapphires, emeralds are high-priced colored gemstones. If you are looking to purchase an emerald and save money, then there are options such as the Lab Created Chatham Emeralds. They are natural gemstones grown in the lab instead of nature with the same characteristics of a naturally-grown emerald. 

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Tips to care for emeralds

Emeralds need mild cleaning to protect their delicate state. They should not be put in ultrasonic cleaners or exposed to extreme heat; such as a jeweler's torch during repairs. When gems with gas or liquid filled inclusions are subjected to extreme, there is a risk of the gas or liquid expanding and fracturing the stone. For this reason, emeralds should be removed from the setting before any repair requiring the use of a torch. Use a soft damp cloth to clean emerald jewelry. Jewelry cleaner can be used to gently clean the piece.