Credits: www.valentina.ie
Precious gemstones have adorned royal heads, aristocratic necks and distinguished hands from immemorial time and have been loved equally by men and by women.
Although they never really disappeared from high jewellery creations, in recent years we have noticed an interesting return of colored gemstones into less expensive collections. To my great joy, colorful hooks, studs, pendants, rainbow bracelets and of course wonderful rings have reappeared. In the shop windows of my city, I have seen more and more sapphires, rubies and emeralds, furthermore tanzanite, peridot, aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline and even yellow diamonds, hurray! In the world there is a huge need for positivity and cheerfulness which I believe can be expressed also through this return to colors.
Probably the engagement ring of the late Lady D (which now shines on the ring finger of the new Princess of Wales) was the forerunner for this revival and rivers of ink have been poured to describe it. However, we must not forget how Ben Affleck’s sophisticated taste gave a push to the gems world, as he proposed to JLo in 2002 with an incredible ring designed by Harry Winston, surmounted by a pink diamond, reminding us that colored diamonds are alive and kicking.
From that momnet, we have admired the wonderful rings of Elizabeth Hurley, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, Halle Berry, followed by those gifted to Scarlett Johansson, Princess Eugenie, Jessica Simpson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Princess Martha Louise of Norway, just to name a few.
Rings with colored stones are so popular because they break away from the tradition according which diamond are the only symbol of love, they stand out from the crowd and give the wearer a clear personality. Then the variety of gemstones is so wide that almost every color of the spectrum can be represented and everyone’s taste can be satisfied!
So it is no surprise that jewellery maisons have implemented their collections with new jewels, choosing colored gemstones in lieu of the traditional diamonds, or having diamonds and colored gemstones placed side by side in a more elaborate design.
At first, the intensity of color captures our attention, but I’m sure you agree with me that it is also interesting to discover all the characteristics of a gem: some analyses deepen the chemical properties, some researches explain the symbolic value that ancient traditions give to each gemstone and, finally, some studies link one or more stones to each month of the year.
Here below, we will see some of the finest gems and a roundup of beautiful and famous rings!
Let’s start with corundum: probably this word is not familiar to you, but if I say sapphire or ruby, I’m sure a big smile will appear on your face!
Both these beloved gems belong to the corundum family and share the same crystal structure. Red corundum is ruby, while sapphires come in different shades, although blue is the most required.
- SAPPHIRE
Color: the best known and precious color for this gem is certainly blue, however sapphires also come in other shades, ranging from pink to yellow (and they are an excellent alternative if you want a colored diamond, but consider it too expensive).
Mohs scale: sapphire is a very hard and resistant gemstone, in fact it ranks no. 9 in the Mohs scale (along with ruby). So if you are looking for a colorful, precious and hard gem, you will certainly appreciate it.
Month: September
Meaning: sincerity, loyalty, honesty, wisdom.
In ancient cultures, protective and medicinal powers were attributed to the blue sapphire, since blue is the color of the sky and heavens. Furthermore, the association with the idea of honesty and wisdom, in medieval times made sapphire particularly welcome to both the nobles and the clergy. Nowadays, sapphires still have a great sentimental value and can represent that “something blue” so dear to brides-to-be. Traditionally it is the gift for the 45th wedding anniversary.
Origin: some of the finest sapphires in history have been mined in Kashmir and Myanmar (Burma), while in modern times most sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka and Australia. In Madagascar a modest quantity of mineral is extracted, whose quality, however, is valuable. Sapphires are also mined in Montana, but their quality is slightly lower.
Characteristics: the important feature for each colored gemstone is the richness of its color. Cut and shape are not as fundamental characteristics as for diamonds because the dark color makes it difficult to identify any inclusions with the naked eye. Heat treatment is a common practice used to enhance color. It is quite rare to find a natural (i.e. untreated) sapphire with saturated and vibrant colors and without inclusions. The most important issue is that inclusions are not too dark and that the stone is symmetrical. Ask your jeweler if the sapphire you are about to buy has been heat-treated and if so, before buying, make sure your jeweler has used standard treatments.
Care: sapphire jewels can be cleaned at home following the same method used for diamonds: warm water, neutral soap and a soft bristles toothbrush will be fine (read here). I recommend that you take your ring to your trusted jeweler once a year for thorough cleaning and – if your jewel is antique – for a check of the setting.
Lady Diana Spencer & Catherine, Princess of Wales
Credits: www.alfemminile.com Credits: gioiellis.com
Elizabeth Hurley – Shane Warne
Credits: 5starweddingdirectory.com Credits: debebians.com
Gwyneth Paltrow – Brad Falchuk
Credits: molu.it Credits: www.molu.it
Hoda Kotb – Joel Schiffman
Credits: @hodaandjenna Instagram / www.dailymail.co.uk Credits: NBC Today / www.goodhousekeeping.com
Ilaria D’Amico – Gigi Buffon
Credits: Giornale di Sicilia www.gds.it
Jenna Bush – Henry Hager
Credits: www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com Credits: www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com
Penelope Cruz – Javier Bardem
Credits: www.navneetgems.com Credits: debebians.com
Princess Eugenie of York – Jack Brooksbank
Credits: www.brilliantearth.com
Lady Gaga – Christian Carino
Credits: www.engagementringbible.com Credits: @FilmMagic / www.dailymail.co.uk
- RUBY
Color: Color is undoubtedly the feature that most affect the ruby final value, which is among the highest in the world of gemstones. The most precious rubies show a very vibrant red, which can touch slightly purple hues. Orange or too purplish tones are considered less valuable, and the same happens for too light or too dark shades. Very slight nuances in color can be translated into significant price differences. The distinction between ruby and pink sapphire is a rather debated topic among gem dealers and it also depends on cultural reasons: for example, in Sri Lanka, a pink colored stone is considered a ruby, because pink is a shade of red, while in the United States it is classified as a pink sapphire. The famous and evocative expression “pigeon’s blood red” refers to a deep red and slightly bluish hue. However, this description can be misinterpreted and should not be used when the color of a ruby must be clearly stated.
Mohs scale: rubies rank no. 9 on the Mohs scale, together with the sapphire and immediately after the diamond. This position means that rubies are very durable and perfectly suitable for frequent wear.
Month: ruby is the traditional birthstone for July.
Meaning: its name comes from the Latin “ruber”, meaning “red”.
Numerous beliefs have arisen about the properties of this wonderful gem. Over the centuries, rubies have been associated with the sun, making people believe they have the power to instill energy and vitality in the wearer. Due to its warm tone, rubies are also related to passion and romance. In India, where ruby is considered the king of all gems, it represents spiritual valor and royal blood. Traditionally ruby is the gift for the 15th or 40th wedding anniversary.
Origin: the northern area of Myanmar (Burma) has always been the main source for rubies, but since the 1990s, the central area has also stood out as an exceptional mining zone. Rubies are also mined in Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, Namibia, Japan, Madagascar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and Scotland.
Characteristics: totally free of inclusions rubies are almost nonexistent, so their value depends on how much visible the inclusions are and how much they affect the gemstone beauty. If the inclusions reach the ruby surface, they can also threaten its strength. Since rubies are very expensive, cutters try to keep as much stone as possible, so the most common shapes used in jewelry are round, oval and cushion.
Care: a ruby ring is an ideal choice if you are looking for a stone that won’t crack or chip and that you can wear every day. Nonetheless, it is always advisable that you take your ring to a trusted jeweler every now and then for a thorough cleaning and setting check.
Eva Longoria – Jose Antonio Bastion
Both Credits: Eva Longoria Instagram / www.engagementringbible.com
Sarah Ferguson – Andrew, Duke of York
Credits: www.brilliantearth.com Credits: members2.boardhost.com
Katy Perry – Orlando Bloom
Credits: @Media-Mode.com / www.dailymail.co.uk Credits: Katy Perry Instagram / www.harpersbazaar.com
Jessica Simpson – Erik Johnson
Credits: sandalsweddingblog.com
Ashley Simpson – Evan Ross
Credits: www.howtheyasked.com Credits: @WireImage / www.dailymail.co.uk
Priscilla Chan – Mark Zuckerberg
Credits: qz.com Credits: @Deano Splash News / www.dailymail.co.uk
- EMERALD
Color: unlike other gems, emerald only has one color: green! It can be lighter or darker, vibrant green being the most required.
Mohs scale: emerald is ranked between 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale and its inclusions, often visible to the naked eye, make it subject to wear and tear. So if you are going to buy an emerald ring, make sure that the setting is appropriate to protect the gemstone from scratches or risks of chipping.
Month: May
Meaning: emerald was beloved in ancient Egypt (it is said that Cleopatra boasted a large collection of emerald jewels and that she used to wear them as talismans during religious services), it was employed to drive negative energies away and bring serenity, calm and healing. Emerald was a very popular choice also among ancient Greeks and Romans. It seems that the Arab, Hindus and Spanish physicians employed it as protection against infections and poisonings. It symbolizes rebirth and renewal.
Origin: finest emeralds come from Colombia, but also Zambia, Zimbabwe, Brasil and Russia are producers.
Characteristics: emeralds belong to the beryl family and have always been part of an exclusive group of gems considered the most precious of all, that is to say diamonds, sapphires, rubies and amethysts. Due to its color, emerald is often associated with nature, however the connection between the two is not limited to this. In fact, emeralds are often characterized by visible inclusions, which sometimes create wonderful motifs. Some of these natural designs are so beautiful to be poetically named “emerald gardens”. No two gardens are identical and for this reason they can be used to identify individual gems.
The cut that bears its name (“emerald cut”) was created especially for this gem, which is characterized by long and flat facets and resembles a ladder, if seen from above. Hence, the emerald cut has been referred to as a “step cut”. Its rectangular shape gives a truly elegant effect. Traditionally emerald is the gift for the 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversary.
Care: emerald is a stunningly beautiful gem, but it is also quite fragile. Its internal characteristics make it subject to the risk of breakage and for this reason, it should be stored in a separate case from other jewels. In order to improve the clarity and occasionally stability, most emeralds receive treatments with an oil or a polymer resin. If you are planning to buy an emerald, please discuss this issue with your trusted jeweller. It must never be subjected to cleaning with harsh chemical agents or steam at high temperatures or even ultrasound because it could be damaged. It would be ideal to wear emeralds on special occasions, anyway treat your emerald jewelry with extreme care if you want to wear it on a daily basis. Finally, remember to have your bling checked by your trusted jeweler, especially if it is an estate jewel.
Jacqueline Bouvier – John F. Kennedy
Credits: thewhitehousewomen.wordpress.com Credits: www.ritani.com
Halle Berry – Olivier Martinez
Credits: @INF photo.com /www.dailymail.co.uk Credits: www.jaubalet.co.uk
Irina Shayk – Bradley Cooper
Credits: AKM-GSI / people.com Credits: AKM-GSI / www.theknotnews.com
Carrie Symonds – Boris Johnson
Both credits: Andrew Parsons 10 Downing Street / www.dailymail.co.uk
Princess Martha Louise of Norway – shaman Durek Verrett
Credits: Instagram @iam marthalouise / www.dailymail.co.uk
Credits: JOY SANGALANG SMITH OF COMMUNION BY JOY / www.townandcountrymagazine.com
Meghan Fox – Machine Gun Kelly
Credits: Megan Fox Instagram / www.dailymail.co.uk Credits: www.katerinaperez.com
Olivia Wilde – Jason Sudeikis
Credits: www.glamour.com Credits: www.ritani.com
Simona Ventura – Giovanni Terzi
Credits: Simona Ventura Instagram Credits: dilei.it
If a colored gemstone is right for you, but you need more inspiration, stay tuned: a new article about additional colored gemstones will be released in the coming weeks.
See you soon!
Sources:
www.gia.edu
www.theknot.com
www.shop.kenandanadesign.com