Tag: gemstones

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Jade

Jade has long been fashioned into statues, weapons, utensils and other ornaments.

The Chinese have cherished this green, fine-textured gem for many centuries. In Chinese culture it represents the five cardinal virtues namely; Charity, Modesty, Courage, Justice and Wisdom.

You might have seen a Buddha carved from Jade, or heard of Jade daggers. The reason that these objects are formed from this stone is due to its many properties. It is most valued for its metaphysical properties, and is the ultimate “Dream Stone.” It is believed to bring luck to its wearer in all games of luck and chance, to cure kidney stones and bladder problems, and also promotes a long and prosperous life, among a list of many.

Jade gemstone
Jade, an ornamental stone. White and green. By Simon A. Eugster [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons

There are in actual fact two gems that are referred to as Jade, which was only recognised in 1863.

The first is a gem called Jadeite, or Imperial Jade. Jadeite is found In Burma, Japan, Guatemala and California. Jadeite occurs in a whole variety of colours from white to pink, blue and even black.

The other variety is Nephrite. This gem only occurs in green, but what a large variety of shades, from pale washed out green, to deep dark green.  This is the stone that the whole of the eastern world cherishes. Nephrite is found in central Asia, Siberia (Dark green with black spots) Russia (spinach coloured), New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Italy, Poland, Germany, and Switzerland. This is the variety that is carved into the most delicate and finely worked ornaments and pieces.

Due to the demand for this gem in the East, Jade is very scarce and extremely expensive in South Africa.

— Zak

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Lapis Lazuli / Lazurite

Known to the ancient Egyptians as the ‘Sky Stone’, Lapis Lazuli (or Lazurite) is one of the oldest gemstones – a blue stone mottled with white calcite and brassy pyrite.

Lapis Lazuli has been mined in the Kokcha valley in Afghanistan for roughly 7000 years. This gem was considered sacred and thus the mines were guarded intensely. Unauthorised approach to a mine was punished with death and the miners were secured to the shafts by chains, to avoid sticky fingered workers running away! Not that you would have wanted to be a refugee in the narrow desolate Kokcha defile with its steep and jagged sides, riddled with wolves, and wild hogs.

Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan in its natural state. By Hannes Grobe [CC BY-SA 2.5], from Wikimedia Commons
Lazurite has been used throughout the centuries as a protective stone and was also used by the Pharaohs to ward of the ill effects of incest, as they traditionally married their eldest sister.

Not only was it a favourite jewellery stone, but is also a historical pigment having been found in Egyptian tomb paintings as far back as the Fourth Dynasty (6th Century BC ). The statue of pharaoh TutmosIII is covered with Lazurite, and Egyptian ladies loved to wear the pigment as cosmetic eye shadow.

Later, painters like Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, used Lazurite in their oil paintings.

The Europeans called it Ultramarine, which means ‘over the water’.

Lazurite is associated with the 6th chakra or third eye, and is thought to enhance wisdom, inner vision and mental clarity. It can also help to overcome depression, and enhances feeling of self acceptance.

Even though smaller deposits of Lazurite have been found in Chile, Siberia and Burma, the Afghanistan stones are by far the better quality. Thus with the political turmoil in Afghanistan, the future of this noble gem hangs in clouds of uncertainty.

–Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Emerald

emerald - goldfish jewellery design studio

You have all heard of Emeralds. This simply sparkling-green precious stone is sometimes even more valued than diamonds. It truly gives its owner the gift of eloquence.

The name comes from the Greek word Smaragdos, which means “green stone”. Many ancient races thought of the Emerald as the stone of the Gods. The Greeks associated this stone with the goddess Venus, and for many people it is a symbol of constancy and true affection reflecting the security of love. Legend has it that if an Emerald is given to a lover the stone will pale and grow dull as the love fades (don’t go into a panic, your stone might just be dirty!).

In the book of Revelations, Emerald is said to compose the throne of God. The Holy Grail is speculated to be carved from a huge Emerald… which fell from Satan’s crown when he was banished from heaven. And somewhere someone suggested that Jesus used an Emerald bowl at the last supper.

The first Emeralds came from the Egyptian desert. Not surprising then that Cleopatra made gifts of them to give her favourite ambassadors.

The Incas and Aztecs worshiped it as a sacred stone. Julius Caesar collected them for their healing properties, which are vast. Nero, while watching the gladiators in the arena, used it to lengthen his vision.

Emerald is the zodiac stone for Cancer and birthstone for May.

An excellent general healer. It acts as a blood detoxifier and encourage abundance, growth, peace, harmony, love and fidelity. It also lifts depression and helps those in need of inspiration. Emerald is said to give inner clarity and wisdom, and has been used for healing asthma, heart problems, indigestion, jaundice and poor eyesight.

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Amber

amber

Amber… that wonderful soft, warm-feeling gem that we all know so well to be fossilised tree resin, but did anyone stop and contemplate that it is actually 30 to 60 million old?

Not only ancient, Amber is also very interesting.

The name Amber is derived from the Greek word for electricity “Elektron”. Amber carries a negative electric charge and will attract dust when rubbed against a piece of silk.

Due to the presence of small insects, pieces of plants and other animals, it has long been considered to contain the essence of life and has been cherished by humans, and was one of the first materials used for amulets and medicinal uses. In ancient times it was carried from the Alps to the Baltic coast, (a truly vast distance in those days).

Its history with man has been documented from 4000 years ago and has been found in graves from two thousand years before the birth of Christ.

Sacred to the Greek god Apollo… thought to be congealed sunlight, and to be tears over the death of Phaeton… apparently the tears of Freya shed for Svipdag… or the solidified urine of the lynx, or even tears from the birds when they first heard of the death of Christ. With all of these ancient beliefs attached to Amber, no wonder we still treasure and cherish this lovely gem.

For obvious historic reasons the most renown source of amber is the Baltic region. It is also found in Burma, Sicily, Mexico, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Romania, Canada, Czechoslovakia, USA, and Africa. African Amber is considerably younger dating to about 10 million years old and is called Copal.

Medicinally, Amber is used for sore throats, swollen glands, goiters and cure depression. Another theory is that sitting over the smoke from Amber will cure hemorrhoids (but I wouldn’t recommend that).

— Zak

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Quartz: Rock Crystal

Primarily made up of silicon dioxide, Quarts encompasses a vast family of stones. The crystals are generally six-sided and occur in all shades and colours, depending on the temperature at the time of their formation.

Rock Crystal is formed from clear lustrous Quartz and was first discovered in the Alps, it was then believed to be a kind of ice or ‘krystallos’. It has been valued since ancient times as a magical stone or “Stone of Power”, hence the art of crystal gazing.

Crystal and Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant made by Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio. - rock crystal -
Crystal and Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant made by Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio

In Medieval Europe, the alchemists believed that if the stone was cut in a certain way and then placed in the sun, it would have the power to make any solid thing invisible.

The Japanese thought it to be the perfect jewel symbolising purity, patience and perseverance.

Noble women in ancient Rome carried Crystal balls in their hands on hot summer days, believing that it was formed from ice and thus had cooling properties.

American Indians believed it to have life, and treated it as sacred. They would even feed their crystals with the blood from slain Deer or Caribou, to show respect.

It was even said that the Druids made themselves invisible using Crystal, to travel undetected.

Crystal is a multipurpose healer, as it stimulates natural crystals in body tissues and fluids to resonate at a new healing frequency.

— Reinette

 

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Garnet

Rhodolite Garnet with a total of 0,22ct Diamonds and eight little Rubies set in 9ct White Gold. Made by Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio.

The gemstone for the month of January, the Garnet has a long and interesting history dating back to 3000BC.

This popular and affordable gem is found all over the world in all colours from red (Pyrope) and green (Tzavorite), to pink (Rhodolite), yellow (Andradite), and everything in between. The colour blue was absent until blue pyrope–spessartine garnets were discovered in 1990 in Madagascar. It changes colour from blue-green to purple depending on the colour temperature of viewing light.

Due to its color-changing quality, this kind of garnet resembles Alexandrite – which should be noted, is a totally different mineral. Though it has been found in a few other places as well, it is still very rare and highly expensive.

History & Legends

The name is believed to have been derived from the Greek word “granatum”, meaning “pomegranate seed”.

Some Asiatic tribes used red garnets as bullets for sling bows because they pierced the victims quickly, and could not be seen well in the body when they mingled with the blood.

There is some speculation whether garnets were buried with dead in order to offer protection during the death experience or offering of payment for safe passage to the underworld. Garnets are also used for protection during any other travel.

Garnet jewellery has been found that date back as far as the Bronze Age (3500 to 1200 BC).

During the 13th Century, the gemstone was commonly worn to repel insects, evil spirits and ward off the evil eye.

In the Koran, the garnet illuminates the fourth heaven of Islam.

Legend has it that Noah kept a garnet on the bow of his ark to help him navigate at night.

Garnets have been valued as a sacred stone by South and North American Indians, Aztecs, African tribes and the Mayans.

The use of red garnet was used by Egyptian pharaohs for both decorative and ceremonial purposes. On statues of the Egyptian nature goddess Isis, garnets are often found on her ceremonial belt to represent her blood and power.

Ancient Romans also wore garnet rings and traded garnet gemstones.

Garnet is a power stone that has long been associated with passion, love and sensuality. This is also a good stone to help you through emotional trauma; set in silver it has a wonderfully soothing effect.

—

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Moonstone

Moonstone is an opalescent and transparent gem that falls in the Feldspar family – a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth’s continental crust by weight.

The best way to describe it: a raindrop in the moonlight.

Moonstone occurs in fine shades of white, grey, blue, and peach or yellow. Some stones even have a rainbow-sheen which are called Rainbow-Moonstones.

moonstone
Image by جواهربازار  [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
Moonstone has been worn since ancient times as a lucky charm and some miraculous cures have even been attributed to this gem.

The Druids hung moonstones from fruit trees to ensure a good crop and they believed that it changed colour according to the waxing and waning of the moon.

In India, this gem is regarded as a sacred stone, and when it is displayed it is always on yellow; which is a holy colour to the Hindus.

The Ancient Romans believed that locked inside the gems were the image of the Moon Goddess, Diana. It was believed to bring wisdom, victory and wealth if worn.

A very feminine stone, it is associated with calmness, sensitivity and grace. Traditionally when given as a gift to a lover, it is believed to awaken tender passions.

This wonderfully calm gem is great for restoring the balance in your emotions and truly is an essential part of any collection.

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

“Moonstone is foremost a talisman of the inward journey, taking one deep into the self to retrieve what is missing, the parts of the soul left behind or forgotten, then brought to light.

Since earliest times, Moonstone has been a tangible connection to the magic of the moon – an amulet of protection for travelers, a gift of lovers for passion, a channel for prophecy, and a path to wisdom… also the stone of love and eroticism, stimulating the kundalini energy and carnal desires, it is the ultimate fertility crystal.” – The Crystal Vaults

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Labradorite

Labradorite/Spectrolite

Even though Labradorite is not the most precious of gemstones it is in my humble opinion, the most beautiful!

If you can imagine the wings of a tropical butterfly, that is the magnificence of this marvellous stone! Labradorite is sodium-rich Feldspar that when light strikes the stone from a particular angle, displays striking rainbow-coloured reflections known as “shiller”.

Labradorite
By Lech Darski (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Labradorite is the sacred stone for the Inuit Indians in Labrador, Canada. Indian wise-men used it as a compass for spiritual direction.

Labradorite was used extensively in jewellery in the 18th century as the “L” in Good Luck.

The bluer and more intense stone is the Spectrolite, which was discovered in 1940 during the 2nd World War in Finnland. The Finns built a defense line on the eastern border and found the crystals in stones raised as anti-tank barriers.

Spectrolite and Madagascar Spectrolite is renowned as the most spectacular, although anyone who has seen a Labradorite will agree that even the “plainer” ones are amazing.

As for the metaphysical properties, Labradorite is said to elevate consciousness and protects the aura; keeping it clear, balanced and protected from energy leaks. It assists one to progress from old ways, encouraging unconventional and exiting new methods to attain one`s goals. It can help you cope with difficult, stressful situations and also gives strength to handle changes.

Referred to as Magic Stone or Merlin Stone, it has also been called the “Stone of the Stars” and symbolises the moon and the sun. But above all, it is such a pleasure to look at!

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Tanzanite

Tanzanite Ring - Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio

This beautiful blue-purple stone has a short but rich history.

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Mount Kilimanjaro by Massai cattle herders. After a fire caused by lighting, they noticed that brown Zoisite crystals turned a deep blue-purple colour. When the New York jeweller, Louis Tiffany, was presented with the first stones, he recommended the name be changed from blue Zoisite to Tanzanite. He thought the word Zoisite reminded too much of the word “suicide”!  Soon Tanzanite was up there with the other most desirable stones like Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby.

Tanzanite looks its best set in white metal and is complimented wonderfully by diamonds. Be sure to buy your Tanzanite certified, and from a respectable dealer as there are many fraudsters out there.

As this stone is only found in one place in the world,  and also not in big quantities, it is now said that it is 1000 times rarer than the Diamond!This makes Tanzanite very sought after.

Not without a price as the success of the stone brought it some media controversy. It was alleged that the profits of Tanzanite sales funded Osama Bin Laden’s terrorist group, Al Queda, but this was as unfounded as the alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Tanzanite has been called the “Stone of Magic” as it is said to facilitate spiritual awareness and stimulate insight. It also opens the Third Eye, and is known to relieve depression and turn negative energy into positive.

Tanzanite has been added to the official birthstone list as the birthstone for December, and is the suggested gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary.

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio carry a large selection of top quality certified tanzanites in a range of cuts and sizes, and are able to supply you with the perfect stone to suit not only your every desire, but your budget aswell. For further information, please contact us.

9ct White Gold Diamond Tanzanite Halo Ring

9ct Rose Gold Large Protea Tanzanite Ring

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Ruby

Symbolizing wealth, joy, love and power, the Ruby has always been cherished and desired by people throughout the world.

They are offered to Buddha in China, Krishna in India, and are closely associated with dragons in western mythology. Ancient Hindus called the stone the “King of Gems” and believed it radiated a warmth and luminosity from an internal flame.  This was linked to passion and love that emanates from the heart, making this stone a perfect gift for  lovers.

Along with Padparadscha, Ruby is a colour of Sapphire with it’s own name. Second only to the Diamond in hardness, the Ruby is ideal for the use in jewellery.

The most valuable Rubies originate from Burma, however, they are also found in Thailand, Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, India, Russia, Norway and America. Synthetic rubies were first made in 1902 by a Frenchman, Auguste Verneuil, using powdered aluminium oxide and a blowtorch.

ruby - goldfish jewellery design studio
“STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM“. Rhodolite Garnet central stone with a total of 0,22ct Diamonds and eight little Rubies on the shoulders, set in 9ct White Gold. Made by Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio.

The Ruby has found a special place in our hearts and legends.

The Burmese believed it could only be found in bottomless valleys. They would toss meat into the valleys in the hope that some of the Rubies would stick to the meat and be eaten by vultures; they could then retrieve the gems by killing the vultures.

The most common beliefs are obviously those associated with love. The Ruby is meant to help us in all manners of love; this is possibly due to the bright red colour which is due to the chromium and iron content. The Ruby is also supposedly meant to stimulate sexual desires and energies.

One of the most interesting myths associated with Ruby is that when the wearer is in danger or about to become ill, the stone would become darker.

It is an amplifier of energy, both positive and negative, and can help the circulatory system, stimulate motivation and visualisation, as well as dealing with listlessness.

Some believed it to be a stone of protection, and was worn when going into battle.

Bestowing knowledge, health and wealth are also on the long list of uses for the ruby, and it is often found carved with dragons and snakes to promote the flow of money and power to the owner.

When a man wears a Ruby it is said to signify manhood, nobility and valour.

To dream of rubies is a sign that success is on the way.

This gem is also meant to chase away spirits and evil phantoms that are hanging around.

Ruby is the July birthstone and represents contentment, peace, harmony and integrity.

— Zak

 

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Aquamarine

A variety of Beryl, this blue to sea-green stone’s name actually means ‘sea water’ in Latin. In the 19th century the sea- green variety was the most popular, however, today the blue colour is the most sought after Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is often confused with Topaz, but Aquamarine usually has a softer blue and lack any traces of grey. The element responsible for the stone`s lovely colour is Iron. Even though it can be found on every continent, the deposits in Brazil are the most important. Sadly some major deposits in Russia have already been mined out.

Also called the ‘Sailors Gem’, it was thought to bring courage and calmness; and was valued as a protective stone. Medieval belief was that Aquamarine would reawaken the passions of married couples.

In the Bible it is written that Aquamarine was used in the foundations of the ‘Heavenly City’. In Exodus, the high priest wore one on each shoulder.

This gem is believed to help with motion sickness, to help sooth the nerves, and aids in the healing process after trauma.

Aquamarine is the March birthstone associated with courage, loyalty and friendship; and symbolizes honesty, faithfulness and beauty.

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Opal

Opal Pendant - Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio

“With the fire of carbuncle, the brilliant purple of amethyst and the sea green colour of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union”;  these are the words used by Pliny the Elder (23-79AD) in the world’s first Encyclopaedia, and possibly the best description of this beautiful gem stone.

In ancient times this precious gem was only found in Czechoslovakia, until the Spaniards returned from South America with fine specimens of Aztec Opals.

The Opal went through a stage in its history when it was believed to carry bad luck; this was due to Sir Walter Scott’s “Anne of Geierstein”, in which the heroine possesses an Opal that changes colour according to her emotions and crumbled upon her death.

A rich and intricate history, for a rich and intricate stone, the stone`s intriguing play of light and colour is due to the moisture content of the stone – which when lost, the stone loses its fire. This fact and the fascinating play of colour and light have woven numerous legends and myths into the Opal`s history.

The Greeks believed it to bestow powers of fore sight and prophecy. The Arabs believe the stone fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning. Cherished by thieves who would wrap the gem in a bay leaf to become invisible, and worn by blondes to keep the colour of their hair, the Opal really has a colourful and vibrant history.

The name Opal is derived from the Sanskrit word upala (Precious stone), the Greek word opallios (to see a colour), and the Latin word opalus (to see a change of colour).

Opal artifacts have been recovered from caves in Kenya, dating back 6000 years. Now days 95% of the opals mined come from Australia which has become synonymous with the Opal, and adopted it as one of its national symbols.

People born in October must surely be blessed to have the Opal as their birthstone.

— Zak

 

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

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Synthetic Gems and Enhancements

Ever looked at grandma’s ring with the large red or blue coloured gemstone mounted in the center, and wondered how much it is really worth? Chances are in terms of monetary value; it is probably not worth much.

The majority of pieces produced during the 1930s contained synthetic stones. As we developed and progressed into the industrial era, the price to reproduce a synthetic gemstone became far more reasonably priced and extremely popular – thus almost everyone from that era had at least one ring containing synthetic gems.

Natural amethyst and rock crystal quartz crystals (left) and synthetic amethyst and synthetic rock crystal quartz crystal (right).  Image and text supplied by GIA

People have tried to create gemstones for many years, however, the process only began to become successful around the 1800s. In 1877, Edmond Fremy, a French chemist grew the first synthetic gem quality stones of reasonable size.

In 1900, August Verneuil, devised the technique to create Ruby – this basic method is still used to grow crystals today. The technique involves dropping powdered raw materials into a furnace at temperatures in excess of 2000°C. The materials melt and form droplets which are drawn out of the furnace as “boules”. From this roughly cylindrical shape the gemstone is then faceted in the same manner as natural gems are.

synthetic gems
Synthetic ruby can be produced via flux growth processes (crystal and cut stone on left), and flame fusion (boule and cut stone on right).  Image and text supplied by GIA

There are obviously thousands of different colours and shapes available and they are mostly distinguished from natural gemstone by the shape of the “growth lines” and the type and nature of the inclusions present in the gem.

Enhancements

There are other sneaky and tricky things that humans have discovered that they can do to natural gemstones in order to make them more attractive to our senses.

Some diamonds are made in high pressure high temperature environments, including this collection of synthetic diamonds in a variety of colors. Image and text supplied by GIA

The first and most common form of enhancement performed on gems today is known as irradiation and can be in several forms, from the Indian’s leaving Carnelian out in the sun to create a more orange colour, to modern gemmologists exposing gems to all sorts of radioactive materials (this process takes thousands of years to occur in nature).

Gems can also be dyed if they are porous. Some gemstone colours become more intense and even change colour when heated to specific temperature.

Oils are another enhancements that have been used for thousands of years to fill visible inclusions and slight blemishes; this technique is most common with emeralds.

Some stones are even bonded together to create the impression of pleochroism; like the garnet topped doublet which consists of a coloured glass base bonded to a thin top section of garnet. Pleochroic gemstones refers to gems that appear to have different colors or depth of color when viewed from different angles

Some purists feel it is not good practice to use or supply gemstones that have been enhanced or man made.

I personally feel that jewellery is an extremely personnel thing and people are very sentimental about their little treasures, some of which are worth tens of thousands of rands. Wear what you like and want to wear, if it’s beautiful or means something to you, no amount of money can replace that value.

— Zak

 

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

 

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Alexandrite

Alexandrite

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the rarest gem of all: Alexandrite. Rarer than Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond and Tanzanite, it is extremely difficult to come by. And even if you do manage to track one down, you will pay through your nose!

What sets this beauty apart is its colour changing abilities, it has been referred to as ‘an Emerald by day and a Ruby by night’.  Alexandrite is a Chrysoberyl which contains not only titanium and iron, but also chrome, which accounts for the spectacular colour change. The stone goes from green in daylight to purplish-red in artificial light. This does vary depending on where it was mined, but the most sought after stones are from Russian descent.

Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in the Emerald mines in the southern part of Russia’s Ural Mountains. It was named after Czar Alexander II, as it was discovered on his birthday, and was highly prised by Russian aristocrats and royalty as it displayed their national military colours, green and red. At first it was exclusive to the Russian ‘richest’ as it was the only source for more than 90 years, however, small deposits were found on the island of Sri Lanka but the quality wasn’t nearly as good as the Russian stones.

In the mid-1980’s a relatively large strike of Alexandrite was made in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais at Hematita. Chaos ensued… when the news leaked out, 3000 ‘garimpeiros’ (independent prospectors) descended on the small valley and began digging. This valley is only 500 feet wide and 650 feet long! It is understandable that the government gave the order to shut down after only 12 weeks, with an average of one death by gunshot per week.

By then the area was basically mined out. It is estimated that the total (cut) weight mined there, was only 150 000 carats, sound like a lot? Not next to the 100 million carats of diamonds mined every year…

Since then mining has resumed in Hematita, but very sporadic. Limited amounts have been coming out of Russia since the fall of the Soviet system, but these stones generally have owners even before they are mined.

Alexandrite is the birthstone for June, along with Pearl and Moonstone.

If you are indeed the lucky owner of such a gem, it is said to give clarity of thought in difficult situations and will support creativity and inspire imagination. Just the kind of stone I would like to possess!

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

Image credit: By Original uploader was User: at en.wikipedia – Photographed by David Weinberg for Alexandrite.net and released to the public domain. Alexandrite.net contributors. Step Cut Alexandrite Cushion, 26.75 cts. In Alexandrite.net, Tsarstone collectors guide. December 07, 2006, 16:42 UTC. Available at: http://www.alexandrite.net/viewpage.html?id=ALX-001-00001. Accessed February 26, 2007., CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

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Peridot – Cleopatra`s Favourite Stone

peridot - goldfish jewellery design studio

The Peridot

Also known as Olivine, this gem`s colour ranges from yellow-green through to bottle green.

Until the 19th century, the origin of the Peridot was the subject of much speculation. One such theory was that the gem was found only in meteorites, but early this century it was proven that they actually originated on the island of Zebirget on the Egyptian shore of the Red Sea where it has been mined for 3500 years.

The Peridot now occurs in Egypt, China, Burma, Brazil, Hawaii, Arizona, Australia, South Africa and Norway.

Apart from being cherished for its beauty, it has also been coveted for its healing properties.

The gem is believed to stimulate the mind, relieve stress and open new doors of opportunities and abundance, while banishing lethargy and laziness. It can also help to heal a “bruised” ego by controlling anger and jealousy. It is a good antitoxin stone, cleaning most organs and glands, acting as a “tonic” to strengthen and regenerate the body.

Peridot has been used in the treatment of ulcers and disorders of the heart, lungs, spleen and intestinal tract. It has also been used in the birthing process, thought to stimulate contractions and facilitate the opening of the birth canal.

Peridot is one of the birthstones of September, and  symbolizes married happiness.

— Zak

Sterling Silver Small Protea Peridot Ring

 

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.