What You Need to Know About Purchasing Gemstones

The 21st ANNIVERSARY STONE

7 to 7.5 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Iolite, also called Cordierite, Dichroite, or Water Sapphire when the color is not very intense.  Iolite varies from quite Deep Blue to violet Blue to light grayish-Blue, but it always has a strong pleochroism. Sources for these vitreous, transparent, faceted stones is Sri Lanka and Brazil.  This Gem is usually just a few carats in weight and cut to maximize the color and pleochroism.

The most common cut to be found is Oval or Rectangular step cut.

TREATMENTS - Typically Iolite is not treated.

CARE - Jewelry featuring Iolite should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best way to clean Iolite.

6.5 to 7 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Kunzite, named after George F. Kunz, the noted Gemologist for Tiffany & Company, in 1902, is probably the best known member of the Spodumene mineral family and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.  Our source for these beautiful, transparent, faceted stones is Brazil.  This Violet-Pink Gem is frequently encountered in very large sizes and in deep cut Gems as a way of maximizing the color. Smaller stones, those under 10 Carats, will usually have lighter color than larger ones.

TREATMENTS - The very nature of Kunzite requires it's color to be enhanced and stabilized by Irradiation followed by Heat treatment.  Caution should be exercised regarding exposure to sunlight, however, since the color can become faded.

CARE - Jewelry featuring Kunzite should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best way to clean Kunzite.

7.5 to 8 on the MOH's scale of hardness

The public is aware of the soft pink stone named after J.P. Morgan, but it is very difficult to find "choice" Brazilian stones like the ones which we have for offer.  This Gem is truly rare in the larger sizes with good color.  I know of no other quality stock coming into the market and the price is consistently going up.

TREATMENTS - The color in Morganite is routinely enhanced and stabilized by Irradiation followed by Heat treatment.

CARE - Jewelry featuring Morganite should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best way to clean Morganite.

This is a valued Collectors Gemstone that will continue to gain popularity and increase in value.  Morganite is in the Beryl mineral family.

THE MODERN BIRTHSTONE for  AUGUST

The 16th ANNIVERSARY STONE

6.5 to 7 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Peridot is a member of the Olivine mineral group. The amount of Iron determines the color saturation. Peridot ranges in color from yellowish Green to deep olive Green. Peridot's name is derived from the Greek peridona, meaning to provide plentifully.

The U.S. has become the major source for Peridot since the world's largest known deposit is on the San Carlos Apache reservation 80 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona.  The rough is dug by Native Americans who sell to nearby dealers.  The faceted Arizona Peridot is bright, yellowish Green with minimal inclusions.

Burmese Peridot is a rich olive Green and was readily available in large Gem quality stones.  Sources for these fine stones are quite limited now, and premium prices can be demanded for fine, Gem quality

Burmese Peridots.

TREATMENTS - Typically Peridot is not treated.

CARE - Peridot is an excellent choice for jewelry, but should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best way to clean Peridot.

Top Quality Large Peridot Gems are also excellent for a Collectors Gemstone.

THE MODERN BIRTHSTONE for JULY

The 15th and 40th ANNIVERSARY STONE

The 80th ANNIVERSARY JUBILEE STONE

9 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Ruby is one of the symbols of love.

Ruby is of the mineral Corundum as is Sapphire.  The red color is called Ruby.  Pink Sapphire is really just Light Red Ruby. The International Colored Gemstone Association passed a resolution that the light shades of the red hue be included in the category Ruby since it was too difficult to legislate where red ended and pink began.  In practice, pink shades are now known either as Pink Ruby or Pink Sapphire.  Either way, these gems are among the most beautiful of the corundum family.  Ruby can range in color from orangey Red, pinkish Red, Red, to purplish Red.  Chrome imparts the Redness to Ruby. Ruby is an excellent choice for jewelry and has a high refraction which produces a bright stone.  Ruby's relative density is high, so a one Carat Ruby will be smaller in millimeter dimensions than a one Carat Diamond.

We typically offer only the finest African, Burma and Ceylon Rubies.  The Mogok region in Burma, or Myanmar, was the source historically for the finest Rubies.  Mogok Burma Rubies are typically medium Pinkish red to medium dark pinkish Red "Cherry Red" to the most desirable "Pigeon Blood" Red that is pure red with a hint of blue.  Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Rubies are typically medium Pinkish red to medium dark pinkish Red "Cherry Red" to a medium dark Purplish Red.  Rubies from Thailand are generally darker in tone and tend to have a more purplish Red color.  African Rubies are similar to the Burma stones in color, but quantities of facet grade material are very limited so far.  Vietnamese Rubies are usually a bright, pinkish Red.  Rubies were discovered in the Mong Hsu region in Burma and mining commenced in 1992.  The Mong Hsu ruby mines were opened to great fanfare among gem dealers, many of whom were hoping for gems to rival the celebrated rubies of Mogok.  As Mong Hsu material hit the market, it became evident that it was inferior to Mogok.  The Ruby faceted stones are usually cut in the Cushion or Oval shapes.  Native cutters take liberties with the cutting of the pavilions or back side of Rubies to produce larger stones by lifting out dark inclusions leaving small cavities, allowing the culet or bottom point to be off-sided, or by having deeper than necessary pavilions. These minor points are not noticeable when the stones are mounted and generally do not affect the price. Precision cuts required for designer jewelry are cut by strict standards, and consequently the cutting adds to the overall cost of the item.

Ruby was the first mineral to be produced by commercial Gem synthesis and dates to the 1880's.  Many customers have brought family heirlooms for insurance only to be told that their "Gem" is not a natural stone, so just because it's old doesn't mean it's the real thing.  We have only genuine natural Gems, so you will not find synthetic Ruby, among our Gemstones.

TREATMENTS - The Burma Ruby we offer is normally "not treated", but since over 99% of all Burma Ruby on the market, and an even higher percentage of all Thai, and Vietnamese Ruby is "heat treated" to stabilize and enhance the color, you should assume that all Rubies "may have been" heat treated to enhance and stabilize the color.  The typical heat treatment process is a permanent process that does not adversely affect the performance and durability of the gemstone, so there's no need to worry when you see this enhancement disclosed.  The typical heat enhancement procedure performed on Ruby from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) normally refers to the lower temperature wood heat method, whereas and the typical heat enhancement procedure performed on Ruby from Burma, and other countries in that region, usually refers to the higher temperature furnace fired method that is performed at another location, both heating methods have been accepted trade practices for generations. The heat treatment process is permanent and does not adversely affect the value and/or quality of the gem, however, in recent years demand for "unheated" top quality Ruby has caused the unheated gems to command a higher premium.

COLOR - The most important factor in the value of a RUBY.  The top qualities are as red as you can imagine: a saturated pure spectral hue without any overtones of brown or blue.  After color, the other factors which influence the value of a ruby are clarity, cut, and size.  There are many variables in colored gem pricing because it's not a controlled market like the diamond market is.  One dealer may sell an Ruby of the same quality at one price and another dealer may sell that same Ruby for another price.  There is no price guide as in diamond purchasing.  Whatever a dealer can get for that rarer colored gem is what it's worth and if he wants to hold out for a certain amount of money he just  has to hope he's making the right move.  So you need to be educated enough to know what you're doing!  Since we cut out these middleman dealers, you can expect to get a great quality stone for considerably less.

CARE - It is usually safe to clean Ruby in an Ultrasonic cleaner, but risky to use a steamer. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Ruby jewelry.

Rubies are an excellent choice for investment that are today still more valuable and rare than even the top quality colorless diamonds. Top quality Ruby never decreased in true value and remains a highly valued Collectors Gemstone.

9 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Ruby sometimes displays a three-ray, six-point star. These star rubies are cut in a smooth domed cabochon cut to display the effect. The star is best visible when illuminated with a single light source: it moves across the stone as the light moves. This effect, called asterism, is caused by light reflecting off tiny rutile needles, called "silk," which are oriented along the crystal faces.

The value of star rubies and star sapphires are influenced by two things: 1) The intensity and attractiveness of the body color, and 2) The strength and sharpness of the star.   All six legs should be straight and equally prominent. Star rubies rarely have the combination of a fine translucent or transparent color and a sharp prominent star, but when offered, these gems are valuable and expensive.

TREATMENTS - Star Ruby is normally "not treated", since the treatment process would dissolve the rutile needles that causes the asterism to form a star.

CARE - It is usually safe to clean Star Ruby in an Ultrasonic cleaner, but risky to use a steamer. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Ruby jewelry.

Our sources for Star Ruby is Africa, Burma and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), known for producing the finest variety of Ruby and Sapphire.  Star Rubies are very highly valued Collectors Gemstones.

THE MODERN BIRTHSTONE for SEPTEMBER

The 5th and 45th ANNIVERSARY STONE

The 70th ANNIVERSARY JUBILEE STONE

9 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Sapphire and Ruby comprise more than half of all Gemstones sold worldwide. Sapphire's popularity is not based on color alone.  Its hardness of 9 places it next to Diamond (10), making it an excellent choice for jewelry worn daily.  It is frequently featured in engagement rings.  Most people relate Sapphire to the color Blue.  But this form of Corundum is readily available in an array of other colors: Pink, Golden, Green, peachy Orange, Purple and Colorless.  Fancy colors in Sapphires are described as being variations of the standard hues.  Color change Sapphires are those which have two colors which are distinct when the light source is changed from fluorescent to incandescent.  Generally, the more clear and vivid the color, the more valuable the fancy sapphire.  If the color is in the pastel range, the clarity should be good: because in lighter tones inclusions are more noticeable, the trade usually prefers the gemstones to be cleaner with fewer visible inclusions.  In a lighter colored gemstone, the cut is also more important: it should reflect light back evenly across the face of the stone, making it lively and brilliant.  With darker more intense colors, the cut isn't as critical because the color creates its own impact.

Sapphire comes out of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Burma, Australia, Thailand, Colombia, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Kenya, Tanzania and Montana USA.

TREATMENTS - almost all (99%) Sapphire is routinely treated with "heat" to enhance and stabilize the color.  The typical heat treatment process is a permanent process that does not adversely affect the performance and durability of the gemstone, so there's no need to worry when you see this enhancement disclosed.

CARE - It is usually safe to clean Sapphire in an Ultrasonic cleaner, but risky to use a steamer. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Sapphire jewelry.

We specialize in obtaining Sapphires that are natural "untreated" gems, not heated or chemically treated in any way. The exception is Golden Sapphire, Orange Sapphire as well as some of the darker shades of Blue Sapphire, and these stones are typically heat enhanced to stabilize the color.

Even though it does not normally adversely affect the performance, durability, or value of the gem, in recent years demand for unheated top quality Blue Sapphire has caused the unheated gems to command a somewhat higher premium, depending on the gem.

Kashmir Sapphire - Bule Sapphire

Although everyone has heard of the fabled Burmese Kashmir Sapphire, few have ever seen one.  We constantly see  appraisals that refer to Kashmir Sapphire, but it's just about always refers to a top gem quality Deep Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon).   Once in a great while we are able to acquire a real one, but since the mine has been depleted and these highly prized stones are old stones that are simply brought back onto the market, they don't last long.  Authentic Kashmir Sapphires carry a particularly high cost per carat and are very highly valued Collectors Gemstones.

Kashmir Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) also carries a particularly high cost per carat and these are very highly valued Collectors Gemstones, especially when they are in the super rich Velvety Royal Blue color.

The Blue Sapphire color next on the popularity scale is Cornflower Blue.  The Cornflower Blue color shades vary but all usually allow more light into the stone for a brighter appearance, so these stones are usually cut in the Cushion or Oval shape to make it as brilliant as possible.  Price per carat reflects the size, evenness of the color, the clarity and the brightness of the stone.

Color Change Sapphire

A color change Gemstone is one that changes from one color to another due to the light source. The color change comes about in a Gemstone due to the atomic structure of the stone. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight or fluorescent light excite the atoms in a color change Gem, but artificial (incandescent) light does not.  Sapphire is one of the few Gemstones that can have a color change. The more dramatic the color change, the rarer and more expensive the stone. All of our Color Change Sapphires are are very highly valued Collectors Gemstones.

Green Sapphire

These Sapphires are generally a strong, bright green color, sometimes from green to bluish green or yellowish green pleochroism. They are not the same tone of Green as the Chrome Tourmaline, Tsavorite Garnet, or Emerald, but can at first glance look very similar.  The mixed Oval and Cushion cut are the most common, but you can sometimes find square or rectangular step cuts.  Green Sapphires are excellent choices for mounting in jewelry as well as in any Collection.  Due to the rarity of Green Sapphire it is difficult to find stones of any size.

Pink Sapphire

Pink Sapphires are one of the HOTTEST of the fancy color Sapphires. The Hot Pinks have seen the largest increase in value over the past 5 years of any of the Sapphires. True Hot Pinks are very rare.  Pink Sapphires are treasured Gemstones in any Collection.  Price per carat reflects the size, evenness of the color, the clarity and the brightness of the stone.

Padparadscha Sapphire

Padparadscha is the Sinhalese word meaning "lotus blossom".  Padparadscha is Corundum in the pastel shades of delicate Orange-Yellow-Pink.   Padparadscha can run from a more predominant Pink with nice Yellow-Orange mixed in, to the darker tones of predominantly Red with Yellow-Orange mixed in, this means the Pink or Red would be the more predominant color in the stone but the others are present and visible.  At the other end of the color spectrum Padparadscha can run from a more predominant pastel Orange with nice Pink-Yellow mixed in, to the darker tones of Orange with Red-Yellow mixed in.  One color can be more predominant than the others, but never without the others.  We know there are dealers passing Orange Sapphires off as Padparadscha, probably since the synthetic Padparadscha Sapphires on the market are basically just synthetic Orange Sapphires, but in order to be a true Padparadscha, Orange-Pink-Peach all must be present and visible no matter the varying intensity. Most Padparadscha tends to have slight inclusions, especially in the rich tones, so if you see one that is a well cut and eye clean (or better) stone, with rich pastel blended color having all three colors evenly balanced and saturated throughout the stone, you are looking at the most expensive and sought after Top quality Padparadscha available from the mines in Sri Lanka (Ceylon).  These stones should also be "Untreated" which adds to the premium price, nearing and sometimes surpassing the price for a fine Kashmir (royal) Blue Sapphire.  Padparadscha Sapphire is rarer than fine Ruby with a great investment potential!

White Sapphire

White or "Colorless" Sapphires have a great deal of brilliance, are attractive, durable and well priced. Colorless Sapphires are not common. In fact they are very difficult to obtain, so prices should continue to move upward in the market.  Some Colorless Sapphires have a very light tint of Blue, Yellow, or Pink but are still considered colorless.

Colorless (white) Sapphire (corundum) is a 9 on the Moh's scale, and a refractive index of 1.76 and Diamond is a 10 on the Moh's scale, and a refractive index of 2.41, the highest for colorless minerals.

Colorless (white) Sapphire has been used as a substitute for Diamond for years, but despite it's luster, it is very easily distinguished from diamond since it has less dispersion and fire.  We often suggest Colorless (white) Sapphire as the accent stones in jewelry pieces, and the larger gems make excellent main stones in pendants and rings, but we do not recommend it if you expect it to be as brilliant as a diamond.  White Sapphire is a natural precious gem, and as such, stands on it's own merit as a beautiful precious gemstone.  Brilliant and Clean Colorless  (white) Sapphires are gaining popularity as a highly valued Collectors Gemstone.

Yellow Sapphire

Yellow Sapphires are intense, bright stones ranging from medium light Yellow to deep golden Yellow. These faceted Gems are exceptional in jewelry and have become quite popular as an alternative color for Blue.

9 on the MOH's scale of hardness

THE ALTERNATE BIRTHSTONE for AUGUST

Sapphire sometimes displays a three-ray, six-point star.  These star sapphires are cut in a smooth domed cabochon cut to display the effect.  The star is best visible when illuminated with a single light source: it moves across the stone as the light moves. This effect, called asterism, is caused by light reflecting off tiny rutile needles, called "silk," which are oriented along the crystal faces.

The value of star sapphires are influenced by at least these two things: 1) the intensity and attractiveness of the body color, and  2) the strength and sharpness of the star.  Of course all six legs should be straight and equally prominent.  Star sapphires rarely have the combination of a fine translucent or transparent color and a sharp prominent star, but when offered, these gems are highly valued and the most expensive.

TREATMENTS - Star Sapphire is normally "not treated", since the treatment process would dissolve the rutile needles that causes the asterism to form a star.

CARE - It is usually safe to clean Star Sapphire in an Ultrasonic cleaner, but risky to use a steamer. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Sapphire jewelry.

Our source for fine Star Sapphire is Africa, Burma and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), known for producing the finest variety of Sapphire available.  Star Sapphires are highly valued Collectors Gemstones.

The 22nd ANNIVERSARY STONE

7.5 to 8 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Spinels are genuine Gemstones with a long history. The availability of Red, Pink, Blue, Purple and Orange Spinels and all of their accompanying shades has created confusion between natural Spinel and other Gems for those unfamiliar with this natural stone.

Spinel is a mineral group composed of Magnesium Aluminates. The addition of Chromium produces Pink or Red Spinels. Iron or Titanium additions produce Lavender or Blue Spinels. Spinel takes a brilliant polish, so it is an excellent choice for jewelry. Generally Spinel crystals are quite clear and clean of flaws. Spinel received its name from either the Greek spina meaning "little thorn" or from the Greek spinther meaning "spark" in allusion to its color.

TREATMENTS - Typically Spinel is not treated.

CARE - It is usually safe to clean Spinel in an Ultrasonic cleaner, but risky to use a steamer. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Spinel jewelry.

Our sources for Spinel is Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), known also for producing the finest variety of Sapphire, Garnet, Tourmaline, Taaffeite, and Ruby.  Other sources are Myanmar, Thailand, Afghanistan and Russia. All colors of Spinel are highly valued collectors Gemstones. Many of the colors are rare and scarce in large, clean stones but are less per carat than some of their better known look-alikes.

Blue Spinel

Top quality Blue Spinels rival the color of Blue Sapphire, or they are a vibrant cobalt Blue. Other shades include grayish Blue or slightly greenish Blue. Our stones are transparent, faceted Gems with no eye visible inclusions.  All are nicely cut, ready for your jewelry or collection.

Red Spinel

Red Spinel has been confused with Ruby throughout history. Modern gemologists have identified Red Spinels in the Crown Jewels of England, Russia and Iran. For centuries Red Spinel was called "Balas Ruby" in reference to Badakshan in northern Afghanistan, an area which produced large Red Spinels in the Middle Ages. Spinel and Corundum are often found side by side in the same gravel pit, another problem which increases the misidentification. Fine Red Spinels occur less frequently than comparable Rubies, but they are less costly per carat.  As with Ruby, the larger and redder the Spinel, the higher the cost per carat. Our stones are priced according to the size and the depth of color. They are transparent and eye clean.

The 24th ANNIVERSARY STONE

6 to 7 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Tanzanite is basically the Blue variety of "Zoisite".   Tanzanite, discovered in Tanzania in 1967, is mined as a greenish yellowish brownish crystalline material that resembles Andalusite.  Moderate heat (750-950 degrees) is applied to get the color you see today ranging from light blue/blue-violet (very inexpensive) to Top Gem colors of rich deep Intense blue/blue-violet.  Zoisite was originally used in lamp shades and other ornamental art carved items, but as Tiffany's acquired rights to the trade name "Tanzanite" it started to be used in Jewelry.  Zoisite had a hardness of 5 3/4 - 6 1/4, but as Tiffany's acquired rights to the trade name "tanzanite" the material  mysteriously gained hardness to now be 6 1/2 to 7... well, things don't get harder after heat treatment, not in the gem world anyway, and this transition from a material that was softer than dust into a wearable durable gemstone was good marketing to say the least.  It has perfect cleavage (as in topaz) and the fracture is uneven and brittle. This is why over time facet junctions will abrade (or smooth).   Top Gem Tanzanite can be very beautiful and looks great in jewelry, but it is really unsuitable for rings which are, of course, susceptible to knocks and abrasion.  It is best worn in pendants and earrings... if mounted into rings it should be handled as though it is was as soft as opal.  Tanzanite is also heat sensitive and reacts poorly to pressure.

TREATMENTS - All Tanzanite on the market is routinely treated with "heat" to enhance and stabilize the color.  The typical heat treatment process is a permanent process that does not adversely affect the performance and durability of the gemstone, so there's no need to worry when you see this enhancement disclosed.

CARE - Tanzanite should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, since this cleaning method can cause un-repairable damage to the stone.  Many are even broken or damaged by jewelers while they are being set in jewelry, or even during a simple re-sizing of a ring.  We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Tanzanite jewelry.

Tanzanite has been a winner with the American public in past years since it resembles the color of the Blue Sapphire, and it was priced at a fraction of the cost, but now the price has escalated to the point it is not a wise investment, especially since enough time has passed to see the payoff with so many damaged and broken stones turning up. Blue Sapphire is a better stone, in our opinion, for wear as well as for investment purposes.

THE MODERN BIRTHSTONE for NOVEMBER (Yellow)

THE MODERN BIRTHSTONE for DECEMBER (Blue)

The 4th ANNIVERSARY STONE

8 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Topaz is available in several different colors: Colorless or White, Blue, Yellow to Orange and Pink.  Topaz is a very bright and attractive Gem that is appropriate for any kind of jewelry.

CARE - Jewelry featuring Topaz should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Topaz jewelry.

Blue Topaz

Blue topaz is the most popular shade used in jewelry.  Although some Blue Topaz is produced in nature, the natural shade is generally too pale to excite any interest.

TREATMENTS - The Blue Topaz readily available in the market actually begins as Colorless Topaz and is irradiated to produce the vibrant Blue Shades. Then it is heated to stabilize the color.

The value increases with the intensity of color, provided it is attractive.  At first sight it has a resemblance to aquamarine, but, aquamarine always displays a strong pleochroism from blue to greenish blue, whereas Topaz is a more definite blue or blue with a grayish tone.

Yellow Topaz

The Yellow to Brownish Yellow is the least expensive stones of the Yellow hues.

Natural Golden Topaz

The Golden and peachy Orange shades are more vibrant, more desirable and more expensive.

Imperial Topaz

The 23rd ANNIVERSARY STONE

The most expensive and most desired of the Yellow tones, ranging in shades of peachy Orange to medium intense Orange to reddish Orange, with sherry Red, deep Pink, and reddish Orange hues. Imperial Topaz is found in only one location in the world, Ouro Preto in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The world's entire supply of Imperial Topaz is mined in a 100 kilometer (60 miles+) area around Ouro Preto.  Most of it comes from two mines, the Vermelhao Mine and the Capao Mine.  Even though Brazil has the richest and largest concentration of all Gem bearing pegmatites, Gem experts still expect the Imperial Topaz sources to be completely exhausted within a few years.

This is a very highly treasured Collectable Gemstone that will increase in value as supply is reduced.

Natural Pink Topaz

Pink Topaz is usually a light to medium pink in color.  It is rare to find stones without the typical zoning of color.  The most common cut is oval or pear shape.  Pink Topaz is strongly transparent and lustrous, and can be mistaken for kunzite, morganite, and some pink tourmalines.  When it is a fairly intense color, it can be one of the most valuable of the second level of gemstones like aquamarine, etc.  Pink Topaz comes mainly from Brazil.

Smokey Topaz

These inexpensive stones are actually a Citrine, properly called Smoky Quartz.  Unfortunately Smoky "Topaz" is a very inexpensive variety of Quartz, not in the more precious Topaz family.  It its sold by many unscrupulous persons and unknowing jewelers as Smoky "Topaz" in an attempt to create more sales in the November birthstone month.

Although Topaz of any color is the birthstone for November, other Gemstones have also been used as a

November birthstone substitute.  Yellow is the dominant color used in November birthstone jewelry.

TRADITIONAL BIRTHSTONE for OCTOBER

The 8th ANNIVERSARY STONE

7 to 7.5 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Tourmaline is a large family of Gemstones with more than 100 hues available.  Its name comes from the Sinhalese turmali, meaning mixed Gemstones due to the tendency to confuse Tourmalines with other Gems.

Tourmaline from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) was first introduced to the Europeans in the late 1600's or early 1700's by Dutch traders. Our source for Tourmaline is Africa, known for producing some of the finest variety of Tourmaline.

Tourmaline crystals are often cracked and flawed, especially in the Red, Pink and Bi-colors. Clean stones of 10 Carats or more in these colors command a premium price. The Green and Blue colors are generally very clean. The vivid colors like Bubble Gum Pink in Tourmaline is Heat or Cobalt Irradiation treated to enhance and stabilize the color.

Tourmaline is a good jewelry stone but it should be stored in a separate compartment or in a jewelry bag to prevent scratching by harder Gemstones.  Jewelry featuring Tourmaline should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best way to clean Tourmaline.

Chrome Tourmaline

Chrome Tourmaline is a rare variety of Green Tourmaline that is found only in Kenya, Zambia, Namibia and Tanzania. The finest Chromes rival the top color of Emerald and offer a more durable stone for jewelry.  Chrome Tourmaline's vivid Green color is determined by the presence of Chromium or Vanadium oxides.  Chrome Tourmaline was first mined in Tanzania in the 1960's.  One of the largest crystal chambers was uncovered by accident in Namibia when an explosives expert shot off excess dynamite.  Gem quality Chromes are extremely difficult to locate.  Stones over 3 Carats are considered very rare in this Gem.  All of our stones are well faceted and eye clean.  A very rare Gem with a great investment potential!

Green Tourmaline

Green Tourmaline is the most recognized of the Tourmaline colors.  Green Tourmalines are typically eye clean stones. Most are cut in the rectangular shapes.  Shades range from a pastel Green to a deep, vibrant Green.

Indicolite Tourmaline

Indicolite is the proper name for Blue Tourmaline. The finest Blue Tourmalines are medium dark Blue, close to the color of Blue Sapphire.  Sources for Indicolite are Africa, Brazil, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Madagascar, California and Maine.

Indicolite is typically a clean Gemstone, seldom with eye visible inclusions and range in shades of medium light to medium dark Blue.   Indicolite Tourmaline is a highly valued Collectors Gemstone.

Paraiba or Neon Tourmaline

This is another of the world's most unusual Gemstones. At first it was called "Electric" then "NEON."  This new gemstone was discovered in Brazil in 1989. It's brilliant blue and green are more vivid than any ever seen before. The term "NEON" accurately describes the tone of color.  It is so vivid, and it will shock you with its beauty. You can see this stone from across the room! These vivid turquoises, electric blues, rich twilight blues, and neon greens haven't been seen with any consistency in any other gemstone variety. The only Tourmaline in the world that contains Copper, but a recent study by the German Foundation for Gemstone Research also discovered a surprisingly high gold content, 8.6 parts per million, If it wasn't for the fact they were so beautiful, they could have been in danger of being crushed for the gold salvage!  This gem was found only in one "football field" size spot in the world, its location is near a village called Sao Jose de Batalha in the state of Paraiba, Brazil.  The mine shafts are hand-excavated tunnels up to 60 meters deep and the paraiba tourmaline is found only in very thin veins. This means the supply will always be limited and paraiba always be rare and expensive. Don't be surprised to see retail prices of over $20,000 per carat for the fine specimens, but even that is very little when you realize how rare these gemstones are. Diamonds are quite common in comparison. The price per carat reflects the size, clarity, color and the intensity of the particular shade. Neon. Paraiba Tourmaline is an attractive, highly desirable Gemstone which should be purchased when you can. The most desired colors have been the shades of clear bright greenish Blue or bluish Green; pure Green; or the medium intense Blue.  Naturally, variations of tones create exciting "Neons". Stones are usually transparent with minimal inclusions. This rare Gemstone is a definite winner!

Pink Tourmaline

Pink Tourmaline has become a favorite for mounting because it is available in so many shades, ranging from pure light Pink to intense "HOT" Pink to orangey-Pink and Fuchsia Pink.  Gemologists think that natural irradiation produces the Pink, Red and Violet colors in Tourmaline.  To enhance the color to get the very HOT Pinks, you can expect it to be Cobalt treated.  The darker reddish colors tend to have more natural inclusions than the other Tourmaline colors because they are formed near the center of the crystal pocket and receive more stress and pressure during formation.

We carry the best gem quality Tourmaline available on the market.  Prices per carat vary with the size, color and clarity of the stone.  Pink Tourmaline is a highly valued Collectors Gemstone.

Rubellite Tourmaline

Called Rubellite because the deepest shades appear to be Ruby-like RED.  Like all tourmalines, it has strong pleochroism.  Eye clean Rubellite is one of the most expensive of the Tourmalines since most Rubellite has visible inclusions. Clean Rubellite is very rare, so if you see a super clean stone it's probably a Pink Tourmaline or a Rubellite Garnet.  Rubellite's intense RED color makes it a beautiful Gem for mounting.  Colors range in Rubellite from Fuchsia to maroon Red to Red. The price of Rubellite goes up dramatically as the size increases or the Red deepens in intensity.  There have been no new stocks of clean Rubellite Tourmaline on the market for several years.  Expect it to continue to move upward in price.

Watermelon Tourmaline

Sometimes the mineral deposit in the Tourmaline crystal will form a color band along its length or width which will then be appropriately called Bi-color, Tri-color or Watermelon if the colors are Green and Red with a White separation. The vast majority of the stones are obscure or heavily included. Clean Gems are much more expensive.

We offer some of the finest, cleanest Watermelon Tourmalines available in the Gem market.  Definitely one-of-a-kind Gems.  Watermelon Tourmaline is a highly valued Collectors Gemstone.

TRADITIONAL BIRTHSTONE for DECEMBER

7 to 7.5 on the MOH's scale of hardness

Zircons are natural Gemstones available in an array of colors.

Zircon's name comes from the Arabic zargoon, meaning vermilion. Natural Zircons are one of the few Gemstones with dispersion or fire.  Zircon approaches Diamond in fire, so the Colorless Zircon has been a successful natural substitute for Diamond. Our Zircon is not Heat or chemically treated unless specified.

Our source for Zircon is Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), known for producing the finest variety of Sapphire, Garnet, Tourmaline, Taaffeite, and Ruby.  Other sources are Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Colorless, Blue, Green, Golden, Red, Rose and Fancy colors provide an ample choice of colors.

Zircons are beautiful, natural Gemstones which are currently under priced in the Gem markets.

Zircon is a beautiful and affordable addition to any Gemstone Collection. Jewelry featuring Zircon should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best way to clean Zircon.