A gemstone can come in many different shapes colours and sizes but the question is which one is right for you? The four most popular gemstones are Emeralds associated with the month of May, Rubies which are associated with July, Diamonds which are the birthstone for April and Sapphires which represent September. These gems have an expensive reputation but how much do we really know about them?
Emeralds
Known as Cleopatra’s favourite gemstone, emeralds were first discovered in south America in the 16th century and then they were traded across Europe and Asia. Emeralds aren’t for everyone due to its green hues however it’s this gemstone’s colour that makes it one of the most sought after gems in the market. Here are some interesting facts about this rare specimen:
- The colour of the emerald stone is derived from chromium and/or vanadium
- Some of the oldest emeralds are around 2.97 billion years old
- Most emeralds come with some kind of inclusion or imperfection and finding emeralds without are very rare
- The value of an emerald is determined by its colour, clarity, cut and weight
- Unlike a diamond, emeralds are judged on clarity with the naked eye
- The emerald is thought to symbolise truth and ancient folklore stated that emeralds were believed to act as a truth potion and helped determine whether or not their lovers vows were real
Rubies
There is no gemstone quite like a ruby, these fiery gemstones have been involved in our culture for centuries, and they are certainly a stone which catches the eye. The name ruby derives from the Latin name rubens, which means red. Rubies have been found all over the world in Burma, Africa, USA and Australia, it was in Burma that the most precious rubies were found and also the place where most are sold. Here are a few facts on this memorable stone:
- Rubies are a gemstone known to represent passion and love due to its red hues
- Rubies are the third strongest stone in the world after diamond
- In the bible the ruby was the most mentioned precious stone out of the four most known
- It is rare that is ruby is found without imperfections and when there a ruby without any imperfections it is usually sold for more than a diamond
- Rubies are part of the corundum family with sapphires, the only difference between them being the colour
Sapphires
Sapphires have been treasure throughout many centuries and is one of the earliest gemstones known to man, they are found mainly in riverbeds and torrents and are still found under these conditions today. The value of a sapphire is determined by its colour, the more rich and velvety the blue of the sapphire the more it is worth. Here are a few facts on this royal treasure:
- Sapphires come in many different colours, in fact every colour in the rainbow, however red sapphires are better known as rubies
- Sapphires are one of the most durable gemstones which makes them a great choice for everyday where and are also used for other purposes such as sapphire glass which is well known for its scratch resistance which is used on watches and phone screens
- Sapphires can be found all over the world however it is commonly found in Australia, Malawi, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and the United States
- In the middle ages sapphires were thought to symbolise nobility and faithfulness
- Sapphires have been associated with royalty for centuries and were often worn by medieval kings as it was believed these gemstones would protect them from their enemies. Even in the modern day sapphires are associated with royalty as one of the most famous engagement rings was the sapphire engagement ring that Lady Diana Spencer wore in 1981
Diamonds
Diamonds might just be one of the most popular gemstones out of the four most common, it might be due to the fact that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, or just that the population prefer the colourless stone which shows off its sparkle. although it might be one of the most commonly bought and spoken about, how much do we really know about this gleaming gemstone?
- Ancient romans and Greeks thought that diamonds were the tears of their gods and the splinters of the stars in the sky
- Diamonds are brought the the surface by the eruptions of volcanos and can be found as deep 100 miles below the ground
- Diamonds are formed from 100% carbon, which means that they are made out of a single element
- Diamonds are one of the hardest substances which means that the only thing that could scratch a diamond is another diamond
- Diamonds have been mined in India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia and Canada to name a few
- It was thought that diamonds had curing capabilities in the middle ages and could cure anything from fatigue to mental illness
Your birthstone and your favourite colour might have an impact on which gemstone you would pick out of the four most popular but now you know a bit more about these exquisite stones which one would you pick?
