Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Gemstones Guide
Exploring Precious Stones and Their Unique Qualities
Precious gemstones have been treasured in fine jewelry for centuries, valued for their beauty, rarity, and enduring significance. From sapphires and rubies to emeralds and diamonds, each gemstone has unique characteristics, geological origins, and symbolic meaning. Whether you are exploring gemstone jewelry in Austin, considering a custom design, or scheduling an appointment for evaluating an estate piece, understanding how gemstones are formed and graded adds confidence to your decision.
In this guide, we explore some of the most popular precious gemstones used in fine jewelry and what makes each one distinctive.
Every gemstone tells a story millions of years in the making. Understanding what makes each stone unique helps you choose pieces that carry real meaning.
Kenny Phillips, G.G.
Diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth and are made of pure carbon. They are created deep within the Earth’s mantle and are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. The most significant diamond mines are in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia. Diamonds are known for their brilliance, fire, and durability, making them the most popular gemstone in engagement rings.
Rubies
Rubies are a corundum that gets red from chromium and iron impurities. They are found in countries like Burma, Thailand, and India. Rubies have been prized for their rarity and beauty for centuries and were once considered more valuable than diamonds. They are known for their intense red color and are often associated with love and passion.
Emeralds
Emeralds are a type of beryl known for their beautiful green color. They get their color from chromium, vanadium, and iron. Emeralds are found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. They are known for their transparency and inclusions, which give them a unique character.
Sapphires
Sapphires are another type of corundum. They come in various colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and green. They get their color from trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium. Sapphires are found in countries like Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Australia. They are known for their durability and are often used in engagement rings.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is a type of zoisite and gets its beautiful blue-violet color from the presence of vanadium. Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania and is known for its unique color and rarity.
Opals
Opals are a type of silica known for their beautiful play of color. They get their color from light diffracting within the opal’s microstructure. Opals are found in countries like Australia, Mexico, and Ethiopia. They are known for their unique character and are often used in jewelry as statement pieces.
