Precious Stones
Precious stones are minerals measured on the Mohs scale, assessing their hardness. There are many different types of gemstones; we will look closely at a few of them to explore their use in jewellery.
Diamonds
Diamonds are found deep in the Earth’s mantle under specific temperatures and pressures. Found in various parts of the world, including Russia, Africa, South America, Canada and Australia, diamonds are often discovered in their rough state and require cutting to reveal their full brillance. Known for their exceptional hardness (rated 10 on the Mohs scale), diamonds are one of the most precious and durable gemstones. Their unmatched luminosity and brilliance make them a timeless symbol of purity, faithfulness, and commitment. Engagement rings traditionally feature diamonds due to their association with everlasting love.
In Mauritius
The Diamond cutting factory Adamas Ltd, imports diamonds from South Africa and Australia. Diamonds from South Africa are white and those from Australia are pink. They also import several other precious stones from different countries, including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topaz and many others.
Maintenance and Cleaning:
Cleaning can be done as often as required. Chemical products should be avoided. Natural soap is all you need, just soak it is soapy water and gently scrub it with a brush or soft cloth. Then rinse with warm water.
How to wear a diamond?
Diamonds are a symbol of prestige and class and can be adapted to an everyday look. Layering several necklaces to avoid clashes between the jewels adds sparkle to your look.
The Rubies
In the past, rubies were mainly mined in Burma, the world’s leading producer. Gradually, however, the deposits became increasingly rare because of mining. Today, Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka produce these rare gems. Rubies are known for their intense red colour, which increases their value. It can cost more than diamonds. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, It is often the centrepiece of jewellery, surrounded by smaller diamonds. The fact that so many diamonds are on the market highlights the rarity of rubies. In ancient times, this stone was so precious that some Kings had it on their crowns. It symbolised blood and fire and was associated with courage.
How to wear Rubies ?
Rubies pair beautifully with rose gold, although white gold and platinum can also enhance their red hue. It is chosen for special occasions such as an engagement. And the wedding anniversary can be one of the occasions to wear it.
Maintenance and Cleaning:
Like diamonds, rubies can be cleaned with soapy water and a cloth.
The Sapphire
Sapphires belong to the corundum family, along with rubies, and have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. They come in a range of colours, including blue sapphire, which is high in iron and titanium, pink sapphire, which is high in chromium, green sapphire and yellow sapphire, which is high in iron, and violet sapphire, which is high in vanadium. The pink-orange sapphire is called the Padparadscha (or Padparadja) sapphire, a lotus flower. But the best-known sapphire is blue, ranging from light blue to almost navy blue. The darkest of the blue sapphires is called the black sapphire. There are several categories of blue sapphire and the 2 rarest and most sought-after categories are cornflower sapphire and royal blue sapphire. These 2 categories are so rare that there are only 2 competent analysis laboratories worldwide to certify them. We found them in the United States and Canada. This stone is mainly found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Burma, as well as in China, India, Brazil, Thailand, and Africa. In humid tropical areas. Lady Diana wore a midnight blue sapphire engagement ring surrounded by diamonds, and it is in her honour that the jewel is on Duchess Kate Middleton’s finger.
How to wear Sapphire ?
Girls and young women often wear pink sapphires. Yellow sapphires have a lot of sparkle and are therefore preferred for earrings. Purple sapphires are worn as necklaces, earrings or rings.
Maintenance and Cleaning:
Sapphires can be cleaned with warm water and a cloth. Avoid spraying perfume on them, it is better to put some on before wearing it, and after applying make-up.
The Emerald
Emeralds are prized for their rich green colour. It symbolises hope. The word “emerald” means “heart of stone”. It comes from the Persian word “zamarat”. And in Latin “Smaragdus”. We find the same root in German with “smaragd” and in Spanish with “Esmeralda”. Historically, emeralds were used as currency and were favoured by royalty as it was worn by Queen Cleopatra. Several emerald deposits exist in Colombia, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. It is 7.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is a very fragile gem. Its colour varies from light to dark green, sometimes with shades of blue due to the presence of chromium, vanadium and iron.
How to wear Emerald ?
Emeralds are found in earrings, chain pendants and luxury watches. They are usually worn on their own. The stone pairs well with white, yellow or rose gold and can make a great emerald wedding anniversary gift.
Maintenance and Cleaning:
To maintain their brilliance, emeralds should be soaked in cedar oil, a natural and accepted method for enhancing the stone’s clarity.
Pearls
Pearls are formed when a grain of sand enters an oyster’s shell. To protect itself, the oyster surrounds this grain of sand with mother-of-pearl. Little by little, several layers of nacre are deposited on the grain of sand, and the ball of nacre grows until it becomes a pearl. It is 2 or 3 on the Mohs scale. It can be round, semi-round, drop-shaped, pear-shaped or button-shaped. They can vary in colour from white to black. There are nine colours: white, cream, pinkish-cream, pink, gold, green, blue, grey and black. However, for each of these colours, there are pearls in several variations of shade and reflections that we can see in the light.
How to wear Pearls ?
Pearls are used to create pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and even bags or garments. It pairs well with platinum and white gold. These metals are resistant and durable and will protect the pearl jewellery. It will enhance their natural lustre.
Maintenance and Cleaning:
Store pearls in a fabric pouch or velvet-lined box. Wearing them last and removing them first is advisable. After wearing them, clean the pearls with bottled water and a soft cloth and have them professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Jewellery uses a wide range of metals, including gold, silver, stainless steel, aluminium and rhodium. But we will go into more detail about other content.
