A gemstone’s sparkle is primarily determined by its Refractive Index (RI). This is a measurement of how much light bends when it enters the stone. When a stone with a high RI (like a Diamond) is expertly cut, light enters the top, bounces off the angled inner facets like a house of mirrors, and reflects right back up to your eye, creating that brilliant sparkle.
Some gemstones, particularly diamonds, have a fascinating property where they emit visible light when exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you place a diamond under a UV light (often called a “black light”), it might glow a soft blue, or occasionally yellow or green. It’s like the stone has a secret glow-in-the-dark hidden life!
Traditionally, the jewelry industry divided gemstones into two main categories based on historical rarity and value: Precious Stones: Only four gems fall into this classic category: Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds. Semi-Precious Stones: This includes almost every other gemstone, such as Amethyst, Topaz, Garnet, Tourmaline, and Opal. Note: Today, experts consider these terms somewhat outdated….
Yes, physically, chemically, and optically, they are completely real. Lab-grown gemstones have the exact same chemical composition and crystal structure as naturally mined gemstones. Natural Gems: Take millions of years to form inside the earth and hold higher value due to their natural rarity. Lab-Grown Gems: Created in a controlled laboratory environment over weeks or…
“Ethical mining” is a growing movement in the industry. It involves mining practices that are fair to workers (providing safe conditions and fair wages) and environmentally responsible (reclaiming land, planting trees, and protecting water sources). When buying, it is always best to ask if your jeweler can trace the stone back to a certified or…
Sri Lanka is famous for its traditional, relatively eco-friendly mining methods, most commonly known as pit mining or Pathal.
Sri Lanka currently holds the record for producing some of the world’s most massive sapphires. In 2021, the “Serendipity Sapphire” was accidentally discovered by workmen digging a well in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. It is a massive cluster of pale blue star sapphires weighing around 510 kilograms (over 2.5 million carats). Another famous Sri Lankan stone…