Article - Gemstones - Ammolite

Ammolite
A kaleidoscope of iridescent colours displayed on the outside of a fossil and from just one small location on the planet - now that’s rare!

Unprocessed Ammolite

Ammolite is claimed by many to be the rarest gemstone on the planet. Whilst this might be taking it a little far, it is certainly incredibly rare and to-date has only ever been discovered in the isolated region of Southern Alberta, Canada.If you were to ask me to categorise its rarity, I would put it on a par with Zultanite and Paraiba Tourmaline. The problem with Ammolite doesn’t stop with its rarity and just like Zultanite, taking the rough material and converting it into a piece that can be set into jewellery is ...

Article - Gemstones - Ametrine

Ametrine 

Ametrine - evenly split Bi-colour

Discovered only at the Anahi Mine in Bolivia comes a gemstone with a beautiful split personality.

Ametrine is possibly one of the most interesting and beautiful gemstones to become available on the global gem market during recent years.
Currently only found at the Anahi Mine in Eastern Bolivia, it is a fusion of the gorgeous regal purple of Amethyst and the warm sunshine hue of Citrine, beautifully combined in one stone. In the gem industry, Ametrine also goes by the name of ...

Article - Gemstones - Amethyst

Amethyst
Throughout history, Amethyst has been one of the most popular and mystical of all gemstones.

Amethyst "Rough" before
cutting and polishing

Its use in very rudimentary jewellery can be traced back as far as the Neolithic period (approximately 4000BC), and samples of it set into gold rings have been uncovered in burial sites from around 2400BC.

Amethyst is the name given to purple Quartz and some believe that its name derives from the Greek word “Amethustos”, “A” meaning “not” and “methustos” meaning “to intoxicate”.

In ancient times, ...

Article - Gemstones - Amber

Amber
One of a few gems that is organic and is created from fossilised resin of ancient trees.

Amber with a baby frog embedded!!

Over a period of millions of years and exposure to high temperature and pressure, the compressed resin eventually becomes Amber. Because it floats on salt water, if you take a stroll along the beaches on the East Coast of the UK, there is a small chance that you may discover your own piece of the precious stone washed up on the shore!Interestingly enough, until the mid 19th century this was how most Amber was found, and back then it was appropriately named ...