Gem Lore:
Sapphire - derives from the Latin word ‘saphirus’ and Greek word ‘sapheiros’, which simply translates to the colour blue. This gemstone is referenced frequently throughout Ancient Literature. From being the celestial material given to Moses, that sacredly held the inscription of the Ten Commandments. The ancient Persians, who believed the earth to rest on a giant sapphire, which was then reflected in the sky. To Helen of Troy, who was thought to possess a large star sapphire, the reason behind her desirability. In most recent times, sapphire has come to symbolise wisdom and creativity.
Fancy Sapphires - come in a rainbow of colours with varying tones and saturations, from: orange, yellow, white, green, pink, purple and brown. Essentially, any colour apart from red, as this is more commonly known as the gemstone ruby. The spectrum of colours exhibited, is caused by specific trace elements. Certain elements will always create certain colours. For example: iron and titanium cause the blue colour in blue sapphires, the more iron and titanium present, the more saturated the blue. The presence of iron in sapphires, can also create yellow and green sapphires.
Orange sapphires symbolise courage and togetherness. Yellow sapphires symbolise wisdom and prosperity. Green sapphires symbolise peace and honour. Pink sapphires are compared to a lotus flower, which symbolises beauty, wisdom and sincerity. Purple sapphires are thought to symbolise intuition and clarity.
Diamond - derives from the Greek word ‘adamas’, which translates to ‘invincible’. Today, the meaning somewhat refers, to the gemstones excellent hardness (ranking 10 on Mohs' scale), hence diamonds are highly resistant to be scratched or abraded by another material, other than diamonds itself. Moreover, diamonds possess the magical phenomenon of fire, which relies on the facetted gemstones ability to disperse (split) light, into a rainbow of colours.
The ancient Egyptians thought diamonds symbolised life, and the Pharaohs were known to place the gemstone in the centre of an ankh cross. Whereas, the ancient Greeks believed diamonds to be the tears of the gods or broken splinters from fallen stars. Alternatively, in ancient Roman literature it is noted that Cupids arrows were ‘diamond tipped’, maybe one of the first references that associates the gemstone with love.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
Rose Gold:
Rose gold is not an element and does not occur naturally in a pure form. Pure yellow gold is mixed with alloys of copper and sometimes silver to produce, a reddish pink coloured alloy, known as rose gold. The colour and depth of rose gold will vary, depending on the ratio of yellow gold to copper. The lower the carat of yellow gold, the higher the copper content, the deeper the colour. The colour of 9ct rose gold will be a deeper reddish-pink, 14ct rose gold will have a subtle rosy pink colour and 18ct rose gold, will show a soft champagne pink colour with a yellow undertone.
Over time and especially in humid conditions, the copper alloy naturally oxidises with the air, causing rose gold jewellery to develop a deeper reddish patina. Seen frequently in antique rose gold jewellery, this patina takes years to develop and adds a desirable vintage essence to the jewellery.
Whilst rose gold jewellery will not discolour easily, it is important to avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your rose gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.
Fancy Sapphire, Corundum:
Hardness: 9 | Toughness: Excellent | Stability: Very Good
Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; Jewellery Cleaners (Dips, Ultrasonic, Steam Cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Corundums are a very durable gemstone. However, if lead-glass filled or heavily fractured, you will need to avoid: Chemicals (acids, detergents), Direct Heat, Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Diamond:
Hardness: 10 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Excellent
Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; Jewellery Cleaners (Dips, Ultrasonic, Steam Cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Diamonds have excellent hardness, this means only a diamond can scratch/abrade another diamond. To avoid scratches, store your diamond set jewellery separately. Diamonds only have good toughness, as they possess perfect cleavage. This means that if knocked in the wrong direction, the diamond can cleave/fracture. Whilst wearing, you will need to avoid: Sudden Impact (sharp knocks). If the diamond is heavily fractured, you will need to avoid using: Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
