Andrey's Jewellers Australia - Diamond Jewellery Specialist

Did you know that only three coloured gemstones are considered precious? These are the Emerald, Blue Sapphire and Ruby which have retained their prized positions among jewels due to their extraordinary colours and extreme rarity.
All other coloured stones are known as semi-precious gemstones, and their value depends on the availability of the mineral.   

SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMSTONES

A semi-precious gemstone includes any gemstone other than sapphire, emerald or ruby. The value of semi-precious gemstones can vary depending on the availability of the mineral; natural black opal, for example, is hard to come by and more valuable than most other semi-precious stones. As a rule, however, semi-precious stones are always more plentiful than precious stones. That makes it easier to find large, well-colored, very clean stones appropriate for jewelry. In addition, the wide range of colours available makes semi-precious stones the choice for people who want to create their own look with their jewelry.

Sapphire

Any colour of corundum except red is called "sapphire," although cornflower blue is the most popular and sought-after sapphire colour. Sapphire comes from the same places and in the same qualities as its sister stone, ruby, with the best colours coming from Australia, Kashmir and Burma. The name "sapphire" alone refers to the blue variety. All other colours have the colour name added to the stone, as in "orange sapphire," "pink sapphire" etc.

Sapphire often has some inclusions, but clarity is still quite good. Its base material, corundum, is the second hardest in existence and so wears very well. Often, the sapphires used in jewelry are heat-treated or given chemical diffusion to enhance their colour; these enhancements are permanent. Like rubies and emeralds, there are good synthetics available for people who like the colour but not the cost.

Sapphire is said to be a mind-opening gem. It is supposed to relax the wearer and clarify thought, as well as attract "divine favor." On a personal level, it prevents envy and fraud, and brings truth and good health. It also was said to be a powerful antidote for poison.

Ceylon Sapphire

Genuine sapphires, including Ceylon sapphires are part of the Corundum gem family and are second only to diamonds in hardness. This strength makes them an excellent choice of jewelry because of their durability.

Ceylon sapphires are mined primarily in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). The sapphires mined in Sri Lanka are known for the unique color they produce. Because Ceylon sapphires occur naturally, the colour of the stone varies.

Colours range from very pale blue to the most vibrant, almost electric blue hue. Our collection of genuine Ceylon sapphires has been chosen from the middle of the colour spectrum, capturing the heart of the color in its lustrous, soft blue colour, with just a hint of lavender.

Ruby

Along with the emerald and sapphire, ruby is one of the most prized coloured gem available. The main quality of the ruby is its bright red colour. The best colour usually comes from Burma and is very costly; stones from Thailand are darker but clearer and much more common. Only red stones are called rubies. If the colour is too light to be called red, it is a pink sapphire.

Corundum, the main material of ruby, is the second-hardest material known after diamond. Inclusions and flaws are fairly common. In general, one should look for a bright red stone with as few inclusions as possible.

Rubies were the most valuable gems in ancient Southeast Asia, where they are found. A fine ruby had all sorts of magical powers. Its colour was thought to come from an undying flame inside the stone - or, in some legends, a piece of the planet Mars - and it allowed its owner to live in safety, even in the midst of enemies. It was believed to bring its owner all kinds of protection and to stop bleeding. In Burma, it could make one invincible - as long as it was embedded in the skin. In more modern times, rubies became the symbol of love and passion.

Ruby is the birthstone for July.