What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone born from the stars. It was first discovered in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan, who later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He discovered microscopic particles of the gem that would eventually bear his name in Arizona, in a crater created by a meteorite that fell to Earth. He initially thought that he had discovered diamonds, but later determined that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide.

Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so moissanite available today is laboratory-created. After many years of trial and error, the particles Moissan discovered were successfully synthesized to produce what is now one of the world’s most scintillating gemstones.

Moissanite, referred to as a diamond simulant, is engineered to give the illusion of similarity to diamonds, but is compositionally and visually quite different from a real diamond. The durability, brilliance, and color of the two gems are quite distinct. One common property of both diamonds and moissanites is that they are both very good thermal conductors.

What is a ruby?

Rubies, like sapphires, are derived from the mineral corundum, but whereas sapphires can be any color, rubies are always a shade of red—from the striking, saturated red we most commonly associate with these gemstones to softer shades of pink. Because of their striking color and relative rarity, rubies are some of the highest-priced colored gemstones. Rubies are the traditional birthstone for July.

Known for their signature red hue, rubies are one of the most easily recognizable gemstones in the world. The name Ruby comes from ruber, the Latin word for “red,” which includes coloration ranging from pink to the deepest oxblood.

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What is a Sapphire?

Sapphires are derived from the mineral corundum. Commonly associated with a regal shade of blue, sapphires inspired the term “royal blue.” But sapphires range in color from green and yellow to orange and even violet.

Known for their signature lapis blue color, sapphires are historically one of the most coveted gemstones. Although sapphire comes from the Greek word for “blue” Sappheiros, sapphires come in a variety of hues.

What is a sapphire?

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What is an emerald?

Emeralds are the bluish-green to pure-green variant of the mineral beryl, which also forms aquamarine and morganite. If the color of the stone is more on the yellow or blue side of green, it’s probably not an emerald, but another beryl variety. Chromium, vanadium and iron are the trace elements responsible for the emerald’s vivid green hue. These beautiful stones are relatively rare and only found in a few locations worldwide, including Columbia, Zambia, Madagascar, Canada and Russia.

Emeralds are well known for their vibrant green appearance, which is the result of the combination of unique elements and natural occurrences that form them. A favorite across the globe, emeralds are all about their dazzling color — the intensity of green in the finest emeralds are unmatched by anything else in nature.

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What is an aquamarine?

Despite the aquatic lore surrounding aquamarine, it was first mined far from the sea—in Siberia. Today, deposits are found in Pakistan, Russia, China and even California and Colorado. Aquamarine from Brazil is the most valuable—this is where the Queen of England has her aquamarine jewels mined. Aquamarine is the March birthstone.

Sparkling blue hues and lush teals are signatures of the magical aquamarine, the stone of eternal youth and a sailor’s talisman that symbolizes protection on stormy seas. In marriage, it brings happiness and tranquility.

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What is a blue topaz?

Blue topaz is a colored variety of the gemstone topaz. It’s mined in the USA, China and Russia, with the largest specimens found in Brazil. Topaz comes in a diverse range of colors, from charming pinks to rich browns. Each shade is dazzling in its own right, but the coveted blue topaz has proven to shine brighter than the rest and is a precious favorite of gemstone lovers. It’s important to note that topaz is rarely blue in its natural form, and most blue topaz on the market has been enhanced to bring out the brilliant blue. Blue topaz is December’s birthstone, and it’s traditionally given on 16th wedding anniversaries.

There is perhaps no gemstone more worthy of our times than blue topaz. Blue topaz celebrates the intellect, alleviates anger and sadness and provides light in places of darkness. It’s the gemstone of abundance and good health, and it looks just as good with a ball gown as it does business attire.

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What is a peridot?

A gemstone of vivid color, peridot is formed deep in the earth's mantle and carried out by lava. Its characteristic green comes from the presence of iron, and its hues range from greenish-yellow to brownish- and yellowish-green.

Peridot is an enchanting gemstone set apart by its alluring green color. This stone’s calming hues and excellent translucency make it a joy to look at, especially when it’s sparkling on your finger or wrapped around your wrist. First mined in Egypt over two millennia ago, peridot was, at that time, associated with sunlight. Today, it symbolizes strength and good health and is crafted into an array of dazzling jewelry styles. Find out more about peridot to make you fall in love with this exquisite gemstone beauty.

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What is a garnet?