Lawson Gems' White Opal Pendant is a beautiful Australian opal that sparkles an array of silky natural colours, creating an elegant and distinctive piece.
Lawson Gems also has a stunning collection of unique Unset Opals.
Lawson Gems' Opal Gold Ring is a truly beautiful piece, a stunning soft cabochon (solid) opal set into 9ct yellow gold ring.
Opals are predominantly found within 50 meters of the red earth surface of the Great Artisian Basin in Central Australia, yet the reasons why they are found here has been a long mystery. Professor Patrice Rey, a University of Sydney associate explains, "We did not know its origin, why it forms at such shallow depths or why it can be found in central Australia and almost nowhere else on earth." Rey believes the precious stone was created as a result of the drying out of the Eromanga Sea, which at its peak covered about 60 percent of Australia; from Coober Pedy in South Australia to Lightning Ridge in northen New South Wales. This drying out process, which began approximately 100 million years ago, is bizarre weathering for Earth and has been described as an “extraordinary episode of acidic weathering.” However, this weathering is not unusual on Mars, suggesting connections between the planet and the Great Artisian Basin. Furthermore, these connections would also suggest the basin shares additional characteristics with the Mars, inclduing types of rocks, a similar history of flooding then drying out, mineralogy and color. NASA discovered non-precious opal deposits on Mars in 2008. "If you look at Mars and the red centre, they share similar characteristics," Professor Rey said. "They went through the same weathering process, so potentially precious opals might exist there." These opal deposits indicate that Mars could have been wet for a billion years longer that initially thought. Thus, these findings could signifcantly impact the possibility of life on Mars if these findings are confirmed by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Dr Scott Mundie of John Hopkins University explains, "Water may have existed as recently as two billion years ago. It extends the time range for liquid water on Mars, and the places where it might have supported life." Sending rovers and orbiters to Mars seems like a reasonable approach to answering the long anticipated myteries of the red planet. However, Rey explains that the answers could be here on Earth, "It costs billions of dollars to send rovers and orbiters to Mars. Therefore, looking right here on Earth for ancient and modern analogs to Mars' environment is key to carrying on research in greater detail and explore the role biology has in weathering processes." ]]>Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Mineral |
Hardness |
Diamond |
10 |
Corundum (ruby/sapphire) |
9 |
Topaz |
8 |
Quartz |
7 |
Feldspar (Orthoclase) |
6 |
Apatite |
5 |
Fluorite |
4 |
Calcite |
3 |
Gypsum |
2 |
Talc |
1 |
Not all gems are crystalline, for example opal or obsidian, this lack of a regular structure means that they technically cannot be classed a mineral but are still often collected as such. There are also many gem materials that are of organic origins, such as coral and pearls (which do include some crystalline structure/minerals within the whole) and entirely organic and non-crystalline material such as amber and jet. Rock is the general term for aggregates of minerals and can be uniform in their make-up, such as turquoise, but most often is a mixture of minerals such as unakite.
[caption id="attachment_468" align="aligncenter" width="364"] Turquoise and Unakite[/caption]Most atoms on Earth are bonded (see this week’s extra notes for more details on bonding types) and in general these bonds are formed by interactions of electrons between neighboring atoms. Electrons are one of three major sub-atomic particles, the other two being protons and neutrons. It is electrons that are of greatest interest to the gemmologist due to the bonds they create and their effect on a gem’s colour, hardness, optical effects, crystalline structure, fluorescence and cleavage. Most substances consist of two or more elements bonded together forming what is called a compound, when four oxygen atoms and a silicon atom bond a silicate tetrahedron is formed and this is what quartz is composed of (note that the formula for quartz is SiO2 because each silica atom is shared between two tetrahedron).
[caption id="attachment_465" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Silica Tetrahedron[/caption] [caption id="attachment_469" align="aligncenter" width="251"] Quartz Crystal Cluster[/caption]Though is not always the rule as mentioned above, diamond is an example of a gem mineral of a pure element.
Minerals are classified into groups by their general make up, some important groups are as follows: Silicates: This is the most abundant group of minerals and is based on a combination of silicon and oxygen usually with other components. Gems include garnet, peridot, quartz, tourmaline and many more. [caption id="attachment_472" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Cut and Rough Tourmaline[/caption] Oxides: When other elements combine with oxygen they are often called oxides. Gems include ruby/sapphire, alexandrite, hematite and spinel. [caption id="attachment_474" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Rough Ruby and Spinel Crystals Set in Rings[/caption] Carbonates: These are metallic elements bonded with compounds of oxygen and carbon. Gems include calcite, rhodochrosite, malachite and azurite. [caption id="attachment_475" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Chinese Malachite[/caption] Phosphates: When a tetrahedron of phosphorus and oxygen combines with various other compounds. Gems include apatite and turquoise. [caption id="attachment_476" align="aligncenter" width="297"] Rough and Cut Apatite[/caption] In our next article we will look at the nature of crystals.]]>Metamorphic conditions can even bend and fold solid rock like putty.
Lastly there are sedimentary rocks, these are composed of broken down or dissolved components of other rocks. There are only a few gems produced from sedimentary processes, the most notable would be opal, formed as water permeates silica rich rocks and is subsequently trapped and opal mineralises from the solution. Other materials of note are less valuable stones such as calcite and chalcedony. The most important part of sedimentary processes for gemstones is the formation of placer deposits. This is where gem bearing parent rocks have been eroded away, releasing the gem material within. As the broken down rock is continually transported, the heavier/more dense material becomes more concentrated as the lighter less durable material is broken up and washed/moved away. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, zircons and many other gems are denser than more common minerals like quartz and feldspar hence important deposits are often formed in this way. This is a very historical type of deposit as they are much easier to mine than trying to break up the parent rock, this means that before the time of mechanised mining, these types of deposits were viably and profitably mined.Rough gems from placer deposits can be easily identified by their smoothed, water worn surfaces,
as you can see from these cuprian tourmalines we found in Mozambique
Our next article will take a brief look at what makes a crystal and explain some of the basic building blocks of a gem.]]>A rare and natural beauty, the iconic Pearl has long been seen as a symbol of power, wealth and beauty. This ancient gem has been desired across the globe for many a millennia and is to this day, still frequently sighted on the red carpet and the catwalks of the world's fashion capitals. From Johannes Vermeer's famed Girl with a Pearl Earring masterpiece; to Anne Boleyn's infamous namesake necklace; Audrey Hepburn's opening ensemble in Breakfast at Tiffany's; Jackie Kennedy's ever present Pearl necklace and most recently, Karl Lagerfeld's Pearl laden Spring 2013 collection for international house of couture, Chanel – it seems that the world's love affair with Pearls is one that shall never end. Indeed, if the current exhibition being held at London's Victoria & Albert Museum ('Pearls') is anything to go by, our fascination with these jewels of the Sea is only perpetuating with time.
Because of the way in which they form, Pearls are often revered as true miracles of nature and really, it is quite miraculous how these exquisite gems are formed and created. Using x-ray technology, scientists revealed that natural salt water pearls are formed due to the intrusion of a parasite or foreign matter into a mollusc's mantle. The mantle of a mollusc is the organ which produces Nacre or what is more commonly known as Mother-Of-Pearl. An intruder in the mantle displaces the cells of the mollusc and a cyst is formed, over which the nacre grows. Any mollusc with a shell, even the ordinary garden snail, is technically thought to be able to produce Pearls and as such, the variety in the size and colour of pearls varies widely.
The Pearl is the birthstone of June and is said to promote honesty, innocence, integrity, wisdom and concentration when worn or kept in close proximity to those seeking it's healing properties.
Pearl jewellery is now available to purchase online from our inventory.
]]>Crystals, gems and mineral stones have long been used as healing tools in many different cultures and religions across the globe. In recent times, crystals have regularly been employed by nine-to-fiver's as productivity aids; placing the stones on work desks and in office environments. Whilst crystals are often regarded as primarily decorative, inert objects; to many people they constitute a body of healing power and hope. To encourage healing in your everyday life, wearing a piece of crystal or gemstone jewellery is considered to be very effective, as is leaving a selection on your bedside table. The trick is to choose a crystal with the right healing qualities for your ailments.
For a truly calming effect, our Amorpha Pendant, set with a natural blue Tourmaline shard and a rim of blue Sapphire, is the only choice. The roughly cut blue Tourmaline shard evokes the tranquility and silence of the deep blue ocean; it is a crystal of Spirit and Peace. Wearing, carrying or operating close to this gem encourages the release of emotional hold ups and frees the mind to get closer to spiritual awareness and overall happiness. It is also said that Blue Tourmaline can strengthen communication skills and assist you in relating to others in a positive and harmonious way.
For those who would like to open their heart, Rose Quartz will allow you to develop your relationships and love for those in your life and also for yourself. Keeping a rose quartz stone by your bedside or wearing a pendant like our Chinese Pea Carving, will help you to maintain your spiritual healing and keep your heart open to possibilities all day long. Rose Quartz is popular among artists and creative types as the increased love energy helps you to give and receive and also enhances your appreciation of beauty. The increased appreciation of the physical world that arises within the wearers & owners of Rose Quartz, manifests in an increase in inspiration and in the creation of further beautiful objects.
If you'd like to introduce an all-purpose healer into your life, an obelisk of green Aventurine on your bedside table is exactly what you need. Aventurine is used for healing all levels of the body, mind, spirit and heart and helps to balance emotions. If you are experiencing a particularly stressful period in your life, Aventurine can help release your inner tension, anxiety & fear, leaving you open to positive emotions and constructive thoughts. Aventurine is also known as a stone of action and will propel & motivate you to achieve and succeed.
For those who can't make up their mind, or want a little something for everything; our Natural Gemstone Box Set contains a small specimen of 25 different gemstones – all purse friendly and ready for life on the go!
]]>Tanzanite, so called due to it's origin in the tiny Tanzania, was first discovered in the late 1960s and throws a rich violet-blue shade for which it is famous. A Tanzanite, depending on the saturation of it's colours can be compared to a Sapphire, however is widely appreciated for it's own brilliance and depth. As a healing stone, the Tanzanite is beneficial in the workplace as well as when worn. In the office, the Tanzanite has a calming and soothing effect. Even just a small piece of Tanzanite can help overcome communication issues and aid in problem solving. When worn as jewellery, Tanzanite is said to expand the wearer's consciousness and permanently raise self-awareness levels.
The Zircon is found in several locations in Asia including Thailand, Cambodia & Southern Vietnam and comes in a range of different shades; orange, brown, green, blue, red and yellow just to name a few. Historically the Zircon has been used to imitate and replace diamonds, however has recently been widely acknowledged for it's own merits & qualities. The Zircon is a great healing gem for individuals and travellers as it is believed to possess the power to reduce & relieve pain; induce appetite; protect from disease & injury; prevent nightmares and also ensure warm receptions from others.
Turquoise, the final birthstone for December, is perhaps the most famous of the three and a gem that all Pocahontas fans are sure to know and love. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and is plentiful in nature. The colour of Turquoise varies from greenish blue to duck-egg blue and a darker sky-blue and can be translucent or opaque; however the most popular and famous incarnation is the completely opaque 'Turquoise' shaded variety which is often seen in bohemian jewellery. It is said that when gifted, Turquoise will bring the wearer good fortune and protect them from negative energy.
For a great set to get your healing & birthstone collections going, try our Natural Gemstone Box Set.
]]>Just like the Parker twins in The Parent Trap, The Talented Mr Ripley and Frank Abagnale Jr in Catch Me If You Can,; the greatest masters of disguise are those that hide in plain sight. Like all successful imitators, the Topaz has individually exceptional qualities which allow it to draw praise in it's own right and also pass as a realistic and cost-effective alternative to the coveted and often out-of-reach diamond.
Topaz is a plentiful stone available in a variety of delightful shades including yellow, orange, red and blue and is frequently used to create stunning costume jewellery. Whilst most clear or white Topaz is retrieved from the earth and needs no enhancement prior to sale, some Topaz is originally a light brown colour that will turn white when exposed to light and/or heat. As the Topaz is abundantly available and it's colour is easily manipulated, it makes a very budget-friendly substitution for Diamonds.
Whilst the Topaz has a relatively high refractive index and hardness, it unfortunately won't last as Diamonds do in a wedding band or any 'wear-forever' jewellery pieces. Everyday wear and tear will lead to scratches and a worn-down effect, leaving your Topaz looking not nearly as expensive as when you first purchased it. Instead, Topaz gems are effective & stylish when worn as special earrings, occasional bangles or even promise rings. These gems look exquisite when set in yellow gold or silver and make perfect gifts for commemorative occasions.
If size is what you're after, very large and even cocktail sized Topaz gems remain very cheap despite their flashy appearance. For a stunning ring option, our Three Stone Gold Topaz Ring is the perfect bridesmaid gift, promise ring or graduation present. The delicate band of rough cut gold vermeil encasing three beautiful white Topaz gems makes an elegant and modest statement and would be the perfect companion to any dressy wardrobe concoction. For a male friendly option, our Wide Topaz Eternity Ring is a surprisingly masculine piece despite it's understated spattering of white Topaz stones. The raw, wide gold band balances out the delicacy of the gems and gives it enough prominence to work as a sophisticated promise ring.
]]>Citrine, known as the 'Healing Quartz', is a yellow shaded gemstone and a variety of the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. The healing properties of Citrine include supporting the health & vitality of the wearer, as well as encouraging hope, energy and warmth to flourish within them. Though rarely found naturally, Citrine is one of the most affordable gems on the market thanks to international producers in Brazil, Bolivia and Spain.
Alternatively, November's other birthstone Topaz is found in many different regions across the globe. The Topaz's place in our culture has been set for many a century and as such is a stone with a truly rich cultural history. The ancient Egyptians wore it to ward off harm, the ancient Romans believed that it aided eyesight, a certain shade was coveted by the Russian royal family and the Ancient Greeks believed that the stones could increase strength and even potentially make the wearer invisible. The healing properties of Topaz include strengthening faith & positivity, instilling confidence and motivation and it is also said to be beneficial for nervous exhaustion and insufficient nutrition.
Unlike many other birthstones, Topaz has the distinction of coming in a wide rainbow of colours including but not limited to blue, red, yellow, clear and the colour traditionally linked with November – Orange.
For a truly meaningful way to celebrate November's impending birthday girls, you simply can't go past a combination of their two birth stones in our Ruby, Topaz and Citrine Drop earrings. The combination of yellow Citrine, crystal clear Topaz and the elegant beauty of natural rubies manifest into a pair of sophisticated stand-out statement earrings that will keep her safe and stylish forever.
]]>There are two schools of thought when it comes to combining gemstones. You can seek out pieces that use both diamonds and blue gems for an overwhelming standout look. You may also want to find pieces that use the stones on their own, and then wear them together. Your choice depends only on your personal taste!
Gemstone pairings are a unique and beautiful look. Let your gorgeous gems shine by keeping the rest of your clothing fairly basic. An easygoing blouse or simply-cut dress provides a nice background for your jewellery. Try wearing various shades of greys and whites to allow your stones to pop. You might also want to bring out the blue tone by incorporating other blue elements into your outfit.
If you’d rather use your jewellery as an eye-popping accessory than let it steal the show, try combining your gemstones with contrasting colours. A pale peach or blush top emphasises the blue stones without overwhelming them.
If you have a single piece that incorporates diamonds and blue gems like Tourmaline, you can pair it with additional pieces. Just make sure to avoid other gemstones or you’ll look mismatched and slightly disorganised. Instead, stick with basic metals like silver and gold. Architectural pieces, like a modern silver cuff, are stunning when combined with gemstones.
Make sure that the rest of your jewellery is high-quality. Pairing gemstone earrings or a ring with plastic or wooden jewellery can bring your entire look down; It may even make the stones look fake. Play up the quality of your gemstones by including other high-quality pieces.
When choosing necklaces, you also want to think about the volume or chunkiness of the necklace. A full figure would suit a necklace that has a little bit of volume-- try large chunky stones or a thick chain. If you are petite however, larger jewellery may swamp you figure and therefore you may want to choose something a little more delicate.
But always remember, when choosing jewellery, regardless of any rules, buy what you love! Finding something you feel good in is the perfect accessory to any outfit!
]]>The Australian Aborigines have understood the opal's unique energy and beauty since the Dreaming times. They bestowed the name of 'Rainbow Serpent' upon this remarkable gem and described its creation: "The Creator took the colors of the rainbow, and put them into stone to make opal". Another story tells of the Creator traveling via a rainbow road to spread a message of peace on earth. With each step, the stones underfoot turned into tiny, tangible rainbows – opals.
There are other myths about the ancient gods involving opals. Zeus, the Greek king of the gods, was so happy when he defeated the Titans that he wept tears that turned into opals upon hitting the ground. The Indian Goddess of the Rainbow was reportedly so beautiful that many male gods sought her favor. Eventually, as a desperate act of escape from their advances, she turned herself into the rainbow-colored opal.
Traditions of other cultures display similar reverence. The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning, that is how they received their fiery color. The ancient Greeks thought that opal conferred the gifts of foresight and prophecy. They would assist the wearer to lessen their inhibitions and reveal true feelings. Ancient Romans ranked opals above all other gemstones and paid high prices for the luxurious and fortune-bringing stones.
Archaeological evidence reveals that opal was mined in Virgin Valley, North America, over 10,000 years ago and used in artifacts in Kenya 6 thousand years ago. The ancient Greek Theophrastus (372-287 B.C.E.), who prepared the oldest extant book on precious stones, quoted his friend Onomacritus: "the delicacy of the opal remind me of a loving and beautiful child".
In the Roman world, when Mark Antony (83-30 B.C.E.) wished to present an opal ring to Cleopatra, the senator Nonius fled rather than give it up to him. And Pliny (23-79 C.E.), the famous author and natural philosopher, described his opal purchase: "having a refulgent fire of the carbuncle (ruby or garnet), the glorious purple of amethyst, the sea green of emerald, and all those colors glittering together mixed in an incredible way." During the same time, the Aztecs were mining opal in South and Central America.
Throughout the Middle Ages (5th - 14th centuries) opal was know as 'ophthalmios' (eye stone) due to a widespread belief that it was beneficial to the eyes. Blond women also wore opal necklaces around this time to protect their hair from losing its color. A Holy Roman Emperor included opals in his crown and Shakespeare (1564-1616) mentioned the opal as "a miracle" and the "Queen of Gems". Queen Victoria (1837-1901) wore opals throughout her life and delighted in presenting them to her friends and to other Royal Family members. Opal was discovered in Australia at Lightning Ridge in the late 1880s and the first shaft was dug in 1901 or 1902. Today it is the national stone of the country and Australia supplies 95% of the world market.
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