Beyond Diamonds: Exploring The World Of Rare Gemstones
For many avid jewelry collectors, their wardrobe is no stranger to precious gemstones, with the likes of rubies, emeralds, and diamonds adorning some or all of their favorite pieces. And while it's easy to think that these exquisite stones are among the finest ones you can get, there are far rarer (and more valuable) gemstones in the market. As such, if you seek out unique additions to your jewelry collection, keep an eye out for these stunning gemstones worth more than diamonds.
1. Burma Ruby
Burma Rubies are a true rarity, with the highest quality and color standard among precious stones. Their scarcity is due to the low iron content, which sets them apart from rubies mined in other regions. The Burmese rubies' unmatched vibrancy and pure red hue, aptly called "pigeon blood," make them highly coveted by those who demand the best.
Fun fact: The most expensive Burma Ruby ever recorded is the Sunrise Ruby, sold at a Swiss auction for $30 million.
2. Alexandrite
Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, was initially discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It swiftly became a prized gemstone among the aristocracy since its colors of purplish red and green matched the popular style during this period of Imperial Russia.
Another feature that makes it coveted among many is its remarkable ability to change colors. This astonishing color-shifting feature stems from the trace amounts of chromium in the stone's crystal structure, making it appear peacock blue to emerald green under daylight but purple or ruby red in incandescent light.
Fun fact: Alexandrite is a frequent representation of the June birthstone.
3. Paraíba Tourmaline
Paraíba tourmaline is a true wonder of nature, dazzling the world of gemstones with its mesmerizing blue-green hues since its discovery in the 1980s. The neon-bright colors of these precious gems have captivated connoisseurs of luxury, earning them a place among the most coveted stones in the world.
Once exclusive to the Paraíba region of Brazil, can now be found in other parts of the world with similar geological conditions. Nonetheless, their rarity and unparalleled beauty continue to make them a highly prized gemstone among luxury enthusiasts.
Fun fact: Paraíba Tourmalines are so rare that for every 10,000 diamonds found in the world, only one Paraiba Tourmaline is found.
4. Tanzanite
In the realm of exquisite gemstones, Tanzanite reigns supreme with its alluring violet-blue hues that rival even the finest sapphires, yet at a fraction of the cost. This precious stone, belonging to the zoisite variety, is a rare find, occurring only in a small region of Tanzania.
Tanzanite's striking beauty is further enhanced by its strong pleochroism, giving it an enchanting violet, blue, or brown appearance when viewed from different angles. Some even like to enhance its color, through a heat treatment that solidifies their mesmerizing blue hues. Skilled gem cutters then carefully orient the stones to emphasize their desired tint of violet or blue, resulting in an irresistibly stunning gemstone that exudes luxury and sophistication.
Fun fact: Tanzanite rose in popularity largely because of marketing efforts by Tiffany & Co.
5. Padparadscha Sapphire
Sapphires are typically well-known for their exemplary blue color, but there exists a striking version of this gem called Padparadscha Sapphires, a special variety in the corundum family of gemstones. These feature a delicate color that is the ultimate mix between orange and pink—the marriage between yellow sapphire and ruby. The question of what qualifies as "padparadscha" remains a hot topic for debate among experts.
Nowadays, Western gemologists narrowly define the term padparadscha as a Sri Lankan sapphire bearing a delicate pinkish-orange hue. However, padparadscha had a somewhat original meaning stemming from the Sanskrit/Singhalesepadmaraga, which was a color similar to the ancient lotus flower.
With so few natural stones being available and having the rarest color among sapphires, Padparadscha Sapphires are among the world's most expensive gems.
Fun fact: Padparadscha Sapphires are considered the most prized form of sapphire.
6. Demantoid Garnet
Demantoid is a variety from the garnet group of gemstones, with garnets most notably recognized for their deep red hue. Demantoid garnets, however, bear a different shade of distinctive, intense green to yellow-green caused by the presence of chromium in its makeup.
Demantoid garnets possess two unique properties that make them special among all gemstones, with the first being their exceptional dispersion or ability to split light into its individual spectral colors. Demantoid garnets are among the select few that have this property to a great degree—even more so than in diamonds—and allow for a rainbow of colors to emanate from within their deep green body.
Its other unusual property exclusive to demantoid garnets is their "horsetail inclusions". This characteristic internal feature consists of curved and tubular needle-like crystals that radiate from a single point that resembles a horse's tail, hence the name.
Fun fact: Even with the discovery of new sources since the 1990s, Demantoid Garnet remains very rare.
Conclusion
There truly is more to the world of precious gemstones beyond the fetching diamonds, emeralds, and rubies we typically encounter. The numerous unheard of alternatives like those listed above are only the tip of the iceberg, and there are plenty more waiting to be discovered for those looking to venture out with their jewelry collection.
If you're interested in something unique for your next jewelry purchase, August Bespoke offers only the finest-quality gems procured from all over the world as well as lab-grown diamonds perfect for a personalized diamond ring or unique engagement rings in Singapore.
Browse our Instagram page for our collection of impeccable pieces of custom-made jewelry ideal for gifts, weddings, or simply to add to your collection. Try out our 7-Question Ring Style Quiz for instant personalized recommendations or speak to our team of experts directly and let us turn your jewelry ideas into reality.
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