Journal

Peridot: The Gemstone That Sometimes Falls From the Sky

Peridot and Ancient EgyptIf asked which stone belongs most to Egypt,many would guess lapis lazuli.But the one truly nativewas peridot.Three thousand years ago,Egyptians mined itfrom a volcanic isla...

Sapphire: One Mineral, Every Color but Red

Sapphire is corundumin every color but red.One exclusion.Endless range.What Makes Blue, BlueIron and titanium,in careful balance.Too much iron —ink.The right balance —cornflower.The blue that built...

Ruby: Corundum's Rarest Expression of Red

Ruby is corundum,the same species as sapphire.One element makes the difference.Chromium.It gives the red.It gives the rarity.An Element That Cuts Both WaysChromium colors.Chromium also fractures.Fi...

Emerald: The Gemstone That Embraces Imperfection

Of all colored stones,emerald asks the most of us.Not for perfection.For acceptance.A Stone That Keeps Its HistoryEmerald is beryl,colored green by chromium.Unlike diamond,it does not hide what it ...

Jewelry Materials & Craftsmanship Explained

A piece of jewelry speaksbefore its design is understood.Through material.Through craft.Let's begin with metal.Precious MetalsPure gold is soft.It bends too easily to hold a shape for long.So most ...