Category Archives: Gemmology

Stars among gems

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Stars are rare among gems, but given the right conditions, the right crystallographic structure, the right gem, and the right inclusions, all working together, a gem might exhibit a star. These four star sapphires are shown in a group, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology, Jewellery | Tagged , | Comments Off on Stars among gems

Pleochroism in tanzanite

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Tanzanite is a gem noted for its bright colour, its high degree of clarity, and its almost unique source. Tanzanite is an unusual gem because it is found near Arusha, Tanzania, and really not in any commercial quantities anywhere else. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology, Jewellery | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Pleochroism in tanzanite

Untreated Star Sapphire

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Sapphires are amazing for many reasons, including the diversity of colours they may have, the phenomena that may have, and the parts of the world where they may occur. On average, sapphires are thought to be blue, but they really … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , | Comments Off on Untreated Star Sapphire

Unheated Sapphires

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Sapphires and rubies are among the best known gems in the world, the gems flowing through the hands of storybook pirates when they delve into their treasure chests. The gems that are entirely untreated, and are the colour they were … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , | Comments Off on Unheated Sapphires

Natural Pearls

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Natural pearls are the original gems. Someone, long ago, was eating an oyster and bit on something, rolling in the palm of our ancient ancestor, it was the first gem, ready to wear, produced through the efforts of a little … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Gemmology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Natural Pearls

Emeralds

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

At auction, you never know what will show up. With the November 24, 2013 Dupuis Jewellery Auction, there is a great range of fine gems. Among the gems, it is interesting to note the majority of the emeralds are from … Continue reading →

Posted in Gemmology | Tagged , | Comments Off on Emeralds

Arts and Crafts Pendant

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Duncan Parker

Lot 202 in the upcoming Dupuis auction November 24, 2013. This beautiful hand made pendant, dated 1913, seems to be a blend between Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts. The centre features a panel with a clear cover on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Jewellery, Gemmology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Arts and Crafts Pendant