Hardness 5.0.

Occurrence :Brazil, Russia, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Canada, East Africa, Sweden, Spain and Mexico.

Appearance : Can be transparent to opaque, with colors ranging from yellow, green, blue, violet and colorless.

"Stone of spirituality and contentment". Amethyst bestows stability, strength, invigoration, and peace, the peace being the perfect peace, which was present prior to birth. It is "warm and cuddly" as well as regal and ruling. It has been used to encourage and support sobriety. It is an excellent stone for one who is attempting to find freedom from addictive personalities (oneself or another). It has calming, strong, protective qualities, healing, divine lone and inspiration. It also enhances one's psychic abilities. Purple has long been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so much in demand during history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Amethyst, transparent purple quartz, is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can be seen set in Victorian jewelry. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes. Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, India and Argentina, as well as in Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Generally, amethyst from South America tends to be available in larger sizes than African amethyst but amethyst from Africa has the reputation for having better, more saturated, color in small sizes. Very dark amethyst, mostly in small sizes, is also mined in Australia. Amethyst is available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including many fancy shapes. Large fine stones may be sold in free sizes but generally amethyst is cut in standardized dimensions.

Aquamarine was also said to have a soothing influence on land, especially on married couples. Its power to help husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage makes it a good anniversary gift. Aquamarine also protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends. Aquamarine, the "gem of the sea", derives its name from "sea water". The reference is obvious: aqua sparkles like the sea and its color is pale to medium blue, sometimes with a slight hint of green. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, and other countries. Aquamarine is always in a pastel blue but the darker the color, the more valued it is. Connoisseursalso prefer a pure blue, with no green in it. If you prefer a greenish tinge, you will find that these stones are less expensive. This is a durable and lively gemstone that is appropriate for all jewelry uses. Its pale fire is flattering to most skin tones.

Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. The name comes from the Greek word onux, which means fingernail. The story is that one day frisky Cupid cut the divine fingernails of Venus with an arrowhead while she was sleeping. He left the clippings scattered on the sand and the fates turned them into stone so that no part of the heavenly body would ever perish. True, black isn't normally the color one associates with fingernails. (Did Venus wear Vamp?) But in Greek times, almost all colors of chalcedony from fingernail white to dark brown and black were called onyx. Later, the Romans narrowed the term to refer to black and dark brown colors only.Onyx which is reddish brown and white is known as sardonyx. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said to never stick to the wax. Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing lots of sardonyx. Black onyx especially shines when used a backdrop for color play. Its fine texture also makes it ideal for carving, making it a favored material for today's lapidary artists. In the pin by designer Susan Helmich above, a carved piece of onyx with threads of white provides a stunning backdrop for a flash of color. Onyx was often used as the perfect foil for carved rock crystal or the drop dead red of rubies in Art deco designs. It is also popular in marcasite jewelry. So if you would like to add a little black magic to your jewelry design,consider onyx.

Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional topazes are pale pink to a sherry red. Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages. Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections. Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. In early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its appearance, the surface-enhanced topaz, with colors described as blue to greenish-blue or emerald green. Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks.

Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for lemon, "citron," many citrines have a juicy lemon color.In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes. Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November. Most citrine is mined in Brazil. Supply of citrine is good from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, particularly from the Serra mine, which is producing 300 kilos of hammered goods a month. The Iraâ mine produces an additional 100 kilos a month of hammered goods. Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.

Garnet is the birthstone for January, which means that January babies have a lot of choices! The name Garnet probably comes from pomegranate. Many ancient pieces of garnet jewelry are studded with tiny red stones that do look a lot like a cluster of pomegranate seeds! Jewelry set with garnets from Czechoslovakia was extremely popular in the nineteenth century and Bohemian garnet jewelry is still popular today, although today the garnets are mined elsewhere. When you say garnet, most people think automatically of small dark red gemstones, even though this is only one aspect of the world of garnets. Garnet is a gemstone for all seasons. Garnets are a closely related group of gemstones that are available in every color. Dark reds, tangerine orange, vivid lime green, soft bluish-pink, garnet is all these colors and more. There are garnets that change color in different light, translucent green garnets that look like jade, garnets with stars, garnets that have been mined for thousands of years and garnets that were just discovered in the last decade. Garnets have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home. In ancient Asia and the American Southwest, garnets were used as bullets because the glowing red color was said to increase the ferocity of a wound. Garnets in legend light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Noah used a garnet lantern to navigate the Ark at night. The ancient world is full of praise for the carbuncle, the glowing red coal of a gemstone we now know as garnet. Garnets are fairly hard and durable gemstones that are ideal for jewelry use, except for demantoid, which is softer and requires more protection.

Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional topazes are pale pink to a sherry red. Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages. Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections. Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. In early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its appearance, the surface-enhanced topaz, with colors described as blue to greenish-blue or emerald green. Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks.

Hessonite is one of the gem varieties of the garnet mineral, grossular. The other gem variety of grossular is green and is called Tsavorite. Hessonite is usually cinnamon brown and has been called "cinnamon stone". Hessonite can also be orange; this color is becoming common on the gem markets. Gem quality hessonite is found at Sri Lanka, Brazil and California

When Leif Eriksson and the other legendary Viking explorers ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, away from any coastline that could help them determine position, they had a secret gem weapon: Iolite. The Viking mariners used thin pieces of iolite as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate safely to the new world and back. The property that made iolite so valuable to the Vikings is extreme pleochroism. Iolite has different colors in different directions in the crystal. A cube cut from iolite will look a violetish blue almost like sapphire from one side, clear as water from the other, and a honey yellow from the top. This property led some people to call iolite "water sapphire" in the past, a name that is now obsolete. Pleochroism may have been helpful in navigation but it makes things difficult for a gem cutter. If iolite is not cut from exactly the right direction, no matter the shape of the rough, its color will not show to its best advantage. The name iolite comes from the Greek ios, which means violet. Iolite is usually a purplish blue when cut properly, with a softness to the color that can be quite attractive. Iolite is readily available and surprisingly affordable. The better and richer the blue, the better. It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and Greenland. Iolite is relatively hard but should be protected from blows. With its attractive color and reasonable price, it may become a jewelry staple in the future.

Pearls: Gems of the Sea Pearls

Set the Mood: The soft luster and shifting subtle colors of pearls give them a unique quality. They can be slinky and sexy, modest and demure, lavish and elegant, or cool and sophisticated. Pearls are not radiant, but wearing them imparts radiance. They wrap neck, shoulders, face, and hands in a soft halo, making complexions and skin tones come alive.

How Pearls are Formed: Pearls owe their beauty to the creative force of nature and the pearl oyster. When a foreign substance (such as a grain of sand) enters the creature's shell, the oyster's body takes defensive action to ease the irritation. It begins to secrete a smooth, hard substance called nacre upon the irritant. Layer upon layer of nacre builds up around the irritant to form - after several years - a lovely, natural pearl. Cultured pearls are formed by pearl oysters in much the same way as natural pearls. The only difference is that human hands implant the irritant in the oyster, then step aside to let nature create its miracle.

The Question of Quality: No two pearls are exactly alike. They are found in a range of qualities and are judged by their luster, surface appearance, size, shape, color and nacre thickness. Luster - This is the mirror like surface reflection seen on a pearl. It is luster which makes pearls uniquely beautiful in the gem world. Surface Appearance - The smoother the surface and the fewer the blemishes present, the more valuable the pearl. Size - Other factors being equal, the larger the pearl, the more value it has. Color - Color is the combination of body color and overtone. Body color is the predominant color of the pearl. The most commonly seen body colors are white, cream, rose and pale yellow. Overtone is a tone of another color superimposed on the body color of some pearls, and can be likened to blush in makeup. Rarely, one can also find orient on pearls. This is the appearance of iridescent colors providing a rainbow effect. Nacre Thickness - An important factor in the durability of the cultured pearl is the thickness of the nacre around the original irritant. The longer the pearl remains in the oyster the more nacre is secreted and hence the more luster the pearl has.

Types of Pearls: Freshwater cultured pearls - are irregular in shape and are available in a variety of colors. They are especially in vogue today, because they are a dramatic, yet affordable fashion item that can be worn with any outfit for any occasion. Freshwater cultured pearls come from pearl oysters that live in freshwater lakes and streams, particularly in China and Japan. Biwa is the name given to freshwater pearls grown only in Japan's Lake Biwa. Akoya - the most familiar type of cultured pearls and they are grown in Japan. Generally round in shape, these saltwater cultured pearls have a classic elegance popular with every generation, especially new brides. Mabe - refers to a half round pearl (with a flat back) which has grown against the inside shell of an oyster. It is usually mounted in closed back settings. Mabes are especially popular in earrings, pendants and rings. South Sea Cultured Pearls - are from the salt waters of the South Pacific. The pearl-producing oysters which inhabit these waters are much larger than those found around Japan and the waters are warmer as well. Thus, larger, more impressive pearls are formed. South sea pearls are understandably the most prized of the cultured pearl types. Natural or "Oriental" Pearls - are formed by the accidental natural process described earlier. Such pearls are occasionally found in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Pearl Fashion: Pearls are a timeless favorite and are versatile enough to fit in with any outfit from sportswear to formal dress. A uniform or graduated strand of round pearls is the classic pearl look. They, or freshwater pearls, may also be strung with colored gemstones or beads. Long single strands of white or cream pearls may be twisted with pearls that have been treated to achieve a variety of colors such as peach, lavender, pink, black or gray. Your pearl wardrobe might include pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings, stick pins and brooches incorporating round, irregular shaped, freshwater or saltwater cultured pearls to produce exciting, unique pieces of jewelry.
Caring for your Pearls: Cultured pearls are precious jewels that should be treated gently. Always store them separately from other jewelry, wrapped in cloth or tissue or placed in a little pouch. To protect their luster, never let your pearls come in contact with cosmetics, hairsprays and perfumes. It's best to put your pearls on last. After each wearing, they should be wiped with a soft cloth to remove dirt and perspiration. Pearls may be washed in mild soap and water, then rinsed and allowed to air dry naturally.

Peridot is the birthstone for August. Peridot had the power to drive away evil spirits and the power was considered to be even more intense when the stone was set in gold. Peridot was also said to strengthen the power of any medicine drunk from goblets carved from the gemstone. Small crystals of Peridot are often found in the rocks created by volcanoes and also can be found in meteors that fall to earth! A few samples of extraterrestrial Peridot have even been faceted into gems! Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine. Because the iron which creates the color is an integral part of its structure, it is found only in green, ranging from a summery light yellowish green to a 7-up bottle green. In 1994, an exciting new deposit of Peridot was discovered in Kashmir, and these stones are among the finest ever seen. The new mine is located 15,000 feet above sea level in the Nanga Parvat region in the far west of the Himalayas Mountains in the Kashmir. Beautiful large crystals of Peridot were found, some that cut magnificent large gemstones. One stone was more than 300 carats! This new discovery, combined with fashion's passion for lime green, has revived interest in Peridot and increased the popularity of this gemstone. Today most Peridot is mined by Native Americans in Arizona on the San Carlos Reservation. Fine large Peridot are found in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Peridot is also mined in China and Sri Lanka. Although Peridot is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele's tears, almost all of the Peridot sold in Hawaii today is from Arizona, even though Peridot is produced by Hawaii's volcanoes. The island of Oahu even has beaches made out of olivine grains but unfortunately they are much too small to cut into Peridot!

R e d C o r a l - T r e a s u r e    of       t h e     s e a
Wearing red coral on the index or ring finger of the right hand resists the malevolent influence of the 'Evil Eye'. It also provides relief to heart problems, haemorrhages and contagious infections. Close examination of red coral reveals that it is made of an aggregate of red coral polyp skeletons. These polyps are minute living creatures that live in vast colonies. When they die their skeletal remains - mostly calcium carbonate - build up to form massive red coral reefs.
High quality red corals come from Naples, Corsica, Catatonia, Canary islands, Morocco, Algeria, Japan, Red Sea, Northern Australia, the Malaysian Archipelago. The popular variety names of red coral are Arciscuro (also termed as Ox Blood because of its prominent dark red colour), Rosso Scuro, and Rosso. Red Coral stones are inexpensive and hence don't need substitutes, though carnelian can be used in this respect (generally as a large pendant). Pink coral can also be used and has a more balancing and subduing effect, but has less strengthening effect on Kuja energy than the red coral.

Ruby has been the world's most valued gemstone for thousands of years. Ruby was said to be the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all things and this "lord of gems" was placed on Aaron's neck by God's command. The bible says that wisdom is "more precious than rubies," that is to say very valuable indeed. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or "king of precious stones" and ratnanayaka, "leader of precious stones." The most important factor in the value of a ruby is color. The top qualities are as red as you can imagine a saturated pure spectral hue without any overtones of brown or blue. The word red is derived from the Latin for ruby, ruber, which is derived from similar words in Persian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. The intensity of color of a fine ruby is like a glowing coal, probably the most intensely colored substance our ancestors ever saw. It is no wonder they ascribed magical powers to these fires that burned perpetually and never extinguished themselves. Ruby is the gem quality of the mineral corundum, one of the most durable minerals, which exists, a crystalline form of aluminium oxide. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and are also extremely tough. In its common form, it is even used as an abrasive. The most famous source of fine rubies is Burma, which is now called Myanmar. The ruby mines of Myanmar are older than history: stone age and bronze age mining tools have been found in the mining area of Mogok. Rubies from the legendary mines in Mogok often have a pure red color, which is often described as "pigeon's-blood" although that term is more fanciful than an actual practical standard in the trade today. Myanmar also produces intense pinkish red rubies which are also vivid and extremely beautiful. Many of the rubies from Burma have a strong fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet rays like those in sunlight, which layers on extra color. Burma rubies have a reputation of holding their vivid color under all lighting conditions. Fine rubies are also found in Thailand. Thai rubies tend to be darker red in tone: a real red, tending toward burgundy rather than pink, as Burma rubies do. Some Thai rubies have black reflections, a phenomenon called extinction, which can make their color look darker than it really is. But Thai rubies also can have a rich vivid red that rivals the Burmese in intensity. Sri Lankan rubies can also be very beautiful. Sri Lankan stones are often pinkish in hue and many are pastel in tone. Some, however, resemble the vivid pinkish red hues from Burma. Occasionally a few fine top-quality rubies appear on the market from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the Pamir Mountains of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The terrain in these areas has made exploration for gemstones very difficult but someday they may produce significant quantities for the world market.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, the month when the most babies are born. Ancient lists also name sapphire as a birthstone for April and the gemstone for the sign of Taurus. Sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Tradition holds that Moses was given the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers. Since sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness, it is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. When Prince Charles chose a sapphire engagement ring for Princess Diana, couples all over the world were inspired to revive this venerable tradition. The most valuable sapphires have a medium intense, vivid blue color. The best sapphires hold the brightness of their color under all different types of lighting. Any black, gray, or green overtones mixed in with the blue will reduce a stone's value. In general, a more pastel blue would be less preferred than a vivid blue but would be priced higher than an over dark blackish blue color. As with all gemstones, sapphires which are "clean" and have few visible inclusions or tiny flaws are the most valuable. However some very fine sapphires, in particular those from Kashmir, have a velvety mist-like texture which enhances the richness of the blue. Sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, and Cambodia. Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Vietnam, Madagascar, and the United States also produce some sapphire. The most famous sources for sapphire are Kashmir and Burma, which is now known as Myanmar. Kashmir sapphire, which was discovered in 1881 when a landslide in the Himalayas uncovered beautiful blue pebbles, has a rich velvety color prized by connoisseurs. Burma sapphires, from the same region that produces fabulous rubies, are also very fine. However, today, these two sources account only for a very small quantity of the sapphire on the market. Most fine sapphire on the market today comes from Sri Lanka, which produces a wide range of beautiful blues from delicate sky blue colors to rich saturated hues. Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Pailin in Cambodia are renowned for deep blue, even colors. Two relatively new mining localities are showing promise: Madagascar, which has produced some exceptionally fine stones in small sizes but has no organized mining yet, and Tanzania, which has long produced sapphire in other colors but is starting to produce blue colors as well from a new deposit in the south. Sapphire is perhaps the toughest and most durable gemstone available on the market. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is harder than any other gem but diamond and it has no cleavage plane so it cannot be cut with a single blow like a diamond. In fact, synthetic sapphire is used for scratch-resistant watch crystals, optical scanners, and other instruments because its durability can be trusted. That durability ensures that sapphire jewelry will be treasured for generations.

The gemstone discoveries in East Africa in the 1960s transformed the jewelry world: new varieties, new colors, and new variations on existing species made that decade the most exciting time in the gemstone industry in our lifetimes. Tanzanite is the ultimate prize of a gem safari. Its rich purples and blues often have a depth comparable to the finest sapphire. Paler Tanzanite has a delicate periwinkle color like the eyes of Elizabeth Taylor. It is supremely rare, coming from only one place in the world, the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. The source of its mesmerizing color is that Tanzanite is trichroic: that is, it shows different colors when viewed in different directions. One direction is blue, another purple, and another bronze, adding subtle depths to the color. When Tanzanite is found in the ground, the bronze color dominates. However, with gentle heating, the cutter can watch the blue color bloom and deepen in the stone. Legend has it that the affect of heat was first discovered when some brown zoisite crystals laying on the ground with other rocks were caught in a fire set by lightning that swept through the grass covered Merelani hills northeast of Arusha. The Masai herders who drive cattle in the area noticed the beautiful blue color and picked the crystals up, becoming the first Tanzanite collectors. The color of Tanzanite is most intense in sizes above ten carats. Smaller Tanzanites are usually paler in color. Tanzanites, which are more bluer rather than purple tend to be more expensive because the crystals tend to form with the blue color axis oriented along the width of the crystal instead of the length. That means if the cutter chooses to maximize the purity of the blue color, the stone cut from the rough will be smaller and will cost more per carat. The blue color, however, is so beautiful, that the sacrifice is often worth it. Tanzanite jewelry is a little more delicate than other gemstone jewelry and should not be set in a ring that will be worn during strenuous activity. Never clean Tanzanite in an ultrasonic cleaner or resize or repair a ring set with Tanzanite because the stone could shatter in the heat of a torch. It is available in a variety of shapes and sometimes in large sizes that are perfect for an important necklace.

Tourmaline's name comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali," which means "mixed." Bright rainbow collections of gemstone varieties were called "turmali" parcels. Tourmaline, occurring in more colors and combinations of colors than any other gemstone variety, lives up to its name. There is a tourmaline that looks like almost any other gemstone! Many stones in the Russian Crown jewels from the 17th Century once thought to be rubies are actually tourmalines. Tourmaline is also of interest to scientists because it changes its electrical charge when heated. It becomes a polarized crystalline magnet and can attract light objects. This property was noticed long ago before science could explain it: in the Netherlands, tourmalines were called "aschentrekkers" because they attracted ashes and could be used to clean pipes! Tourmaline occurs in every color of the rainbow and combinations of two or three colors. Bicolor and tricolor tourmalines, with bands of colors are very popular. Sometimes the colors are at different ends of the crystal and sometimes there is one color in the heart of the crystal and another around the outside. One color combination, pink center with a green rind, is called "watermelon tourmaline" (seedless, of course!) Sometimes designers set slices of the crystal instead of faceted stones to show off this phenomenon. Almost every color of tourmaline can be found in Brazil, especially in Minas Gerais and Bahia. Pink and green colors are particularly popular. In 1989, miners discovered tourmaline unlike any that had ever been seen before. Pink and green tourmaline are now widely available and are especially popular in designer jewelry. Blue tourmalines are also very much in demand but the supply is more limited. In addition to Brazil, tourmaline is also mined in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and California and Maine in the United States. Maine produces beautiful sherbet colors of tourmaline and spectacular mint greens. California is known for perfect pinks, as well as beautiful bicolor. Tourmalines a hard and durable gemstone which can withstand years of wear. You might want to avoid steam cleaning or heat.

Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional topazes are pale pink to a sherry red. Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages. Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections. Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. In early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its appearance, the surface-enhanced topaz, with colors described as blue to greenish-blue or emerald green. Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks.