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Guide: These colored gemstones you need to know

At BOLOU we are passionate and passionate about the fantastic colors and patterns that hundreds of precious stones around the world enrich us with. We select our colored gemstones according to the highest quality standards, many years of experience and high professional knowledge within gemstones.

Below you can read more about some of the most famous colored gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds and amethysts, topazes, garnets and aquamarines.

If there are other gemstones you want to know more about, don't hesitate to contact us . You are also welcome to bring your own gemstones to our workshop , where we can design a completely unique piece based on your wishes and the color and shape of the gemstone.

Sapphires

Sapphires - BOLOU

Sapphires are a well-known gemstone that is often used in sought-after and unique jewelry due to their beauty and symbolic meaning. The blue color is the most common and characteristic feature of sapphires. The gemstone primarily consists of the mineral corundum, which is the second hardest mineral in the world, second only to diamonds.

Corundum is colorless in its natural form. It is the presence of iron and titanium that gives the sapphire its beautiful blue color. In fact, sapphire can occur in any color except red. When the sapphire has a red color, it is called a ruby. The most common non-blue sapphires are found in shades such as yellow, green and pink.

Among sapphires, the blue variety is the most sought after. Within this color group, the lighter grain blue sapphire is particularly sought after, while the darker shades are considered less valuable. Sapphires can either occur naturally or be produced synthetically through laboratory processes.

Naturally occurring sapphires can be found anywhere in the world, but geographic location can have a significant impact on the blue hue. For example, Kashmir sapphires, which come from the Kashmir region of India, have an intense blue color that is considered to be of extraordinary quality and rarity. Sapphires from other places such as Burma, Sri Lanka and Australia also have their unique characteristics and hues.

Whether they represent truth, wisdom or a symbolic connection to the heavens, sapphires have an irresistible beauty and profound meaning that continues to fascinate and attract admirers around the world.

Rubies

Rubies - BOLOU

The ruby ​​is known for its deep red color and is considered one of the most valuable gemstones. Like the sapphire, the ruby ​​consists primarily of the mineral corundum. The red color in the ruby ​​is due to the presence of chromium and can vary from an intense orange-red to a deep purple-red. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word "rubrum" meaning red.

Naturally occurring rubies are extremely rare and therefore have a high value. They are only found in a few selected regions around the world. However, rubies can also be produced synthetically in laboratories, although the natural rubies are still considered more valuable and sought after.

Among the natural rubies, the red-violet color known as "Pigeon Blood" is considered the most valuable. This color is deep and intense, giving the ruby ​​a unique beauty and aesthetic appeal.

Rubies have long been associated with love, passion and strength. They are also considered symbols of good luck and protection against negative energy. The ruby ​​has historical significance and has adorned royal jewelry and crowns in many cultures.

Whether natural or synthetic, rubies have a magnetic appeal due to their intense red color and symbolic meaning.

Emeralds

Emerald comes from the Greek word smaragdos and means green stone. An emerald is a green gemstone that is related to the mineral beryl. Like corundum, beryl is basically transparent and transparent. It is only through the presence of various impurities that the many colorful shades arise.

In emeralds, the greenish color is due to chromium and sometimes also vanadium. Sometimes iron will also be present in beryl, giving it a bluish hue.

Emeralds have always been highly sought after gemstones, which is also reflected in the price. An emerald can be more expensive and valuable than diamonds if it is of high quality. An emerald from Colombia is considered to be the most sought after, but also the most expensive of its kind.

The most valuable emeralds are in the blue-green to green color spectrum and have a medium dark shade. Since emeralds crystallize hexagonally, they will typically take the form of hexagonal prisms, which is the typical appearance of an emerald. It is characterized by its elongated, rectangular shape. This type of gemstone is also characterized by having visible inclusions. Emeralds are easy to recognize due to their intense green colors and shape.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a beautiful purple gemstone and belongs to the quartz family. The color can vary from deep violet to pale lavender and it can even have reddish undertones. In ancient times, amethyst was one of the most sought after and valuable gemstones, but today they are more common and found in larger quantities.

Amethysts come from different places around the world, and the gemstone's country of origin plays a role in color variation. Amethysts come primarily from Brazil, Uruguay, the Ural Mountains and Sri Lanka. The expression and appearance of amethysts can vary, which also affects the value. Amethysts with a deep violet color without inclusions are considered the most valuable.

Amethysts are not only beautiful gemstones, but also have a symbolic meaning. They are said to represent clarity, spiritual awareness and protection from negative energies. Amethyst is also considered a calming stone that can help relieve stress and promote inner peace and balance.

Whether it is the deep violet amethyst or the delicate lavender hue, the amethyst is a gemstone that continues to fascinate with its color and beauty. The historical significance and its presence in different cultures make the amethyst a popular and loved gemstone all over the world.

Grenades

Garnets are a type of gemstone known for its deep red color. The name "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatum" meaning "grainy" or "seed-like". Garnets come in a wide variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and even colorless. However, the red variety, known as almandine garnet, is the best known and sought after.

Garnets belong to a group of mineral crystals called silicates. Most garnets are made of aluminum silicate and have a hardness of 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them durable and suitable for jewelry making.

Garnets can be found all over the world and their color shade can vary depending on the specific location from which they are mined. Some of the most famous places to find grenades include the Czech Republic, India, Brazil, Russia, and the United States.

In addition to their beauty and symbolism, garnets also have a number of alternative meanings and properties. They are said to have healing and protective properties as well as promoting vitality and creativity.

Topazes

Topaz is a beautiful gemstone known for its varying colors and brilliance. The name "topaz" comes from the Greek word "topazos". Topazes come in a variety of colors, including yellow, blue, pink, brown, and colorless. The colorless topaz is the most common variety, while the blue topaz is one of the most sought after. Topaz belongs to the silicate family of minerals and has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable and suitable for jewelry making.

The gemstone has a characteristic luster and clarity that adds to its beauty. Yellow topaz is a popular variety and comes in shades from pale yellow to deep golden. This color is often explained by the presence of iron in the stone. Blue topaz comes in shades from light blue to intense blue and can result from natural or artificial processes. Pink topaz is rarer and is obtained by subjecting colorless topaz to irradiation and heat treatment. Brown topazes also exist and can vary from light brown to amber in color. The color is due to the presence of iron and other minerals.

Topaz has a long history and has been used in jewelry for centuries. The gemstone has been prized for its beauty and often symbolizes peace, creativity and prosperity. Topaz is also believed to have healing properties and contribute to emotional balance and clarity. Topazes are found around the world, including Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the United States. Each location can contribute unique colors and variations of topaz.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is an enchanting gemstone known for its refreshing blue color reminiscent of the clear waters of the sea. The name "aquamarine" comes from the Latin word "aqua marina" meaning "sea water". The gemstone's color ranges from pale blue to intense blue-green, and it is known for its transparency and lustrous luster.

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family and is a mineral with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable stone. The blue color in aquamarine is due to the presence of iron, while variations in color may be influenced by traces of other minerals.

This gemstone has been admired for centuries and has deep historical and cultural significance. It is said to represent clarity, calm and harmony. Aquamarine is also associated with the sea and is said to bring peace, balance and inspiration to its wearer.

Aquamarine is often used in jewelry making and can create beautiful and elegant jewelry. The gemstone is known for its ability to capture and reflect light, giving it a vibrant and brilliant glow. Aquamarine is also a popular choice for engagement rings and other special jewelry because of its beauty and symbolism.

If you are more into the classic diamonds, you can learn more about them in this guide: What you need to know about diamonds . Or if you are interested in learning more about gold and carats , you can find everything you should know in our guide.