Hundreds of millions of years ago, the Earth was very different. Little did the creatures of our planet know, they would not only be a stepping-stone in the evolution of life, but also provide the humans of the future with fabulous jewellery gems in the form of ammolite. Read more »

Ivory is a biological gem material used by humans for thousands of years, with early artefacts including carvings and jewellery dating back 32,000 years. However, due to ethical concerns, possession and import of modern elephant ivory harvested after 1975 is an offence in Australia. Read more »

Known as ‘The Queen of Gems’, pearls are our gems of the sea. These lustrous creations have been loved and admired throughout different cultures across thousands of years. This organic gem is produced within the soft tissue of certain species of molluscs and is found in a variety of hues and forms. Read more »

Organic gems are a group of relatively rare and decorative materials that have an animal or plant origin. Amber is fossilised tree resin prized for its rich golden hues. When plant or animal fragments are suspended within the material, they can offer a fascinating peek into our planet’s primordial past. Read more »

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From the grandeur of large geodes to the colourful and unusually patterned agate and jasper varieties, quartz is one of the most abundant, widely studied and adored mineral groups, popular amongst gem collectors and jewellers alike. STACEY LIM explores the continuing love and admiration for its coloured crystalline varieties. Read more »

While the red hues of rubellite maintain a steady appreciation, the interest and value of blue and green tourmaline was reignited with the discovery of ‘Parai´ba’ tourmaline. Read more »

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Boasting an array of colour and colour combinations unrivalled by any gem species, one can find tourmaline in shades of almost every hue. Throughout history this gem was often confused with other minerals until tourmaline was identified as its own mineral species in the 1800s. STACEY LIM reports. Read more »

Until recent times, spinel was an underappreciated gem with little consumer recognition. However, as demand for ruby alternatives increase, renewed interest and enthusiasm for spinel grows. STACEY LIM reports. Read more »

One of the oldest minerals found in the Earth’s crust, zircon has long being used as a substitute for diamonds. STACEY LIM provides some background. Read more »

Throughout history, sapphire has always been associated with the colour blue. This still rings true today, with many consumers unaware of the other coloured varieties available. STACEY LIM reports. Read more »

Desire for ruby today is as great as ever. With fluctuating quality and supply, and a high demand for stones over one carat, this blazing beauty can demand the highest price per carat of any coloured gemstone. Read more »

The diamond industry is built on a foundation of colourless gemstones but vivid-colour varieties are also highly valued and steadily increasing in popularity. STACEY LIM reports. Read more »

Forming deep within the Earth’s mantle, peridot is no stranger to heat and pressure. This green mineral may also be of extra- terrestrial origin, transported within meteorites from the depths of the universe, impacting the Earth in rare, cataclysmic events. Read more »

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Zircon is a mineral with certain optical properties that can rival those of a diamond. Found in a varied palette,the cause of colour in this gemstone is little known. STACEY LIM discusses two popular theories. Read more »

The unexpected flash of colour and light rolling along the surface of a gemstone can be awe-inspiring. STACEY LIM reports that labradorite captures this spectacular effect known, eponymously, as labradorescence. Read more »