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Kasia has always been inspired by nature and as Earth Day approaches, we would like to reflect on the natural wonders that surround us. From towering mountains to vast oceans, the Earth is a true marvel. One of the most stunning examples of natural beauty lies beneath the planet’s surface: gemstones. These remarkable stones are formed deep within the Earth and are a testament to the incredible forces of nature. In this blog post, we will explore the formation of five natural gemstones that you can find within our collection - emerald, tourmaline, aquamarine, and sapphire - along with their unique qualities.
Emerald: A Precious Gemstone from Ancient Times
Let's start with one of the most recognizable and valuable gemstones - emerald. Emeralds have been cherished for centuries for their range of vivid green colors, from light tones such as that of our Esmeralda ring (pictured below, right side) to deep hues like the one seen in the Medium Diana ring (pictured below, left side). These variations in color are caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium.
They are formed in metamorphic rocks, which are created when rocks are introduced to intense heat and pressure. In the case of emeralds, the rocks that produce these precious stones are typically shales, marbles, or schists. The process of emerald formation begins when magma rises from deep within the Earth and heats up the surrounding rocks. This then causes the rocks to transform, which then creates cavities or fractures in the rock. As the magma cools, fluids containing the elements needed to form emeralds seep into these fractures and cavities and over time, these fluids crystallize, forming emeralds.
Emeralds are found in many parts of the world, including Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
Tourmaline: A Colorful Wonder of Nature
Tourmaline is another gemstone that is loved for its array of colors; even the name itself comes from the Sinhalese word "tura mali," which means "stone with mixed colors". This stone can be found in shades of pink, red, green, blue, and even black.
Tourmalines are formed in a variety of ways, including through igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. The specific conditions under which a tourmaline is formed are what determine its color. For example, green tourmalines such as the Brazilian tourmaline center stone of the Eunice ring (pictured below, left side) are formed in igneous rocks that contain a lot of iron, while pink (Suki ring pictured below, right side) and red tourmalines are formed in metamorphic rocks.
These stunning gems are highly valued by collectors and are a favorable alternative engagement ring center stone due to their hardness!
Aquamarine: The Stone of the Sea
Aquamarine is a beautiful blue-green gemstone that is closely associated with the ocean; its name means "water of the sea" in Latin. If you know us, you know the ocean in particular holds a special place in our hearts with our Cardiff showroom being just steps away!
Aquamarines are formed in pegmatites, which are igneous rocks formed by magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface. As this process occurs, it forms large crystals, including those of beryl. Aquamarines are formed when the beryl contains traces of iron and is exposed to high-pressure fluids which contain other elements such as aluminum and silicon. These trace elements are what determine the tone of blue in each individual stone such as the light hue of our Elsie ring's center stone (pictured below).
Fun fact: Aquamarines are a type of beryl, the same mineral family as emeralds.
Today, aquamarines are found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan. You can also find them in the heart of Cardiff at our showroom! Discover aquamarine collection pieces here.
Sapphire: The Gem of Royalty
Sapphire is a gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years primarily for its deep blue color and association with royalty. This regal stone, much like Tourmalines, can also be found in a wide array of shades such as pink, yellow, green, and even white. Our collection of sapphires covers a broad range of these shades from the rich yellow tone of a Sri Lanka Sapphire in our Joss ring (pictured below, left side) to the mesmerizing bicolor tones of the Madagascar Sapphire in our Dew ring (pictured below, right side).
Sapphires are formed in metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, and much like the previously mentioned stones, these are created under intense heat and pressure. Aside from their range of unique shades, Sapphire is another favorite gemstone in our collection due to their hardness, making it an excellent alternative engagement ring center stone. Discover Sapphire collection pieces here.
The Beauty of Natural Gemstones
There is something truly magical about natural gemstones. From the intricacies surrounding the formation process to the uniqueness of each individual stone; no two having the same story of formation and journey to the Earth's surface. When we look at a gemstone, we are seeing a testament of Mother Nature's force.
Our collection of fine jewelry features natural gemstones in a variety of styles and settings. Whether you prefer the rich green of emeralds or the brilliant blue of aquamarines, there is a gemstone that speaks to your unique style, personality and story. As we celebrate Earth Day, we honor the beauty and power of nature, and the incredible gemstones that remind us of it every day.
