Portfolio Gems
While we can acquire and access all types of gems for our customers, there are five major gemstones that we recommend them to consider as part of a collection or gem portfolio.
Diamonds
The discovery of diamonds dates back to two thousand years ago in India. It was around the 1500s when the trade for diamonds began between India and Europe and the first diamond engagement ring appeared on royal fingers. Traditionally, the diamond ring symbolizes unbreakable allegiance and romantic fidelity and that notion is popular among marrying couples to this day.
Rubies
Rubies, also known as the ‘king of gems’, has always been one of the most highly sought-after stones since ancient times. The oldest recorded source of rubies are from Myanmar (Burma), a country which has produced the world’s finest rubies such as the unheated, vivid red, Pigeon’s Blood ruby. Mozambique is another important sources for rubies.
The value of fine-quality rubies has been consistently increasing as the ones without inclusions are almost non-existent. Fine-quality or collectible rubies over one carat are very rare, but commercial-quality rubies are commonly available in a wide range of sizes.
Emeralds
As one of the most famous members of the beryl family, emeralds have been loved and sought-after since 330 BC till today. Emeralds are brittle and have a relatively poor toughness so these bright green stones must be treated with care. Inclusions are usually tolerated more in emeralds than any other gemstone; they’re sometimes even desired. It is common for emeralds to be treated with oil to improve appearance by filling in inclusions and to imbue it with a general toughness.
Sapphires
In the same corundum family as rubies, sapphires come in all colours except red (ruby). The finest and most magnificent blue sapphires are usually from Kashmir, Burma and Sri Lanka. One of the most collectible sapphires are known as Padparadscha, which has been consistently rising in value. Pink sapphires are also one of the rarest and most-wanted stones on the market, especially among the younger buyers.
Paraíba Tourmalines
Tourmalines come in a wide variety of colours but none glows as much as the variety known as Paraíba. Their neon, incandescent glow is what makes them so different and special. It is considered extremely rare to get your hands on an unheated Paraíba of Brazil origin.