Gemstone Guide: Definition, Types, and Jewellery Making
A gemstone is the result of geology nearly failing. From a scientific perspective, gems are rare outcomes of very specific geological conditions, small wins found among a vast field of ordinary rock. For every gem that ends up in a ring or museum case, millions of rocks remain ordinary. Hence, beauty in the gem world is the outcome of a narrow miss.
Take sapphire, one of the most coveted fine gems on Earth. Chemically, sapphire is just aluminium oxide, a compound that is abundant in Earth’s crust but rarely crystallises into gem-quality corundum. However, in reality, sapphire is very rare. This rarity is the outcome of a very complicated process of making fine gems. Interested in learning more? Read on!
What is a gemstone?
It is a piece of cut and polished mineral or rock crystal used for jewellery. What comes first to your mind when asked to picture these stones? Something bright and sparkly? Or a dull, hard rock? Don’t let the word “stone” fool you! Each of them is actually very beautiful. With their vivid colours and sparkling brilliance, people consider them Earth’s precious treasures!
A gemstone is a naturally occurring or synthetic mineral famous for its beauty, rarity, and durability. First, let's talk about its beauty. Their appearance is one of their strongest assets. Uniquely, people judge its beauty by colour, transparency, cut, and brilliance. The better these aspects are, the more desirable a gem is.
The second value is rarity. Only certain conditions can allow these stones to form. All of which involve factors ranging from geology, chemistry, and geographic distribution. Next, it must be durable. Gemstones are materials used in many high-end and top-of-the-class jewellery pieces in the world. Consequently, it must have a sufficient level of hardness and resistance to scratches and cracks.
Types of Gemstones
A gemstone has almost 300 different types. Asking how many gems exist is like asking how many colours the Earth can create: the answer is far less straightforward than a single number. Yesterday’s answer could differ from today's as there’s always a possibility of discovery.
For deeper insight, professionals such as geologists, gemologists, jewellers, or collectors offer the most accurate information. Still, most people can easily name the different types of gemstones, since certain gems are far more well-known than others. They are popular because jewellers frequently use them. Some of them are:
Diamond
A diamond is, undoubtedly, the most popular gemstone used in jewellery. In addition, it is most valued for its striking visuals and the cutting. Jewellers often use diamonds because their exceptional hardness allows them to endure cutting, drilling, and polishing.
Ruby
Rubies are famous for their red colour. The colour can range from pinkish red to deep red. While diamond cutting aims to maximise brilliance, rubies are cut to enhance their rich red colour. The finest rubies show a vivid red with a slight bluish undertone, a quality referred to as pigeon blood.
Sapphire
Because of its blue colour, this gemstone symbolises wisdom, loyalty, truth, and calmness. These meanings have made sapphires popular with royalty, religious figures, and couples choosing engagement rings. While the most common sapphire is blue, it also exists in other colours, such as yellow, pink, green, purple, and orange. These are called fancy sapphires.
Emerald
In the same fashion as ruby, emerald is most recognisable for its colour. Emerald has a range of colours, from light green to deep, saturated green. The most desirable emerald is one with an even green colour and good transparency. Usually, emeralds are cut in a rectangular shape to reduce the risk of damaging the corners.
Fine gem for jewellery-making
Some people like to use a gemstone as the main point of the jewellery, while others prefer them as a decorative element. Usually, the most suitable combination is pairing it with silver jewellery. Silvers are known to be affordable yet luxurious. Therefore, it is perfect for showing off the beauty of precious gems. For example, if you go to a jewellery-making class, you may follow these steps such as:
First, choose a suitable gem for silver jewellery
After that, decide the jewellery type (ring, necklace, earrings, or bracelet)
Then, plan a simple design for the gemstone placement
Next, prepare and shape the silver base or setting
Fit and securely set the gem into the silver
Clean, polish, and finish the jewellery piece
Upgrade your jewellery with a gemstone in the Canggu Silver Jewelry Class!
Gems are far more than decorative objects. They are shaped by heat, pressure, chemistry, and time before being presented as fine jewellery. Understanding what defines a gem, why it is valued, and how it is used in jewellery and ornaments reveals that every polished gem carries a story of rarity, durability, and beauty formed deep within the Earth.
If reading about a gemstone has sparked your curiosity, why not experience its beauty firsthand? At the Canggu Silver Jewelry Class, you can learn how to select, set, and showcase fine gems in handcrafted silver jewellery guided by skilled artisans. Upgrade your jewellery knowledge by joining the Canggu Silver Jewelry Class today!
