Precious Stones
Gemstones (also called, jewels, precious stones, fine gems or simply gems) are made of mineral crystals and are cut or polished for use in jewellery. Gemstones are classified into different groups, species and varieties. There are technically only 4 precious gemstones: diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. All other gemstones are categorized as semi-precious stones. Physical characteristics that make a colored stone valuable are color, clarity and the number of inclusions.
Precious Stones:
Diamond
A colourless, transparent gemstone known for its hardness and brilliance. It is the hardest known natural material on Earth and is often used in engagement rings and other high-end jewellery.
Diamonds are found on every continent, but major diamond-producing countries include Russia, Canada, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Australia.
Ruby
A deep-red gemstone that is highly valued for its rich colour and rarity. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, and is often used in engagement rings, necklaces, and other jewellery.
Rubies are found in various parts of the world, with some of the most famous sources being Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
Emerald
A bright-green gemstone that is highly valued for its colour and clarity. It is a variety of the mineral beryl and is often used in high-end jewellery.
Colombia is historically the most significant source of high-quality emeralds. They are known for their rich, vibrant green color. Other notable sources include Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
Sapphire
A gemstone that comes in a variety of colours, but is most known for its deep-blue hue. Coming from the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), these gemstones are often used in engagement rings and other high-end jewellery.
Sapphires are found in various parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Madagascar, Australia, and the United States.