Colored Gemstones
Philippe Medawar offers a spectrum of gemstones that come in every color of the rainbow
The World of Gems
Alexandrite
Amber
Amber is nature’s time capsule. This fossilized tree resin contains remnants of life on earth millions of years ago.
Amethyst
The essence of the color purple, amethyst is beautiful enough for crown jewels yet affordable enough for class rings.
Aquamarine
Named after seawater, aquamarine’s fresh watery hue is a cool plunge into a refreshing pool.
Citrine
Diamond
Emerald
Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.
Fancy Color Diamond
Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. The planet’s most valued gems are fancy color diamonds.
Garnet
Garnets are a set of closely related minerals forming a group, with gemstones in almost every color.
Iolite
According to legend, Vikings used iolite slices to reduce glare when checking the sun’s position.
Jade
Jade is actually two separate gems: nephrite and jadeite. In China, a pierced jade disk is a symbol of heaven.
Kunzite
Collectors love kunzite for its color range, from delicate pastel pink to intense violetish purple.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis is a beautiful rock; an aggregate of several minerals, mainly lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.
Moonstone
A ghostly sheen moves under the surface of this feldspar, like moonlight glowing in water.
Morganite
Morganite is the pink to orange-pink variety of beryl, a mineral that includes emerald and aquamarine.
Opal
Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal’s shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.
Pearl
Perfect shining spheres. Lustrous baroque forms. Seductive strands, warm to the touch. Pearls are simply and purely organic.
Peridot
Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem
Ruby
Ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species, which also includes sapphire.
Sapphire
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby red, another corundum variety.
Tanzanite
Lush blue velvet. Rich royal purple. Exotic tanzanite is found in only one place on earth, near majestic Kilimanjaro.
Topaz
Honey yellow. Fiery orange. Cyclamen pink. Icy blue. In warm or cool tones, topaz is a lustrous and brilliant gem.
Tourmaline
Tourmalines have a wide variety of exciting colors with one of the widest color ranges of any gem.
Turquoise
Azure sky, robin’s egg blue: Vivid shades of turquoise define the color that’s named after this gem.
Birthstones
The origin of the birthstone list, ascribing a gemstone for every month of the year, allegedly came from The Bible’s Old Testament, or Torah. When God commanded Israel to build The Tabernacle, He appointed Aaron, Moses’s brother, and his sons as the first priests. God also gave explicit instructions regarding the priests’ garments. They were to fashion an elaborate breastplate of gold containing 12 gemstones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21).
Certain months have multiple birthstones because some, like Alexandrite, are very rare and expensive, while others simply gained popularity since the list was conceived. For example, December’s birthstones were originally zircon and blue topaz, but recently were replaced by Tanzanite. Philippe Medawar’s expert staff is happy to assist clients in navigating the exciting, colorful world of birthstones.
Choosing Colored Gemstones
When investing in colored gemstones, it is paramount that gemstone characteristics are understood. Is an amethyst’s color stable in daylight? Should I consider a tanzanite engagement ring? Are opals really bad luck? If purchasing a colored gemstone jewelry item to be worn daily, Philippe Medawar recommends clients choose either ruby or sapphire. Both are the mineral corundum, which is the hardest (resistant to scratching) and the perfect choice for every day wear and tear. A Philippe Medawar client shared that her fiancé asked her to choose her wedding ring from a reputable Johannesburg, South Africa jewelry store. The salesman offered her three different ring styles, each featuring either ruby, sapphire or emerald set with colorless diamonds. Because she was born in May, (May’s birthstone is emerald) she innocently chose the emerald and diamond ring. Unfortunately, the salesman didn’t explain that emerald is a fragile gemstone that requires special care.
In the ensuing years, she has experienced frustrating, expensive issues with her ring, which is why she brought it to Philippe Medawar for repair. One’s wedding ring ought to evoke feelings of joy, not grief – and the staff at Philippe Medawar regrets that their client has to endure what is avoidable when proper gemstone disclosures are made.
The knowledgeable staff at Philippe Medawar will help educate and guide you to the proper colored gemstone choice for your lifestyle and preferences. Philippe Medawar discloses gem enhancements so you can properly care for your prized colored gem. Those wishing to purchase colored gemstones are invited to visit Philippe Medawar’s glittering showroom on 28th Street in Cascade, where staff will explain why sapphires are available in every color of the rainbow, except red. Philippe Medawar will also answer inquiries regarding Jewelry Repair Services for those with colored gemstone items of concern.
