Hpj world

A Masterpiece... THE ART OF ARISTOCRACY: THE SARANYA RING   Saranya is the beautiful Hindu Goddess of the clouds and the dawn.   She is married to Surya the sun God.   ‘She bears a Lotus wand A red flower covers her heart. I am greatly weakened when she is near. Seven is her number Seven bear her pain’ The Saranya ring is the third ring to be created in our new Studio/Workshop. Beautifully conceived and designed by Sarah van Heerden.   Sarah’s choice of precious metal was 18k yellow gold and her choice was strongly influenced by the fact that Saranya was married to Surya, the Hindu Sun God.   In her design Sarah also incorporated fourteen diamond cut yellow Sri Lanka Sapphires which have had quite an astonishing effect on the yellow gold into which they are channel set – they strikingly, and very visibly, intensify the glorious yellow of the gold.   This took us totally by surprise as it only became apparent after the piece was set and polished. We just looked at each other in amazement as the gold seemed to possess a life of its own, almost as though it were liquid and flowing like golden lava.   THE FEATURE STONE   The choice of feature stone was not so easy, Sarah felt that the choice needed to be a ‘warm’ coloured gemstone and finally we opted for a stunning 4.14 Carat flawless Lotus Blossom Tourmaline earth mined in Mozambique.   THE DIAMONDS   There are a total of 70 high quality natural diamonds set in the Saranya ring with two Aristocracy ‘signature’ diamonds set on either side of the shank. The Saranya ring blazes and dazzles with its incredible fires.   Truly it is the colour of the Sun...   TECHNICAL DATA – THE SARANYA RING     PRECIOUS METAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD FINISHED GOLD WEIGHT: 17.8 GRAMS FEATURE STONE: 4.19 CARAT FLAWLESS MOZAMBIQUE LOTUS BLOSSOM TOURMALINE DIAMONDS: 70 HIGH QUALITY ‘G/H’ VSI NATURAL DIAMONDS 0.92 CARATS  (The diamonds have been set in a technique developed by and unique to Aristocracy) SAPPHIRES: 14 DIAMOND CUT CHANNEL SET NATURAL YELLOW SRI LANKA SAPPHIRES 0.56 CARATS GOLDSMITH: MASTER GOLDSMITH GAVIN VAN HEERDEN SETTING: ARISTOCRACY SENIOR LAPIDARIST RALPH OLIVER DESIGN: SARAH VAN HEERDEN Jeffrey Aristocracy Heartland

A Masterpiece... THE ART OF ARISTOCRACY: THE APHRODITE RING ‘Do you not see how mighty is the goddess Aphrodite? She sows and gives that love from which all we upon this earth are born’ (Nurse of Phaedra -Euripides, Hippolytus 450)   The second ring to be created in our new Studio/Workshop, the Aphrodite Ring, is all about passion, desire, and beauty – the spectacular colour of the centre stone truly inflames the heart and soul.   The feature stone is a fabulous and very fiery 5.44 Carat flawless purple pink Mozambique Tourmaline. It is fully certified by GIL Canada and the certificate will accompany the ring to its new owner.   The Aphrodite Ring was superbly designed by Sarah van Heerden and it is exquisitely, almost painfully, beautiful.   Sarah looked to ancient Greece for her inspiration and the exquisite hand carving on the shanks of the piece borrowed much from the Gods of Olympus.   Ralph Oliver executed the hand carving magnificently – thank you Ralph!   Aristocracy Master Goldsmith and Studio/Workshop Director, Gavin van Heerden was responsible for the stunning gold work in the Aphrodite Ring.   It is the art of Aristocracy... TECHNICAL DATA   PRECIOUS METAL: 18K PALLADIUM WHITE GOLD FINISHED GOLD WEIGHT: 10 GRAMS FEATURE STONE: 5.44 CARAT FLAWLESS MOZAMBIQUE TOURMALINE CERTIFICATED BY: GIL (CANADA) DIAMONDS: 46 HIGH QUALITY ‘G/H’ VSI NATURAL DIAMONDS 0.84 CARATS  (The diamonds have been set in a technique developed by and unique to Aristocracy) GOLDSMITH: MASTER GOLDSMITH GAVIN VAN HEERDEN SETTER AND GOLD CARVING: ARISTOCRACY SENIOR LAPIDARIST RALPH OLIVER DESIGN: SARAH VAN HEERDEN Jeffrey Aristocracy Heartland

THE ART OF ARISTOCRACY: THE MY VALENTINE RINGS   After completing our Revelations Isadora ring we decided to make two identical Tanzanite and diamond rings using a stunning 3.00 Carat matched pair of Tanzanites.   We chose 18k Palladium white gold (the finest white gold) and as with all our work each was completely handmade by Master Goldsmith, Gavin van Heerden, with the setting of the stones being completed by our Senior Lapidarist, Ralph Oliver.   We lavished the same care that we give all our work because our professional integrity demands it of us.   We know no other way.   Make no mistake, these two rings are of very high quality in all respects. The finished gold weight of each ring is an impressive 6.8 grams. Each 1.50 Carat VVS Tanzanite is encircled by a halo of 16 high quality dazzling 2 pointer natural diamonds (Colour G, VS2) with each ring having 0.32 Carats of diamonds.   The diamonds have been set in a technique developed by and unique to Aristocracy. The rings are so very pretty and are ideal for an engagement ring, Valentine's gift, or simply to tell your girl that you love her far too much... PRECIOUS METAL: 18K PALLADIUM WHITE GOLD FINISHED GOLD WEIGHT: 6.8 GRAMS FEATURE STONE: 1.50 CT VVS NATURAL TANZANITE DIAMONDS: 70 HIGH QUALITY ‘G/H’ VSI NATURAL DIAMONDS 16 HIGH QUALITY (G VS2) NATURAL DIAMONDS IN EACH RING - 0.32 CARATS (The diamonds have been set in a technique developed by and unique to Aristocracy) GOLDSMITH: MASTER GOLDSMITH GAVIN VAN HEERDEN SETTING: ARISTOCRACY SENIOR LAPIDARIST RALPH OLIVER

Aristocracy: Le coeur de l'Aristocratie..   A breathtaking Aristocracy engagement/valentine natural diamond ring completely handmade by Aristocracy....   An illusion? We decided to make a diamond ring that wouldn’t break the bank – a ring that creates the illusion of a single large diamond. It is quite simply a gorgeous piece of fine jewellery.   We selected a glittering high quality (Colour G VS) 15 Pointer natural diamond and surrounded it with 12 x 2 Pointer (G VS2) diamonds.   The outer diamonds are set in a technique perfected by, and unique to, Aristocracy. It creates the illusion of a much larger diamond and boy does it dazzle!   The precious metal is 18k Palladium White Gold which is the finest there is. The finished gold weight is 5.7 grams.   Aristocracy Master Goldsmith Gavin van Heerden was responsible for the gold work, before passing the piece to our Senior Lapidarist, Ralph Oliver, for the setting of the diamonds.   I have done my best to photograph this beautiful ring but the images do not even begin to do it justice. I think the cameras metering system couldn’t cope with the fiery brilliance of the diamonds? It is too beautiful.   Sophisticated, elegant, and most definitely eye-catching!   It will come in one of our very high quality monogrammed black velvet ring boxes, which in turn is contained in a monogrammed outer box (see images) together with an Aristocracy professional jewellery cleaning cloth in its very chic black monogrammed Aristocracy envelope.

    WORLD RARE STUNNING HUGE 36.33 CARAT TOTALLY UNTREATED SAPPHIRE EARTH MINED AT MOGOK, BURMA   GEM TYPE: NATURAL SAPPHIRE CARAT WEIGHT: 36.33 CARATS CLARITY: N/A COLOUR: AS IMAGE DIMENSIONS: 22.00 x 19.40 x 12.00mm CUT: OVAL CABOCHON ORIGIN: MOGOK, BURMA, MYANMAR TREATMENTS: TOTALLY UNTREATED    A stunning totally untreated huge natural Sapphire Cabochon from Mogok, Burma (Mayanmar). NO glass filling, No diffusion, not even heat. A little rare wouldn’t you say ?    The Mogok Stone Tract is located in Kathe District of Upper Burma, 200 km northeast of Mandalay. The Stone Tract area spans two valleys, the Kyatpyin Valley and, further east, the Mogok Valley, at about 1200 meters elevation.   The thick jungle surrounding the area was also a hindrance, containing disease-carrying insects, blood sucking leeches, and poisonous plants. If that was not enough of a deterrent, early visitors were told that the trees themselves were guarded by ‘malevolent spirits’.

    WORLD RARE STUNNING HUGE 46.05 CARAT TOTALLY UNTREATED SAPPHIRE EARTH MINED AT MOGOK, BURMA   GEM TYPE: NATURAL SAPPHIRE CARAT WEIGHT: 46.05 CARATS CLARITY: N/A COLOUR: AS IMAGE DIMENSIONS: 24.00 x 20.00 x 12.40mm CUT: OVAL CABOCHON ORIGIN: MOGOK, BURMA, MYANMAR TREATMENTS: TOTALLY UNTREATED    A stunning totally untreated huge natural Sapphire Cabochon from Mogok, Burma (Mayanmar). NO glass filling, No diffusion, not even heat. A little rare wouldn’t you say ?    The Mogok Stone Tract is located in Kathe District of Upper Burma, 200 km northeast of Mandalay. The Stone Tract area spans two valleys, the Kyatpyin Valley and, further east, the Mogok Valley, at about 1200 meters elevation.   The thick jungle surrounding the area was also a hindrance, containing disease-carrying insects, blood sucking leeches, and poisonous plants. If that was not enough of a deterrent, early visitors were told that the trees themselves were guarded by ‘malevolent spirits’.

     Reference Point     ULTRA RARE 1.30 CARAT VVS CONGO (DRC) YELLOW/ORANGE TOURMALINE   Kamituga-Mobale Mine, Bukavu, Kivu, DRC (Congo)   CARAT WEIGHT: 1.30 CARATS CLARITY: VVS DIMENSIONS: 7.02 x 6.58 x 4.90mm COLOUR: YELLOW/ORANGE CUT: PEAR ORIGIN: DRC (CONGO)  TREATMENTS: 100% NATURAL    An exceptionally rare and very striking totally untreated Tourmaline from the DRC. A very rare and uniquely beautiful colour.        The value of Tourmaline has zoomed up in the past year with the ever increasing demand from China.  Gems are small and the price at the moment is as much as you are willing to pay.     HPJ - THE RARE & THE BEAUTIFUL...  

    Reference Point VERY RARE COLOUR (DOVE GREY) BIG 14.37 CARAT VS BRAZILIAN FLUORITE GEM TYPE: NATURAL FLUORITE CARAT WEIGHT: 14.37 CTS  CLARITY: VS DIMENSIONS: 16.40 x 14.10 x 9.60mm COLOUR: DOVE GREY CUT: OVAL ORIGIN: BRAZIL TREATMENTS: NONE   A very rare colour natural Brazilian Fluorite. Totally untreated. Superb fire and sparkle.     Fluorite deposits are found in many locations around the world. Some of the most significant finds are located in Argentina, Austria, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. As a lesser-known gemstone, Fluorite hasn't gained much fame or legend, other than being known as the most colorful mineral in the world. The word 'Fluorite', derived from the Latin verb 'to flow', refers to Fluorite's use as a flux in steel and aluminum processing. It was originally named 'Fluorspar' by miners and is still called ‘Fluorspar’ to this day.    

  FABULOUS WORLD RARE 4.73 CARAT FLAWLESS PINK/GOLD/GREEN MOZAMBIQUE WATERMELON TOURMALINE ALTO LIGONHA, ZAMBESIA PROVINCE, MOZAMBIQUE CARAT WEIGHT: 4.73 CARATS CLARITY: FLAWLESS DIMENSIONS: 11.40 x 9.10 x 6.40mm COLOUR: PINK/GOLD/GREEN WATERMELON CUT: MASTER PRECISION CUT OVAL ORIGIN: MOZAMBIQUE TREATMENTS: 100% NATURAL & TOTALLY UNTREATED   The name Tourmaline comes from the Singhalese words 'tura mali'. In translation, this means something like 'stone with mixed colours', referring to the colour spectrum of this gemstone, which outdoes that of all other precious stones. There are Tourmalines from red to green and from blue to yellow. They often have two or   more colours. There are Tourmalines which change their colour when the light changes from daylight to artificial light, and some show the light effect of a cat's eye. No two Tourmalines are exactly alike. This gemstone has an endless number of faces, and for that reason it suits all moods. No wonder that magical powers have been attributed to it since ancient times. In particular, it is the gemstone of love and of friendship, and is said to render them firm and long-lasting.    

    UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL MASTER PRECISION CUT 6.84 CARAT VVS SAGE GREEN VERMARINE/PRASIOLITE   CARAT WEIGHT:  6.84 CARATS CLARITY: VVS DIMENSIONS: 15.80 x 10.50 x 7.30mm CUT: MASTER PRECISION CUT TCOLOUR: SAGE GREEN ORIGIN: BRAZIL TREATMENTS: ROUTINELY HEATED AND IRRADIATED   These gorgeous subtle sage green gemstones were precision custom cut for HPJ by a Master Cutter based in Akron, Ohio, USA. We have worked with this Cutter for many years now, and his work is sheer artistry. Prasiolite, Green-Quartz, or Vermarine, is a green form of Quartz, a silicate mineral chemically silicon dioxide. Prasiolite is one of several Quartz varieties, which of course include the Amethyst. Personally I prefer the name ‘Vermarine’ which I think fits this extraordinary gem just perfectly. This new Brazilian Quartz has become the most popular member of the extensive gem family since dusty blue Chalcedony took the fashion world by storm some years back. As this newcomer has become a market sensation, dealers and designers have sought to capitalize on its family ties by naming it ‘Green Amethyst’ Whatever the new Quartz is called, clearly this sage-green gem has arrived. Already big-name designers like David Yurman and John Atencio are making much ado about this gem, whose whispery hues conjure the pale salad-greens of cucumber wedges and hearts of palm. What can be said with absolute certainty, is whether you call it Prasiolite, Vermarine, or Green Amethyst, it is an extremely beautiful gemstone.  

    UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL MASTER PRECISION CUT 7.09 CARAT VVS SAGE GREEN VERMARINE/PRASIOLITE   CARAT WEIGHT:  7.09 CARATS CLARITY: VVS DIMENSIONS: 15.20 x 11.50 x 7.60mm CUT: MASTER PRECISION CUT TCOLOUR: SAGE GREEN ORIGIN: BRAZIL TREATMENTS: ROUTINELY HEATED AND IRRADIATED   These gorgeous subtle sage green gemstones were precision custom cut for HPJ by a Master Cutter based in Akron, Ohio, USA. We have worked with this Cutter for many years now, and his work is sheer artistry. Prasiolite, Green-Quartz, or Vermarine, is a green form of Quartz, a silicate mineral chemically silicon dioxide. Prasiolite is one of several Quartz varieties, which of course include the Amethyst. Personally I prefer the name ‘Vermarine’ which I think fits this extraordinary gem just perfectly. This new Brazilian Quartz has become the most popular member of the extensive gem family since dusty blue Chalcedony took the fashion world by storm some years back. As this newcomer has become a market sensation, dealers and designers have sought to capitalize on its family ties by naming it ‘Green Amethyst’ Whatever the new Quartz is called, clearly this sage-green gem has arrived. Already big-name designers like David Yurman and John Atencio are making much ado about this gem, whose whispery hues conjure the pale salad-greens of cucumber wedges and hearts of palm. What can be said with absolute certainty, is whether you call it Prasiolite, Vermarine, or Green Amethyst, it is an extremely beautiful gemstone.  

  Reference Point   ULTRA RARE 3.55 CARAT VS CLOSELY MATCHED SIBERIAN CHROME DIOPSIDE PAIR. ‘THE RUSSIAN EMERALD’   PROVENANCE: EARTH MINED AT INAGLI, SAKHA STATE (YAKUTIA), EASTERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA     CARAT WEIGHT: 3.55 CARATS (COMBINED) CLARITY: VS (EXCELLENT FOR CHROME DIOPSIDES) COLOUR: CHROME GREEN CUT: OVAL CUT ORIGIN: INAGLI, SAKHA (YAKUTIA, EASTERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA  TREATMENTS: NONE     Also known as the 'Russian Emerald', the Chrome Diopside is a gemstone of great beauty, and rarity.   In Siberia, it is too cold to mine during the winter, making an extra task of keeping production levels even throughout the year. On the MOHS scale of hardness, it is rated a 6-6.5, and is suitable for jewellery.       It has two planes, so you have to be extra careful when you facet it. This is also why there is approximately 90% loss on the rough. So to cut 10 carats of polished Chrome Diopside will require 100 carats of the rough!!   Yakutia, officially the Sakha Republic of the Russian Federation, is a land of extremes. To begin with, it is by far the world’s largest ‘stateoid’, or political unit below the level of a sovereign state, covering 3,103,200 square kilometers (1,198,000 square miles), as opposed to second-place Western Australia’s 2,527,621 square kilometers (975,919 square miles). More than twice the size of Alaska, Yakutia would be the world’s eighth largest country by area if it were independent. The white area is Yakutia.   In August 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Yakutia went so far as to declare the sovereignty of the region. Russia’s central government, however, would never contemplate the independence of Yakutia, as the region is far too large, and far too rich in gold, diamonds, and other precious minerals.    

    A TRULY MAJESTIC MASSIVE 104.00 CARAT VS NATURAL GOLDEN TOPAZ FROM A VERY RARE SOURCE INDEED. EARTH MINED AT SHIGAR, GILGIT DISTRICT, NORTHERN PAKISTAN GEM TYPE: NATURAL TOPAZ CARAT WEIGHT: 104.00 CARATS CLARITY: VS DIMENSIONS: 30.00 x 26.00 x 20.00mm COLOUR: GOLDEN CUT: OVAL CUT ORIGIN: SHIGAR, GILGIT DISTRICT, NORTHERN PAKISTAN TREATMENTS: NONE   To find a Topaz of this size, clarity, and colour, is extremely rare indeed, and as you will read below, it is from a place where wise men fear to tread, however naturally beautiful it may be.   The valley of Kashmir is known all over the world for its beauty and charm. The Kashmir valley is situated about 300 km from Jammu across forested ravines and steep mountain passes. The emerald valley of Kashmir is cradled in the Himalayas, under the crystal blue skies, against the background of snow-capped mountains.   It is a magic land of silvery streams, rivers, fresh water lakes, pine, deodar and chinar forests, snow clad mountains, sparkling waterfalls, shikaras, green meadows and grassy slopes full of flowers of vibrant colours. It is an oval plateau over 5000 feet high and framed by three Himalayan ranges – the Karakoram, Zanskar, and Pir Panjal.   The most famous Topaz is actually a colourless Topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Another beautiful huge Topaz is in the Green Vault in Dresden which has one of the world's most important gem collections.

      INCREDIBLE ULTRA RARE & UNDENIABLY BEAUTIFUL 2.88 CARAT VVS1 MAHENGE GARNET   GEM TYPE: MAHENGE GARNET CARAT WEIGHT: 2.88 CARATS CLARITY: VVS1 COLOUR: SEE DESCRIPTION BELOW DIMENSIONS: 10.10 x 7.00 x 4.15mm CUT: PRECISION OCTAGON STEP CUT ORIGIN: MAHENGE,TANZANIA TREATMENTS: NONE   One of the rarest and most beautiful Garnets on Earth.   This is an exceptionally beautiful piece of natural Mahenge Garnet. The gem is absolutely gorgeous and in absolute pristine  condition. With fantastic colour, a super clean clarity and stunning brilliance it's a gem which will be of serious interest to all fine gemstone collectors.   The color is a melange of purple and pink with flashes of red at each end of the stone.   It's been beautifully cut into an Octagon Step shape with perfect proportions.   Mahenge has become a buzzword in the world of gemstones ever since the 2007 discovery of neon pink Spinels in Mahenge, Tanzania. Unfortunately, Mahenge has not been producing the same amount or quality of neon pinkish red Spinels for at least the past four years. However, a new and exciting gemstone has started to come out of the region and first appeared on the market during the 2016 Tucson gem shows. This new gemstone is being called ‘Mahenge Garnet’. These new Garnets appear to come in a variety of different colors; ranging from a peachy-pink color to a deeper reddish-pink with purple and orange tones. In addition to their amazing colours, the Mahenge Garnets also appear to be very clean and remarkably dispersive.

    Reference Point SUPER TOP DIAMOND FIRE 5.18 CARAT VVS VERY RARE ORANGE/YELLOW BICOLOUR (DOES NOT SHOW ON POOR IMAGE)  CAMBODIAN ZIRCON      GEM TYPE: CAMBODIAN ZIRCON CARAT WEIGHT: 5.72 CTS CLARITY: VS1 DIMENSIONS: 13.28 x 9.33 x 4.97mm CUT: PEAR ORIGIN:  PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA TREATMENTS: NONE   Start out by forgetting all that you previously thought of the Zircon ! It has no relationship whatsoever with Cubic Zirconium.     Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth - even older than the Moon, which formed over 4 billion years ago - take a look:   http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2014-02-24-rock-around-the-clock-zircon-crystal-is-oldest-piece-of-earth/#.UwxH6bDNvIW   The fire in Zircon, called dispersion, is caused by light entering the gemstone and separating into a prism of rainbow colours.       Cambodia is the world’s premiere source for the natural Zircon. One hundred kilometres north of Angkor Wat, close to the Cambodian Thai border, are the mines of Preah Vihear. Remote, pristine, and mystically beautiful...    

  Reference Point OUTSTANDING BIG 6.60 CARAT VS    AFRICAN SPESSARTINE GARNET       TECHNICAL DATA: Weight: 6.60 Carats Clarity: VS Dimensions: 11.50 x 10.30 x 5.90mm Origin: North Western Namibia Treatments: None     Spessartite/Spessartine has been known to the world for less than 200 years. The garnet was discovered in the mid 1800s in Spessart, Bavaria, and soon afterward in the Rutherford Mines in Virginia. In the 20th century, it has been mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, and Pakistan, often mixed with other gems. Because production has been so unreliable, the stone was never mass marketed.     While many deposits are older, it was the discoveries in Namibia that sparked this gemstones reputation for beauty. Those garnets were first found in 1991, where the Kunene River flows along the mountainous Angolan border in North Western Namibia. Embedded in mica in a schist, the spessartite was perfect. The main known deposits are 1,500km from the capital Windhoek. There are no roads and the terrain is so difficult that very often it cannot even be mastered by four-wheel drive !  

    Reference Point STUNNING GOLDEN YELLOW BERYL A HUGE 11.60 CARATS - VS  EARTH MINED AT PADRE PARAISO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL    GEM TYPE: GOLDEN BERYL CARAT WEIGHT: 11.60 CARATS COLOUR: AAA GOLDEN YELLOW  CLARITY: VS DIMENSIONS: 18.86 x 8.65 x 6.91mm CUT: PEAR CUT ORIGIN: PADRE PARAISO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL TREATMENTS: NONE   The finest Brazilian Beryl   comes from the Marambaia Valley region of Minas Gerais, 100 kilometers north of Teófilo Otoni. The highest concentration of aquamarine (also a member of the most prestigious Beryl group, as is the fabled Emerald) occurs with gem-bearing pegmatites located near the villages of Catugi, Ponto de Marambaia, and Padre Paraíso. MINAS GERAIS   During the last 100 years, the cities of Governador Valadares, and Teófilo Otoni, to the north-east, have established themselves as major hubs of the gem-trading industry, due to their proximity to some of the richest gem deposits in Brazil.   During the 1700s, when Minas Gerais was under Portuguese control, gold and gem mining labor was conducted by slaves taken from the west coast of Africa. This accounts for the large percentage of African descendants who now populate the region.  

    SPECTACULAR 5.44 CARAT VVS TOP FIRE RARE  ‘PEACH’ NATURAL RATANAKIRI CAMBODIAN ZIRCON. GEM TYPE: NATURAL ZIRCON CARAT WEIGHT: 5.44 CARATS DIMENSIONS: 9.80 x 8.20 x 6.30mm CLARITY: VVS  CUT: OVAL ORIGIN: BOR KEO, RATANAKIRI, CAMBODIA TREATMENTS: NONE Zircon is actually the oldest known mineral on Earth - the oldest samples are even older than the Moon, which formed about 4 billion years ago. Zircon was the first crystal to form in molten granite as it cooled to form rock. It formed as the result of a process associated with the presence of Uranium and Thorium. The natural radioactivity disrupts the crystal structure and produces the changes in color and density through a process known as metamictization.   Cambodia's north easternmost province is named after two of its distinctive features: Ratanakiri, a combination of the Khmer words for ‘gem’ (Ratana) and ‘mountain’ (Kiri).   Ratanakiri is one of the wildest and least visited regions in Cambodia. It is located in the north-east side of the country, bordering Laos and Vietnam. There one can find steaming jungles,  breathtaking waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and of course, the mines of the majestic Zircon.   The District of Bor Keo (Borkeo) where this specimen was mined is located about thirty kilometres from the regional capital Banlung. When people are asked about Cambodia, two things come to mind: Angkor Wat and the Khmer Rouge. With awareness and careful management of its resources, hopefully we can add Cambodia’s natural beauty to that list. The fire in Zircon, called dispersion, is caused by light entering the gemstone and separating into a prism of rainbow colors. Possessing dispersion approaching that of Diamond, the brilliance of Zircon is second to none. The Zircon Cut, a variation of the Brilliant Cut that adds eight extra facets to the pavilion, was designed to take advantage of these properties. A very unique characteristic of Zircon is birefringence (doubly refractive), meaning that light splits into two rays as it passes through the gem. As a result, the back facets appear as double images.

    STUNNING 3.31 CARAT FLAWLESS TOP FIRE RARE  ‘PINK WITH YELLOW OVERTONES’ NATURAL RATANAKIRI CAMBODIAN ZIRCON. GEM TYPE: NATURAL ZIRCON CARAT WEIGHT: 3.31 CARATS DIMENSIONS: 8.15 x 6.05 x 5.40mm CLARITY: FLAWLESS  CUT: CUSHION ORIGIN: BOR KEO, RATANAKIRI, CAMBODIA TREATMENTS: NONE Zircon is actually the oldest known mineral on Earth - the oldest samples are even older than the Moon, which formed about 4 billion years ago. Zircon was the first crystal to form in molten granite as it cooled to form rock. It formed as the result of a process associated with the presence of Uranium and Thorium. The natural radioactivity disrupts the crystal structure and produces the changes in color and density through a process known as metamictization.   Ratanakiri is one of the wildest and least visited regions in Cambodia. It is located in the north-east side of the country, bordering Laos and Vietnam. There one can find steaming jungles,  breathtaking waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and of course, the mines of the majestic Zircon.   The District of Bor Keo (Borkeo) where this specimen was mined is located about thirty kilometres from the regional capital Banlung. When people are asked about Cambodia, two things come to mind: Angkor Wat and the Khmer Rouge. With awareness and careful management of its resources, hopefully we can add Cambodia’s natural beauty to that list. The fire in Zircon, called dispersion, is caused by light entering the gemstone and separating into a prism of rainbow colors. Possessing dispersion approaching that of Diamond, the brilliance of Zircon is second to none. The Zircon Cut, a variation of the Brilliant Cut that adds eight extra facets to the pavilion, was designed to take advantage of these properties. A very unique characteristic of Zircon is birefringence (doubly refractive), meaning that light splits into two rays as it passes through the gem. As a result, the back facets appear as double images.

    STRIKING 3.65 CARAT VS TOP FIRE RARE  ‘GOLD WITH BRONZE OVERTONES’ NATURAL RATANAKIRI CAMBODIAN ZIRCON. GEM TYPE: NATURAL ZIRCON CARAT WEIGHT: 3.65 CARATS DIMENSIONS: 8.45 x 7.30 x 4.75mm CLARITY: VS CUT: CUSHION ORIGIN: BOR KEO, RATANAKIRI, CAMBODIA TREATMENTS: NONE Zircon is actually the oldest known mineral on Earth - the oldest samples are even older than the Moon, which formed about 4 billion years ago. Zircon was the first crystal to form in molten granite as it cooled to form rock. It formed as the result of a process associated with the presence of Uranium and Thorium. The natural radioactivity disrupts the crystal structure and produces the changes in color and density through a process known as metamictization.   Cambodia's north easternmost province is named after two of its distinctive features: Ratanakiri, a combination of the Khmer words for ‘gem’ (Ratana) and ‘mountain’ (Kiri).   Ratanakiri is one of the wildest and least visited regions in Cambodia. It is located in the north-east side of the country, bordering Laos and Vietnam. There one can find steaming jungles,  breathtaking waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and of course, the mines of the majestic Zircon.   The District of Bor Keo (Borkeo) where this specimen was mined is located about thirty kilometres from the regional capital Banlung. When people are asked about Cambodia, two things come to mind: Angkor Wat and the Khmer Rouge. With awareness and careful management of its resources, hopefully we can add Cambodia’s natural beauty to that list. The fire in Zircon, called dispersion, is caused by light entering the gemstone and separating into a prism of rainbow colors. Possessing dispersion approaching that of Diamond, the brilliance of Zircon is second to none. The Zircon Cut, a variation of the Brilliant Cut that adds eight extra facets to the pavilion, was designed to take advantage of these properties. A very unique characteristic of Zircon is birefringence (doubly refractive), meaning that light splits into two rays as it passes through the gem. As a result, the back facets appear as double images.

    SPECTACULAR 3.64 CARAT VVS RARE  ‘IMPERIAL GOLD WITH ORANGE OVERTONES’ NATURAL RATANAKIRI CAMBODIAN ZIRCON. GEM TYPE: NATURAL ZIRCON CARAT WEIGHT: 3.64 CARATS DIMENSIONS: 8.49 x 7.38 x 5.59mm CLARITY: VVS (NEAR FLAWLESS) ORIGIN: BOR KEO, RATANAKIRI, CAMBODIA TREATMENTS: NONE Zircon is actually the oldest known mineral on Earth - the oldest samples are even older than the Moon, which formed about 4 billion years ago. Zircon was the first crystal to form in molten granite as it cooled to form rock. It formed as the result of a process associated with the presence of Uranium and Thorium. The natural radioactivity disrupts the crystal structure and produces the changes in color and density through a process known as metamictization.   Ratanakiri is one of the wildest and least visited regions in Cambodia. It is located in the north-east side of the country, bordering Laos and Vietnam. There one can find steaming jungles,  breathtaking waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and of course, the mines of the majestic Zircon.   The District of Bor Keo (Borkeo) where this specimen was mined is located about thirty kilometres from the regional capital Banlung. When people are asked about Cambodia, two things come to mind: Angkor Wat and the Khmer Rouge. With awareness and careful management of its resources, hopefully we can add Cambodia’s natural beauty to that list. The fire in Zircon, called dispersion, is caused by light entering the gemstone and separating into a prism of rainbow colors. Possessing dispersion approaching that of Diamond, the brilliance of Zircon is second to none. The Zircon Cut, a variation of the Brilliant Cut that adds eight extra facets to the pavilion, was designed to take advantage of these properties. A very unique characteristic of Zircon is birefringence (doubly refractive), meaning that light splits into two rays as it passes through the gem. As a result, the back facets appear as double images.

     Reference Point STUNNING CUSHION CUT THUNDER BAY GREEN AMETHYST (VERMARINE) 23.14 CARATS - VVS   EARTH MINED AT PANORAMA, ONTARIO, CANADA    GEM TYPE: GREEN AMETHYST (VERMARINE) CARAT WEIGHT: 23.14 CARATS CLARITY: VVS DIMENSIONS: 25.00 x 15.00 x 8.00mm COLOUR:  AAA GREEN CUT: OVAL ORIGIN: SEE ABOVE TREATMENTS: HEAT ONLY      Extravagantly beautiful cushion cut Thunder Bay Amethyst. Beautifully cut, and visually stunning.       Amethyst Mine Panorama is the largest deposit in North America. It was discovered in 1955 as a result of a road being built to the forest fire lookout tower (McTavish Tower) visible from the mine sight.     Amethyst production started in 1960 and the mine has produced continuously since then.        

    Reference Point STUNNING GOLDEN YELLOW BERYL A BIG 11.60 CARATS - VS  EARTH MINED AT PADRE PARAISO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL    GEM TYPE: GOLDEN BERYL CARAT WEIGHT: 11.60 CARATS COLOUR: AAA GOLDEN YELLOW  CLARITY: VS DIMENSIONS: 18.86 x 8.65 x 6.91mm CUT: PEAR CUT ORIGIN: PADRE PARAISO, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL TREATMENTS: NONE   The finest Brazilian Beryl   comes from the Marambaia Valley region of Minas Gerais, 100 kilometers north of Teófilo Otoni. The highest concentration of aquamarine (also a member of the most prestigious Beryl group, as is the fabled Emerald) occurs with gem-bearing pegmatites located near the villages of Catugi, Ponto de Marambaia, and Padre Paraíso. MINAS GERAIS   During the last 100 years, the cities of Governador Valadares, and Teófilo Otoni, to the north-east, have established themselves as major hubs of the gem-trading industry, due to their proximity to some of the richest gem deposits in Brazil.   During the 1700s, when Minas Gerais was under Portuguese control, gold and gem mining labor was conducted by slaves taken from the west coast of Africa. This accounts for the large percentage of African descendants who now populate the region.  

     Reference Point    RARE 2.42  CARAT VS1 CONGO (DRC) TOURMALINE   Kamituga-Mobale Mine, Bukavu, Kivu, DRC (Congo)   CARAT WEIGHT: 2.42 CARATS CLARITY: VS1 DIMENSIONS: 9.00 x 8.70 x 4.40mm COLOUR: AS IMAGE CUT: OVAL ORIGIN: DRC (CONGO)  TREATMENTS: NONE - 100% NATURAL    An exceptionally rare and very striking totally untreated Tourmaline from the DRC. A very rare and uniquely beautiful high quality gemstone.       The name Tourmaline comes from the Singhalese words 'tura mali'. In translation, this means something like 'stone with mixed colours', referring to the colour spectrum of this gemstone, which outdoes that of all other precious stones. There are Tourmalines from red to green and from blue to yellow. They often have two or   more colours. There are Tourmalines which change their colour when the light changes from daylight to artificial light, and some show the light effect of a cat's eye. No two Tourmalines are exactly alike. This gemstone has an endless number of faces, and for that reason it suits all moods. No wonder that magical powers have been attributed to it since ancient times. In particular, it is the gemstone of love and of friendship, and is said to render them firm and long-lasting.   The value of Tourmaline has zoomed up in the past year with the ever increasing demand from China.  Gems are small and the price at the moment is as much as you are willing to pay.