Gemstone Journal 

When choosing a gemstone, colour is often the first thing that captures our attention. Perhaps it is the deep blue of a sapphire, the vivid red of a spinel, or the remarkable transition of colour within a bi-colour tourmaline. But with a natural gemstone, what we see on the surface is only part of its story. Inside may be tiny crystals, delicate needles, colour zones, healed fractures or microscopic traces of fluids that became trapped as the crystal developed. These features

For thousands of years, the island of Sri Lanka has been associated with some of the world’s most remarkable gemstones. Long before the country was known by its modern name, merchants, sailors and travellers crossed the Indian Ocean in search of the precious stones found within the island. Ancient references celebrated Sri Lanka as Ratna Dweepa — the “Island of Jewels” — while Arab traders knew the island as Serendib. In later centuries, under the name Ceylon, its sapphires b

Tourmaline is one of the most colourful and distinctive gemstone groups found in nature. From vibrant pinks and rich reds to greens, blues, yellows and striking multi-coloured crystals, tourmaline offers an extraordinary range of appearances. For collectors and jewellery buyers, however, colour is only part of the story. Clarity, cutting quality, size, treatment and, in some cases, laboratory identification can all influence the beauty, rarity and value of a tourmaline. This

Natural sapphires are more than beautiful gemstones. They represent a remarkable combination of geological history, colour, durability and craftsmanship. Among the world's historic sapphire sources, Sri Lanka—formerly known as Ceylon—holds a particularly important place, with a gem trade that stretches back many centuries. From classic blues to delicate pinks, yellows, greens and other fancy colours, natural Ceylon sapphires offer extraordinary variety. Understanding how thes

Among the world’s coloured gemstones, spinel holds a character entirely its own. Celebrated for its brilliance, remarkable range of colour and natural beauty, it has quietly earned a place among the most compelling gemstones for collectors. For centuries, exceptional red spinels were sometimes mistaken for rubies. Some historically significant stones once regarded as rubies were later identified as spinel, including the celebrated Black Prince’s Ruby. Today, spinel is appreci