Focus on… Peridot

Peridot is a semi-precious natural stone that is especially valued for its bright green color. It displays very distinctive shades that can vary from olive green to linden green and apple green. In most cases, it appears transparent. Peridot crystals are notable for forming at depths equivalent to those of diamonds. It is quite likely…

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Focus on… Black Onyx

Onyx is a natural, semi-precious stone belonging to the family of calcedonies. Onyx displays a deep black color and can occur under various aspects, from opaque to slightly translucent. Onyx is a stone the Romans highly valued and which they would use to craft seals and cameos. L’origine du mot onyx provient du grec onux,…

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Focus on… Marcasite

Marcasite is a singular stone with bright golden to silver metallic aspect. It is one of the few gems with metallic luster, along with pyrite and hematite. Its name originates from the Italian word marcasite and more anciently to the Arabic marqachita, referring to pyrite and other alike minerals. In reality, looking into the characteristics…

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Focus on… Garnet

Garnet is a very popular natural stone which has been used for thousands of years in jewelry and high-end jewelry. It is a more common gem than corundum, as such, garnet has frequently been used in abrasive powder form, to smooth out and polish other less hard gems like quartz and agates. Garnets are part…

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Focus on… White Topaz

Topaz is a gem that is known and has been used for centuries. It is today classified as a semi-precious stone, alongside spinel or peridot. Topaz is indeed one of the most popular stone in jewelry creations. This is a stone that exists in a large variety of colors: yellow, pink, blue, brown, crimson; but…

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Brilliance And Innovation: From the Round Brilliant Cut To 100 Facets

At the core of the lapidary industry is and has always been the quest for radiance and beauty. Materials used and cutting techniques have evolved over the centuries to meet the growing expectations of jewel enthusiasts. In the 1990s, one cut appeared that was truly groundbreaking and brought about a revolution in the way gemstones…

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The process to create synthetic (hydrothermal) emerald

Emerald is among the most precious gems, and it is much valued since centuries. Emerald belongs to the family of beryls, which also includes Aquamarine and Morganite. As a result of its popularity, many scientists have developed various synthesis processes to create synthetic emerald. Among those processes, hydrothermal dissolution is today the predominantly used technique.…

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Focus on… Green Agate

Green agate is a gem belonging to the family of chalcedonies; it can feature different colours and several aspects: from translucent to opaque, a plain colour or various colour zonation. Such diverse complexions give their identity to the numerous existing types of gems within the family of chalcedonies: cornelian, onyx, jasper, and agate are the…

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