Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a popular mineral gemstone named after the Latin word for seawater. The stone is available in colours varying from pale translucent blue to a dark opaque green. Aquamarines are prone to slight inclusions, which makes retrieving a very large high-quality aquamarine something of a rarity. Inclusions are not to be considered defects in the stone. Aquamarine is said to calm waves, thus keeping sailors safe at sea. Today, the stone symbolizes eternal youth and happiness. Aquamarines are primarily sourced from South America and occasionally also from Africa and India.

Rutile Quartz

Quartz with glittering inclusions of crystal threads is referred to as rutile quartz or rutilated quartz. The colour of rutile quartz ranges from almost transparent over brown, to red and golden yellow. Rutile, as often referred to as “Venus’ hair” or “angel hair”, appears inside the stone, and their size and structure will vary from clusters of delicate threads to a few crystals as wide as needles. Contrary to other precious stones the inclusions make this particular quartz desirable. Golden rutile quartz is said to amplify a person’s thoughts and the ability to manifest one’s desires in life. Rutile quartz is sourced from South America.

ONYX

Black onyx is perhaps the most famous variety of this beautiful precious stone, but it is not the most common. Onyx colours range from white to almost every conceivable colour. The name of the stone derives from the Greek word “Onyx”, meaning fingernail. According to Greek mythology, Eros mischievously cut off Aphrodite’s fingernail with an arrowhead while she slept, and the gods turned the nail into stone. The stone is believed to protect its wearer from negativity from the outside world. Onyx is sourced from India.

Moonstones

The delicate beauty and the glowing appearance of moonstone makes this precious stone coveted across the globe. Moonstone exists in a large variety of colours, from silvery white to light peachy blush to nuances of grey. The poetic name refers to the almost unearthly sheen of “moonlight” in the stone. As an amulet, moonstone is said to bring good luck, to protect travellers, reunite quarrelling lovers, and show its wearer the path to inner strength and wisdom. Legend has it that if a moonstone is put in the mouth during a full moon, you can see your future. Moonstones are sourced primarily from India.

Blue Topaz

The word topaz is said to originate from Topazos, a mythological island in the Red Sea, where the first topazes allegedly were reclaimed. Natural topaz is most often colourless or brown, and as a natural product the popular blue topaz is actually very rare. Almost all blue topaz has been through a process of colour treatment, and although this remarkably coloured gemstone is of very exclusive appearance, topaz is in fact an abundant material in nature. The cherished London blue topaz varies from the steel-bluish tone to a petrol-blue, and some London blue species even have a slightly greenish tone when viewed from certain angles. Topaz is believed to bring success and good fortune. Blue topaz is sourced from South America and Africa.

MALACHITE

Malachite is a green copper carbonate mineral. The name malachite probably originates in the Greek term malakos, meaning ‘soft’, as the stone is relatively soft. Despite the softness of the stone surface, it does retain a beautiful polish. Malachite has distinctive stripes in varying shades of green, making it very interesting to behold. It typically occurs in nature in large formations of grape-shaped elements. In ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, where the colour green represented vegetation and life, malachite was extremely coveted in solid stones for jewellery and amulets as well as powdered form for eye shadow. Symbolically, malachite is said to absorb negative energies and polluting elements. The stone encourages communication and emotional freedom, while teaching empathy and responsibility for thoughts and actions. Lastly, it is a practical companion for traveling, as malachite is said to protect, to overcome fear of flying, and to diminish jetlag. Malachite is sourced from Africa.

Amber

Often referred to as “the gold of the North” the word amber traces back to ancient Greek and means beaming sun. Amber is fossilised tree resin, since ancient times coveted for its amazing colour hues and exotic beauty. Developing over a span of at least 1 million years, finding inclusions of plants or small animals inside a piece of amber is not uncommon. Translucent or opaque, amber exists in a vast range of different burned colours, from pale yellow and golden honey to orange and reddish brown. For centuries the gemstone has been used in natural medicine for its alleged healing properties and as a popular ingredient in perfumes. Amber is considered a potent healing stone with the ability to diminish stress, release all negative energies and clear the mind of phobias and fears. Amber should not be exposed to oils, lotions, perfumes, etc. Frequent exposure to sunlight or heat will also put the coral at risk of losing its natural shine. Amber is sourced from Europe.