Talk to a Gemmologist... Classic Blue Gemstones

Today I’m pleased to be interviewing Rob, Umun Jewellery Studio’s resident gemmologist. 

Today Rob, I would like to have a chat with you about gemstones and their origins.

I’m very aware that the world is full of beautiful gemstones in a wonderful array of colours but today I would really like to focus on the gemstones that come in or are close to this year’s pantone colour…Classic Blue. A hue that we are currently hearing a lot about in the design and fashion world.

Could you tell us here today which gemstones come in or are close to this classic hue?

There are a few so here we go, we have the extremely rare pure carbon-blue diamond, corundum-sapphires, zoisite-tanzanite, zircon, tourmaline and from the rock lazurite- lapis.

Where are these gemstones most likely to be mined?

Natural blue diamonds are extremely rare and have been mined in Russia.

Blue sapphires have been found in many countries, with significant deposits of the deepest blues found here in Australia in northern Queensland, though these are usually very dark shades of blue. Beautiful rich premium blues are found in Burma with Si Lanka being home to a wide range and possibly the most favoured of blues from cornflour to royal blue tones. More recently, Montana has come into the market with a wonderful array of blue sapphires, in a slightly different tone again which we are very keen to add to our collection.

Thailand also mines blue sapphires.

The vibrant tanzanite is found in only one place in the world and that’s Tanzania.

Zircon is very rare in classic blue though but has been discovered in Burma, Thailand, Si Lanka and Tanzania.

How about Tourmaline?

When tourmaline is blue it is known as Indicolite, has been found in Brazil and Sri Lanka but is rare in this shade.

Oop’s nearly forgot the beautiful Lapis Lazuli… Lapis is found mostly in Chilli and Afghanistan.

How do gemstones become blue?

Mmmm… the subject of colour is a vast and complex one but basically it all happens in the atomic structure, unique to each gemstone. For example the natural colour pigments in blue sapphire are iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) that determine the gemstones blueness.

Is there differences in the hardness of the gemstones we are talking about here today?

Yes, there is, diamond is our hardest at 10, (on the Mohs scale of hardness) closely followed by sapphire at 9, then tanzanite, zircon and tourmaline are around 7 with lapis being the softest here today at 5.

Which of these beauties would you recommend if I wanted to have a dress ring designed and made? By the way I would really love to be able to wear this every day?

A blue diamond if you have the budget … haha . A blue sapphire is also perfectly fine.

Everything else is better for occasion wear.

Thanks for your time today Rob…

An important note before I sign off today… looking at all these gemstones and their ever so slightly different tones of blue, there is a blue for everyone from the depths of the hue to the tone of the hue. Make an appointment with Clarisse to discuss all things colour and find the blue for you, or make an appointment with Rob to discuss gemmology a little further!           

Your Look Complete... Colour Your Way : Blue Topaz

Every woman needs a dress ring…

While all jewellery elevates, often the wearer will only see glimpses of her precious pieces throughout the day… as for a ring, it’s a piece that can be adored by others, but also the wearer herself by simply glancing down throughout the day/evening and capturing its beauty.

Our blue topaz ring is a statement that simultaneously evokes an overwhelming feeling of tranquillity and calmness through its serene blue hue, enhanced by the flowing movement of the band…. reminiscent of watching the ocean waves gently roll into the shore. 

When designing this ring we developed the line of beauty. A centre line that softly curves, creating the infinity band, signifying liveliness and activity. Exciting the viewer and wearer… the eye can’t help but trace the white gold path, delightfully interrupted by the vessel that gently cradles the vibrant blue gem.

Infinity band side relief

The colour, size and shape of this design captures the attention of all… from the most feminine of romantics to the most modern of contemporaries… even having the ability to captivate our oh-so-extravagant dramatics. 

This ring effortlessly elevates ones style… from the most casual of looks to evening wear, or why not pair with one’s sartorial workwear style? Amongst the chaos of the office, a simple glance at this tranquil beauty will allow the mind to wander… with the peaceful blue and streaming contours taking you to a special place or a time, bringing boundless bliss.

Effortlessly elevating work wear style

Come and adorn your finger… with a sparkle that is creative in colour, complementing all and allowing infinite styling potential…. 

YOUR LOOK COMPLETE WITH COLOUR YOUR WAY

Contact us and book an extraordinary appointment today.

Jewels To Keep You Up-To-Date This Spring Racing Season…

With spring racing fast approaching, it pays to get a-head of the pack when it comes to your style… and while finding the perfect dress is a must, it’s how you style it… with fine jewellery in particular, that will have you conquering the carnival in winning style.

So no matter which event you are attending this spring racing season… when it comes to fine jewellery we have lots of advice to share to get you racewear ready!

First out of the gate, we have the chicest event of the carnival calendar…. Derby Day… where the dress code calls for ultra-stylish monochromatic threads. To play to this colourway we suggest a pair of sleek onyx drop earrings to attract the eye and pleasantly frame the face, styled with a statement-making amethyst dress ring to infuse your ensemble with a touch of colour…. a sophisticated look with a fresh take on the traditional dress code.

The next event on the agender is the race that stops the nation… Melbourne Cup of course! Cup Day styling is anything but subtle, with an abundance of bold, bright and beautiful hues parading trackside. When it comes to fine jewellery, we follow suit… with vibrant dazzling reddish orange sapphire earrings and pendant that dance in a refined setting to showcase the true beauty within.

And lastly Oaks Days, otherwise known as Ladies Day… and what better way to celebrate ladylike loveliness than with a sprinkling of pearls. To express and ooze elegance, we recommend adorning your lobes with pearl drops, slide on a pearl dress ring and complete the look with a statement pearl necklace enhanced by sweeping curves, embellished with pink tourmaline gemstones…. perfectly complementing Oaks Days feminine palette of delicate pastels and pretty florals. 

Completing your racewear style with precious fine jewellery elevates all looks with elegance and confidence.  

Now only two things left to do….place your bet and prepare yourself… because all eyes will be on you and your style… you will be the one to watch this spring racing season….

To have an ensemble and fine jewellery designed for you the individual, contact us and let’s discuss how we can create a racewear look that speaks to you and enhances your personal style. 

For more on racewear styling for the race that stops the nation, click here and read our stylist’s guide on spring racing 2019.