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!           

Jewellery Spotlight : The Anklet

The Anklet….it’s time for this accessory to take the spotlight once again….

If you thought High waisted pants, Doc Marten boots, track pants were the only cult-favourite accessories experiencing a re-emergence from the ‘90s, you’ve now got one additional item to love and add to your accessory collection … the anklet.

Time for this gorgeous little accessory to have a second life… the anklet—once casually worn by the surf-obsessed, lover of the beach girl in either a strung shell type or braided leather.

It is one of those accessories which has once again been adopted with great fervour by the fashion set, the anklet is slowly creeping its way onto many street style regular’s ankles (particularly those of summer loving influences)

A once-forgotten accessory, the anklet in its second offering (AKA the fashion anklet) is no longer an insignificant piece worn south of the calf, just there and largely ignored. Instead, the new revised edition is to be worn to adorn the ankle, adding beauty and elevating any outfit and working it’s magic and enhancing our shoes from the simple thongs to the most exquisite evening heels.

We have even seen the anklet of today walk down the Spring/Summer 2020 runways, giving the trend credibility. To hanging off the back of chain-topped mesh heels, to anklets permanently attached to the shoes.

Today you will notice the Anklet in a number of styles beyond their dated counterparts. The fashion anklet—is predicted to become a mainstay piece within your summer 2020 wardrobes—from the daintiest of forms, from a fine chain, through to a slightly more substantial chain link or pearl-strung or even gemstone enhance styles. And for those surf loving girls who can’t quite part with their love of a shell-topped anklet, it is still very much a stylish option.  

Pair the anklet with a strappy sandal, an upscale mule-style heel, a plain pump, or even a pair of thongs, the simplest styles instantly elevated in creativity to the most elegant of styles enhanced with glamour by adding this oh-so-now addition .

But just as we welcome the return of the anklet, we wouldn’t extend the same enthusiasm to other items of ‘90s foot-focused jewellery—toe rings can remain in their rightful place in the last decade.

Which Sparkle Are YOU?

Everyday jewellery needs to elevate all looks while working with any style, personality or colourway we choose to wear. 

Therefore, a simplistic, elegant design that enhances without dominating is the perfect piece to reach for day in and day out… cue Qualia!

Let us introduce you to our latest addition to the range…

This exquisite pendant is part of a signature collection designed and inspired by a recent trip to Japan…the people, their fashion and “Sakura”. 

Simultaneously embracing structure and flow, minimal yet creative. A design transcending all personalities while adding perfection to all occasions.

This latest addition was designed with structure for elegance and wearability while the unique metal contours of the fistula form create movement, adding the essential flow to the design.

As a jeweller I’m captivated by the beauty of sparkle and as a stylist I’m in awe of the power gained by wearing sparkle. From how an individual is elevated in their style to the confidence that is reflected when the wearer adds their best colour, whether this is a neutral, bright or pastel… 

Sapphires that dance… there is a colour for all

Our latest pendant and innovative concept allows you to choose your perfect sparkle with a stylist guidance. As we work through a selection of diamonds and sapphires we will share knowledge about gemstones, their colours and how best to select the one that works the best for you. 

It’s also about how and where you would like to wear the piece, to the shades that complement your complexion, your hair and your unique eye colour, with all elements coming together ensuring that this design is set with your best sparkle. Having you looking and feeling the best version of yourself every day.

So which is your sparkle of choice…a diamond, from white to champagne, even black or perhaps it’s a sapphire in a soft delicate lavender,  bright sunshine yellow or a shade of blue? 

Whichever way you choose to go we have you covered…

Book an extraordinary appointment today and together let’s explore and choose your SPARKLE to make our latest design uniquely YOU!

Our fistula pendant awaits a diamond or sapphire that complements YOU!