What are precious stones?
Juvetti uses only the highest grade, precious stones in our ethical jewellery. But what are precious gemstones? And what makes them so desirable? Our gemstone guide explains it all.
Diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald are traditionally known as the 4 precious gemstones. In ancient times, these treasures were considered the rarest and most valuable. Captivating, luminous and incredibly resilient to daily wear and tear, it’s no wonder the royalty and upper classes were enamored by them. These particular gemstones create a desirable dazzle to whoever wears them. With a brilliant radiance and high refractive index, they retain light beautifully – even if you wear them every day. The enigmatic stones are also steeped in symbology and meaning… more on this below.
Precious Stones Vs Semi-Precious Stones
What are the differences between precious and semi-precious stones? Semi-precious stones are any type of gemstones that are not categorized as "precious." Any gemstone used in jewellery or adornment can be included. Semi-precious stones are still beautiful and desirable but are usually less expensive, more common and do not share the same enchanting features and heirloom quality.
What Makes the 4 Precious Gemstones Special?
Diamond
Think ‘precious’ means delicate? Think again. Diamonds are the hardest minerals on earth. The only other material that can scratch it is another diamond. This super-strength property ensures diamonds last 100 lifetimes, making them the ultimate heirloom stone. A diamond’s alluring features fused with its sturdy composition make it a sought-after embellishment for engagement rings, family treasures and fine jewellery.
The diamond’s rare chemical composition and crystal structure make it a unique member of the mineral kingdom. These covetable crystals are formed under high temperature and pressure conditions that only naturally exist about 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Unfortunately, due to the high profit that diamonds command, mines are digging deeper and deeper into the ground in search of the elusive crystal.
Imagine all the damage done to the earth…
Did you know… Juvetti opts out of mining. We care about our planet. Consequently, all the diamonds incorporated into our ethical jewellery are responsibly made in sustainably-powered labs.
Sapphire
The mesmerising, deep blue gleam of sapphire is enough to make you want to dive in. This intense colour is the standard against which other blue gemstones—from topaz to tanzanite—are measured. And if its hypnotic hue isn’t enough to make you fall in love, its rock hard composition ensures it’s the second hardest stone after a diamond – an eternal talisman in the making.
For centuries, sapphire has set royal hearts beating. Associated with nobility and romance, Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. His son, Prince William, consequently passed on the regal ring to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Gracing the fingers of two adored princesses, this majestic sapphire heirloom ties modern events with a touch of romantic history and fairy tales.
Did you know… sapphire comes in an array of shades such as pink, purple and yellow, as well as a vibrant range of blues? Juvetti offers a selections of sapphire ethical jewellery for you to enjoy, including the Ceylon blue sapphire and exotic padparadscha sapphire.
Ruby
During the ancient time, rubies were celebrated as the king of gemstones and reserved solely for royalty.
Incredibly rare and second only in hardness to diamonds, the precious stone’s fiery hue has been lusted after throughout history.
Enchanting, passionate and vibrant, Rubies are one of the most emotive gemstones. A member of the sapphire family, Rubies are incredibly hard and strong, yet ooze a powerful feminine energy.
Fine ruby gems range from a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red. The precious stone’s fiery hue has been lusted after throughout history, securing it as one of history’s most desired gemstones. Numerous early cultures believed that rubies held the power of life. Among European royalty and the upper classes, rubies symbolised good health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.
Did you know… to this day rubies still manage to set hearts ablaze? The “Sunrise Ruby”, a 26-carat stone, fetched $30M at a Sotheby’s auction in 2015, making it one of the most expensive coloured gemstones ever sold.
Rubies seem to have always held a special place in the British Royal Family vaults. The Queen owns some of the finest rubies in the world, including the Ruby and Diamond Tiara, which Her Majesty commissioned from the House of Garrard in 1973.
Emerald
Cleopatra, Liz Taylor, Princess Diana – they all adored the enigmatic emerald. Famous for their compelling, deep green colour, emeralds are rumoured to hold mystical powers. Channelling the rich hues of the lushest landscapes and the richest greens, these precious gemstones are associated with prosperity, abundance and immortality.
It’s no surprise emerald’s lavish properties and intense gleam captured the hearts of ancient royalty. The Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, was so obsessed with the gem she adorned herself and her palace with the beguiling precious stone.
Did you know - the most sought-after emerald colours are bluish-green with a superior lustre, alongside pure green with vivid colour saturation.
Juvetti Use Only the Highest Graded Precious Stones
Just like natural stones, precious gemstones created through lab-cultured methods come in a varied quality, yet only the carefully hand-selected, superior stones make the cut for Juvetti. From vivid colour saturation to flawless facets, our gemstones boast all of the finest qualities and are 100% ethically made.
Beautiful gems fit for the Crown Jewels, accessible to us all to cherish forever.
Browse our selection of precious stone ethical jewellery here
