Ruby and sapphire (usually blue, but also in every other colour) have been the most important coloured gemstones for several thousand years. Originating historically in south-east and central Asia, and more recently in eastern Africa, these coloured varieties of the mineral corundum have been much sought as gems because of their rarity, colour and durability. Gem corundum can display asterism and chatoyancy due to the presence of oriented mineral inclusions, and in some cases, a change of colour when viewed under different light sources.
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Chemically pure beryl is colourless, but trace elements give rise to green, blue and pink/red colours.
Read MoreAquamarine is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl.
Read MoreNamed after seawater, aquamarine’s fresh watery hue is a cool plunge into a refreshing pool
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Everyone would agree that exposure and focus are the most critical aspects to consider when photographing gems or jewellery. But there are two other practices that take this kind of photography even further: lighting and positioning of the gem or jewel. The first component ensures a successful photograph. The second makes a picture interesting – or even compelling.
Read MoreFrom the Summer 1991 issue of Gems & Gemmology, a summary of important gemmology-related articles published in other journals.
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Once upon a time, gem cutting was a strict craft bound by centuries of tradition. Then Bernd Munsteiner (b. 1943) invented the fantasy cut.
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Sometimes what you don’t see is as important as what you do. “Negative space” is the explanation for this curious statement.
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Natural gemstones are typically far more valuable than synthetic ones, so being able to identify them correctly is a powerful skill.
Read MoreLearn about aquamarine's durability and how to care for your aquamarine jewellery.
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