PRECIOUS STONES | CELINNI
Precious stones have always fascinated and attracted everyone's eye. They are numerous and distinguished by their size, color, or even their meaning. So, if you want to treat yourself to a necklace of precious stones, the Celinni Guide will accompany you before you decide!
While the term "precious stone" is often used, it is actually a controlled designation that has existed since 2002. Indeed, not all stones are precious and those that are defined as such are the diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire. The other stones are then what we call fine stones or natural stones (they will be categorized according to their composition). The precious stone is therefore a title reserved for the rarest and most coveted gems, which gives them this special status. We can thus talk about a necklace of precious stones if it only contains stones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, or sapphires.
WHAT ARE THE 4 PRECIOUS STONES?
The gemstone family is made up of 4 stones: the diamond, the ruby, the sapphire and the emerald. Each of them has its own characteristics and properties. Each stone is unique with a color, a place of birth and a particular story. If you have already chosen the jewel that suits you but are still hesitating between certain stones, we help you make your choice. Find the perfect stone for you based on its hardness, its price, its color, its benefits or even its corresponding birth month.
THE 4 MAIN PRECIOUS STONES
There are thousands of stones, but only 4 of them are considered precious: the diamond, the sapphire, the ruby, and the emerald.
THE DIAMOND
The diamond, which appeared over a billion years ago, is the most resistant stone of all. According to legend, some say that this gem was created when lightning struck rocks. Others say that the diamond had healing powers and that for centuries these stones were worn by women and men, considered the ultimate gift and the symbol of eternal love. Today, the diamond is still admired worldwide and adorns many pieces of high-value jewelry.
THE RUBY
The ruby is the stone associated with the month of July. With its deep red, it represents love, passion, courage, and emotion. For many centuries, this stone was considered the king of all jewels. It was believed that wearing a ruby brought good fortune to its owner and was worn by emperors and kings throughout the centuries.
THE SAPPHIRE
Since antiquity, the blue sapphire embodied the values of honesty, loyalty, purity, and trust. Sapphires can come from several regions of the world, but the most prized ones come from Myanmar (Burma). The purer the blue of the sapphire, the higher the price. But blue is not the only color of the sapphire. Indeed, it exists in different colors:
- pink,
- yellow,
- peach,
- orange,
- and purple.
The sapphire is the stone that corresponds to the month of September.
THE EMERALD
The emerald is a stone of intense green that has always fascinated. Indeed, 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians used this stone to make jewelry reserved for the aristocracy. It was even said that the Emerald held a great fascination for Cleopatra. Associated with the month of May, this deep green stone has many benefits.
How to choose a gemstone: basic criteria
CHOOSING A GEMSTONE BASED ON ITS COLOR
The most significant difference between these 4 stones is none other than the color. While the diamond is a colorless stone, more or less white, the ruby is endowed with a brilliant red, the sapphire is often blue (although there are other colors such as: white, yellow, pink, green, or transparent) and the emerald is characterized by its deep green. If you have already chosen the type of gemstone you want, the color also varies from one stone to another. Each gem is unique, it's up to you to find the perfect color for you.
CHOOSING A GEMSTONE BASED ON ITS HARDNESS
The hardness of the stone is a crucial factor to consider. Each stone has a different resistance, and this can help you determine the stone you need. All stones are classified according to the Mohs scale, measuring on a scale of 1 (very soft) to 10 (very hard) the hardness of these. Depending on the use you want to make of your stone, you will need to choose a more or less solid one. For example, for a jewel that you want to wear daily, we recommend you choose one of the most resistant stones. If on the contrary, you do not plan to use your stone daily, you can perfectly opt for a stone requiring more precautions.
The most resistant gemstone is undoubtedly the diamond, with a score of 10 on the Mohs scale. Ruby and sapphire, with a score of 9, are also solid stones, ideal for jewelry to wear daily. The emerald is a 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale. It is therefore a durable stone and suitable for a jewel if it is treated with care. The 4 precious stones are all resistant stones.
CHOOSING A GEMSTONE BASED ON ITS PRICE
The price of a gemstone depends on its quality. Its quality can be judged by a set of parameters called the "four Cs": cut, carat (weight), clarity (purity), color. The price is thus determined based on these 4 criteria. Although these criteria can be applied to each of the gemstones, they are most used and observed on diamonds.
The way the stone is cut has a real importance on the price of the latter. Elle allows to hide defects and to get the best out of the stone but also to make it elegant and unique.
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats (not to be confused with the one used for gold alloys). One carat corresponds to 1/5 of a gram or 200 milligrams. Although weight is an important element in determining the price of a stone, it is not the only criterion to consider. Indeed, two gemstones of the same weight will not always have the same value depending on the other criteria.
Purity also represents a key determining factor for the price. Most diamonds have impurities called inclusions. Most diamonds have inclusions, but they are not visible to the naked eye. After experts from an institute like the GIA have studied the diamond and its impurities (under 10 times magnification under a microscope), a score is assigned to it. These inclusions can obstruct a diamond's sparkle, block the reflection of light and harm the beauty of the diamond. This is why the purity of a diamond will have a significant impact on its price.
Finally, the color can significantly increase the price of the stone depending on its intensity. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale ranging from D to Z. The better the quality of a diamond, the more colorless it is (category D). On the other hand, if its color turns gray, brown or yellow, it will be part of the Z class.
CHOOSING A PRECIOUS STONE BASED ON ITS BENEFITS
If you are still unsure about your choice of gemstone, we advise you to compare their virtues to know which one will be most useful to you.
The diamond is a stone with many virtues: it stimulates blood circulation, regulates toxins, gives courage and power, allows for good sleep, wards off nightmares and promotes falling asleep, soothes tensions. It also protects against negative energies that hinder the clarity of thoughts. This great symbol of purity is reputed to be very powerful on the mind.
The ruby fights against fatigue and is effective against digestive problems. It promotes the healing of wounds and regulates the blood system. Moreover, the ruby is known to treat heart and circulatory problems. On a daily basis, this gem can help lower cholesterol levels by acting directly on the organs, thus promoting longevity. It is likely to increase the chances of having a child, promotes sexual activity and restores joy and enthusiasm. In addition to warding off nightmares, this stone helps channel concentration and regulate hyperactivity. Furthermore, it strengthens willpower, courage and promotes prosperity. Symbolizing passion and love, the ruby increases feelings of affection towards others and oneself.
The emerald has the reputation of being a stone of fortification and regeneration of the digestive system, contributes to strengthening the immune system and restores energy, soothes eye fatigue and eye diseases, helps fight certain infections such as flu, ear infections, angina, sinusitis... Its soothing action on migraines is also recognized. It stimulates digestion and calms the intestine in addition to protecting the joints and the spine. This stone is used by people seeking balance and wanting to create favorable conditions in their daily life, being recognized as a stone of love, knowledge and harmony. It contributes to the resolution of old conflicts and promotes forgiveness, brings great inner calm and soothes passions. Finally, it encourages openness to others and kindness while stimulating the taste for cooperation and teamwork.
Finally, the sapphire also has a large number of virtues. First of all, it acts as a global tonic for the well-being of the body and good health. It aids in the detoxification and purification process of the body, relieves migraines and headaches, treats fever and inflammations, limits insomnia, regenerates the skin, hair and nails, stimulates vitality and soothes anger. Particularly effective for eye and ear problems, it is also beneficial for thyroid problems. Moreover, the sapphire helps to develop self-confidence and perseverance. It is the element of hope and faith in difficult times of life and represents stability, solidity and fidelity.
CHOOSING A GEMSTONE BASED ON THE MONTH OF BIRTH
Birthstones, also known as month stones, refer to stones associated with each month of the year. Each of us therefore has a stone associated with our birth month, which is itself associated with specific benefits and virtues. The stones are also associated due to compatibility with the zodiac sign, depending on the colors and influences attributed to them.
Wearing your birthstone would allow you to benefit from its virtues, stemming from the healing qualities attributed to the planets by astrologers. The association between stones and months comes from a list drawn up in 1912 by the American Gem Society. Here is the list of stones corresponding to each month of the year:
● January: Garnet,
● February: Amethyst,
● March: Aquamarine,
● April: White Sapphire,
● May: Emerald,
● June: Pink Sapphire,
● July: Ruby,
● August: Peridot,
● September: Blue Sapphire,
● October: Tourmaline,
● November: Citrine,
● December: Tanzanite.
CHOOSING A PRECIOUS STONE AT CELINNI
At Celinni, we offer you center or paving stones of different qualities. These different colored stones can then be mounted in jewelry, made to measure in respect of the great French jewelry tradition, in our Parisian workshops. We also offer you a wide choice of diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds of all shapes. Our diamond experts are at your disposal to assist you in your purchase and help you make the best choice.
Find the stone that suits you on our site in the Search for precious stones directly from the source section. Find these sumptuous gems, available without intermediaries at the lowest market price! It is notably thanks to partnerships in the main negotiation places in the world, that we can provide you with stones at the best price. If you want to give an original, personalized and unique gift, make an appointment now in the showroom closest to you!
