News — jewelry industry

In the world of gemstones, the month of June is associated with the birthstone pearl, which is considered to be a symbol of purity and innocence. Pearl is a popular choice for brides because it symbolizes grace, beauty and elegance. 

Pearls are formed when an irritant such as sand gets inside an oyster or mussel shell and causes damage to its lining (cavity). To protect itself, the mollusk secretes nacre (a substance made up of calcium carbonate) around the irritant over time until a beautiful pearl forms. Pearls vary greatly in color, size and shape depending on their origin; however, they all have one thing in common: they're gorgeous!

Alexandrite and Moonstone are also birthstones of June.

The birthstone for the month of May is the emerald, a green gemstone that is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Emeralds range in color from slightly yellowish green, to pure green, to slightly bluish green, with pure green emeralds being the most popular and valuable.[1]
Emeralds are mined in Colombia, and the May birthstone is often treated to improve its color or clarity. Common treatment methods include dyeing, where paler emeralds with multiple fractures may be dyed green to enhance their color. [1]
In addition to being the birthstone for May, the emerald is also said to symbolize love and rebirth.

Sources:
1. Geology. "Birthstones by Month: Chart and Photos. <https://geology.com/gemstones/birthstones/>

Emeralds have been treasured for their lush green color for thousands of years, with the first known emerald mines located in Egypt where they were worked as early as 3500 BC [1][2] In ancient times, emeralds were believed to soothe souls and protect against possession by demons [1][3]. Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, was known for her passion for emeralds [4]. Today, the most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green with vivid color saturation and good clarity [2]. Mining of emeralds became more regular during Cleopatra's reign [4]. Colombia has now become the primary source of emeralds, but before the start of mining at the Colombian sources, most emeralds came out of Egypt [5].

Sources:

1. <https://www.gia.edu/emerald-history-lore>
2. <https://www.gia.edu/emerald>
3. <https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-emerald-gems-yore/>
4. <https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/emerald-facts-2042967>
5. <https://www.gemsociety.org/article/emerald-origins/>

Being wildly popular in France, the French cut can be traced back to the 1400’s but became more common in the 1700’s and making a third debut in the Art Deco era (1920’s). Evolving through time, with a wide variety of faceting combinations. This hand cut shape is most used for smaller accent gems. Making the French cut shape used on a variety of gems, like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and semi-precious gemstones. The simplistic design of the French cut produces a spectacular light display lighting up the facets with ease. With a livelier appearance this cut was perfect in accenting the geometric designs of the Art Deco era, used in bracelets, accenting diamonds in engagement rings, and placed in eternity bands. The facets in this cut give the piece they are in a beautiful vibrance other accents are unable to achieve.

The crisscross pattern of the triangular facets of the square or rectangle French Cut gems encourages their brilliance. While giving gems an exquisite shape perfectly versatile, focal point or accent piece, the French cut was a steppingstone in creating today’s modern step and brilliant cuts.