Amber

Amber is made of fossilized conifer resin. It has a range of color, from light to cognac to a rich dark. Sometimes insects are present in the amber matrix. The stone has long been associated with healing energy.     

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments

Amethyst

February’s birthstone, amethyst has long been believed to be associated with spiritual powers. Its name is probably from a Greek word that translates to ‘not drunk’, since it was believed to protect one from intoxication.

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments

Basic Gemstone Facts

To find gemstones that are both exquisitely beautiful and have transparent, ethical sourcing is difficult. Gemstones are valued based on saturation, hue, depth of tone, cut and inclusions.

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments

Turquoise

Turquoise, which is December's birthstone, has been highly valued by Native peoples, and is associated with earth knowledge. Turquoise has been valued throughout the world, and for thousands of years. 

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments

Tourmaline

Tourmalines are a complex silicate composed of aluminum and boron with other lesser mineral content which determine their wide variety of color. They are found in veins of metamorphic and igneous rock in many parts of the world, including the Americas and Asia. 

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments

Tanzanite

 Tanzanite is one of the rarest, most sought after gemstones; and those of the finest quality will fetch nearly any price. It is found only in Tanzania in small mines on the plains not far from Mount Kilimanjaro and its distribution is tightly controlled.

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments

Spessartite Garnet

Garnets have been appreciated and sought after for thousands of years – they are found in the jewelry of the ancient Egyptians. Some people wore them as a talisman for protection on journeys, believing that that the high refraction of this beautiful gemstone brings light to the darkness, protecting one from evil.

On by Marc Choyt 0 Comments