Precious Stones: Symbols of Beauty and Timeless Value
- Artmediary
- May 13
- 3 min read
From ancient civilizations to contemporary fine jewelry, precious stones captivate with their brilliance, rarity, and symbolic power. They adorn royal crowns, engagement rings, and even the most coveted collectibles. But what makes a precious stone so special? How can you tell them apart? And most importantly, what should you do if you own jewelry adorned with these marvels? Let's explore the main precious stones, their characteristics, and solutions for having them appraised and sold with Armediary .
The diamond: stone of eternity and perfection
The ultimate symbol of purity and eternal love, the diamond is the hardest known stone (rating 10 on the Mohs scale). It forms more than 150 kilometers underground, under extreme pressure and heat, making it a wonder of nature. Its value depends on the famous 4Cs :
Carat : the weight of the stone,
Color : the color, ranging from pure white (D) to pale yellow,
Clarity : purity, according to the inclusions visible or not under a magnifying glass,
Cut : the size, which influences the shine of the stone.
A perfectly cut diamond can reflect light like no other natural material.
Sapphire: a noble stone with multiple colors
Although generally associated with a deep blue hue, sapphire actually comes in almost every color of the rainbow. Pink, yellow, green, and even colorless sapphires are highly prized, as is the Padparadscha sapphire , which has exceptional salmon hues.
Sapphires come mainly from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, and Kashmir. The latter, extremely rare, are a highly sought-after velvety blue. Sapphire is also a stone of choice for royal jewelry and engagement rings, notably Lady Diana's, now worn by Princess Kate Middleton.
The ruby: fire and passion
A stone of courage and passion, ruby is a red variety of corundum. Its color can range from orange-red to purplish-red, but the most precious shade remains the famous "pigeon's blood," a deep, slightly bluish red.
Ruby is also a rare stone. The finest specimens come from Burma (Myanmar), and untreated stones can fetch astronomical sums. Ruby is also highly valued in vintage and Art Deco jewelry.
Emerald: luxury and fragility
Known for its intense green color, the emerald is a symbol of hope, fertility, and renewal. This stone, often found naturally (called a "garden"), is more fragile than other gemstones and requires special care.
Colombian emeralds are the most famous and prized. Their deep green radiance attracts the greatest jewelry houses, such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Other precious and fine stones
Besides the “big four” gemstones, the world of gems is full of wonders with unique colors and properties:
Alexandrite : rare stone that changes color depending on the light,
Spinel : long confused with ruby, highly valued for its purity,
Tanzanite : recently discovered in Tanzania, a hypnotic blue-violet,
Opal : with its flamboyant play of colors, it is very expressive,
Garnet, tourmaline, topaz, peridot : fine stones that are increasingly popular in modern jewelry.
What to do with your precious jewelry? Call Artmediary
Have you inherited antique diamond jewelry, a gold-mounted sapphire, or an Art Deco ring set with emeralds? Are you wondering what their true value is, or would you like to sell them under the best possible conditions?
Artmediary is your trusted partner for the sale and appraisal of your precious jewelry.
Why choose Artmediary?
Professional expertise : Our certified gemologist experts evaluate your stones with rigor and precision, taking into account treatments, certificates and the setting.
Personalized support : Each piece of jewelry is unique. That's why we offer a tailor-made service tailored to your needs: appraisal, advice, and sale.
Premium Partner Network : We work with renowned auction houses, private buyers and collectors around the world.
Discretion and security : Your jewelry is insured and tracked throughout the process, with a clear and transparent contract.
Whether you want to sell a family jewel, a valuable solitaire or a signed necklace, Artmediary helps you optimize the value of your jewelry assets , with complete peace of mind.
Gemstones aren't just beautiful to look at: they tell stories, embody emotions, and can be a significant investment. Whether you're a gemologist or simply the owner of an heirloom piece, it's essential to understand the true value of these treasures.
With Artmediary , you benefit from trusted support to appraise, estimate, and sell your jewelry securely. Don't wait any longer to unlock the true potential of your precious stones.
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