The Curator's Journal

Why do Emeralds, Rubies, and Other Gemstones Have Inclusions?

If you're a fan of colored gemstones, you've probably come across the term "inclusions" before. Inclusions are tiny imperfections or impurities that can be found within a gemstone, and they can ha...

Why You Should Choose Coloured Gemstones Instead of Diamonds For Your Engagement Ring

For decades, diamonds have been the traditional choice for engagement rings, but many couples are now turning to coloured gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and spinels for a unique and...

The Perfection of Peridot, part 6: The Zephyrs of Zabargad

Despite the presence of peridot in mediaeval Europe, evidence suggests that mining operations of the island of Zabargad were still stagnant during the middle ages. The 12th-13th Century C.E. Arabic...

Jewelry Nomenclature Glossary Part 1

Types of Jewelry Jewelry can be classified into various types based on different criteria such as the materials used, the intended use, and the design. Some common types of jewelry are: Fine Jewe...

The Tantalizing Tale of Tanzanite

The story of Tanzanite began not all that long ago.  It was discovered by Masai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu of Merelani Hills, Tanzania, in 1967, and it hit the market in 1968. Tiffany and Co was respo...

The Zing of Zircon, Part 8: Mystery of the Mountain

Most famous for its 79 C.E. eruption, which devastated the Roman settlements of Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located in southern Italy that has violently erupted nume...

The Zing of Zircon, Part 7: The Story of Starlite

One of the most valuable varieties of zircon, and certainly the most popular, is blue zircon. In some cases this zircon variety may be referred to as “starlite”, a trade name originally proposed by...

The Zing of Zircon, Part 6: Terrestrial Timepieces

Because zircon crystals often contain impurities of radioactive isotopes, zircon has been an important material used in the development of radiometric dating techniques, and it continues to partici...

The Zing of Zircon, part 5: Fable, Formation, and Function

Zircon has been treasured as a gemstone since ancient times. Evidence of zircon’s early use can be found in the Old Testament of the Judeo-Christian Bible, where the stone known as “jacinth” is lis...

The Zing of Zircon, Part 4: The Curse of Cubic Zirconia

In the history of gemstone jewellery, white zircon gemstones were long used as diamond simulants because of their striking resemblance to diamonds, with the untrained eye having virtually no way to...