What is a gemstone?

Mostly simply stated, the majority of gemstones are minerals which
have been crystallised as a result of high temperatures and pressures
exerted by nature on the elements that form from the earth's crust.

Important exceptions:

– Pearl, coral, shell, tortoiseshell, ivory, bone are of animal origin;

– Jet, Kauri, Doom Palm Nut, Corozo Nut, copal resin and amber are vegetable.

Of the 3,000 minerals found on earth, only a small percentage qualifies as gemstone due to their beauty, durability, colour and rarity.

The most sought-after are transparent gems, drops of pure colour cut from single crystals.

Each gemstone has a particular charm, colour and identity.

Gemstones overview
What is a gemstone?
Why buy a coloured gemstone?
What determines the value of a gemstone?