Trend Watch and Gemology

Get Ready for Spring!

Spring is on the way and many new couples are planning their Big day - the wedding!

It is heartwarming to see happy couples getting all giddy about this special occasion. Pearls are often the choice of gemstone for the wedding jewellery. There is a growing popularity for both the couple to match pearl accessories for their wedding attires. Men can wear matching pearl cufflinks and tie pin with as much charm as the traditional style. Pearl, a symbol of purity and devotion will set a positive note to your new life together.

 

How to choose Ruby?

The various hue from orangy reds through purple you see from this attractive natural gemstone comes from the Corundum family. Ruby could be found in Burma / Myamar, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Afganistan. Most ruby are heat-treated to intensify their colour. An untreated natural ruby often shows short needles, and rounded mineral crystals within.

Most ruby are typically cut in round, oval, cushion, and sometimes cabochon shapes. You would be surprised with the variety of ruby in the market and the broad colour spectrum you could find. Ruby could often be confused with garnet, spinel, sapphire.

Like any other gemstones, choose with a list in mind:

Cut - Is it symetrical and balanced? Does it have eye-appeal?

Colour - Is it a rich red with depth? Does it have a good light return and brilliance?

Carat - Face up do you see a good balance in carat weight? Look at the setting and the profile, do the stone appear to be small and yet the carat weight is high?

Finish - Is the stone well proportioned and polished? Do you see a lot of inclusions and cloud that could affect the colour of the gemstone?

Price - Does the price tag match the piece of jewellery you chose?

Happy shopping!

Anne - The Bling Girl
www.annehaywood.com