Treasures from the Mine
“One of my favorite things to do is turn gems over in my hands imagining what they could become. Listening for what they want to impart. Revealing ever further their unique qualities and vibrance.”
-Claudia Ender
Deep beneath our very feet, the Earth’s inner terrain is a whole world unto itself. Below the crust of the planet the mantle bubbles. Over 80% of Earth’s volume comes from this magma – almost 2,000 miles thick, this viscous, fiery vermilion fluid sometimes pushes up through the cracks of the surface, spewing out as lava, or molten rock.
It carries with it a mixture of minerals that get trapped in the cracks and crevices of the crust as it moves upward, changing its chemistry along the way. Natural cavities form in its wake as it cools. Crystallization occurs in these inner spaces, where this singular fluid expresses itself in seemingly endless forms.
Taking millions of years of pressure to take shape, we come to know them eventually as rubies, diamonds, amethysts, quartz crystals – all unearthed from underground mines or in the riverbeds of eroded ancient rock.
Their brilliance is revealed through gem cutting techniques that transform each individual crystal from its rough form into its best possible light. From finding the best axis of color to the precision with which they hew the stone, these artisans produce finished gemstones that are an alchemy of nature and art – even before reaching the jeweler’s bench.
Amethyst is the most valuable variety of quartz. Grown inside a geode, its hue varies from pale lavender to a deep rich purple you can almost taste. This round 3.69ct amethyst is natural in color from Brazil and cut by Zava Mastercuts.
Tourmaline is one of my favorite gemstones because it comes in so many colors – from pinks to blues and greens. Its saturated forest green color is created by traces of chromium in its atomic structure. Some may even have trace amounts of copper. This Mozambique tourmaline is a mirror specialty cut in the famed Idar Oberstein region of Germany, stunning with all its inclusions on view.
Apatite is sometimes mistaken for Paraiba Tourmaline, a highly prized and priced color of gemstones. Apatite is usually found in smaller crystals because of its inclusions. Its distinct, almost neon, blue carries a big impact as seen in this 2.29ct oval.
Will these beauties become rings, or pendants?
The fun is in the process.
Have a stone that you’d like to alchemize? Let’s talk about the possibilities. I’d love to work with you!
xoxo
