THE WORLDS MOST VALUABLE GEMS |
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For thousands of years men and women have worn precious stones for decoration and as talismans to protect them from ill health and misfortune. The early Egyptians were probably the first people to cut and polish gems to increase their beauty – and the stones are treasured for their colour, translucency, durability and monetary value. The four most prized gems today are diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. |
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Diamond. The hardest and most lustrous gem, it retains its brilliance and polish for generations, It is said to make people lucky in love as well as strong and courageous. Diamonds are proverbially referred to as 'A girls best friend'. Diamonds are a form of carbon which has been crystallised under great pressure and in enormous heat. Namibia and Australia are two major sources of the gems. |
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Sapphire. After diamond, it is the hardest stone. It is commonly blue, but purple, green, white, pink, gold and orange sapphires are also found. Its supposed mystical qualities include the promotion of peace and the purification of the mind. The stone is formed from a variety of the aluminium oxide, corrundum. Sri Lanka is a notable source of all the colours of sapphire. |
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Emerald. A brittle gem, it tends to chip and is rarely flawless. Its rich green is caused by chromium – a hard white metal – in the stone. In ancient times, the powdered emerald was believed to cure fever and the plague. The stone is formed from a combination of three main minerals: silicon (the chief constituent of sand and quartz); aluminium; and beryllium. Columbia is the source of the finest emeralds, which are mined from veins in shale. |
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Ruby. The rarest of the gems. Its prized 'pigeon's blood' red is also the result of chromium. It was thought to promote good health and to keep people looking young. In addition, it was said to guard fruit trees from disease. Some of the world's highest quality rubies are quarried from gem gravels in Burma. |
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