The color green has rich associations in many cultures, and studies in the psychology of color indicate there may a physiological basis for our affinity for green.
Green is the color of nature and is associated with growth, renewal, harmony and health. Green is in the center of the color spectrum and is thought to be the most restful and relaxing color for the human eye to view. So it is not surprising that green is regarded as a color that helps alleviate anxiety and depression, and brings with it a sense of hope, harmony and peace.
It is interesting then that green presents the widest range of choices in colored gemstones, from blue-green to mint, chrome green, forest green, apple green, yellow-green and olive. Dozens of gem varieties can be found in green, and one variety alone -- tourmaline -- can be found in nearly every shade of green you can imagine.
Some of the rarest and most valuable gem varieties occur in green, from emerald to tsavorite and demantoid garnet, alexandrite and imperial jade. Green hues are mainly due to traces of chromium and vanadium or iron.
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| Shades of Green: Chrome tourmaline, Idocrase, Brazilianite, Green Tourmaline, Chrysoberyl, Chrome Tourmaline and Oligoclase |
Peridot is one of the few gems that occurs only in green, because it derives its color not from trace elements, but rather from its essential chemical composition. Peridot is green because it contains iron, and the depth of green depends on the percentage of iron in its crystal structure. Peridot can vary in color from yellow-green to apple-green to olive green.
Other particularly interesting green gems include apple-green chrysoprase, fiery sphene, yellow-green chrysoprase and mali garnet, and mint green tourmaline. There are fine green gems to suite every taste and budget, and more choices than in any other color of the spectrum.
Notable Gems from the AJS Collection
This month we feature top green gems from our collection, including tsavorite garnet, Burmese jade and blue-green tourmaline. Click on a photo to see the details for the item.
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14.65 ct Jade Guanyin Pendant [SOLD]
A lovely carved Jade Guanyin from Burma, set in a silver pendant. Guanyin is the bodhisattva associated with compassion as venerated by Mahayana Buddhists. This 14.65 ct Jade carving is crowned by 10 white diamonds. Terrfic price on this rare piece! |
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6.45 ct Peridot from Pakistan [SOLD]
A top grade Peridot from Pakistan in a gorgeous saturated yellowish green. Large size, top color and excellent clarity, this fine gem Peridot will make a wonderful piece of jewelry. Guaranteed natural and untreated. |
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An outstanding gem chyrsoprase from Australia with a delicious apple-green color and excellent translucency. This gem displays the wonderful luminosity that is characteristic of the very best chrysoprase. Guaranteed completely natural and untreated. |
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A bright green sphene from Madagascar with excellent fire. Very clean and beautifully cut, this fine gem has the glitter the makes sphene so popular with collectors. Guaranteed natural and untreated. |
News from AJS and the Gems World
Sotheby's to Sell Rare Round 102 ct D-flawless Diamond
Another exceptional diamond over 100 carats is about to come to market. Sotheby's has announced a rare white diamond that they claim is the only known round brilliant-cut diamond over 100 carats possessing the highest cut, color and clarity grades. The polished diamond originated from a 425-carat rough that De Beers unearthed in Botswana. Sotheby's will offer it for private purchase, rather than at auction, to mark the first anniversary of their salon on London’s New Bond Street.
Rise in Gold Jewelry Demand Driven by India and China
The World Gold Council has announced some interesting numbers for international demand for gold jewelry. Worldwide demand increased by 4% year on year to 2,135.5 tonnes. The fastest growth was in India, up 12% to 562.7 tonnes. China continued to be the largest market for gold jewelry, up 3% to 646.9 tonnes. Together India and China account for 56% of worldwide gold jewelry purchases.
Ask the Gem Experts
Each month we answer questions from our customers. We welcome your questions and you can submit a question from our contact page.
I love the purple colour you featured in your newsletter. I already have an amethyst, are there other gems that show the rich purple colour? DK, Canada
A deep violet or purple is actually quite a rare color in gemstones, which is why amethyst was so highly prized. The color can sometimes be found in sapphire, spinel and fluorite. But very recently a rare garnet in a true purple was found in East Africa, with some exceptional specimens from Mozambique that are among the finest garnets we have seen anywhere. For lovers of purple gems, these are really special. See our collection of Fine Purple Garnets.
I am planning to visit Bangkok in May and would like to buy some high quality coloured gems. Do you have a shop where I can purchase gems? AT, UK
We don't have a retail shop here in Thailand, but we do show gems by appointment at our office in the Silom Rd. gems district in Bangkok. Please contact us to arrange an appointment. You can browse our collection on our website and let us know the gems you would like to view while you are here.
All the best in gems,
Arnold, Rung & Ron
