November 2020 Newsletter: Fine Amethyst from Brazil

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We have just acquired a new stock of top grade Amethyst from Brazil, in sizes perfect for rings and earrings.

Fine natural Amethyst is a very affordable gem that doesn't compromise on hardness or quality. In fact Amethyst was once in the list of the valuable cardinal gems, along with Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond.These were the gems most valued for their beauty and rarity, and the ones most associated with royalty, religious authority and magical powers.

When extensive Amethyst deposits were discovered in South America in the early 19th century, Amethyst was no longer regarded as a rare gem, and prices declined according to the supply.

But the rich purple hue of Amethyst retains its allure, and gem collectors still seek out particularly fine specimens. For the fact is, despite the large volume of purple quartz mined in South America -- literally hundreds of tons per year -- the vast majority of it is commercial grade material with a less saturated color. Fine deep purple Amethyst is still fairly rare, though not expensive.

Fine Amethyst is typically quite clean and is often found in large sizes; polished gems over 20 or 30 carats are quite common. In fact it can be difficult to find top Amethyst in smaller sizes. Since the uncut crystals tend to be large and cutting costs are high, it is more economical to cut larger pieces.

We have just acquired some very fine Amethyst in sizes suitable for everyday rings, around 4 to 5 carats. We also have a number of larger gems, 10 to 20 carats, for statement rings or pendants. For earrings, we have a half dozen beautiful matched pairs, in round, oval and cushion shapes. If you've ever yearned for a fine Amethyst, this is the best selection we've had in years.

See our collection of Fine Amethyst from Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia

Notable Gems from the AJS Collection

This month we feature new additions to our collection, including Brazilian Amethyst, a rare unheated Yellow Ceylon Sapphire, Rhodonite, Alexandrite and Yellow Tourmaline. Click on any gem for details.

9.69 ct Unheated Yellow Ceylon Sapphire   A top custom cut unheated Yellow Sapphire from Ceylon. Gorgeous canary yellow color, very good clarity and outstanding cutting -- and in a big size as well! This is a yellow sapphire for the collector who wants the very best for a special piece of jewelry. Includes a Prestige report from American Gemological Laboratories (AGL).   See the video

5.53 ct Amethyst from Brazil  [SOLD]   A top Brazilian Amethyst cushion in a perfect ring size (12 x 10 mm). This is clean material in a rich deep purple, with a precision radiant cut. Guaranteed natural and untreated..

8.85 ct Amethyst Matched Pair from Brazil  [SOLD] An outstanding matched pair of fine Amethysts from Brazil. These 11 mm rounds are a rich deep purple and will set up beautifully in your earring design. Clean and precision cut with portugues faceteing. Guaranteed natural and untreated.

2.00 ct Rhodonite from Brazil  [SOLD] Transparent crystals of Rhodonite are very rare and popular with collectors. This 2 carat square octagon has a vivid orangey-red color and is very nicely cut in a square octagon. Guaranteed natural and untreated.

2.08 ct Canary Yellow Tourmaline from Nigeria An exceptional Canary Yellow Tourmaline over 2 carats. This is a very rare color in Tourmaline and this is one of the finest pieces we've seen -- very clean material that has been beautifully fashioned in an elegant emerald cut to maximize the superb color. A special gem for the rare Tourmaline collector. This fine gem includes a certificate from GIT, the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand. See the video

1.58 ct Alexandrite from Tanzania A rare color change Alexandrite from Tanzania! Clean material (graded "almost loupe clean") with a lot of sparkle, and a strong color change. This fine gem includes a certificate from GIT, the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand. See the video

News from AJS and the Gems World

6.41 ct Pigeon Blood Burma Ruby Ring Sells for $2.8 million at Sotheby's

A cushion cut 6.41-carat pigeon’s blood Burmese Ruby ring was sold for $2.8 million at Sotheby's Magnificient Jewels auction on October 7th in Hong Kong. The exceptional Ruby is surrounded by a halo of French-cut white diamonds with brilliant cut diamonds on the band and gallery in 18k white and yellow gold.

The ring was designed and mounted by Hong Kong-based jeweler FORMS and was part of an important private collection.

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 see you have many gem certificates from the GIT lab. I'm not familiar with that lab, can you tell me about it? RG, USA

The GIT lab is part of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, a non-profit governmental organization founded in 1999. Originally located on the campus of Chulalongkorn University, the lab is now located in the Silom Road gems district in Bangkok.

In 20 years the GIT lab has become one of the top gem labs in the world. It is fully equipped with all the latest advanced equipment and has a large staff of highly experienced gemologists. It is the only CIBJO (World Jewelry Federation) certified laboratory in Thailand and is one of the 7 distinguished members of the international LMHC (Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee), along with the Gubelin Gem Lab, SSEF and GIA.

GIT provides certification of diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls and has special expertise in identifying all kinds of jade, including enhancements. They also provide assay and hallmark services for gold, silver and other precious metals. They even have a Gem and Jewelry Museum, which documents the entire processing chain of gems and jewelry, from mining of minerals through the cutting, polishing and enhancement processes, to the manufacture of finished jewelry.

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All the best in gems,

Ron, May & and Rung