

Gemstones are classified into different groups, species, and varieties. For example, diamonds, which have a cubic crystal system, are often found as octahedrons. Another term used is habit, the form the gem is usually found in. Many gems are crystals which are classified by their crystal system such as cubic or trigonal or monoclinic. For example, diamonds are made of carbon (C) and rubies of aluminium oxide ( Alģ). The first characteristic a gemologist uses to identify a gemstone is its chemical composition. In modern times gemstones are identified by gemologists, who describe gems and their characteristics using technical terminology specific to the field of gemology. Use of the terms 'precious' and 'semi-precious' in a commercial context is, arguably, misleading in that it deceptively implies certain stones are intrinsically more valuable than others, which is not necessarily the case. Another unscientific term for semi-precious gemstones used in art history and archaeology is hardstone. The traditional distinction does not necessarily reflect modern values for example, while garnets are relatively inexpensive, a green garnet called tsavorite can be far more valuable than a mid-quality emerald. Other stones are classified by their color, translucency, and hardness. This distinction reflects the rarity of the respective stones in ancient times, as well as their quality: all are translucent with fine color in their purest forms, except for the colorless diamond, and very hard, with hardnesses of 8 to 10 on the Mohs scale. In modern use the precious stones are diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, with all other gemstones being semi-precious. The traditional classification in the West, which goes back to the ancient Greeks, begins with a distinction between precious and semi-precious similar distinctions are made in other cultures. The largest pebble here is 40 mm (1.6 in) long. A gem maker is called a lapidary or gemcutter a diamond cutter is called a diamantaire.Ī collection of gemstone pebbles made by tumbling the rough stones, except the ruby and tourmaline, with abrasive grit inside a rotating barrel. Rarity and notoriety are other characteristics that lend value to gemstones.Īpart from jewelry, from earliest antiquity engraved gems and hardstone carvings, such as cups, were major luxury art forms. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. However, certain rocks (such as lapis lazuli and opal) and occasionally organic materials that are not minerals (such as amber, jet, and pearl) are also used for jewelry and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. He was the guiding spirit, embodying the unique combination of beauty and knowledge that defines Gübelin to this day.Group of precious and semiprecious stones-both uncut and faceted-including ( clockwise from top left) diamond, uncut synthetic sapphire, ruby, uncut emerald, and amethyst crystal cluster.Ī gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, or semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.

He became one of the world’s leading gemmologists. Eduard Josef invented a number of new instruments on his own. He studied mineralogy in Zurich and Vienna and went to the United States, where he became only the second European to be certified by the renowned Gemological Institute of America. An important pioneer of the Gübelin family was Eduard Josef Gübelin (1913, Luzern – 2005, Luzern). The Gübelin Gem Lab, based in Lucerne and with branches in Hong Kong and New York, has grown into one of the most renowned and respected institutions of its kind. The Gübelin Jewellery Atelier has become known globally for its exquisite, handcrafted pieces which celebrate the beauty and mystique of magnificent gemstones. It also continued making and repairing fine watches. In the 1920s Gübelin opened its own jewellery atelier and at the same time set up a small gemmological laboratory to test the authenticity of the stones its jewellers used. Its story begins in 1854 with the opening of a small watchmaker’s shop in the Swiss city of Lucerne. The Swiss, family-owned House of Gübelin is known for its exquisite high-end jewellery, gemstone expertise, and as purveyors of some of today’s most sought-after luxury watch brands.
