The perfect romantic gemstone for Valentine’s Day
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
When the shops fill up with pink, red and purple, you know that Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us. Instead of chocolates or flowers, why not pick a romantic gemstone as a Valentine’s Day gift?  Here are Gemstone Detective’s top five: Ruby It may be named ‘King of Gemstones’ in India, but according to the Christian Old Testament, the value of a rubies is far outweighed by that of a good wife!   This precious gemstone is the red variety of a mineral called corundum, which at 9 on the Mohs scale is second only to diamond in durability.  Burmese rubies – also known as pigeon ..read more
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What’s so special about Argyle Pink Diamonds?
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
They’re probably some of the diamond world’s most famous and sought-after gemstones, but what’s so special about Argyle pink diamonds?    Argyle Pink Diamond. Copyright Kym Hughes @symmetryvaluations The Argyle Diamond Mine lies in the remote East Kimberly region of Western Australia, the part of the country in which most diamond mines are located.  In its 37 years of operation, it has produced 385 million carats of diamonds, but production has dwindled over the past few years and the mine finally closed in November 2020.  Argyle Mine from above. Copyright Kathy King @vaul ..read more
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Natural or Lab-grown diamond – which speaks to your heart?
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
With Valentine’s Day only a few weeks away, loved-up couples everywhere are beginning their search for the perfect diamond engagement ring, whether that’s a natural or lab-grown diamond.  If you’re in the market for a diamond ring this month, you may be wondering which of these is the right diamond for you.  Here’s a brief guide to lab-grown v. natural diamonds to help you decide!  Buying a diamond is a big decision—and one that must come from the heart!  It may surprise you to learn that lab-grown diamonds (also known as ‘created diamonds’) are just as much real diamonds ..read more
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Remembering the best, proudest and favourite moments of this year with the emotional challenges of the worldwide pandemic
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
Thinking about my 2020 Year in Review: It’s been a roller-coaster ride of mixed emotions. The first few months of lockdown felt like an eternity, but now 2020 is drawing to a close, it feels like the year has flown by too quickly.  I had so many plans for this year, but very few of them were possible due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic. On the other hand, being in lockdown made me slow down, take a step back from my usual jet-setting routine and appreciate what I had on my own doorstep.  Because my July trip to Columbia was cancelled, I decided to research gemstones in Great ..read more
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Whitby Jet: more than just a stone of grief
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
If you think of Whitby jet as a sombre stone of grief, you’re not alone.  Since the death of Prince Albert on this day in 1861, jet has been associated with the mourning jewellery worn by his devastated widow, Queen Victoria.  Queen Victoria remained in mourning for the rest of her long life – which, in Victorian times, meant dressing only in black.  Jet – especially Whitby jet – with its dark intensity and lustrous finish, was an appropriate gemstone for this sad, subdued and reflective time.   Overlooking the town of Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK – Whitby Abbey in the dist ..read more
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Are You An Experience Hunter, Memento Collector Or Happy Snapper?
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
Here’s a little bit of fun to celebrate the end of our second UK lockdown—5 types of traveller who I think should join me on my next adventure.  Which one are you?    5 Types of Traveller – which one are you? In 2020 you were probably a frustrated traveller—I certainly was!   However, with a Covid vaccine on the horizon, worldwide travel is looking like it’ll be back on the agenda for 2021.  Personally, I cannot wait to get back on the road, doing what brings me joy and fulfilment—introducing my Gemstone Tour guests to a plethora of gems in some amazing locations ..read more
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Warning! These fascinating Scottish Gemstones could have you dancing on the table!
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
St Andrews Day, a day celebrating the patron saint of Scotland, falls on the 30th of November and is the perfect time to have a closer look at Scottish Gemstones.  I wonder how many UK gemstone enthusiasts, jewellers and collectors know just what treasures can be found in Scotland’s beautiful landscape!  In honour of St Andrew’s Day, here are 7 Scottish gemstones for your collection.  Scottish Gemstones #1 Jasper  Scottish Jasper is mostly commonly found in the Campsie Fells, a range of volcanic hills lying north of Glasgow. You can also find it in the Scottish Borders, no ..read more
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The most important question to ask a real princess
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
Today is National Adoption Day 2020 UK, traditionally celebrated on the Saturday before the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving.  So, what makes this an awareness day close to my heart?  Well, I myself was adopted and this has influenced my love of gemstones in more ways than one!  Who’d have thought it?  National Adoption Day UK I haven’t always been Kim. In fact, my birth name was Ruby, so it’s fitting that my favourite gemstone is also ruby – more specifically Tanzanian ruby, which is famous for its clarity and the intensity of its red.     I became Kermeen ..read more
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There’s more to beauty when buying a quality gemstone
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
What do you check for when buying a quality gemstone? What is a good quality gemstone? These are questions I am asked frequently. As today is #qualityday, it seems an ideal time to recap what to look for when buying a quality gemstone.  It’s true that beauty is the eye of the beholder, but over the years many thousands of beholders have decided what matters when it comes to a gemstone’s value on the open market.  There’s an easy way to remember what makes up the elements of a quality gemstone—the Four Cs, which stand for Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight.  The Four Cs are ..read more
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Embrace a new and rich culture with us in 2021
Gemstone Detective
by Kim Rix
3y ago
There are countless reasons to visit Vietnam, so I can’t wait for April 2021, when I’ll be leading a gemstone tour in this fascinating and beautiful country.  If you’re thinking about booking your next adventure (and we lovers of travel really do need a break after this year), I’d really recommend putting Vietnam on your wish list.  The marble mining is visible in the hills in Northern Vietnam On our gemstone tour, we’ll be learning all about Vietnam’s young gemstone industry and focussing on the country’s fine rubies, blue sapphires, pearls and rare blue spinel.  All you gemst ..read more
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