GemSelect April 2024 Newsletter

Hello Everyone

I do hope that all of you that celebrate Easter have had a wonderful time with family and friends and are spiritually fully-charged again. Easter is not as celebrated here in Thailand as other well-known festivities such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve but I think that is because we have the traditional Thai New Year, called Songkran, every year in the middle of April.

Songkran is a time for purification of the soul and a new start in life and this is represented by water. Either by gently sprinkling water on the hands of your elders or full-blown water fights in the streets and, let me tell you, the Thais like nothing more than soaking foreign visitors with a bucket of water!

I am taking the opportunity of the local holiday to nip over to Sri Lanka where we source many of our fine gemstones so, hopefully, I will have a tale or two to tell in next month's newsletter.

Sri Lanka Sapphires

Sri Lanka is a real powerhouse when it comes to colored gemstones and for such a small country it rivals Brazil and Russia in production of top-quality gems.

Sri Lanka has been known by many names over the centuries including Rathna Deepa which means 'Island of Gems'. Take a look at some of the many examples of blue sapphires from this fascinating island that we keep in stock to see what I mean about 'top-quality'.

We like to bring to your attention some gemstones that are not as well celebrated such as the blue sapphires we mentioned above. This month it is the turn of Druzy gemstones and Prehnite, neither of which are likely to make the headlines.

Druzy Gemstones

Druzy (or sometimes Drusy) refers to a mass of tiny crystals that form on the surface of another stone. These crystals vary in size, sparkle, color and shape depending on the minerals that created them so every Druzy gemstone is totally unique.

I read recently that druzy jewelry has become a popular gift for bridesmaids at wedding parties. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings can be created that share a common theme but are all one-of-a-kind souvenirs of a special day.

Prehnite Gemstones

Prehnite is often called the 'gemstone of dreams' and is used to improve meditation and intuition. Holding these translucent, apple-green gemstones with a velvety or cloudy appearance you can see why they would be associated with dreams. You can easily be drawn in by the swirls and wisps that lie deep within the stone.

Prehnite can be found in all sorts of sizes and shapes ideal for any type of jewelry or as an interesting addition to a gemstone collection.

Zambian Emeralds

A far more famous gemstone is the magnificent Emerald. Colombia has a well-deserved reputation for producing the world's finest Emeralds which stretches back centuries but - and this may be a little sacrilegious - I think I prefer the look of emeralds from Zambia!

To me, the green color seems deeper and the clarity just a bit crisper but as with all things it is all a matter of personal preference. Colombian emeralds have a long-established prestige which makes them one of the most valuable of all gemstones but keep an eye on those green beauties from Africa. Take a look at some of our recent arrivals.

April Birthstone

Another gemstone that needs no introduction is the April birthstone - the mighty diamond. The name of this gemstones comes from the Greek word 'Adamas', meaning invincible or unbreakable, which reflects their position as the hardest gemstones on earth.

Diamonds are not only prized for their dazzling looks but have a spiritual strength unmatched by any other stone - strength, courage, perseverance, loyalty, love and commitment are just some of its powers. Ancient Romans and Greeks felt that the sparkle and reflection of a diamond symbolized the eternal love between the giver and receiver. Wow! Sounds like the perfect gift for anyone with a birthday in April.

Customer Questions and Answers:

I think that will do for another month.

Keep safe everyone

Have a great April

From us all at GemSelect