Archive for September 2011
- In: news
- Leave a Comment
Net rough diamond imports by the U.S. declined sharply in July, even tough gross imports were on the rise. U.S. net imports of 1,499 carats worth $10.9 million fell 56.7 percent by value.
Gross imports of 48,299 carats of rough diamonds worth $65.1 million increased year-over-year by 23.2 percent and 82.1 percent, respectively.
American traders are more interested in the higher value goods, as evident by the average value of imports. Gross imports averaged $1,347.69 per carat while net imports averaged $7,258 p/c.
Most of the U.S. imports were exported, 46,800 carats worth $54.2 million at an average value of $1,158.38 p/c.
The majority of rough imports were from Botswana, $20.8 million, followed by South Africa with $18.5 million. South Africa was the leading destination of exports, $13.5 million, followed by Belgium ($10.9 million).
The 4th edition of the Kerala Gem and Jewellery Show 2011 will be held from 3rd to 5th December at Lu Lu Convention Center & Garden Hotels, in Thrissur, which is one of the largest gold jewellery manufacturing hubs in India, and has carved a niche position for itself in the Indian jewellery marketplace. 
KGJS 2011 is being held in Thrissur in tune with the expectations and needs of the local industry and promises to leverage its myriad capabilities. Thrissur is also well-connected by rail and road to all major cites of South India and is just an hour’s drive from Cochin airport.
Reckoned as Kerala’s largest conference venue, the Lu Lu Convention Center boasts of a 2,000 seat auditorium, multi-functional air conditioned halls, an exquisite landscaped garden, an exclusive helipad and ample parking space for over 1,800 cars, multi-cuisine restaurants, and well-appointed rooms.
KGJS 2011, a three-day event, organized by The Art of Jewellery, India’s No 1 Jewellery Magazine in partnership with the Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Kerala, will have 175 stalls, featuring an exhibition of the finest jewellery collections unique to Kerala, besides allied equipments and machinery, and will also include trade seminars, buyer seller meets, fashion shows, and an awards function. Approximately 10,000 quality trade visitors are expected to visit the show.
- In: news
- Leave a Comment
Christie’s New York will hold its Magnificent Jewels sale on October 18, offering 340 lots that together carry a presale estimate of $35 million. The October sale in New York marks the official opening of Christie’s fall season globally, which includes major sales of important jewels in Geneva, Paris, London and Hong Kong before returning to New York for the grand finale auction of the season: The collection of Elizabeth Taylor in December.
”As we meet with collectors and dealers around the world in the run-up to this autumn season, it is clear that demand for rare and important jewelry remains as strong as ever,” said Rahul Kadakia, the head of jewelry for Christie’s Americas. ”Recent top prices for colored and colorless diamonds and gemstones have helped bring some spectacular jewels into the marketplace, including top-quality D-color diamonds and some truly exceptional fancy colored diamonds in shades of yellow, pink, blue and green.”
The top lot of the New York sale is a 32.77 carat, vivid yellow diamond, pictured, with a golden yellow hue so intense and so deep that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks it amongst the rarest of gemstones in its class. It carries a presale estimate of $6 million to $8 million.
The sale also features fancy colored diamonds in shades of pink, blue and green, including a 3.21 carat, pear-shaped, fancy vivid blue diamond ring, flanked by side diamonds, and it has a presale estimate of $2.5 million to $3 million. The sale includes an 8.20 carat, pear-shaped fancy purplish-pink diamond ring by Tiffany & Co. and it carries a presale estimate of $1.25 million to $1.8 million.
Christie’s offers six large D-color diamonds along with a broad assortment of fine diamond necklaces, earrings, brooches and bracelets. The largest of the D-color diamonds is a 25.74 carat, oval-cut diamond ring by Graff that is estimated at $3.5 million to $5 million.
(information from official Rapaport website)
de Grisogono
Posted on: September 28, 2011
- In: news
- Leave a Comment
de Grisogono 18K white gold–and–black diamond Lipstick SQ S13 watch with quartz movement on a black galuchat strap, $92,300
de Grisogono, NYC, 212.439.4220
CHARRIOL
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Charriol is a Swiss manufacturer of jewellery, watches, and other accessories. Charriol is one of the largest makers of wristwatches in the world. The company was founded in Geneva by Philippe Charriol, a French entrepreneur. It later relocated its headquarters to Geneva. The company competes with the likes of Rolex, Chopard, Cartier, and David Yurman.
Charriol was founded in 1983, when Philippe Charriol decided to launch the company all across the America, Asia, and Europe. His signature style, introduced first in watches and then in other jewelry items, is based on a twisted cable design used by the ancient Celts. Headquartered inGeneva, the brand has expanded throughout Asia, theUnited StatesandEurope. By mid-2009, the Charriol line could be found in 3,200 retailers, 485 upscale “Charriol Corners” stores, and 71 Charriol boutiques.
In 1989, he would go on to later open the first Charriol boutique in Geneva, followed by three others in Hong Kong.Following the success of his initial Celtic Collection, Charriol introduced a line of writing instruments and leather goods in 1989.
Charriol continued to expand throughout the decade, opening the company’s first U.S. boutique in 1994 and its first boutique in China in 1995. In 1999, the brand changed its name from Philippe Charriol to simply Charriol.
The Brand
- According to Luxury Bazaar, “The ‘Celtic’ concept and the brand owner’s philosophy toward life, ‘L’art de vivre la différence‘ translated as ‘the art of living the difference,’ were embraced by people who wanted to share the same experience and philosophy of life.”
“To create my special style, I work like an alchemist,” he says, “mingling seriousness with exuberance, I never tire in my insistence on the proper function and superb quality of all I create.”
- With a combination of personal charisma, design talent, and generous support of other artists, Philippe Charriol has gained great renown. Advocating a positive attitude towards life, he embraces each day with an optimistic state of mind, and is eager to share this belief with those around him.
In the first five years of the brand’s history, Phillipe Charriol had achieved a phenomenal growth. The brand has been growing on a heatlhy double-digit scale scale ever since.
TrademarkBattle
- Charriol has aggressively fought to protect his brand and threatened to sue anyone who used the Celtic twisted cable in their jewelry designs for trademark infringement. In June 2001, a federal judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that the cable design was ineligible for trademark protection. “That a ‘metallic nautical rope design as an integral feature of the goods’ could be a trademark to identify the source of bracelets, earrings and the like staggers the imagination,” wrote Judge Charles L. Brieant as he ruled in favor of plaintiffs Paul Morelli Design, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. The plaintiffs had filed the suit in 1999 after receiving “cease and desist” letters from Charriol.
Expansion
- Even though he lost the trademark lawsuit, Charriol continued to expand his line. In 2002, Charriol celebrated the brand’s 20th anniversary by launching three new collections. In 2007, Charriol expanded his market again by debuting the Celtic Classique collection, a less expensive line that ranges in price from $295 to $795.
Today, the brand has blossomed into an international luxury brand with multi-product collections that range from fine watches, jewelry, and leather goods to writing instruments and eyewear. It has strong market positioning in the Far East region, U.S.A., and Europe. The brand has penetrated into over 2,500 outlets and built up over 40 freestanding boutiques, known as Phillipe Charriol Boutiques.
These achievements are quite impressive for a brand with such a short history. The great success of the brand had been attributed to the suitable pricing, the impeccable “Celtic” design concept, the reliable quality and its coherent, consistent marketing communication program on a worldwide scale.
African Jade
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals:
- Nephrite consists of a microcrystaline interlocking fibrous matrix of the calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral series tremolite (calcium-magnesium)-ferroactinolite (calcium-magnesium-iron). The middle member of this series with an intermediate composition is called actinolite (the silky fibrous mineral form is one form of asbestos). The higher the iron content the greener the colour.
- Jadeite is a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene. The gem form of the mineral is a microcrystaline interlocking crystal matrix.
Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form (known in China as “mutton fat” jade) as well as in a variety of green colours, whereas jadeite shows more colour variations, including blue, lavender-mauve, pink, and emerald-green colours. Of the two, jadeite is rarer, documented in fewer than 12 places worldwide. Translucent emerald-green jadeite is the most prized variety, both historically and today. As “quetzal” jade, bright green jadeite from Guatemala was treasured by Mesoamerican cultures, and as “kingfisher” jade, vivid green rocks from Burma became the preferred stone of post-1800 Chinese imperial scholars and rulers. Burma (Myanmar) and Guatemala are the principal sources of modern gem jadeite, and Canada of modern lapidary nephrite. Nephrite jade was used mostly in pre-1800 China as well as in New Zealand, thePacificCoast andAtlanticCoasts of North America, Neolithic Europe, and south-eastAsia. In addition toMesoamerica, jadeite was used by Neolithic Japanese and European cultures.
Chemical Symbol:
African Jade is a complex Calcium Aluminum Silicate. Its bright green coloration is due to traces of chromium.
History :
African Jade is mined in South Africa, and for this reason alone receives its name. It is occasionally referred to as Transvaal Jade.
Medicine:
It is considered to bring good luck, wealth, relaxation, and can improve the wearers response during a crucial situation. African Jade is also thought to be an important aid in business relationships and can help in keeping long distance relationships intact.
African Jade is a gemstone of general healing abilities and is considered to specifically aid kidney and skin related disorders and diseases.
Common Cuts:
African Jade can be cut into a variety of shapes/cuts with oval, round, and cushion cuts being the most common. African Jade has also traditionally been used in tribal carvings and sculptures.
Routine Enhancements:
There are no known enhancements for Agrican Jade.
Evaluation:
African Jade is a tough, opaque stone that lacks cleavage and is rated at 6.5 to 7.5 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness. African Jade has a vitreous luster and is most often a forest green to a greyish green, but may also be multi-colored and display shades of pink and white.
Amber
Posted on: September 27, 2011
Chemical Make-up :
Amber is a mixture of Succinic acid, numerous resins and volatile oils. In addition to this, Amber also contains Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
Used by man even before the ice age, natural amber gemstone can be categorized as an organic gem material of vegetable origin. Amber is not a mineral, but time-hardened fossilized resin of the species of pine called Pinus Succinisera. These trees grew in forests around 45 million years ago, in the European main land known to us as the Baltic region today!
The early Germans called this Baltic amber by the name of Bernstein, due to the sweet smell it emitted when burnt. The Greeks called it Elektron due to its properties of developing static electricity when rubbed. Amber is known as Kerba in the local markets inIndia.
History:
Amber is one of the three organic gemstones and is actually made-up of the fossilized resin of pine trees from between twenty and sixty million years ago. Amber produces static electrivity when rubbed and for this reason Amber was known as elektron to the ancient Greeks, which translates very simply as “electron”, and refers to the negatively charged particles in electricity. In the Middle Ages, Amber was known as bernstein, or “burn stone” in Germany, as powdered Amber was commonly burnt as an incense.
Amber helps to remove blockages in the flow of energy throughout the body and therefore works as an aid to strengthening the body. Amber has traditionally been used to bring protection, strength, love, luck and healing to the wearer. Amber is an excellent healing stone as it takes negative energy and transforms it into positive energy. Amber also helps to calm stressed nerves and to bring about humour and joy as well as acting as a guard against impotency and as an aid to fertility. Amber opens the crown and solar plexus chakras, thereby helping to increase intellect and confidence.
Amber is a hydrocarbon (C10 H 16 O). It is a complex mixture of several resinous bodies, succinic acid, volatile oil and also contains some amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Its specific gravity is 1.08 and refractive index is 1.54. It`s hardness on Mohs scale is 2 to 2.5, and is sectile (i.e it can be sliced or shaved). The Burmese amber is said to be hardest and the Dominican, the softest.
Sources :
Gem quality amber gemstone is mainly found in the Baltic Sea region. The other regions where amber is found include Myanmar (Burma), Dominican Republic, Germany, Rumania, Sicily, North America, Russia and Malaysia. Some of the popular jewelry is comprised of Celtic amber jewelry and blue amber jewelry. However, a honey colored amber ring is always sought after by many buyers – especially if it is a carved amber ring. Amber stone rings and amber mala are also very popular. Due to the history of amber gemstone in the Baltic region, Baltic amber jewelry is very highly prized. Baltic amber jewelry like necklaces, pendents made out of amber beads fetch a good price in the market. There are many markets where wholesale Baltic amber jewelry is traded and sold worldwide. Amber jewelry is usually made using silver, rather than gold because it gives the stone a very unique look. Small and large stones are fashioned into silver pendants and sold all over the world. The markets are full of various kinds of jewelry items such as amber earrings, amber bracelets, amber bead necklaces, and even amber stud earrings. A small piece of amber stone can be fashioned into a delicate silver wire wrap amber pendant. Depending on the design and the color, a number of great looking custom jewelry items can be created out of amber stones. These can make for wonderful gift items.
The color of amber fossil varies from yellow to dark brown to almost black. Very rarely this gem may be found in green and blue-gray colors and hence green amber can be very rare. In addition, it is dyed in many colors like green, blue, pink etc. The color of this gem denotes the area from where it has originated. Baltic amber is yellow, Sicilian is reddish yellow, Rumanian is brown and Burmese is yellow to reddish-brown.
Evaluation :
Amber is rated at 1.5 – 2.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making Amber a very soft gemstone that may not immediately bw deemed suitable for jewelry purposes. However Amber is often used in all kinds of jewelry applications and providing that you take the correct precautions and wear your Amber with care, there is no reason why it should not form part of your jewelry collection.
Amber is found in a number of colors including, Black, Blue, Brown, Green,Orange, Red, White and Yellow, with rich golden Yellow being the color that most people associate with the gemstone Amber. The most valuable Amber is translucent and unlike other gemstones, inclusions actually enhance its rarity and beauty. These inlcusions are usually entrapped insects from thousands and thousands of years ago. The more complete the specimen of trapped insect / inclusion is, the more the value of the Amber increases.Amber is generally speaking a very affordable gemstone, but the very best examples can reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
Amber gemstone is usually cut as beads and cabochons. Many times it is just polished and used in its crude rough shape. Opaque gems of big sizes are mostly used in carvings. Gems with inclusions are mainly fashioned as cabochons. Amber beads are popular choice for use in necklaces and bracelets. Amber gemstone is usually sold by piece and not by weight.
Clarity:
Inclusions in amber gemstone actually serve to increase its value. Its transparency may vary from transparent to semi-translucent to opaque.
During the process of fossilization, a variety of flora and fauna tend to remain trapped in the amber resin and eventually become an integral part of the final gem i.e. amber. Flora like wood fragments, leaves, flowers, larvae, caterpillars, bees, flies, butter flies, spiders and even land snails and other plant parts and ferns are also found in.Identification of Amber from its Imitation
Natural Amber gemstone is easily distinguished from its plastic imitations. Natural Amber gemstone floats in saturated salt solution but plastics sink, as it has a very low specific gravity – near 1.08. Also if heated or a contact with hot point, plastics give off an acrid odour, in contrast to the resinous smell of amber. An amber imitation called amberdan (and sometimes as cultured amber) has properties fairly near natural amber. Its refractive index is about 1.56 (natural amber is 1.54) and its specific gravity is 1.23, also well above that of natural amber. The hot point gives an odor at once reminiscent of plastic and amber, suggesting a natural resin with a plastic binder.
Natural Amber gemstone is readily distinguished from more recent resins by the simple test. If it is dipped in ether and left for a few minutes, it is unaffected. While the recent resins soften.
Unlike natural amber gemstone, pressed amber is made by mixing bits of amber with linseed oil and compressing it. It is also softened by ether and has elongated bubbles and distinct flow structure. The bubbles in natural amber are spherical.
Azurite Malachite
Posted on: September 26, 2011
Chemical Symbol :
Azurite – Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Malachite – Cu2CO3(OH)2
Chemical Make-up :
Azurite-Malachite is made up of Azurite and Malachite banded together. Both gemstones are made up of basic copper carbonate minerals. The blue of azurite is exceptionally deep and clear, and for that reason the mineral has tended to be associated since antiquity with the deep blue color of low-humidity desert and winter skies. The modern English name of the mineral reflects this association, since both azurite and azure are derived via Arabic from the Persian lazhward (لاژورد), an area known for its deposits of another deep blue stone, lapis lazuli (“stone of azure”).
History:
There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Azurite, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Azurite is derived from either the Arabic word azul, or the Persian word lazhward, both of which translate to the color blue.
Malachite gets its name from the Greek word moloche, meaning mallow, which makes reference to Malachite’s green color.
Azurite-Malachite was previously said to help cure convulsions and to act as a local anaesthetic. Malachite was cited as a natural healer and Azurite helped the wearer to listen to themselves and to unlock previously hidden talents.
In some ancient civilizations Malachite was thought to be a protection from evil if worn as jewelry.
Malachite was a popular decorative stone in Czarist Russia, and was used to make the columns of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in Leningrad. Malachite also adorned many walls and even whole rooms of other religious and public buildings.
The European name Chessylite is from a famous Azurite locality inChessy,France.
Azurite-Malachite promotes wisdom, increases psychic awareness / ability by unblocking mental blocks and dissipating negativity. Azurite-Malachite enables the wearer to look inside themselves with greater ease and understanding. Azurite is associated with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras and considered an aid to meditation.
Sources :
There are known Azurite-Malachite deposits in Australia, Chile, England, France, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, United States (Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Utah), and Zaire.
Evaluation :
Azurite-Malachite is rated at 3.5 – 4 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, meaning that this gemstone is best suited to brooches, earrings and pendants, although it is often set in rings.
Cleaning :
Azurite-Malachite is a soft stone and particularly susceptible to acids, even in diluted form. The best way therefore to clean your Azurite Malachite is with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Always be sure to store your Azurite- Malachite jewelry away afrom and seperate to harder gems / jewelry which may scratch this softer stone.
Jewelry
Azurite is used occasionally as beads and as jewelry, and also as an ornamental stone. However, its softness and tendency to lose its deep blue color as it weathers limit such uses. Heating destroys azurite easily, so all mounting of azurite specimens must be done at room temperature. The intense color of azurite makes it a popular collector’s stone. However, bright light, heat, and open air all tend to reduce the intensity of its color over time. To help preserve the deep blue color of a pristine azurite specimen, collectors should use a cool, dark, sealed storage environment similar to that of its original natural setting.
Apatite
Posted on: September 26, 2011
Apatite is infrequently used as a gemstone. Transparent stones of clean color have been faceted,and chatoyant specimens have been cabochon cut. Chatoyant stones are known as cat’s-eye apatite. transparent green stones are known as asparagus stone, and blue stones have been called maroxite. Crystals of rutile may have grown in the crystal of apatite so when in the right light, the cut stone displays a cat’s eye effect.
Chemical Symbol :
Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl)
Chemical Make-up :
Apatite is made up of basic Fluoro-Calcium, Chloro-Calcium and Hydroxyl
Phosphate minerals.
History:
The word Apatite is derived from the Greek word apate, meaning to decieve. This was primarily due to the fact that Apatite was often mistaken for rarer, more valuable gemstones such as Beryl, Olivine and Peridot. Apatite falls into two categories, Chlor-Apetite (Chloro-Calcium), and Flour-Apetite (Flouro—Calcium).
Apatite enhances the wearers learning abilities, self-confidence and creativity. In addition to this, Apatite is an aid to achieving a deeper state of meditation and to increasing insightfulness. Apatite eases hypertension and decreases hunger, or “appetite”. In addition to this, Apatite is said to be a good gemstone for unblocking any of the chakras.
Care & Cleaning :
Apatite is particularly sensitive to abrasives, chemicals, heat, ammonia and acids. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamersshould also be avoided. Apatite is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Apatite
jewelry should be stored on its own in a lined jewelry box, away from harder jewelry, which may cause
scratches or abrasions.
Evaluation :
Apatite is rated at 5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. Apatite can be worn every day in brooches, earrings and pendants, but it is generally considered too soft to be worn daily in a ring.
Apatite can be found in many colors, including, blue, brown, colorless, green, pink, purple, red, violet and yellow. There is also a “Cat’s Eye” Apatite. Brown, green and yellow are the commonly occuring colors, with blue, colorless, pibk, red, violet, and the most recently discovered neon blue-green examples being the rarest and therefore most valuable Apatite colors.
When buying Apatite gemstones, the two most impotant factors to consider are color and clarity. Gemstones with good color saturation and few inclusions are inherently more valuable and command higher per Carat prices.
Sourses: There are known Apatite desposits in Algeria, Austria, Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Sweden, Tunisia and the United States (California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana).
Apatite is the most common phosphate mineral, and is the main source of the phosphorus required by plants. The bones and teeth of most animals, including humans, are composed of calcium phosphate, which is the same material as Apatite.
Amethyst
Posted on: September 26, 2011
Chemical Symbol :
SiO2
Chemical Make-up :
Amethyst is made up of the macrocrystalline variety of the crystal Quartz. This is a variety of quartz coloured by traces of manganese, titanium and iron. It is of a pale lilac, mauve or bluish violet colour.
History and Legend: Amethyst, is one of the most popular and mystical stones throughout history. Its use in jewellery, albeit very rudimentary, can be traced as far back as 4000BC, while gold rings set with amethyst stones have been uncovered in burial sites from around 2400 BC. Amethyst is the name given to Purple Quartz. It is believed the name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos” which transaltes as “not intoxicated”.As with most stones whose names originate from a Greek word, there is a legend linked to it. The legend about amethyst in Greek Mythology is that Dionysus the god of intoxication, and of wine, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos’s desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.
February’s purple birthstone has been found among the possessions of royalty throughout the ages. The intense violet hue of Amethyst appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color. Purple dye was scarce and expensive at one time, and so it was reserved for the garments of kings and queens. Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry, and breastplates worn into battle. A large Amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels.
Amethyst is also symbolic of spirituality and piety. It has been used to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony, and worn in rings and on rosaries by bishops and priests.
Medicine: Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why in the olden days, wine goblets were often carved from it. It is also said that when worn close to the body, the stone helps instill a sober mind. Put an amethyst under your pillow to bring about pleasant dreams, or rub it across your forehead to offer relief from a headache. Amethyst opens and activates the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra. Amethyst can be used to fight a number of disorders including headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders, heart disorders, digestive system disorders, and has even been thought to help stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst also works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace.
Evaluation :
Amethyst is rated at 7 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. Because of its relative hardness and having no particular warnings for care, Amethyst can be used for all jewelry purposes. Amethyst is found in a variety of hues of purple including deep purple, light lilac, lavender and mauve.
Cleaning :
As with all gemstones, the number one rule of thumb with Amethyst is to try to keep it clean. When cleaning is needed use warm soapy water, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are also usually safe.
Common Cuts :
Large, fine quality Amethyst stones are often sold in free sizes, but smaller specimens are cut into all of the commonly recognized shapes / cuts. Lower quality Amethyst specimens are usually carved into ornamental objects or beads, or heat-treated to produce Citrine.
Sourses:
Deposits of this gemstone are found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia,Sri Lanka; and in the United States.
The best investment is an amethyst of average size weighing between 4 and 8 carats, as dark as possible, but not so much so that the light is prevented from reflecting, and with a deep lustre.
jewelrypassion 