DIAMOND
Diamonds are the birthstone for April. A natural diamond is a precious gemstone composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure. Formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure over billions of years, it is the hardest known natural material. Diamonds are valued for their brilliance, durability and rarity, often used in fine jewellery such as engagement rings. Natural diamonds come in various shapes and sizes and may exhibit different colours, though colourless diamonds are the most prized.
The 4 Cs of a diamond are the key factors used to evaluate its quality:
1. Cut: Refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted, affecting its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully.
2. Carat: Measures the diamond’s weight, with higher carat diamonds being larger and more valuable.
3. Clarity: Assesses the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) or surface imperfections (blemishes). Diamonds with fewer imperfections are more valuable.
4. Color: Grades the diamond’s colour, with the most valuable diamonds being near colourless, typically graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
LAB DIAMOND
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that is created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technological processes that mimic the natural formation of diamonds. Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds are made from carbon and have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties. They are often more affordable than natural diamonds. Lab diamonds can be made in various sizes, shapes, and colors, and they are graded by the same 4 Cs (cut, carat, clarity, and colour) as natural diamonds.
POUNAMU
Our Pounamu, also know as greenstone, is found exclusively in Te Waipounamu (the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand). Locations include various rivers in Arahura, Hokitika and Greymouth. It is treasured by the Māori for its beauty, durability, and cultural significance, often carved into jewellery, tools, and weapons. Pounamu symbolizes strength, protection, and connection to ancestors, and is considered a taonga (treasure) in Māori culture. It comes in various shades of green, with each type—such as kawakawa, inanga, and kahurangi—having unique characteristics. Pounamu holds both spiritual and historical importance in Aotearoa.
There are several types of Pounamu, each with distinct characteristics based on color, texture, and clarity. The most common types include:
1. Kawakawa: Deep green with darker shades and sometimes speckled patterns. This is one of the most common types of pounamu. It often has a rich, earthy tone.
2. Inanga: Pale green or greyish-white, resembling the color of a juvenile whitebait (inanga fish). It is often lighter and has a soft, creamy appearance.
3. Kahurangi: Known for its bright, vivid green color and clarity. Kahurangi is one of the rarest and most prized forms of pounamu. It often has very few inclusions or flaws.
4. Tangiwai: This type is technically not jade but bowenite, a related stone. Tangiwai is olive to brownish-green and has a translucent appearance. It is softer than other pounamu types.
CUBIC ZIRCONIA
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide, known for its brilliance and clarity that closely resembles a diamond. It is a popular, affordable alternative to diamonds offering a similar sparkle but at a fraction of the cost. Cubic Zirconia is usually flawless and can be produced in various colors.
PEARLS
Pearls are the birthstone for June. Freshwater pearls come in a range of unique shapes, sizes and colours. Baroque pearls are pearls which have an organic, irregular shape.
TOPAZ
Sky blue topaz is a light blue gemstone, known for its clear, soft hue that resembles the color of the sky on a bright, clear day. Sky blue topaz is a durable stone and is often associated with qualities like clarity, calmness and communication. Topaz features in our 'drop in the ocean’ as a symbol of the vast pacific ocean which surrounds us.