Gems

Adamas is home to one of the largest collections of loose gemstones to be found in the country.  Our huge inventory features over 150 different types of stones, including birthstones, ornamental stones, as well as unusual and hard to find stones. Stones are usually available in both rough and finished form, and of course we can transform any rough stone into a cut and polished gem.

Gems, rocks and minerals are considered so important that most of our states have selected one to be the state gem or mineral. Click here to see the United States Gems, Rocks and Minerals.

Amber is a delicate, fossilized tree resin that often locks in secrets from the past. Amber is available in a wide array of colors, the most popular ranging from yellow to orange, mimicking the color of honey touched by the setting sun. Other less common colors include red, green, blue, violet and black. Ranging from transparent to opaque, the finest amber is clear with little or no cloudiness.

Amber is one of the few gem materials not technically considered a mineral. Formed from fossilized tree resins 10 million to 100 million years ago, it is classified as an organic gem. Unlike most gemstones, inclusions can add a great deal to the value of amber – especially if these inclusions are plants or insects that have been trapped inside. A complete leaf or mushroom is highly desirable. Even more sought-after are pieces of amber containing the completely intact body of an insect. Being a gemstone of organic origins, amber requires some special but simple care and handling. Amber is a rather soft gemstone and can be easily scratched. It lends itself well to earrings and necklaces where contact with hard objects is minimized.

Origins
Throughout documented history amber has been washing up on the shores of countries lining the Baltic Sea. One of today’s best sources for amber is the Dominican Republic. Secondary sources include Myanmar and Mexico.

Treatments
Amber is sometimes heated to create deeper colors, or heated in oil to remove cloudiness. Oil-heated amber often contains highly reflective, disc-like inclusions called spangles.

Care
A soft, damp cloth may be used for cleaning amber. Amber should never be submitted to steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid alcohol, bleach and all harsh chemicals. Also avoid prolonged exposure to hot water. The safest and best way to clean a piece of jewelry containing amber is with cool water, a very mild soap and a soft brush. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the amber to dry completely before storing the piece in your jewelry box. Store each piece separately so that other jewelry won’t scratch it.

Amethyst holds a magical appeal that’s proven to be timeless and universal. Amethyst displays a majestic hue of purple, moving from very light to very dark. With purple being the chosen color of royalty, amethyst has enjoyed an unwavering popularity dating back thousands of years. The finest quality amethyst exhibits a high degree of transparency and a rich deep purple color enhanced by flashes of burgundy or rose. Amethyst has been a popular gemstone for centuries, and with good reason. It is beautiful, durable and affordable. Amethyst is a variety of the mineral species quartz. It is a hard gemstone that is resistant to both scratching and breaking. Amethyst can be faceted or fashioned into cabochon cuts.

Birthstone
Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Origins
Amethyst is found all over the world. Major sources include Brazil and Uruguay. Other sources include Zambia, India, Sri Lanka and the United States. Small qualities of very fine amethyst are also mined in Russia.

Treatments
Almost all amethyst is heated to bring out is best color. Heat-treated amethyst is very stable and requires no special handling.

Care
The beautiful color in your amethyst, if properly taken care of, will last indefinitely. Amethyst should be protected from sharp blows and scratches but is otherwise quite resistant to normal wear. Amethyst can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. Some amethyst, whether treated or not, may fade if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Because of this, you shouldn’t wear your amethyst jewelry while sunbathing or when using a tanning bed.

The Greeks proclaimed this highly prized, light blue gem aquamarine, because it sparkles like the sea touched by the sun. Found in an array of pastel tones from very light to medium blue, aquamarine is often tinted by a splash of green. The delicate greenish blue of a fine aquamarine conjures up images of dancing light on the purest of tropical waters.

Aquamarine holds its place securely among the world’s most desirable gems. Ranging in tone from a very light to medium blue, many aquamarines will exhibit a slight tint of green in their body color. Generally the darker shades are more valued, but many people prefer the lively brightness of lighter hues. Aquamarine is readily available in larger sizes over 5 carats. In fact, gem quality aquamarine crystals weighing several hundred pounds have been discovered.

Birthstone
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.

Origins
Today’s most important source for aquamarine is Brazil. Other sources include Zambia, Nigeria, Madagascar and the United States.

Treatments
Virtually all aquamarine is heated to minimize the greenish component of its color, making it appear a purer blue. Heat treated aquamarines are generally stable, but their color may fade if exposed to prolonged periods of high heat or direct sunlight.

Care
Aquamarines should never be cleaned with a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Aquamarines can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

As the golden variety of the quartz family, citrine takes its name from citron, the French word for lemon. But don’t think that all citrine is the color of lemonade. Citrines range from the soft hues of golden champagne to the rich, deep color of a fine Madeira wine. Its broad range of colors and outstanding affordability make citrine one of the most popular and desirable gemstones in the world.

Citrine is a gemstone that generates a feeling of warmth and often sparks an attitude of lightheartedness in the wearer. Sunny and affordable, citrine is the perfect complement to any jewelry wardrobe, blending especially well with pastel colors and bright, polished surfaces. Citrine is also readily available in larger sizes. It’s not uncommon to find beautiful faceted gems over 10 carats, especially in lighter shades of yellow.

Birthstone
Citrine is an alternate birthstone for November.

Origins
Most citrine comes from Brazil. Other important sources include Madagascar, Bolivia and the United States. 

Treatments
Almost all citrine on the market today has been heat treated to improve its appearance. The color of citrine, whether treated or not, may fade if exposed to heat or sunlight for prolonged periods. 

Care
The beautiful color in your citrine, if properly taken care of, will last indefinitely. Citrine should be protected from sharp blows and scratches but is otherwise quite resistant to normal wear. Citrine can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. Some citrine, whether treated or not, may fade if exposed to sunlight or heat for long periods of time. Because of this, you should never wear your citrine jewelry while sunbathing or when using a tanning bed.

Long known as the “Queen of Gems,” the pearl possesses a history and allure more compelling than any other gem. In fact, a beautifully matched strand of natural pearls is a treasure of incomparable value.  Given the incredible rarity of natural pearls, today’s cultured pearls combine the beauty of nature with the genius of man to create an organic gem available in a wide array of styles and prices.Cultured pearls are formed when a small piece of mantle tissue, a bead, or both is implanted into an oyster. Implanted material encourages the oyster to begin producing a rich and luxurious material, called nacre, that creates the pearl’s lustrous outer glow. Cultivated in both fresh and salt water, cultured pearls come in many different shapes and colors. The most popular shapes have traditionally been round, but more unusual shapes like baroque and button are also available. Colors range from white and cream to gray and black, as well as rich purples, golds and yellows. 

Birthstone
Cultured pearl is the birthstone for June.

Origins
Saltwater cultured pearls are produced in the ocean bays, atolls and inlets of Japan, China, Australia, French Polynesia, Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines. Freshwater cultured pearls are produced in the lakes and rivers of China and the United States.

Treatments
Most of the lighter shades of cultured pearls are mildly bleached to even out their color. Cultured pearls are sometimes tumbled to enhance roundness. They may be dyed to produce overtones of pink or strong body colors like teal, magenta or gold. Occasionally cultured pearls are irradiated to create strong iridescence or dark hues like black or gray.

Care
Cultured pearls are softer than most gemstones but durable enough for everyday wear. Because oils, soaps and chemicals can damage the beautiful nacre, you should apply cosmetics, perfumes and hairspray before putting on your pearls. Wipe your pearls with a dry, soft cloth after each wearing. Never clean cultured pearls with any harsh chemical, and only use a commercial jewelry cleaner specifically made for cultured pearls. The safest cleaning method is using a mild soap and cool water solution, wiping with a soft cloth. Always lay strands flat to dry to prevent the cord from stretching. To ensure years of enjoyment, be sure to have your cultured pearl strands inspected regularly and re-strung as needed by a Jewelers of America member jeweler.

Emerald, with its rich green reflecting the colors of spring, has been treasured for thousands of years as an emblem of rebirth and enduring love. The favorite of Pharaohs, prized by the Mogul rulers of India, and coveted by the royal houses of Europe, no other green gemstone can rival the emerald’s luxuriant green hue, entrancing beauty and eternal popularity.

Emerald is translucent to transparent. It is generally thought of as green in color. But look closer, and you’ll discover subtle but important differences in tones and hues. Some of the world’s finest emeralds are described as slightly bluish green in color and medium in tone. Pure green emeralds are also highly desirable. Emerald is part of the mineral family called beryl. If a gem is too light in tone it is no longer considered an emerald, but is referred to as green beryl. Common in many emeralds are a wide variety of internal characteristics or inclusions, often described collectively as a “garden.” Many feel that this garden adds interest and individuality to an emerald. Emeralds without these internal features are very rare and valuable.

Birthstone
Emerald is the birthstone for May.

Origins
Current key sources for emerald include Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan, Africa and Russia.

Treatments
Almost all emeralds are routinely enhanced to improve their appearance. Both natural and manmade fillers are commonly introduced into the fissures in emerald to reduce their visibility. Often referred to as oiling or infilling, similar enhancements have been done on emeralds for thousands of years. These types of enhancements are not considered stable, as fillers will come out over time or when exposed to high heat.

Care
Care should be exercised when both wearing and cleaning emerald jewelry. The internal features found in most emeralds make them very susceptible to sharp blows and sudden temperature changes. Never clean an emerald with an ultrasonic cleaning machine or a steam cleaner. You should not clean emeralds with strong detergents or most commercial jewelry cleaners. The safest and best way to clean a piece of jewelry containing emeralds is with cool water, a very mild soap and a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

When most people think garnet, they see only images of a dark red gemstone. But look a little deeper into garnet’s many varieties, and you’ll discover every color of the rainbow except blue. Few gems can rival garnet in the diversity of colors available. The green of summer grass, the gold of freshly harvested wheat, the orange of fiery hot steel, the pink of a delicate rosebud – garnet offers all these colors and more.

Garnet’s popularity dates back more than 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, where the gems were worked into beads or set into hand wrought jewelry. Jewelry set with dark red garnets from Czechoslovakia was extremely popular in the nineteenth century. Pieces set with these Bohemian garnets are still in high demand today for their beauty and uniqueness. Today’s gemstone collector knows that garnet offers a myriad of color choices in every shade imaginable, except blue. 

Birthstone
Garnet is the birthstone for January.

Origins
Garnets are mined in many locales around the world. Some of its more important sources include Africa, Australia, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka and the United States.

Treatments
There are no treatments commonly used to enhance garnet.

Care
Garnet is both hard and durable. Garnet can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning machine, any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

Unlike any other gemstone, opal dazzles the eye with a spectral display of flashing and dancing colors – colors that move and shift within the opal’s mysterious depths. A Roman historian in the first century AD wrote, “There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst and the sea green of the emerald – all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulfur or of fire quickened by oil.” Opal offers the wearer a wider variety of appearances and color choices than any other gem.

Opal is treasured as much for its many different appearances as it is for its breathtaking beauty. There are over 100 different variety and trade names used today to describe opals. Opals with a lighter body color are often called white opals, and those with a darker (and more rare) body color are classified as black opals. Whether white or black, the value of an opal depends upon the vividness of the spectral flashes (often called play of color) visible from within the gem and the patterns these colors form. Another popular opal with little or no play of color is fire opal. Fire opals range in hue from vivid yellows to fiery reds and oranges.

Birthstone
Opal is the birthstone for October and shares this designation with tourmaline.

Origins
Most of the world’s opals come from the deserts of Australia. Other important sources include Mexico and the United States.

Treatments
There are various treatments used to enhance the beauty of opals. The most common treatments darken the body color, making the play of color slightly more noticeable. Some opals are coated with oil, wax or plastic to improve their appearance. All of these treatments only affect a thin outer layer of the gem’s surface and, therefore, are not considered stable.

Care
Because of their unusually high water content, opals should be protected from heat and strong light that can dry them out. Opals also draw moisture from the air and, therefore, should not be stored for long periods of time in dehumidified environments such as a bank vault. Never clean an opal using strong chemicals or detergents, and avoid both ultrasonic and steam cleaning machines. Because opals are slightly softer than most transparent gemstones, they are best suited for wear in earrings and pendants. When mounted in a ring or bracelet, special attention should be paid to ensure the stone is well protected. Opals can be cleaned with plain soap and warm water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

Often called the “volcanic gem,” peridot usually forms in the rocks created by violent volcanic activity. On rare occasions, peridot also has been found in meteorites that have fallen to earth. No matter the source, whether from Mother Nature’s fiery depths or rocks that are truly out of this world, peridot has caught the attention of humans for thousands of years. Ranging from a light yellowish green to darker, richer shades of olive, peridot conjures images of young spring grass or the greens of a rich, dark forest at twilight.

Peridot has a history dating back well over 3,500 years. It was first mined on the Isle of Serpents in the Red Sea. Later renamed St. John’s Island, this historically important source of peridot supplied gems to the royal rulers of ancient Egypt, including Cleopatra. In recent years the popularity of peridot has steadily increased. This can be attributed to its availability, affordability and the growing use of shades of chartreuse by some of the world’s leading fashion designers. 

Birthstone
Peridot is the birthstone for August.

Origins
Peridot in limited quantities has been found in many volcanic regions all over the world, including parts of Italy and the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the world’s finest quality peridots are mined in Myanmar. The world’s most prolific source of peridot is the San Carlos Native American Reservation in Arizona. Other sources include China, Brazil and Pakistan.

Treatments
There are no treatments commonly used to enhance peridot.

Care
Peridot does not react well to heat. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Peridot should never be cleaned with a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Peridot can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

Ruby is all about passion – penetrating the heart with color and fire like no other gemstone. Unmatched in legend and seldom rivaled in beauty, it combines the energy of light with the power of fire into a single breathtaking scarlet colored gem. Recognized as the world’s most valued gemstone for centuries, ruby holds the undisputed title as the “King of Gems.”

Ruby possesses a color like no other red gemstone. At its finest, the purity of its burning crimson hue inspires us with love and desire. Rubies come in a variety of colors ranging from purplish red to orangey red. Ruby belongs to the same mineral family as sapphire, but if a gem is too light in tone or too purple or orange in hue, it is called a fancy sapphire and not a ruby. The most sought-after rubies are pure red or red with a very slight pinkish undertone. Very fine quality rubies, especially in sizes over 3 carats, are incredibly rare and valuable – much rarer than top quality colorless diamonds.

Birthstone
Ruby is the birthstone for July.

Origins
Some of the finest rubies in the world are mined in Myanmar. Other important sources include Kenya, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam.

Treatments
Ruby is routinely heat treated to improve its appearance. Heat enhanced rubies are extremely stable. Some rubies may have a glasslike residue left in surface-reaching fissures after they are heated. This glasslike material is not stable, and care should be exercised during the cleaning process.

Care
Rubies are both a hard and durable and can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning machine, any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Rubies with a glasslike residue in surface-reaching fractures should not be cleaned with an ultrasonic or steam machine. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

Long considered the ultimate blue gemstone, sapphire’s mood swings from the coolest and quietest shades to the most vibrant and lusty blues imaginable. And sapphire doesn’t stop there. You’ll discover some sapphires – often referred to as fancy sapphires because they aren’t blue – in shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, gold and green, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant hues that shout with excitement. Varied and versatile – the choice is yours! 

Sapphire, the celestial gemstone long associated with the sky and the heavens, has been revered by humanity for thousands of years. Symbolizing truth, honesty and faithfulness, sapphire is an excellent choice for an engagement ring or any piece of jewelry given as a gift of love. As with most gemstones, the finest sapphires, no matter their color, are a vibrant hue with a medium tone. Extremely dark, almost black sapphires and extremely pale sapphires are among the most affordable. When shopping for a sapphire, let your own personal taste guide you.

Birthstone
Sapphire is the birthstone for September.

Origins
An important historical source of fine quality sapphire is the Kashmir district of India in the Himalayas. Current sources include Australia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States.

Treatments
Almost all sapphire on the market today has been heat treated to improve its appearance. Heat-enhanced sapphire is very stable.

Care
Sapphire is hard and durable. Sapphires can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning machine, any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

Overshadowed for centuries by more popular gemstones, spinel is a truly magnificent beauty just waiting to be discovered by today’s savvy gem connoisseur. In the past, spectacular spinels, particularly red spinels, were often misidentified as rubies or sapphires. From the British Crown Jewels to the imperial crown of Catherine II of Russia, what were thought to be magnificent rubies have been found to actually be equally beautiful spinels. And red isn’t the only color of spinel. You’ll find soft pastel shades of pink and purple, fiery oranges, and cool hues ranging from powdery gray to the most intense blues imaginable.

Spinel has been a longtime favorite of the serious gem collector, due to its incredible brilliance, outstanding durability and wide array of colors. Making spinel even more attractive is its surprising affordability, often attributed to the general public’s lack of awareness of the gemstone. For those looking for an alternative to higher priced rubies and sapphires, spinel may be the best choice.

Birthstone
Natural spinel holds no birthstone designation, but laboratory grown spinel in many different colors has been commonly used to imitate birthstones (including diamonds) in less expensive jewelry since the early 1900s. Synthetic spinel is rarely used to imitate natural spinel.

Origins
Myanmar is the source of some of the world’s most beautiful spinels, particularly the magnificent pink, red and orangy red colors. Other sources for spinel include Sri Lanka, Thailand and Tanzania.

Treatments
There are no treatments commonly used to enhance spinel.

Care
Spinel is hard and durable. It can be cleaned using an ultrasonic machine, any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.

Tanzanite is the “new kid on the block” of the gemstone kingdom. Discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and introduced to the American market in 1969, tanzanite has catapulted to incredible popularity in a very short amount of time. It was named in honor of the country in which it was found and introduced in the United States for the first time by Tiffany & Co. Available in colors ranging from blue to violet to purple, few gems can rival tanzanite’s depth of hue and purity of color. 

Tanzanite owes much of its beauty to an unusual gemological property called pleochroism, the ability to exhibit more than one color.  When viewed from different directions, tanzanite can look blue, violet, purple, bronze or gray. Before a tanzanite is faceted, the gemstone cutter studies the crystal and decides which directional orientation will show the best color. Most cutters will try to produce a pure blue tanzanite, but cutting to achieve a blue color sacrifices a lot of weight and results in a smaller and more costly finished gem. Yet the blue of a well-cut tanzanite is so breathtaking that most agree the sacrifice is well worth it. Tanzanite shows its strongest colors in sizes of 4 to 5 carats and larger. Smaller tanzanites are usually soft blue, light violet or lilac purple.

Birthstone
Tanzanite is sometimes used as an alternate for the traditional December birthstones turquoise and zircon. 

Origins
Tanzanite is mined in only one location in the world, the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, in eastern Africa.

Treatments
Virtually all tanzanite is gently heated to bring out its rich blue, violet and purple hues. Heating also minimizes the gem’s bronze or brownish tones.

Care
Tanzanite is a relatively hard gemstone, but it is not equally durable. Tanzanite may chip or break if exposed to moderate blows or sudden changes in temperature. It is best suited for wear in earrings and pendants. When mounted in a ring or bracelet, special attention should be paid to ensure the stone is well-protected. Tanzanite should never be cleaned with an ultrasonic or steam machine. Tanzanite can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and warm water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Cast your eyes upon the ocean waters as the setting sun displays its dance of color, and you’ll discover all the rich spectral hues of topaz. On its cool side, topaz ranges from a soft sky blue to the richest and most vivid aquas and greenish blues imaginable.  Warmer tones of topaz take on the golden hue of a fine chardonnay or the blush of a tree ripened peach. Other colors range from rich, warm browns to lusty variations of orange and cinnamon. Some of the most rare and exceptional shades of topaz include rich pinks and sherry reds.

Topaz owes its long-lasting popularity to many things, but chief among these is its remarkable combination of beauty and affordability. Found in many different colors and sizes, topaz continues today to be one of the world’s most desirable and sought after gemstones.

Birthstone
Topaz is the birthstone for November. In recent years blue topaz has been used as an alternate birthstone for December.

Origins
The most prolific sources for topaz are Brazil and Nigeria. Topaz is also found in Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

Treatments
Topaz is routinely treated to bring out its best color. When enhanced by heat, shades of brown, orange and yellow often change to pink. A wide variety of rich blue and greenish blue shades can be created using a combination of heat and irradiation. The color of enhanced topaz is usually very stable.

Care
Topaz is a hard gemstone that is very resistant to scratching, but because of its internal structure it may break or split if subjected to hard blows or sudden changes in temperature. Topaz should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Topaz can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. 

Pick a color – any color – and you’ll find a beautiful tourmaline to match. Occurring in more colors and combinations of colors than any other gem variety, tourmaline offers both vibrancy and beauty. And if an incredible range of colors among different tourmalines isn’t enough, individual crystals can vary in color along their length or width. Gems cut from these multi-colored crystals may in fact show two or more color combinations in one gemstone!

Tourmaline has been historically confused with many other gemstones, and understandably so. The finest greens can rival an emerald or tsavorite garnet. Beautiful yellow and red tourmalines mimic the look of fine fancy sapphires. A relatively recent discovery of tourmalines in 1989 in the Paraiba state of Brazil revealed brilliant hues of blues and greens more vivid than any ever seen before. These Paraiba tourmalines have been described as neon green, electric blue and sizzling turquoise. Tourmaline’s colorful nature, increased availability and attractive affordability have led to a tremendous growth in its popularity over the past 20 years.

Birthstone
Pink tourmaline is a popular alternate for the month of October.

Origins
Some of the finest examples of tourmaline today are mined in Southern California near San Diego. Other important sources include Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Africa. The state of Maine is an important historical source for tourmaline and still produces small quantities today. 

Treatments
Some tourmalines are heated or irradiated to bring out their best color. Some treated tourmalines may fade if exposed to high heat or very prolonged exposure to intense light.

Care
Tourmaline is a hard gemstone that is resistant to both scratching and breaking, but it should be protected from sharp blows or sudden changes in temperature. Because of the natural internal characteristics found in some tourmalines, especially pinks and reds, ultrasonic cleaning machines should not be used.  Tourmaline can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft brush.

photos: Robert Weldon

info courtesy of: Jewelers of America site