ColoredGemstones
iamonds are wonderful, but jewelry that features
colored gems can make a bold statement about the wearer.
Colored gemstones are crystalline forms of minerals, which
are used in jewelry around the world. The “big three,” rubies,
sapphires and emeralds, are considered to be precious; yet,
there are hundreds of other semiprecious gemstones that
reflect the entire spectrum of colors. Tanzanite is a trade
name that was first used by Tiffany & Company for the
gem-quality mineral Zoisite, which is found in Tanzania
near Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzanites have become the second
most popular blue gemstones after sapphires.
Since the 1900s, specific gemstones have been associated
with birth months or Zodiac signs. Some colored stones
have also been thought to have healing properties. But,
most of all, they are loved and desired for their beauty;
some for their size and some for the quality of their color.
The use of matching gems in one piece or in a set has also
become very popular; and no set of Royal Jewels would
want to be without these wonders of nature with their
vivid hues.
This 20” long Goshwara necklace from their
“Mischief” collection has citrine, rubelite, lemon quartz,
amethyst, prasiolite, peridot and blue topaz set in 18k gold.
It is available at Harold Freeman Jewelers
in Belleair Bluffs, (727) 586-2577.
This pear-shaped natural sapphire of almost
six carats is set in a custom mounting of platinum
and rose gold with over 200 stones. It was
designed and finished by Tess Fine Jewelry
in Lutz, (813) 999-4994.
This 3.06 ct pear-shaped Burma ruby ring
is framed with 3/4 ct tw of pave set
diamonds in 18k white gold. It is available
at International Diamond Center
in Clearwater and Tampa, (727) 572-7258.
This one-of-a-kind 9.72 oval tanzanite
pendant is set in 18kt rose gold with
1.10 ct tw round blue sapphires and
.62 ct tw round brilliant diamonds.
It is from the Juleve Collection by
Steve and Julie Weintraub at the
Gold and Diamond Source
in Clearwater, (727) 573-9351.
JULY/AUGUST 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 89