Gemstone City Trade Co.

Malaysia

Tsavorite was first discovered in Tsavo National Park, Tanzania. They are renowned for their green colour that is an equal to the most exceptional vivid green Emeralds on the planet. These intense greens are owed to traces of vanadium or chromium. In comparison to Emerald its most positive characteristic is its robustness. It is far less sensitive than Emerald. Also, like most of the other garnets there is no known enhancements. Therefore you can be much surer that you are buying a completely natural piece of nature. But unfortunately if you think you are going to be smart and steal a march on the gemstone world by purchasing this less illustrious variety be warned that the prices of quality Tsavorites can now match that of a similar looking Emerald.

Our smaller calibrated sizes come in 1mm, 1.25mm, 1.5mm, 1.75mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, etc. We have these in varying coloured gemstones including Tsavorite, Spinel, Amethyst, Sapphire, Rhodolite Garnet, Demantoid, Topaz, and many more. Most of our material is diamond cut, but we do have flower and step in some older material. There is no minimum order.

There is something very special about Alexandrite. An incredibly hard stone, they are known as the kings of the colour change world. The mysterious colour change will only occur on exposure to different light sources (florescent and incandescent). Alexandrites are able to exhibit wondrous displays of this unique phenomenon changing from teals to purples, pinks to blues and various manners of different combinations. Thusly, finely faceted Alexandrites above one carat are among the most expensive gemstones in the world, rarer than fine ruby, sapphire or emerald. Known as the Tsar Stone, it is said that the stone was named after the Russian tsar, Alexander II. The original source for alexandrite was in the Ural Mountains of Russia, but these mines have long been depleted. For quite some time, the mines of the Urals were thought to have been the only source for large alexandrite stones, specifically specimens weighing 5 carats or more, but very recently in 1987, large specimens were discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Other sources for alexandrite now include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Tanzania, India (Andhra Pradesh) and Madagascar. Alexandrite is a stone for experts, enthusiasts and connoisseurs, a true understatement stone. Its uniqueness and high value are not evident at first sight. But if you really get involved in alexandrite, you will be utterly fascinated by this gem.

Spinel is a curious case in the gemstone world. They are equal in beauty and rarer yet somehow cheaper than their more celebrated corundum counterparts they are so often confused with (Ruby & Sapphire). Two spinels within the British Crown Jewels have been considered rubies for centuries (The Black Princes Ruby and The Timur Ruby). It seems only recently they are getting the recognition they so richly deserve. Spinel is becoming a bit of a buzz word as public knowledge of this exceptional gem grows. The interest within Australia has still not caught up with the international interest, but it holds a special place in the hearts of more educated buyers. Spinels come in a vast array of colours. The most desired colours are the intense, brighter shades of the colour spectrum. However pastel colours are more affordable and have a soft, serene beauty about them. Origin: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam and Australia. MOHS Hardness Scale: 8Cleavage: Indistinct