Here you will find detailed guides and articles on the identification, properties, origin and uses of gemstones such as amethyst, aquamarine, Paraíba tourmaline, emerald, ruby and sapphire, with a focus on Brazilian gemstones.
Learn about hardness (Mohs scale), colours, inclusions, types of cut and how to assess quality and price.
Our content includes photos, care tips, buying recommendations and guidance for those seeking gemmological reports and professional valuation.
Check the hardness (Mohs scale), lustre, inclusions using a 10x magnifying glass, specific gravity and, for high-value items, request a gemmological report.
Request a certificate from a recognised laboratory (e.g. GIA, IGI, ABTL), a receipt and information on treatments (heating, irradiation, impregnation).
Traditionally, precious stones are rarer/more valuable (ruby, sapphire, emerald). Commercial classification varies according to colour, clarity and rarity.
Consider colour, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin and certification; compare with market prices and reports.
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush; avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning on fragile gemstones; store them separately to prevent scratches.
For low-value items it is not mandatory, but for high-value purchases or resale, a report is strongly recommended.
Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green gemstone, widely used in jewellery and known as the birthstone for March. In this guide, you’ll learn about the symbolism and meaning of aquamarine, its characteristics (colour, hardness, lustre and treatments), where it comes from and how to look after your jewellery. Aquamarine is […]
The hinterland of Bahia is a region full of cultural and material treasures, with several towns known for their mining and jewellery. Like other municipalities, Pindobaçu is famous for its emerald mining, but it is also an excellent tourist destination. Known as the emerald capital of the world, Pindobaçu is […]
The ruby is one of the world’s most valuable gemstones. The name comes from the Latin ruber, which means ‘red’. In this guide, you’ll learn about the significance of the ruby, its characteristics (colour, hardness, lustre and treatments), where it comes from and how it is used in jewellery. A […]
The quartz stone is one of the most commonly used gemstones in jewellery and one of the few coloured stones you’ll find in almost every jewellery shop. In this guide, you’ll learn about the meaning of quartz, its properties and characteristics, the different varieties and colours (rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, […]
The emerald is the green variety of beryl and one of the most highly prized gemstones in jewellery. In this guide, you will learn about the significance of the emerald, its characteristics (colour, hardness, lustre, treatments and quality), where it comes from and how it is used in jewellery. The […]
Topaz is a gemstone known for its variety of colours, good hardness and vitreous lustre. In this guide, you will find the properties and characteristics of topaz (composition, hardness, density, refractive index and care), its colours and treatments, the history of the rare imperial topaz from Ouro Preto (MG) and […]
Jade is a gemstone that has been used since prehistoric times and is prized in many cultures. In this guide, you will learn about the meaning of jade, its properties and characteristics (jadeite and nephrite), the different varieties and colours, treatments and the A, B and C classifications, and how […]
The agate has been prized since ancient times and is known for its coloured bands, which form unique patterns in each piece. In this guide, you’ll find out about the meaning of agate, its properties and characteristics, the main varieties, dyeing, its use in jewellery, care instructions and production in […]
The amethyst is the violet or purple variety of quartz and the most striking gemstone in this group. In this guide, you’ll find out about the meaning of amethyst, its properties and characteristics, how it is graded, where it is found, the treatments it undergoes (including heat treatment to produce […]
The tiger’s eye is a variety of quartz ranging in colour from gold to brown, with silky bands of light that appear to move when the stone is turned. In this guide, you’ll learn about the meaning of tiger’s eye, its properties and characteristics, how it is formed, its varieties […]
The sapphire stone was known to the ancient Egyptians as ‘the stone of the stars’. They believed that sapphire stimulated honesty, truth and justice. Whatever its properties and “powers”, the colour and purity of this stone, as coveted and prized as the diamond, arouse the desire and interest of jewellery […]
Its colour and rarity have long given coral the status of a precious stone. Recently, however, the gemological use of coral has been questioned due to its environmental impact and the fact that it is a marine animal. According to some, there is misinformation about this aspect. Corals literally form […]
Paraíba Tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, in the São José da Batalha region – hence its name – then in Nigeria in 2000 and later in Mozambique in 2004. Some 600 million years ago, a unique geological event created the most spectacular variety of gemstone in […]
The diamond is the world’s best-known gemstone and the classic symbol of engagement jewellery. In this guide, you’ll learn about the characteristics of diamonds (composition, hardness, brilliance), the significance of the stone, how it features in jewellery, what the 4 Cs are (carat, colour, clarity and cut) and how to […]
Thanks to its unmistakable colour and beauty, malachite is a gemstone often used by jewellery designers. Its irregular stripes and rings of varying shades of green give it a unique character and incredible versatility in both jewellery and costume jewellery. Because it’s an easy gem to find, it may not […]
Tourmaline is one of the most popular and favoured gemstones among jewellery designers, offering a wide variety of colours often found in a single stone. It easily adapts to fashion trends and can be combined with most metals. But you need to know a little more about the technical aspects […]
Knowing how to identify a precious stone or gemstone is becoming increasingly important, as imitations and lab-grown gemstones are getting better and better. In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between natural, synthetic, artificial and imitation gemstones, discover the main Brazilian gemstones (beryls and tourmalines) and learn how to use […]
The opal is one of the world’s most admired gemstones, and Brazil has its own source of precious opal in Pedro II, in Piauí. In this guide, you’ll find out about the meaning of opal, its properties and characteristics, the different types and colours, the opal from Pedro II (Piauí), […]
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