Jewellery 101
Coloured Gemstones
Colour is becoming more popular each and every day, and we simply love coloured gemstones! Below you will find some great information on the gemstones you can find at Poag. You may be familiar with some of the gemstones listed but you’re also sure to learn some interesting facts about them you didn’t know.
GARNET
January Birthstone

Garnets have long been carried by travellers to protect against accidents far from home. With its stunning variety of colours and its mystical powers, it has been given as a gift for all occasions for centuries. Garnets are available in a rainbow of colours, from the deep red Almandite Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian Demantoid and African Tsavorite. We also see it appearing in the oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite from Namibia and Sri Lanka and the subtle pinks and purples of Rhodolite.
AMETHYST
February Birthstone

Amethyst’s are the purple variety of the mineral quartz, often formed in large, six-sided crystals. These velvety-coloured gems are commonly mined in African and South American mines and are very much in demand for jewellery at all price points. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed an amethyst would ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus and keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Amethyst complements both warm and cool colours so it looks equally fabulous set in yellow, rose, and white metals. This unique ability means it will enhance almost every colour in your wardrobe.
AQUAMARINE
March Birthstone

Aquamarines are found in a range of blues; from a pale pastel to a greenish-blue to a medium deep colour. Darker shades of blue aquamarines are increasingly rare and, in turn, make the value increase. Aquamarines frequently display their colour as light pastels. The name aquamarine speaks for itself, it comes from the Latin word for seawater. It immediately conjures a stunning pastel sky blue or the bright colour of the sea.
DIAMOND
April Birthstone

Who doesn’t love this birthstone? Formed far beneath the Earth’s surface over a billion years ago, diamonds are the hardest gem of all. Since ancient times, diamonds have been coveted and admired objects of desire. Diamonds have a long history of folklore; some of which say diamonds were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks, and others say the gem possesses healing powers. You can read more about diamonds here.
EMERALD
May Birthstone

It’s easy to be green with envy with May’s birthstone! The deeper and more vivid the colour of green, the more valuable the emerald. The most valuable and beautiful emeralds exhibit an intense slightly bluish hue in addition to their basic bold green colour. Emeralds, among the rarest of gems, are almost always found with birthmarks, known as inclusions. Some inclusions are expected and do not detract from the value of the stone.
ALEXANDRITE
June Birthstone

Love magic? Then you’ll love alexandrite, which is somewhat of a chameleon. Outside in daylight, it is a cool bluish mossy green. Inside, it can resemble a red gem with a warm raspberry tone. You can watch it flick back and forth by switching from fluorescent to incandescent light. The value of alexandrite increases as the colour change becomes more distinct.
PEARL
June Birthstone

Pearls have been coveted as a sign of wealth and prosperity for hundreds of years. Pearls are produced in the bodies of marine and freshwater mollusks, cultured by people with great care. The process to culture pearls was pioneered and refined during the late nineteenth century and is the modern method for production. Pearls are lustrous and smooth, with subtly coloured pearls showcased in jewellery staples, such as strands and earrings.
RUBY
July Birthstone

The ruby represents love, passion, courage, and emotion. For centuries, this gem has been considered the king of all gems. Ruby is one of the most historically significant coloured gemstones. Like most gemstones, the colour of a ruby is its most important feature. Rubies are available in a range of red hues from purplish and bluish red to orange-red.
PERIDOT
August Birthstone

Peridot gemstones are mined the world over, some are mined in Arizona in the US, and they are also found in China, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Peridot is available in several colours ranging from yellowish green to brown, but the bright lime green and olive green are often the most desired . If you prefer citrus tones or earth tones, jewellery pieces featuring this gemstone would be perfect! Peridot is a beautiful gemstone that provides a big and bold look at an affordable price.
SPINEL
August Birthstone

The bright red colour of spinel is so closely related to the ruby, the two can be confused with one another. Here’s something you may not know: Spinel is actually rarer than ruby! In addition to beautiful rich reds, spinel can be found in shades of orange and beautiful pastel pink, as well as purple. This type of spinel is one of the most spectacular gemstone colours and unlike any other gem. If you’re not familiar with spinel as a gemstone, you will be soon! It is becoming increasingly popular.
SAPPHIRE
September Birthstone

When hearing the word sapphire, many people immediately envision a stunning violet-blue gemstone. The word sapphire is Greek for blue and for centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The most important sapphires are from Myanmar, Kashmir and Sri Lanka. The purer the blue, the greater the price! Sapphires are not only blue, they come in almost every colour of the rainbow: pink, yellow, orange, peach, and violet colours.
OPAL
October Birthstone

In ancient times, the opal was known as the Queen of Gems because it encompassed the colours of all other gems. Each opal is truly one-of-a-kind; as unique as our fingerprints. Some people prefer the calming flashes of blues and greens they see in opals; others love the bright reds and yellows. With its rainbow of colours, the opal provides you a gem that can be worn with so many items. Since opals are the most individual gemstone with its range of colours, be sure to choose one that showcases your colour preference and pattern!
TOURMALINE
October Birthstone

Available in many colours and colour combinations, tourmaline lives up to its name, which means “mixed stone”. Cranberry red, hot magenta, bubblegum pink, peach and orange, canary yellow, mint, grass and forest green, ocean blue, violet: tourmaline is all of these colours and more. Tourmaline is also known for displaying several colours in one gemstone. With these choices, you’re sure to find one in your favourite colour!
CITRINE
November Birthstone

This bright shining gem was said to be a gift from the sun. The name citrine, which is French for “lemon”, fits well with its colour range of juicy lemon yellow to a bright orangey brown. Most people choose a citrine based on their personal preference, but some of the most sought-after citrine gemstones have a clear, radiant yellowish to brownish red colour. Citrine is one of the most popular and affordable gemstones and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including very large sizes. These reasons make it a great gem for that big, bold, statement piece and something custom designed!
TOPAZ
November Birthstone

A topaz (like many other coloured gemstones) comes in several different shades of colour – yellow, brown, honey, green, blue, red, pink—or sometimes no colour at all! The November birthstone Topaz is often found in an amber gold, yellow, or a blushing pink orange, with a sherry red topaz being very exceptional. The most prized colour of topaz is called imperial topaz and features a fabulous orange with pink undertones. With its worldwide appeal throughout the centuries, once you find that perfect topaz, you’ll soon be under its spell!
TANZANITE
December Birthstone

Tanzanite is a unique gemstone found in only one place on Earth: the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Since its discovery just a half-century ago, Tanzanite has become one of today’s most popular gemstones. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and striking assortments of violet blue to purple tones. Rarely pure blue, tanzanite almost always displays overtones of purple. Though Tanzanite is available in large sizes suitable for major rings and pendants, it is frequently set into necklaces or earrings more suitable to its soft nature.
TURQUOISE
December Birthstone

Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstones and its popularity has spanned the globe for centuries. It looks elegant both formally and casually. Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or blue-green gem with its finest colour being an intense robin’s egg blue. This gemstone may contain narrow veins of other materials either isolated or as a network. They are usually black, brown, or yellowish-brown in color. Known as the matrix, these veins of color are sometimes in the form of an intricate pattern, called a spider web.
ZIRCON
December Birthstone

Most people think of a bright sky blue when they hear zircon, but it is also available in beautiful earth tones of green, dark red, yellow, brown, and orange. With the spectrum of beautiful colours, its rarity and affordability are why it is becoming more popular today. Some gem collectors seek out zircon from different locations, capturing gems in every colour of the rainbow – colourless, green, blue, yellow, brown, orange, dark red, and all the colours in between.
It’s not just about birthstones! There are several gemstones we love and you might too! If you’re looking for more information on colour, here’s the perfect place to check: American Gem Trade Association
Diamonds 101
You’ve probably done some research. Your desire to find the perfect diamond might even have brought you here to us. We’re glad it did, because we want you to find the perfect diamond, too. And it starts with the basics.
Cut
When a diamond is cut with the ideal proportions for its shape, it reflects more light out of the top, producing incredible fire and brilliance.
A poorly cut diamond with incongruous proportions looks dull and dark because it allows light to escape out the bottom and sides.
In short, a well cut diamond sparkles so much because it reflects and refracts light better than one not cut as well. A well cut diamond increases price.
Colour
White diamonds are not all colourless. The spectrum ranges from light yellow or brown to totally colourless.
A lettering system from D to Z is used to identify the amount of colour present in each diamond, with D awarded only to rare, totally colourless diamonds.
The colourless range in diamonds can be graded D, E or F; near colourless, G, H, I or J. A white diamond’s value increases the more colourless it is.
Colourless
Near Colourless
Faint Yellow
Very Light Yellow
Light Yellow
D E F
G H I J
K L M
N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z
Clarity
Natural diamonds are formed by tremendous heat and pressure deep within the earth. This process can result in “inclusions.” These are simply fancy words for internal characteristics.
No diamond is perfect, but the closer it comes, the higher its value. These characteristics seldom affect a diamond’s beauty, although they do affect price.
Internally Flawless
Very Very Slight Inclusions
Very Slight Inclusions
Slight Inclusions
Imperfect
FL IF
VVS1 VVS2
VS1 VS2
SI1 SI2
I1 I2 I3
Carat Weight
Carat Weight refers to the weight of the diamond. Larger diamonds are scarce, and therefore more valuable.
However, two diamonds with the same carat weight can vary greatly in value, depending on the colour, clarity and most importantly, the cut.
For example, a half-carat diamond with high colour and clarity ratings may cost more than a three-quarter carat diamond with lower colour and clarity ratings.
It’s simply a matter of deciding what matters most to you, size or quality, then finding the best combination of size, colour and clarity to suit your budget.
The Shape
The shape you choose for a centre diamond can have an impact on how a ring looks and feels. Most centre diamonds come in one of these shapes:

Round Brilliant
The most popular; cut for maximum brilliance.

Princess Cut
The most popular fancy-cut diamond; has a great deal of sparkle.

Oval
A modified brilliant-cut with similar fire; elongated shape creates the illusion of greater size.

Cushion
A square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow.

Asscher
An elegant square shape with blocked corners that make diamonds appear octagonal.

Emerald
Rectangular with parallel facets and blocked corners; produces a hall-of-mirrors effect.

Marquise
An elongated shape with tapering points at both ends.

Pear
Teardrop-shaped, with a great deal of sparkle.

Radiant Cut
Generally rectangular in shape with an amazing sparkle; typically with blocked corners.

Heart
A sentimental cut that can be difficult to find.
Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Since their discovery centuries ago, most people assume all diamonds to be strictly white. However, one in 10,000 diamonds has enough colour to be called “fancy”, and can be blue, pink, red, green, brown or yellow.
A white diamond’s colour is graded on a scale that ranges from D to Z. Once there is enough colour to be considered “fancy”, a diamond is graded on a scale from dark to vivid, based on hue, tone, and saturation.
METALS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
There are many options to consider in the world of precious and non-precious metals, and it all comes down to what you love in terms of look—and what might make the most sense for you in terms of durability. There are other things to consider as well. For example, if your skin is very sensitive, Platinum might be the perfect choice for you since it’s hypo-allergenic. Here’s a little information to help you get started.

Gold
Gold, coveted for its lustre and beauty, is a traditional metal for engagement rings and wedding bands. Gold has the longest and most storied history of all the precious metals. Its purest form is 24K, which is relatively soft and malleable. There are various grades of gold purity, most commonly 10K, 14K, and 18K. It is alloyed with different metals to increase the durability. Gold comes in three colours: yellow, white, and rose.
Yellow gold is a soft natural colour and is often alloyed with copper and silver. Gold is timeless, elegant and the most popular metal for everyday wear.
White gold gives a modern look, and is often alloyed with silver, zinc or palladium. It is also often plated with a rhodium plating to give it the appearance of platinum. It does require re-plating from time to time.
Rose gold is made with similar properties, and is alloyed with copper to give it that rose colour. Rose gold engagement rings styles, either on their own or with white gold are a trending look today, especially with young brides-to-be!

Platinum
Platinum is one of the most popular metals for engagement rings and wedding bands. It’s naturally white and will never fade or change colour. It is also durable and hypoallergenic. Although a heavier metal and the most expensive, Platinum will last forever and is the ultimate symbol of everlasting love!
Palladium
From the same family of precious metals as platinum, palladium is strong and durable, but lighter than platinum – allowing bigger, bolder jewellery to be worn with ease. Palladium is naturally white and used at a very high purity, which makes it hypoallergenic.
Sterling Silver
Not usually used for engagement ring settings, sterling silver is primarily used for fashion jewellery and accessories. It tends to tarnish and scratch, which are two big reasons we don’t typically recommend it for holding a precious diamond or coloured gemstone for your engagement ring. However, it is a very affordable alternative to white gold or platinum.
CONTEMPORARY METALS
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten Carbide is a chemical compound created by combining equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. The chemical formula for Tungsten Carbide is represented by WC. Before being compressed into the shape of a wedding band, tungsten carbide is a fine grey powder. Once compressed, tungsten carbide is a tremendously heavy and hard metal. Its surface is extremely scratch resistant which makes it one of the most popular innovative metals available for men.
Titanium
Titanium is a very light, lustrous metal with a grey colour. By the touch and feel, titanium seems like a very weak “plastic” like metal but actually has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. It is used in many fields such as aerospace, architecture and for medical purposes. Titanium is 100% hypoallergenic.
Black ceramic
Black ceramic is very durable, hypoallergenic and can withstand heavy usage. A high gloss finish makes these rings highly resistant to scratching and tarnishing. Black ceramic is heavier than titanium but lighter than tungsten.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is a metal that is easy to clean, highly durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion. It has a beautiful silvery-white colour and retains that shine and colour very well. It is most commonly used in men’s jewellery and watches.
Tantalum
Dark grey very dense and hypoallergenic metal. Tantalum acts like a precious metal in that finishes can be added or diamonds can be set. New to the jewellery world, the metal is often used in electronics and medical fields.
