Stone colour  preference is a matter of individual choice. Each stone, whether precious, non- precious, simulants, lab-made or just a natural stone taken from the earth; is unique and has its own story to tell. Its colour is one of its most distinguishing characteristic that enhances its final look. While most stones in jewellery are appreciated for their colour, the diamond is the only one that is valued higher based on is colourless nature and the fire and brilliance its exhibits through it. Due to this higher value , a lot of other natural and man made simulants with a colourless nature, have entered the market. These stones are also made to exuberate the fire and scintillating effects, like a diamond and can be difficult to distinguish by the naked eye.

            Here below, we go into the details of some of the stone colours; seen used on the jewellery of Carat Infini. It maybe noted that this is a general stone colour guide that runs across the values of different stone types. The final value of the product will determine the type of stone and the colour of the same.

diamond1

DIAMOND

Household budgets, ethical considerations and a touch of celebrity have got people thinking of other colourless alternatives to the ever prevaling diamond. There are a number of colourless stones, like white topaz, white sapphire, moissanite, cubic zirconia, and white beryl (goshenite) that have a similar effect in fire and brilliance and can not be easily told apart. After diamonds, white sapphires have the highest hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale and have a high refractive index too. Diamond simulants available in the market come at a lower price point , while giving you almost the same eye appeal as a real diamond. 

emerald1

EMERALD

Emerald green is a very well known stone and stone colour. Emeralds occur in various hues and colours, ranging from yellow - green to blue - green, with them primarily being green. Only gems with a medium to dark tone are considered to be emeralds. The lighter tones, go by a different name. Columbia is known as the worlds' largest producer of emeralds. This stone is traditionally regarded as the birth stone of those born in the month of May. Synthetic emeralds have also made their mark since the 1960's and nowadays play a huge role in the fashion jewellery market. 

ruby1

RUBY

A ruby is a pink to blood red colour gemstone. Burma is the main source for rubies. Its price range is mainly determined by its colour. Bright blood red rubies command the largest premium price. Its cut and carat weight are also used while determining its price. It is considered to be the birthstone for those born in the month of July. Rubies have a hardness of 9.00 on the Mohs scale. In recent times, a fine distinction between rubies and pink sapphires has been drawn. Pink, orange and purple are the normal secondary hues in rubies. In 1837, the first synthetic ruby was made by using a pigment. A perfect ruby with no imperfections is made, and not mined; thus revealing its artificially created nature.

sapphire1

SAPPHIRE

Sapphires are typically well known as being blue gemstones. Trace elements can give them a green, yellow, purple or orange look too. They may also be colourless, or in shades of grey or black. Pink sapphires are those stones, that do not meet the minimum requirement to qualify as a ruby. While most sapphires are found naturally, they can also be manufactured for industrial and decorative purposes. They show a remarkable hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale. The cost of natural sapphires varies depending on their clarity, cut, size, and general quality. A rare variety of sapphires, known as colour - change sapphire, exhibits different colours in different light. Many sapphire simulants available today, play a role in keeping costs low, and optical transparency and hue, at its best.

amethyst1

AMETHYST

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewellery. It is semi- precious and considered to be the birthstone for those born in the month of February. Its primary colour ranges from a light pinkish violet to a deep violet, but it may also exhibit one or both of its secondary hues of red or blue. The best varieties are found in Siberia, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Nowadays, synthetic amethyst is made with such similarities as naturally occurring stones, that it is difficult to differentiate one from another without advanced testing methods. The biggest factor that adds value to the amethyst is the colour it displays and not its carat weight. 

tourmaline1

TOURMALINE

Tourmalines come in a wide variety of colours, and is referred to as the "gemstone of a rainbow". They maybe found in red, green, blue , yellow. They very often have two or more colours within a single stone too. Their colours could also change depending on the light that passes through them. It has endless number of faces and was regarded as magical in the ancient times. It is considered to be the gemstone of love and friendship. They show a hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Since they come in such a wide variety of colours, each colour has been known to have its own name. Although, they are found all over the world, there are major deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka and Africa.

citrine1

CITRINE

This stone comes from the family of quartz and has a radiant yellow to brownish red colour. It displays a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale. Its refractive index is relatively low, but it does seem to capture the lovely mellow tone of the last glow of autumn. It shimmers and seems to bring a hint of sunshine to a dull day. In the present market, the most popular stone colour is an earthy, deep brownish or reddish orange colour. It is known to be the stone of those born in the month of November. Eye visible inclusions are not commonly found in this stone. Simulant forms of this stone do exist and it is extremely difficult to distinguish one from another.  

champagne

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne coloured stones are coloured diamonds that come in colours from a light straw colour  to a  golden and cognac. In coloured fancy diamonds, intensity of colour is the most important criteria, with clarity, fire and brilliance holding lesser significance. These stones sometimes go for an incredible price although initially they were considered to be of lower quality. New colour names were used to make these stones more appealing and alluring. They have a remarkable hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale and have a refractive index similar to diamonds. They are actual natural diamonds with colour. Many cheaper simulants of this stone are widely available and almost match its brilliance and scintillating effects. 

opal

OPAL

Opals come in a wide variety of colours, from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. Black opals are the most rare. An opals internal structure makes it diffract light, all depending on the way it has been formed. There are different types of opal too, like the Fire Opal, Girasol Opal, Peruvian Opal etc. Opals of all variety have been synthesized and made available commercially. In the Middle Ages , this stone was considered to bring great luck as it constituted of all the colours , and thus all the virtues, of all the other stones collectively. This stone is considered to be the birthstone of those born in the month of October. 

pearl

PEARL

An ideal pearl is round and smooth, but many other shapes also occur, like: semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, circled and double bouldered. The most expensive pearls occur in the wild and are extremely rare. Its unique luster depends on the reflection, refraction and diffusion of light from its translucent layers. Cultured pearls can be dyed into yellow, blue, brown, green, pink, purple or black. The best pearls have a metallic mirror finish. Pearls are susceptible to acidic solutions and have to be thus protected well. Single natural pearls are often sold as collectors' items, or set as centerpieces in unique jewelry. There are a lot of imitation pearls in the market that almost look like real pearls.

topaz

TOPAZ

Pure Topaz is colourless and transparent, but is usually tinted by impurities. This stones comes in a number of varieties like Blue Topaz, Orange Topaz, Mystic Topaz, Imperial Topaz etc.. Typically topaz is blue brown, wine red, reddish orange, yellow, and pale grey. It can also be pale green, blue, gold, reddish- yellow, opaque, and rarely pink. It is a lustrous brilliant gem. It can show different colours in different crystal directions. The blue topaz is known to be the gemstone for those born in the month of December. Topaz is typically clear of inclusions. White Topaz is  a  less expensive alternative to a diamond. 

peridot

PERIDOT

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one colour. It is intrinsically yellow- green in colour. Its tint of green nevertheless depends on how much iron is contained in its crystal structure. Peridots can thus vary from yellow to olive and brownish green. Dark olive green is the most valued colour. This stone is known to be the birthstone of those born in the month of August. The Egyptians called it the " gem of the Sun". It has extremely high double refraction. This stone has been treasured since ancient times. Synthetic spinels in peridot colour are readily available nowadays.

                 These visually appealing gemstones, formed from rocks, minerals ;and now even created by man and machine, are all beautifully exquisite in their own way. Any accessory worn that adorns these lovely stones are sure to impress and inspire. Listed above, are just a handful of what really exists. In todays market, there are literally hundreds to choose from. Different compositions, textures and colours within a single type are also widely available. Their prices vary according to their intrinsic value. 

               With many affordable variations being available in the market, there is a strong emphasis on the quality of each stone. Flawless, perfectly structured, free of inclusions and those that possess a brighter fire are well accepted. A gemstones, cut, size and shape influences how light is reflected through it. Thus, jewellery that has been carefully designed and crafted, put forth a stunningly brilliant appearance. We, at Carat Infini work hard to give you the very best of such jewellery; at the best price point possible.