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Visit us at the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2016
Heat or Unheat
In recent years, supply of medium to fine quality rubies have dwindled to almost a standstill. When we say medium quality, the bare minimum standards that the gemstone must meet are at least:
- Eye-clean
- Good Lustre
- even colour, especially when viewed top-down (looking down at the table/face of the gem)
Last but not least, the all-important factor, and deal-breaker: whether the gem is heated or not. Please note that some jewellers may tell you that a gem is natural. This does not mean that the gem is unheated. To them, “natural” means that there is no external material being introduced into the gemstone. However, the fact remains that heating of gemstones is a process carried out to enhance the colour of the gem, without which, the original colour of the stone will look lacklustre or less vivid or less intense.
A good example as below:
2.1ct unheat ruby
2.35ct heated ruby
Heat treatment is typically used to enhance colours of a gem and may also be used to improve clarity of the gem. As such, most aesthetically beautiful gemstones commonly seen in jewellery shops are have been heated.
Why we disclose to clients if a gem has been heated or not heated: simply because heated gemstones command a different price to unheated gemstones. Also, unheated and beautiful gemstones appreciate in value the quickest and hold their value the longest. Without a doubt, if money is no issue, beautiful unheated gems are the way to go.
2.03ct unheat blue sapphire
3.5ct heated blue sapphire
In this case then, does this mean that all unheated gemstones are not as gorgeous and beautiful as heated gemstones? No, this is where our specialty lies. Our clients come to us to source for unheated, yet beautiful gemstones.
Approximately 85% of all gemstones available in the market are heated. Of the remaining 15% that is unheated, possibly only 35% – 40% of these are aesthetically beautiful. Naturally, a premium is paid for unheated, yet gorgeous gemstones.
Unusual mint-coloured Blue Zircon Ring
An unusual 7ct mint-coloured blue zircon flanked by over 2cts of icy-white brilliant diamonds.
** Zircons are not to be confused with cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic material. Zircons are neither synthetic nor man-made – they are a 100% naturally-occurring gemstone, with its origins traditionally from Cambodia and Myanmar.
Need we say more? The design of this ring, though simple, is a head-turner in every way. The large side diamonds complement the beauty of this zircon. Baguette diamonds on both sides of the ring shank lend a contemporary twist to the design, creating a style that is unique to our client.
The Seductive Tsavorite
In today’s fine jewellery and gem environment, commercial quality Tsavorites abound. To appreciate fine quality gemstones, often times, it is important to compare both types: commercial quality and true fine quality. Only then, will the stark contrast between qualities become obvious.
Many Tsavorites commonly available in the market are typically heavily included, some with relatively poor cut. Below are some examples.
Commercial Grade Tsavorite
Another example of commercial grade Tsavorite
Fine quality Tsavorites are scarce in today’s gem market. A discerning client had her eye on a gem quality, deep green Tsavorite we had in stock and requested for it to be set into a beautiful 18K white gold ring with pave diamonds.
Notice the difference in the quality between the Tsavorite set in the above ring versus the top 2 photos above.
A classic design that will never go out of style. The loose gem before it was set was beautiful on its own. After being set, this 2.86ct Tsavorite is definitely a captivatingbeauty. Eye-clean, well-cut, Tsavorites in rich intense green above 3cts are rare.
Come Join Us this July 2013
Heritage Gems Fine Jewellery at the Singapore International Jewellery Exhibition 2013 – Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall
View and pick up new gemstones & jewellery pieces for that next big occasion.
Liquid Gold Earrings
One of our few pieces created with just the use of coloured gemstones, without diamonds. With the right kind of design to suit the right type of gemstones, every woman can own her very own unique design from Heritage Gems.
We do not recreate the same design once a jewellery piece is sold.
This pair of earrings created late 2011 – scroll to our earlier posts in September or click through for more information: Our Creations on Facebook!