Exotic Gemstones to Rival Your Christmas Lights

The most delightful gifts can sometimes come in the smallest packages. Ah, yes! We’re talking jewellery! Always a welcomed gift for the recipient and a thrill to give, jewellery has come to signify those very important hallmarks in a person’s life, not just the least of which is a celebration of love, and with so many lovely gemstones on the market today, there’s sure to be a piece of gemstone jewellery that’ll rival all the lights on the Christmas tree this year!

At the apex of the gemstone world is still the “Fab Four” of gemstones – diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire, but increasingly, precious jewellery has left the realm of luxury and the special occasion to become an everyday accessory to lifestyle. Relatively new to the gem scene is the cool, lilac/blue tanzanite, first discovered in the 1960's and only mined in one place on the planet – the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Originally an exclusive to Tiffany’s, it’s more widely distributed today; yet, ironically, its source is one the brink of extinction. Usually set in white or yellow gold with diamonds, this lovely gemstone is a terrific idea for that special Christmas stocking!

Similarly, the green garnet called tsavorite can only be found in the Tsvar National Park in Central Africa. Known as the pure green colour “emerald wishes it could be,” its unique hue is unlike any other green gemstone and it looks simply dazzling set with diamonds.

We are all familiar with the royal purple of amethyst, but did you know it also comes in green? A light, almost seafoam hint of green makes a cool collectible to any jewellery wardrobe, especially set in white gold with diamonds.

Rich tourmalines, deep gold citrines, cool aquamarines, lime peridot, rosy rubellite, and mysterious iolite are all gemstones that are out of the ordinary and are now increasingly sought after by collectors who are more savvy about the world of gemstones and more educated in their choices, and ocean blue apatite which contains a mineral also found in human bones and teeth proves that our fascination with gemstones is perhaps more visceral than mere aesthetics. Heat treated topazes come in rainbow colours and the ordinary diamond can present itself in canary colours, blues, chocolate, champagne, black, and the rarest red. Sapphires also come in every colour of the rainbow as is the humble quartz which is now elevated to exotic concave cuts, unusual faceting, and even set with the more highbrow diamond. Rose quartz, lemon quartz, and the trendy smoky quartz can provide rings and pendants with that certain “wow factor.” Chalcedony jade, agate, onyx, and pearls are still favourites and have been infused with a new life as popularity for gemstone jewellery “off the beaten track” has increased.

Today, more than any other time in recent history, the “big” look in jewellery is in. Bright and bold, gemstone jewellery is a badge of success – not in mere monetary terms, but as a reward for personal accomplishment, triumph over challenges, to mark pivotal points in our lives, or simply as an age-old expression of love. Whatever the occasion, there’s jewellery to match and this Christmas it’s all about choice. This Christmas, add the glow of gemstones to your Christmas lighting – it’ll be certain to please!

The Greater Moncton Area is home to some of the finest jewellery outlets in Atlantic Canada, ranging from national chains like Peoples Jewellers, Mappins and Ben Moss, and the Maritimes’ own Crescent Jewellers and Charm Diamond Centre, to small independently-owned businesses like Jagoe’s Jewellery in downtown Moncton, The Gold Outlet in Riverview, and the Aladdin’s Cave of Treasures at ItaCast in the Moncton Industrial Park. La Min d’or on Botsford Street features Canadian diamonds from the Northwest Territories and signature timepieces from Tag Huer and Rolex, and Gauvin’s Goldsmithing in the Wedgewood Centre can create custom work and fine jewellery repair. The Parlour on Mountain Road has a terrific selection of estate pieces and a wide inventory of quality brand new pieces as well. One of the best places to pick up lovely jewellery at great prices, it’s a must for shopping for the jewellery collector!

Don’t forget to visit area farmers markets for top of the line jewellery finds as well! Great sterling silver from Mexico can be found at Platamex in the Dieppe Farmers Market and in the Main Street SuperStore Mall, and local crafts people like Sarah Jayne, Rene Sharpe, and Ginette Henrie all create wonderful items containing semi-precious gems set in silver wire, sterling silver, and other metals like copper or brass. At the Marché Moncton Market, Hans Durstling, premiere gem expert, and Amber Ritchie carry wonderful loose gemstones and finished pieces that are works of art. Nalida’s Fashion Jewellery has a distinct “Bling” factor and Crawford’s Creations and Nancy Dixon’s gem and shell jewellery are unique and one-of-a-kind and destined to become wearable art!

Whatever your taste in jewellery items for the Christmas season, the Greater Moncton Area is a treasure trove of jewellery shops with just the right piece to add sparkle to your holidays! Remember that whatever your special holiday is, jewellery is a global fascination. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Enchanting Eid! And Divine Divali!