Citrine is a fabulous gem that is a member of the esteemed quartz family. It is closely related amethyst and chalcedony, but has a number of properties which are distinct and responsible for its beauty and value.

Prasiolite gems are greenish yellow in color and are a variety of quartz which can be cut into stones that are faceted for usage in jewelry. It is processed in three different ways, which are irradiation, heat treatment and natural heating.

Aventurine is a type of quartz gemstone that is prized for its sparkle, metallic inclusions and translucency. Muscovite mica is one of its key ingredients, which gives it a green, blue or silver sheen. It produces an amazing effect called aventuresence that separates it from other stones.

Ruthenium is related to platinum yet it has a number of unique characteristics. It is harder and rarer but more brittle, and has a higher melting point. Its spectacular sheen makes it ideal for high end jewelry.

Lacquer is a hard and shiny finish which is applied to a variety of materials including metal and wood. It originates in Asia where objects are coated with the dried, treated and dyed sap of the lacquer tree. It can also be used to produce fabulous jewelry.

This material has been manufactured for more than a thousand years in East and South Asia, but only recently have many in the West become familiar with it. Lacquer was most famously used in the armor worn by eastern and Central Asian warriors, especially the Mongols, Xiongnu and Huns. The finish has a number of advantages, such as being waterproof, extremely tough, and pleasant to look at. Asian lacquer will often be painted with images that may be inlaid with shells or gold dusted.

Rhodolite is a garnet gem that may appear in either raspberry or purple red. It is comprised of almandine and pyrope and has been used for millenniums. The pharaohs of Egypt used it for ceremonial and decorative purposes, and it was also prized by the Romans who were fond of garnet rings.