About Our Craft

Gem Stone Guide

Each stone carries centuries of history, lore, and beauty. Explore the materials at the heart of every Divya Chugh creation.

💜

The Purple Jewel

Amethyst

Striking, sophisticated, and inviting all at once — amethysts carry a regal allure that has captivated royalty for centuries.

Amethyst stands as the premier variety within the quartz family, ranking at 7 on the Mohs scale. Once considered as precious as the ruby, hues range from fiery reddish-purple to crisp bluish-violet — the result of iron and trace elements within the crystal. Historically, these gems have served as symbols of sincerity, humility, and devotion.

Birthstone  February Anniversary  6th or 17th Year Mohs Hardness  7 / 10 Origin  Brazil, Uruguay, Russia

History & Lore

Greek mythology tells of a maiden named Amethyst transformed into white quartz by the goddess Diana. A remorseful Dionysus wept wine upon the stone, staining it the rich purple we admire today. Beyond myths, amethysts graced royal collections worldwide — notably favoured by Empress Catherine the Great of Russia.

Spotting the Real Thing

A genuine amethyst rarely has perfectly uniform colour — look for soft, gradual shifts in shading. Natural stones act like a prism when light hits them, and almost always contain inclusions. A stone that looks 'too perfect' is likely glass or plastic.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
Deep 'Siberian' purples command the highest prices. Look for secondary flashes of red or blue as the stone moves.
C
Clarity
Type 2 gems — very few inclusions visible to the eye. Inclusions of a different colour may reduce value.
C
Cut
Versatile in round, emerald, princess, or pear shapes. A marquise cut often appears much larger than its actual weight.
C
Carat
Unlike diamonds, price per carat doesn't skyrocket with size — making amethysts perfect for bold statement pieces.

Care & Maintenance

01

Periodic professional polishing buffs out minor surface scratches.

02

Avoid direct, harsh sunlight for long periods — colour can eventually fade.

03

Extreme temperature shifts can cause fracturing. Handle with care.

04

Store in a fabric-lined box with separate slots to prevent scratching.

05

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid steam cleaners.

Birthstone For

February

Anniversary Gift

6th or 17th Year

Mohs Hardness

7 / 10

Primary Origins

Brazil, Uruguay, Russia

🩵

Waters of the Sea

Aquamarine

Named from the Latin 'Aqua Marinus' — wear the enchanting hues of the deep ocean in elegantly crafted form.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, making it a close relative of the emerald. Its captivating pale, greenish-blue colour comes from iron impurities. With a Mohs hardness between 7.5 and 8, it is a sturdy stone — and because its raw crystals are often quite large, it is ideal for bold statement jewellery.

Birthstone  March Anniversary  19th Year Mohs Hardness  7.5–8 / 10 Origin  Brazil, Madagascar, India, Nigeria

History & Lore

While first documented mines were found in Siberia in the early 1700s, the stone was a Roman favourite. Romans believed an aquamarine carved with a frog could turn enemies into friends, gifting them to brides and sailors as protective talismans. Today, Brazil is considered the world's aquamarine capital.

Spotting the Real Thing

Natural aquamarines are pale seawater blue, sometimes with a hint of green. They feel cool to the touch (glass feels warm). Real aquamarine is pleochroic — its colour shifts slightly depending on the viewing angle, while glass looks identical from every direction.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
While light greenish-blue is most common, a deep, intense blue is rare and far more valuable.
C
Clarity
Most faceted stones are exceptionally clear. Rare stones with 'tube' inclusions can create a beautiful cat's eye effect.
C
Cut
Can take almost any shape. Skilled jewellers cut to show the deepest blue through the top facet.
C
Carat
Large crystals are relatively easy to find, so the price doesn't jump drastically as size increases.

Care & Maintenance

01

Store in a fabric-lined box with individual slots.

02

Light won't harm them, but extreme heat can alter colour — keep them cool.

03

Certain acids can damage the stone. Remove rings before cleaning the house.

04

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Birthstone For

March

Anniversary Gift

19th Year

Mohs Hardness

7.5–8 / 10

Primary Origins

Brazil, Madagascar, India, Nigeria

💛

The Sun-Drenched Jewel

Citrine

From a soft pale yellow to a deep orangish-brown — citrine carries the warmth of sunlight in every facet.

Citrine is a prized member of the quartz family. Despite quartz being common, true citrine is a rare find. Its hues move from pale yellow to deep orangish-brown — a range often confused with topaz. Loved for being affordable, durable (Mohs 7), and undeniably beautiful.

Birthstone  November Anniversary  13th Year Mohs Hardness  7 / 10 Origin  Africa, Brazil, Bolivia

History & Lore

Named from the French citron meaning 'lemon,' citrine is mentioned as a 'golden stone' in the Old Testament. A personal favourite of Queen Victoria, it became a staple of Highland style. During the Art Deco period, large citrines adorned bold pieces worn by Hollywood icons like Greta Garbo.

Spotting the Real Thing

Natural citrine has a very even colour tone. 'Cooked' (heat-treated) stones show drastic colour shifts — dark tips on a white base. Fakes often look 'too clear,' while natural citrine usually has a slightly cloudy, organic base.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
The deeper the orange-brown hue, the more expensive. Pale yellow is much more common and budget-friendly.
C
Clarity
Look for stones without visible inclusions or 'colour zoning' — patterns resembling zebra stripes.
C
Cut
Can be cut into almost any shape — round, emerald, and teardrop are favourites. Abstract designs work beautifully.
C
Carat
Large stones up to 20 carats are fairly easy to find, so price doesn't increase as sharply with size.

Care & Maintenance

01

Store pieces separately in a fabric-lined box.

02

Keep citrine out of direct sunlight — excessive heat can cause colour to fade.

03

Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners.

04

Use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush to gently remove dirt.

Birthstone For

November

Anniversary Gift

13th Year

Mohs Hardness

7 / 10

Primary Origins

Africa, Brazil, Bolivia

💚

The Crown Jewel

Emerald

In its finest natural form, an emerald can be twice as costly as a diamond — a lush beauty that has captivated Cleopatra and modern icons alike.

Emeralds are part of the beryl family and rank between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale. Their signature green glow comes from traces of chromium and vanadium. Culturally, these stones represent life, prosperity, and progress — worn by history's greatest kings and queens.

Birthstone  May Anniversary  20th or 35th Year Mohs Hardness  7.5–8 / 10 Origin  Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, Egypt

History & Lore

The name comes from the Greek smaragdus, simply meaning 'green gem.' The first famous mines were in Egypt, dating to 330 BC. Cleopatra was a legendary admirer. In India, they were prized by the Mughals, who inscribed sacred texts onto stones worn as talismans.

Spotting the Real Thing

Be careful not to mistake peridot or coloured glass for a true emerald. Fakes are often lighter, have a yellow undertone, and lack sharp facets. Natural emeralds almost always have 'inclusions' — internal birthmarks. A suspiciously clear stone is likely fake.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
Look for an even tone between deep green and blue-green. Avoid stones leaning too heavily toward yellow or blue.
C
Clarity
Inclusions are expected and rarely hurt value — unless they make the stone look opaque.
C
Cut
The 'Emerald Cut' (rectangular) was specifically designed to protect the brittle stone and showcase its colour.
C
Carat
Larger stones are significantly more expensive. A marquise cut can make a smaller carat stone appear much bigger.

Care & Maintenance

01

Keep away from direct light and heat which can cause damage.

02

Store in a separate, fabric-lined slot so they don't scratch other jewellery.

03

Apply lotions and perfumes before putting on your jewellery.

04

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

05

Most emeralds are oiled. Over time, a jeweller should professionally re-oil the stone.

Birthstone For

May

Anniversary Gift

20th or 35th Year

Mohs Hardness

7.5–8 / 10

Primary Origins

Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, Egypt

❤️

The Gem of Faith

Garnet

While many see January as grey skies, jewellery lovers see a rainbow — thanks to the garnet's spectacular range of colours.

Garnet is a silicate mineral found abundantly in nature. While the deep red variety is most famous, garnets come in fiery orange, earthy brown, pink, green, and even colourless. Ranking 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, they are durable enough for both jewellery and everyday wear.

Birthstone  January Anniversary  2nd Year Mohs Hardness  6.5–7.5 / 10 Origin  India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Brazil

History & Lore

Named from the Latin granatum meaning 'seed' — because red crystals resemble pomegranate seeds. Ancient Romans used them as seals on important documents. Jewish texts mention a garnet providing the only light on Noah's Ark. It has been worn as protection against bad dreams, earning the nickname 'Gem of Faith.'

Spotting the Real Thing

Red is popular but green is the most valuable variety. Blue garnets are the rarest of all. Garnets are usually very clear and free of inclusions, though some Almandine garnets show a rare, prized star effect.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
Red is popular, but green (Andradite/Tsavorite) is most valuable. Blue is the absolute rarest.
C
Clarity
Usually very clear and inclusion-free. Some Almandine garnets display a rare and prized 'star effect.'
C
Cut
Their warmth suits round and oval cuts beautifully. Deeper cuts enhance the richness of red varieties.
C
Carat
Available in a wide range of sizes. Rarer colours like green and blue command significant premiums at larger carats.

Care & Maintenance

01

Use warm soapy water and a soft brush to clean.

02

Avoid extreme heat — never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners.

03

Store separately in a fabric-lined box.

04

Avoid sharp blows — some varieties can be brittle.

Birthstone For

January

Anniversary Gift

2nd Year

Mohs Hardness

6.5–7.5 / 10

Primary Origins

India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Brazil

🤍

Gems Fit for a Queen

Pearl

Unlike any other gem mined from the earth — pearls are born from living creatures, making each one utterly unique.

Pearls are organic gems created by living mollusks. Made of layers of calcium carbonate deposited in concentric circles, they are relatively soft at 4.5 on the Mohs scale. They come in many shapes and colours beyond just white — and carry a timeless elegance that has symbolised status and wealth for centuries.

Birthstone  June Anniversary  3rd & 30th Year Mohs Hardness  4.5 / 10 Origin  Japan, Australia, Tahiti, China

History & Lore

Natural pearls were mentioned as far back as 2300 BC in China. Julius Caesar passed a law that only the ruling class could wear them. Cleopatra supposedly dissolved a massive pearl in wine to display her wealth. While the 15th and 16th centuries were the 'Pearl Age,' the first cultured pearl wasn't created until 1893 by Mikimoto Kokichi.

Spotting the Real Thing

Real pearls are heavier than imitations and have a smooth drill hole. The most reliable test: gently rub against your teeth — a real pearl should feel gritty, not smooth. Imitations (glass or plastic) feel completely smooth.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
White, black, silver, pink, blue, and even purple. South Sea pearls are prized for their silver and golden tones.
L
Lustre
Lustre — the depth and brilliance of reflected light — is the most important quality factor for pearls.
S
Shape
Perfectly round is the most prized. Baroque (irregular) pearls are unique and often artistically interesting.
S
Size
Pearls are measured in millimetres. Larger, rounder, higher-lustre pearls command significantly higher prices.

Care & Maintenance

01

Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and chemicals.

02

Store in individual fabric bags — never in plastic.

03

Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils.

04

Do not use brushes or ultrasonic cleaners.

05

If strung, have professionally restrung every one to two years.

Birthstone For

June

Anniversary Gift

3rd & 30th Year

Mohs Hardness

4.5 / 10

Primary Origins

Japan, Australia, Tahiti, China

💙

The Stone of Royalty

Sapphire

From Princess Diana's iconic ring to modern icons — sapphires remain an eternal emblem of wisdom, serenity, and good fortune.

Sapphires are a variety of the corundum family — the same lineage that produces rubies. While usually associated with vivid blue, they actually come in a stunning spectrum: yellow, pink, white, green, and violet. Ranking at 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are the hardest natural stones after diamonds.

Birthstone  September Anniversary  5th & 45th Year Mohs Hardness  9 / 10 Origin  Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Burma, Madagascar

History & Lore

Ancient Persians believed the sky's blue hue was merely a reflection of the earth, which they imagined to be a giant sapphire. This heavenly connection led clergy in the Middle Ages to wear sapphire rings to represent the divine. Until the 17th century, their use was reserved exclusively for high-ranking priests and royalty.

Spotting the Real Thing

A real sapphire is not overly shiny and will not reflect other colours like glass does. Given their hardness, any stone showing visible nicks, scratches, or internal bubbles is likely a fake. The deep, velvety lustre of a genuine sapphire is unmistakable.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
Value is highest when colour is even and saturated. The rare padparadscha (salmon) is among the most prized varieties.
C
Clarity
Most contain thin mineral needles called 'silk.' If these scatter light to create a velvety look, they can actually increase value.
C
Cut
Often given a deep cut because they grow in pyramid shapes. Star sapphires are cut as smooth cabochons.
C
Carat
Larger sapphires are significantly rarer. Fine blue sapphires above 5 carats command exceptional premiums.

Care & Maintenance

01

Store in individual fabric-lined slots despite their hardness.

02

Clean by soaking in warm soapy water and gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush.

03

Safe for everyday wear due to their exceptional hardness rating of 9.

04

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with significant inclusions.

Birthstone For

September

Anniversary Gift

5th & 45th Year

Mohs Hardness

9 / 10

Primary Origins

Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Burma, Madagascar

🌈

The Rainbow Gem

Tourmaline

The most extensive colour range of any gemstone in the world — there is a tourmaline for every story, every occasion, every soul.

Tourmaline is not a single mineral but a diverse group sharing similar traits. Ranking 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, they are hard and resistant to scratching. Some stones display multiple colours in a single crystal — the famous 'watermelon tourmaline' features a green exterior with a pink or red centre.

Birthstone  October Anniversary  8th Year Mohs Hardness  7–7.5 / 10 Origin  Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka

History & Lore

Because tourmalines appear in so many colours, they were frequently mistaken for other gemstones for centuries. It wasn't until the 1800s that scientists recognised them as a unique species. An Egyptian legend says the gem absorbed a rainbow's colours as it pushed through the earth.

Spotting the Real Thing

Check for surface scratches — tourmaline is very hard, so scratches indicate a fake. Natural tourmalines are rarely perfect; a suspiciously clear, cheap stone is likely not real. Many pink tourmalines reveal a subtle brownish undertone under artificial light.

The Buyer's Guide — The 4 C's

C
Colour
Rare Paraiba neon-blue tourmalines are the most expensive. Highly saturated colours are prized — watch for dark patches.
C
Clarity
While rare, clear stones are most valuable. Tiny thread-like inclusions are generally acceptable unless very prominent.
C
Cut
Often grow in long crystals, so they are cut into baguettes, octagons, or marquise shapes to minimise waste.
C
Carat
The price per carat jumps significantly once a stone passes the 5-carat mark. Large stones are quite rare.

Care & Maintenance

01

Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners — stick to warm soapy water.

02

Dry thoroughly after cleaning.

03

Store pieces individually in fabric-lined boxes to prevent rubbing.

04

Avoid sudden temperature shifts, which can cause fracturing.

Birthstone For

October

Anniversary Gift

8th Year

Mohs Hardness

7–7.5 / 10

Primary Origins

Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka