Gems & Folklore
I like to work with unusual gems. I like what you don’t see everywhere. I am an opal freak! I have opals you won’t even know are opals… Topaz in rich apricot syrup colors … Citrines that are as deep and bold as fine Madiera. Want to see phenomenal and unusual colored gem stones? See me. ~ Marc
Who said gemstones have to be predictable …opals in shades of pastel… or citrines a pallid yellow? Nonsense! Let the earth open its soul and spill forth exquisite gem stones in colors that will leave you speechless.
Opals
Marc’s favorite gemstone, each selected opal is stunning in color and iridescence. Australia’s national gem stone and the October birthstone, opals are characterized as ‘soft’ stones. The word opal means “to see a change in color.” Opals are formed in low temperatures from silica-bearing water. The most dramatically varied of all gem stones, Marc’s huge opal collection includes a vast array of extraordinarily vivid color combinations.
Featured Opal Pieces
Sapphire
I want you to experience the gorgeous color a sapphire was meant to be. My sapphires will take your breath away. ~ Marc
The sapphire is a hard gemstone, measuring just under the hardness of a diamond — 9 on the gem stone scale. A beautiful sister stone to the ruby, a sapphire’s color comes from traces of titanium and iron. The name sapphire is from the Greek ‘sapphirus,’ for blue. Although serene ocean blue is the preferred sapphire color, these mesmerizing gem stones can also be found in dark blue, purple, green, yellow, pink, and rarely, even clear.
Imperial Topaz Design
An 8 on the hardness scale, topaz is known as the “Stone of Strength” due to its durability and beauty. Topaz originates from the Sanskrit “tapaz,” meaning fire, a reference to the range of flame-like colors of the gem, from orange-yellow, amber gold, peach and pink, to sherry red. Although less desirable, topaz can also be found in browns, pinks, purples and blues. There is even an unusual bi-color topaz, combining blue and peach pastel tones. The most valuable variety of topaz is the Imperial topaz, a beautiful reddish-gold color, and a favorite of Marc’s.
Featured Topaz Piece
Citrine
In the right color and cut, this is a gorgeous, distinctive stone. It’s great fun to play with, as it can be regal in lusty Madiera red, or upbeat and playful in pale yellow. ~ Marc
Found in Spain, France and Hungary, the citrine gets its name from the yellow of the lemon (“citron” in French), and was first used in jewelry by the ancient Romans. Although the most sought-after citrines are radiant peach to deep Madiera red, the gemstones are famous for their warm, gold tones that seem to capture the last glow of autumn. Citrines acquire their golden color when amethyst becomes heated deep inside the earth, and have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Said to bring fortune in business and peacefulness to the soul, citrines are highly wearable gem stones.
Emerald
Emeralds belong to the beryl mineral family and register 7.5 – 8 on the hardness scale. Considered one of the most difficult gemstones to cut, emeralds are harder than steel but also brittle, and can easily crack or chip. Marc knows it takes an expert eye to determine how an emerald should be cut to maximize its brilliance and character. The stones in Marc’s emerald collection are every shape and size, all brilliant cut, and bright, radiant green – the most desired, purest emerald hue.