Colours of Jewellery Design

BY LUMA QUSUS AWAD

The‘R’ IN RED

When we think of red in gemstones and jewellery, Rubies come to mind. However, Rubies are not the only gemstones that come in red, in fact, many gemstones have different shades of red and might share similar chemical composition and only gemologists can differentiate between them. Rubies are very beautiful gemstones, sometimes tinged with purple, and the most valued colour is known as Pigeon blood red.

According to www. Galleriemagazine.com the highest priced ruby sold was by Cartier “The Sunrise Ruby” an extremely rare ruby and diamond ring weighing 25.59 carats sold at Sotheby’s for $30.3 million in 2015. Don’t be discouraged Ladies, not all Rubies are that expensive. Today many Rubies are heat treated to improve their colour and clarity. There are synthetic Rubies available too, but their value is a tiny fraction of the real ones.

Bird Broach: Brooch bird collection: sterling silver 18k gold plated with up-cycled red shades of silk sari material and other fabrics and feathers.

Garnet Garnet on sterling silver 18k gold plated earrings

Dangle Earrings: Coral, carnelian agate and tiger’s eye stone earrings made with traditional handmade techniques.

Rubies Filigree Rubies centered around filigree 18k good plated wire. Design inspired by traditional dresses of Bethlehem.

Red Tassel Earrings These are my signature red tassel earrings inspired by Jordanian heritage.

Garnet Dangle Garnet on sterling silver 18k gold plated earrings.

A look alike gemstone to Rubies is called spinel. For many years, the exceptional largest Timor Ruby in the world centered in the Crown Jewel of Britain turned out to be a Spinel stone and not a Ruby!

It was only in the late 19th century that gemologists could make the difference between the two. It is understandable though as both stones share the similar chemical composition and hardness. Spinel is an affordable alternative. This gem has great wearability, too, and makes an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Traditionally, Rubies are recommended for your 40th anniversary, so hang in there ladies.

The pinkish red variety of Tourmaline also known as the modern October stone is Rubellite. The name has nothing to do with Ruby, but for those looking for a raspberry red engagement ring, These gems offer another affordable alternative to rubies. For those of you looking for the ultra-rare, you might be interested in red diamond. In fact, only a handful of red diamonds have ever been mined. Most of these weigh less than one carat, the world’s largest red diamond, the Moussaieff Red Diamond, weighs 5.11 carats. Because of their rarity, these diamonds have sky-high prices, too. Be prepared to pay six figures for less than a carat.

For a more affordable option, consider getting a diamond treated with high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) to change its colour. These stones have prices like white diamonds but can give you that coveted red colour. There are so many other red colour stones that can be an affordable option to Rubies and many designers enjoy working with them as they are more affordable - Garnets, Topaz and Red Beryl.

I personally love red, and I have made several pieces using this colour in gemstones and mixed media. Many of my pieces traveled the world and are owned by clients who appreciate them.

Red dangly earrings Inspired by Canadian indigenous art. These sterling silver with multi colour gemstones and red tassels earrings. Exhibited in Zappion museum and Plaza hotel in Athens and in national museum in Spetsis Island in Greece.