Organic gemstones are not really gemstones. They constitute a special category within the world of gemstones. While most other gemstones, such as sapphires, diamonds, and amethysts, are made up of minerals and have a crystalline structure, organic gemstones come from living matter, such as plants and animals.
The organic gemstones constitute a small group, the most well-known of this category being the perles, amber, coral, jet and the shellsThey have been used since ancient times for the making of jewelry and ornaments.
The pearls and mother-of-pearl
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The pearls and the nacre Generally come from oysters, but they can also be found in clams and mussels. A pearl forms when an irritant, such as a piece of shell or fish scales, gets inside the mollusk. Over time, the animal covers this irritant with successive layers of nacre, until it transforms into a pearl.
Pearls come in a variety of shapes, although in nature, the perfectly round shape is rare and has therefore always been more sought after. They also come in a range of colors, such as white, cream, gold, and black.
Unlike other biological gemstones, pearls are cultivated and harvested. Here, the only difference is that the pearl farmer carefully inserts the irritant into the oyster and then lets the oyster do its work. This type of pearl is called cultured pearls.
Although pearls make beautiful bijoux, they are very soft (2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale) and can easily be damaged. Pearls are always coming back in style and are currently very trendy and in high demand.
Amber
From the living world of oysters, we now move to the sap of plants. Amber is the fossilized resin of pine trees, dating back over 50 million years. This incandescent and hardened substance was one of the first to be used to create ornaments and has been transformed into jewelry since ancient times.
One of the most distinctive features of amber is the intrigue of the natural inclusions it typically contains. Small insects and pieces of preserved plants are often found in amber. Amber containing such inclusions is often more expensive and sought after, as it adds depth and character to the piece.
Amber comes in a range of warm and golden tones, from pale yellow to darker browns. Genuine amber has a subtle pine scent and is warm to the touch. It has a waxy and plastic feel and is very soft, rated 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale.
The coral
The coral is found in the ocean and is made up of tiny marine creatures called coral polyps. Coral reefs are made of calcium carbonate, which the polyps secrete to build their protective and hard home. Over time, coral reefs grow as the polyps die in their home and become an integral part of the structure. Each subsequent generation of polyps builds its home on that of the previous generation.
The corals used in jewelry are often translucent or opaque and come in a wide range of bright shades, the most popular being red, orange, pink, white, and purple. Coral is often transformed into cabochons, beads, or cameos. For a natural and tropical look, jewelers try to maintain the natural shape of the coral when creating their designs.
In its natural state, coral is not polished, but when it is polished and waxed, it has a smooth and shiny luster. It is rated 3-4 on the Mohs scale.
Shells
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The coquillage It has been used worldwide since ancient times. It is the oldest form of jewelry, with origins dating back about 100,000 years. Some varieties of shells were even used as currency in certain cultures, such as in Papua New Guinea, and this practice still exists today.
The shell is very easy to work with, as it is soft and easy to sculpt, but also very strong and durable. With proper care, shell jewelry can last a lifetime.
Under the term shellfish, there are a number of different varieties, including mother-of-pearl, abalone, conch, and ammonite.
The shell has been used to create cameos, beads, cabochons, sculptures, and figurines. Even today, the shell is a commonly used material in jewelry making.
Organic stones are a particular group of gemstones and have a long and remarkable history. They are among the first gemstones used in jewelry. Although some have fallen out of favor for various reasons, organic stones have been indispensable members of the jewelry world. Each piece of organic gemstone has a story and is full of character, and even today, some are as popular and sought after as ever.