10 Gemstone Secrets That Will Make You Look at Jewelry Differently
Most people admire a gemstone for its color or sparkle, but there's an entire world beneath the surface that makes every natural gemstone extraordinary. At Copper Canary, one of our favorite moments is watching someone's perspective change after learning what makes a stone truly special. Here are ten fascinating facts that may forever change the way you look at fine jewelry.
1. No Two Natural Gemstones Are Ever Exactly Alike
Unlike diamonds, which are often valued for consistency, colored gemstones celebrate individuality. Tiny inclusions, growth patterns, and subtle color shifts are nature's fingerprints.
2. Color Isn't the Only Thing That Determines Value
Two sapphires can appear similar at first glance but differ dramatically in value because of origin, treatment history, rarity, or saturation.
3. Some Gemstones Change Color
One of nature's greatest magic tricks.
Alexandrite, color-change sapphires, and certain garnets transform depending on the lighting.
4. Inclusions Can Increase Value
While most people assume inclusions are flaws, some actually make gemstones more desirable.
Examples:
Silk in Kashmir sapphires
Jardin in emeralds
Play-of-color structure in opals
5. Heat Treatment Isn't Always Bad…But Natural Matters
Untreated - means there is no indication of any unnatural treatment after mining, cutting and polishing
Heated - means to artificially enhance color, transparency, or clarity through a post-mining process
Color treatment is an excellent way to get a desired color. Sometimes heat treatment effects the price depending on the gemstone, but not always.
6. Gemstones Are Older Than Dinosaurs
Many gemstones formed hundreds of millions—even billions—of years before humans ever existed.
Holding one is literally holding a piece of Earth's history.
7. Some Colors Are Nearly Impossible to Find Naturally
Paraíba tourmaline
Fine Burmese ruby
Vivid cobalt spinel
Untreated royal blue sapphire
Fine black opal
8. Antique Gemstones Were Cut Completely Differently
Old Mine Cuts
Rose Cuts
Old European Cuts
Peruzzi Cuts
Antique diamonds were cut by hand, under candlelight, as technology was limited.
9. The Most Valuable Gemstone Isn't Always the Biggest
Carat weight is only one piece of the puzzle.
Color, rarity, provenance, treatment, and cut quality often matter much more.
10. Every Natural Gemstone Has Been on an Incredible Journey
Long before it becomes someone's engagement ring or family heirloom, it spent millions of years forming beneath the Earth's surface before finally being discovered, cut, and set by skilled artisans.
That's what makes natural gemstones feel so meaningful.
"The owners are so incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and treat you like a person, not an opportunity for a pitch. They have an extensive range of pieces; we found their antique section ranging from pieces from the 1700s to mid century lovely and unique. Best jewelers in the Treasure Valley. Thank you CC!"