A Sparkling Tasting Recap
SAVOR THE SPARKLE!
Recent guests of private Sparkling Tasting experiences were treated to an experience like no other!
Just as wine experts talk of “terroir” (French for “of the earth”), gemstones are also an expression of the earth!
The Sparkling Tasting series is a memorable way to discover rare, elemental qualities of gemstones that make some more valuable than others.
Beyond gemstone-only experiences, tastings can also be paired with wine, whisky, tequila, tea, or even chocolate!
RESPONSIBLY SOURCED GEMSTONES
As many of us make more intentional purchases, the series explores what responsible sourcing means for wine, gemstones, and jewelry - and how what you choose can align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and support climate action.
VALENTINE’S DAY:
THE SPARKLE OF LOVE
February 10, 2024
HOLIDAY SPARKLE: FESTIVE WINES + GEMS
December 9, 2023
FALL HARVEST WINES + GEMS
October 28, 2023
ROSÉ + RUBY HUES
August 5, 2023
UNEXPECTED SPARKLE: SPARKLING WINES + GEMS
February 26, 2023
ORANGE WINE + ORANGE GEMSTONES
November 13, 2022
ETHICALLY SOURCED RUBY TASTING
July 13, 2022
WARM-HUED GEMSTONES: MANIFESTING SPRING
March 1, 2022
PEARLS: A DIGITAL TASTING
February 7, 2022
RUBY-HUED TASTING:
RUBY vs SPINEL vs GARNET
December 1, 2021
SAPPHIRE + CHARDONNAY
(by women wine makers)
November 25, 2019
3 RIVETING Q&As
WHAT GEMSTONE IS A GOOD INVESTMENT?
The one that is uniquely beautiful to you!
Similar to collecting art or cars, invest in what you love while understanding what aligns with your reasonable expectations of a “return on investment”.
Watching high-profile jewelry sales at auction houses will offer an understanding of the market for particular gemstones at the collector level.
Rarity is one of the greatest factors that affect value. Being aware of gemstones that are no longer being mined (or soon to be no longer mined) could be one strategy such as Argyle colored diamonds or Tanzanite.
Examples of other rare, investment-worthy gemstones are Padparadscha sapphires, demantoid garnets, conch pearls, and trapiche emeralds.
ARE GEMSTONES STILL BEING FORMED TODAY?
This is such a good question and a complex one to answer.
What I can say is the earth is ever-changing and different gemstone species require different environmental conditions to form.
A current geological study suggests the oldest gemstone material known is Greenland Ruby, forming 3 billion years ago.
GIA Graduate Gemologist® Adrianne Sanogo shared an enlightening article on the ages of diamonds.
The conclusion appears to be that gemstones are eternally being formed, although what is being formed today will not materialize for millions or billions of years.
WHAT IS THE BEST JEWELRY CLEANING SOLUTION?
You already have it at home!
The best cleaning solution is mild dish soap (not detergent) and water with a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth.
Personally, I do not recommend ultrasonic cleaners. They can crack opals, shatter pearls, or damage gemstones that are treated. While it may be safe to clean hard gemstones, such as diamond engagement rings, it can result in loosening prongs over time.
Keep in mind, different gemstones require different wear and care considerations. Among these are soft or brittle gemstones such as emerald, pearl, opal, turquoise, and Tanzanite.
Get the full scoop HERE!
STATEMENT JEWELRY:
A CURATION OF COVETED PIECES DESIGNED BY WOMEN
WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLY SOURCED MEAN?
In the same way that we know where our food is from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?
Responsible sourcing goes beyond ethically or sustainably sourced. This encompasses conflict-free, traceability, protecting people, their skills, and the environment be it land or sea. This is an open, evolving conversation worth having, as we all seek to make choices that align with our values.
As much as possible, the designers in this community do their best to choose jewelry “ingredients” that honor this.
Gemstones can be responsibly sourced or post-consumer recycled (recovered from previously worn jewelry to be reset in a new design).
For precious metals, this can mean using recycled gold - or a step further is mercury-free Fairmined gold.
An ongoing initiative worth following is the Jewelry Glossary Project.
The purpose is to create shared definitions of key terms within the jewelry industry for use by the trade and the public. The project was launched to increase transparency throughout the supply chain, by building consensus on definitions for key terms and creating accountability for their usage.
The origin of gemstones: TRACEABILITY
This is an example of a proprietary provenance report that demonstrates Nomad’s commitment to transparency, trust, and traceability. Beyond the descriptive details about each gemstone, the report discloses the history of the origin and a specific gemstone’s journey to their cutting wheel. Nomad’s developed 4 levels of traceability - from Level 1, acquired through direct “mining partnership”, to Level 4 acquired through a dealer in an “open market” with the origin being determined by a gemstone laboratory.
THE BRILLIANT CONCIERGE: YOUR FINE JEWELRY GUIDE
I find discerning jewelry that aligns with your values. Beyond gemstone sourcing, this includes private shopping for:
rings
earrings
necklaces
bracelets
responsibly sourced gemstones
Learn more about this white-glove service.
All The Brilliants’ fine jewelry concierge is New York City based. From the Upper East Side to Park Slope, I can come to you - or we can meet virtually!