Month: February 2019

In 1987 a Geological Phenomenon was discovered in the state of Paraiba, Brazil
and Paraiba Tourmaline was born.

Paraiba have become one of the sought-after gemstones in the world. First discovered in the 1980s by Heitor Dimas Barbosa – who spent years digging in the hills of the Brazilian state of Paraiba on a hunch that something special was hidden there – he must have known he had hit the jackpot when he set eyes on his first, neon-bright Paraiba tourmaline.

This gemstone unlike its well-known family of Tourmalines possessed internal elements allowing Paraiba Tourmaline to have Super Hero like powers with the elements of Copper and Manganese running through its crystal structure. This rare mix of elements created neon blue green characteristics with electric vibrant brilliance that has never been seen before in the Gemstone world – The Super Gem Paraiba was born.

Almost every shade of tourmaline can be found in Brazil, but none has the vivid glow that distinguishes the Paraiba tourmaline, also known as cuprian elbaite. A product of the trace element copper, colours range from startling turquoise to majestic blue-green, but it is the incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone from within that makes Paraiba tourmalines incomparable to any other gem.

To put their rarity into perspective, there is only one Paraiba tourmaline mined for every 10,000 diamonds, and a good quality Paraiba from Brazil weighing over three carats is virtually unheard of. So rare are authentic Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines that it is not unusual for them to achieve five figures per carat.

Courtesy Claire Roberts, The Jewellery Editor and Ring image courtesy of Kat Florence

Check out the most expensive diamonds in the world!

You won’t believe how much money the rare and valuable jewellery #diamonds stones on this top list are worth!

Welcome to Purpol Gems – the home of bespoke diamond jewellery and preloved gemstone treasures.

Why did I want to create a jewellery brand? Well,  those that know me understand this has always been a passion. From rocks and crystals, to gemstones and diamonds – Everyone loves a bit of sparkle!

I always had a thirst for knowledge, and when choosing my engagement ring (after we were married,… but that is another story…) we wanted to get the most we could for our budget. I was aware of the mark up for designer brands, and many of the stores on the high street at the time did not have certified diamonds.

This was 2002, in the early days of the internet and I researched those ‘in the trade’. I emailed a couple of shortlisted providers and then after more research, took the leap of faith and arranged an appointment in Antwerp with my chosen diamond provider – Rob van Beurden of Diamond House, and that was how our relationship was developed which over the years has led to friendship and now to business partnership!

Rob van Beurden is the founder of Diamond House and has been a diamond dealer for his entire professional life. He handpicks the best cut diamonds and is a member of the main Diamond Bourse in Antwerp. Partnered by his wife Céline Gouwy,  a Gemologist who runs the London Office they  specialise in supplying high-value premier cut quality diamonds in tailor-made jewellery.

As I have been on the diamond purchasing journey, I appreciate what It is like when you think you know what you want but don’t know how best to turn your ideas into reality. You also might have no idea of the choices available – so seeing designs can help narrow your selection; and then understanding what can be achieved within a budget means you get greatest value as well as the satisfaction of the whole purchasing process.

There is a complete language of diamonds, but we are looking to demystify them so you can make the best informed choice.

Purpol Gems is the platform to impart knowledge on the wonderful world of diamonds and gemstones, and partner with industry specialists to deliver premier cut quality diamonds in tailor-made jewellery and preloved treasures that are looking for a new home to care for them!

Come on a journey with us to the diamond of your dreams.

Diamond 4 C’s

Every diamond is an individual miracle of time and place and chance. Like  snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.
Until the middle of the twentieth century, there was no agreed-upon standard by which diamonds could be judged.  The Diamond 4C’s means that diamond quality can be communicated consistently in a universal language, and diamond customers know exactly what they are purchasing.

The 4C’s of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world describing: Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.

When graded by the major recognised authorities – GIA, HRD, AGS & IGI, The 4C’s are the deciding factors in combination that set the price.

We also believe there is an important 5th C – Certification. This provides Independent assurance that you’re getting a quality diamond that is accurately graded without bias.