Learning where your gemstone was originally found is always fascinating. Almost all gemstones are formed under the Earth’s surface; however, they can be retrieved through various natural processes such as faulting and volcanism. Some gemstones are also brought to the surface through mining.
Gemstones sourced from the sea often go through similar processes, but are created by animals – mainly mollusks and corals – rather than formed under the Earth. Some of these ocean stones are mined from the oceanic crust, while others are deposited on the ocean bed or near the shore.
The ocean is a magical place, and we believe that some of the world’s most magnificent gemstones are found under the waves. So, let us bring you ten of our stones that either come from, or are inspired by, our vast oceans.
Pearl
Arguably the most well-known, the Pearl is an organic gemstone found in the ocean. Created by mollusks (particularly oysters, mussels and clams), Pearls are by far the most expensive organic gemstones around.
The prices of Pearls fluctuate depending on where they’re found – Pearls formed in salt water are valued much higher than freshwater Pearls.
Pearls have been used for making jewelry for thousands of years, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to bring so many varieties to you.
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Diamond
Diamonds, interestingly, can be recovered from the sea as well as from land. They are obtained using a process called Marine Diamond Mining, a huge industry that uncovers material from under the ocean floor, then extracts the Diamonds (if there are any) from the gravel.
Marine Diamonds are often washed into seas and oceans via rivers, and often in large quantities; in 2017, approximately 1.3 million carats were recovered from the Atlantic. With this in mind, it’s important to note that this makes Marine Diamonds much more valuable.
Marine Diamonds differ from Diamonds found on land, in the sense that they are usually of a higher quality. As Diamonds found in the ocean were transported there by rivers, this process can ruin stones of a lower quality – therefore, only Diamonds of the best quality actually make it to the ocean.
Over 90% of Diamonds found in the ocean are of gem quality, whereas less than 60% of Diamonds sourced on land are good enough to become gems.
We love being able to source and offer you the finest selection of Diamonds at the most affordable prices – but don’t just take our word for it! Shop our collection for yourself.
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Peridot
Although sometimes mistaken for Emeralds or Green Topaz, Peridot is a spectacular gemstone in its own right.
Peridot is formed from a green-ish mineral called olivine – one of the primary components of the Earth’s upper mantle. So, how does Peridot end up in the sea?
Half of the ocean floor is made of basalt, and the rest is comprised of the igneous rock gabbro and peridotite, which is where Peridot gets its name.
All three of these minerals contain olivine, hence why Peridot can be found on the ocean floor.
As the birthstone for August, Peridot has a special place in many gemstone collections. However, with its gorgeous green hue, Peridot doesn’t need to be a birthstone to be favoured by the masses.
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Serpentine
Born from Peridot, Serpentine is another ocean-sourced stone that we’re proud to be able to bring you.
Serpentine is formed when peridotite – a mixture of olivine and pyroxene – undergoes hydrothermal metamorphosis. When hot water interacts with the rock, it transforms into Serpentine. This is why olivine most often turns into Serpentine before it reaches the surface of the Earth.
Due to its color and overall appearance, Serpentine is sometimes confused with Jade and other green gemstones. However, we know just how special this gemstone is, and we hope you love our Serpentine jewelry collection just as much as we do.
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Amethyst
Amethysts can be obtained from all over the coast. Finding precious and semi-precious gemstones on beaches is more common than you may think; they can appear naturally in the area, or be carried ashore with the help of the tide – and Amethysts are no exception.
Amethysts are a renowned favorite among gemstone collectors and crystal enthusiasts, and can be sourced from a number of coastal areas around the world such as Brazil, South India and Nova Scotia.
With their vibrant purple color, Amethysts are easily recognisable, and their beauty is truly something to be marvelled. As one of the world’s most popular birthstones, February babies really are the lucky ones.
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Aquaprase™
Aquaprase™, a blue-green gem only recently discovered, has an ocean-like hue that’s easily spotted. However, the stone sometimes has dark brown and black inclusions, which only accentuates its uniqueness.
Discovered by Greek gem explorer Yianni Melas, Aquaprase™ is a relatively new phenomenon, having only been found ten years ago. However, it’s gained a large amount of popularity in a short amount of time, and we are incredibly lucky to have Yianni as one of our special guests.
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Aquamarine
Ocean-colored and one of our most popular gemstones of the summer, Aquamarine is a consistent Gemporia favorite. Not only that, but it’s also a Royal favorite, worn and adored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Aquamarine gemstones come in a variety of colors, and our selection is nothing if not versatile. We believe there’s an Aquamarine stone for everyone – and there’s no better time to find yours.
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Turquoise
Turquoise has been recognised and valued for thousands of years. It's been consistently loved by generations, and it’s easy to see why.
This opaque, blue-green mineral is the pinnacle of beauty, and can be rare and valuable depending on the gemstone’s grading.
With a multitude of history dating back to Ancient Egypt, there’s no sign of Turquoise stepping out of the spotlight any time soon.
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Tanzanite
With its rich violet-blue color, the clarity of Tanzanite compares only to the clarity of the finest parts of the ocean. Stunning, vibrant and rare, Tanzanite is as unique as each individual wave, and its magic resonates from the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro to every eagle-eyed gemstone collector in the world.
Tanzanite is a true natural phenomenon, and the privilege that comes with owning such a stone is completely unmatched.
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Tsavorite
Tsavorite, also known as the world’s rarest Garnet, is only found in relatively small sizes. Trace amounts of chromium provide the stone’s pure green color, which only adds to its incredible charm and value.
The best of Tsavorite Garnet can be found in Tsavo, on the Kenya/Tanzania border. Although it was only discovered 55 years ago, the stone is proved to have been around since before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
This natural beauty clearly has a stunning secret eager to be told, and we can’t wait to uncover more of its magic.
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The ocean provides inspiration for countless creations around the world, and is home to some of the most magical natural phenomenons. We're privileged to be able to bring so many sea-born and sea-inspired stones to you, and we hope you cherish them and their stories just as much as we do.
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