Sapphire - September's Birthstone

This beautiful gemstone has been popular since the Middle Ages, and according to folklore will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. One of the most popular Sapphire jewelry is undoubtably Princess Diana, and now Kate Middleton's 18 carat deep blue oval sapphire engagement ring which is surrounded by fourteen diamonds. Prince Charles created quite the stir when presenting his bride with this ring  by choosing a sapphire over a diamond, a long standing tradition that was not welcomed by the royal family.

As sapphires are gemstone varietal of corundum, which is naturally white, sapphires can occur in a wide range of beautiful shades such as blues, pinks, purples and even yellows. Sapphire is pleochroic, displaying a lighter and more intense color when viewed at different angles. Some pleochroic Sapphire is blue when viewed at one angle, and purple at a different angle. Sapphire is a tough and durable gem, and the only natural gemstone harder than Sapphire is Diamond. Despite this, Sapphire is still subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly, and care should be taken to ensure it is properly handled. Sapphire was first synthesized in 1902. The process of creating synthetic Sapphire is known as the Verneuil process. Only experts can distinguish between natural and synthetic Sapphire. Sapphires score a 9 on the Moh's Hardness Scale.

Additionally to being September's birthstone Sapphires are also a common gift for 5th, 23rd and 45th anniversaries. 

A Cut Above The Rest.

The shape of a diamond is something that should reflect your individual style. It should be something you fall in love with every time you look down at your hand.

Here is a chart of the variety of different diamond-cuts! We've picked three great cuts to talk about today! Enjoy!

Emerald-Cut

Emerald-cut diamonds are unique in their long and slender shape. For a classic, elegant look this cut, which has a large surface face  and fewer detailed but deeper, more dramatic cuts that therefore highlight it's clarity. 

Oval-Cut

One of the rarest cut diamonds is the Oval! Round cut diamond will always remain classic but the oval is something exciting and unique in the ring world. It's gives a modern and funky twist to your typical ring. 

Princess-Cut

The Princess-cut style diamond ring is one of the most common diamond cuts. If you’re looking for something contemporary and timeless, consider the Princess-cut. It has qualities from both the square and round cut diamonds, but combined with a subtle shape from the emerald with pointed edges and a range of detailed dimensions that give the diamond that extra sparkle.

Come see us at Mokada and let's talk more about what cut would best suit you!

Peridot - August's Birthstone

This citrusy lime green gemstone is distinctive in colour and structure. Most gems colour's are caused by the traces of other elements and their compositions. What's unique about Peridot is that it's beauty is caused by extreme conditions. Peridot is found in the rocks created by volcanoes and even by meteors that fall to earth. When there is tremendous heat and pressure, peridot is formed!




The ancient Romans called peridot "evening emerald" since its green colour didn't darken at night and was quite visible by dim light. Peridot was often used to decorate medieval churches carried back to Europe by the Crusadors. There are peridots that weigh more than 200 carats in size that adorn the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral.

Peridot rates a hardness scale of 6.5 which is generally lower than most gems. Peridot should be handled with care and only cleaned with mild dish soap and water.

Peridot is said to keep the whole body from negativity. Egyptians believed that wearing the peridot gemstone would clean the body and heal the heart.