AUSTRALIAN GEMSTONES: THE SPARKLING TOP FIVE

Diamonds, Precious Gems, Pink Diamonds, Birthstone Posted by Gerard McCabe on 26/06/2019

Australia is home to some of the world’s premier gemstone mines. From the iconic Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia to Sapphires in New South Wales and Queensland, there are an array of gemstones right here in our backyard.

Here we explain some Australian gemstones in more detail...

PINK DIAMONDS

Pink Diamonds in Australia are sourced from the Argyle diamond mine located in the East Kimberley region in Western Australia. Being one of the world’s largest diamond and coloured diamond producers (by volume), the Argyle Diamond mine has produced over 800 million carats of rough diamonds.

The Argyle Pink Diamond mine closed in November 2020, an Argyle Pink Diamond is considered ‘beyond rare’. For every one million carats of rough diamonds mined, only one carat of pink diamonds will be suitable for sale.

It’s the exclusivity and beauty of these Argyle Pink Diamonds that make them a wonderful statement, and also an ideal investment.

Pink DiamondsAmore Pink Diamond Ring

PEARLS

South Sea pearls are grown in Australia’s northern waters, in Broome, Western Australia, and have been harvested in Australia since the 19th century.

The Australian pearls are fine gemstones and can be found in various shades such as cream, gold and pink.

Luminosity Collection

Luminosity Collection

OPALS

The national gemstone of Australia, the Opal is an interesting and impressive gemstone. With over 90% of the world’s opals found in Australia and no two the same, opals display a magnitude of colours and a variety of opals, including boulder, matrix, black, crystal and white opals.

Opalescence Collection

Opalescence Ring

SAPPHIRES

Although Australia is best known for its opal and diamond production, New South Wales and Queensland produce a variety of sapphires. With the blue variety being the most common gemstone offered, sapphires are actually available in an array of colours.

Australia produces a large amount of Parti Sapphires, which feature a unique colour - reflecting both yellow and blue colour.

Sapphires are available in a rainbow of colours and are beautifully complemented by natural glistening diamonds. Sapphire engagement rings continue to gain attention with couples starting to entertain the idea of coloured stones in their engagement rings. 

Aura Classic Oval Cut Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring

Aura Classic Oval Cut Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring

JADE

Australia is home to a wonderful array of gemstone mining, including Jades. Green Jade is the most common gemstone offered and is available in a variety of other colours as well as beautiful deep green. It was traditionally used to carve knives and weapons, but today can be found in small jewellery.

Vintage Jade Pendant Circa 1950's

Vintage Jade Pendant Circa 1950's

Gerard McCabe sources diamonds, sapphires and other coloured gemstones from all over the world. Some of our collections that include Australian gemstones are Luminosity, Opalescence and Echunga.

Australian gemstones are available from Gerard McCabe Jewellers. Our Design Team takes inspiration from the Australian landscape and heritage in their jewellery creation, with the use of natural gemstones and diamonds further complementing these works of art.

VIew Gerard McCabe Collections