December Newsletter 2021

I know of at least two people who think 2021 is the greatest year ever - geologists Manas Banerjee and Richard Kapeta who discovered a 7525 carat gem-quality emerald in Zambia. The emerald has been named 'Chipembele', which means rhino in the local language because it is as big as this rare animal's famous horn. It goes on sale at auction this month in case you have a few spare million kicking about.

Colombia is historically renowned as the source for the best emeralds but Zambia in southern Africa is gaining a reputation for fine examples of its own.

Arabian Delights

Another news item with links to the world of gemstones is the latest architectural wonder unveiled in Dubai. It is a 60 meter deep scuba diving pool featuring a sunken city and holds 14 million liters of water. It is housed in a building that is shaped like a giant oyster shell to pay tribute to the 7500 year old pearl diving history of the region. In fact the biggest modern cities in the area, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, only exist because of the pearl industry that thrived for thousands of years.

Glittering Prizes

Before writing the monthly newsletter I always like to have a good rummage through the latest arrivals to see if anything interesting has come in. I have yet to be disappointed so far and this time is no different with an added Christmas bonus.

There are three wonderful gemstones I would like to draw your attention to beginning with Rainbow Pyrite. This is very much a decorative or spiritual gemstone or one for a hobbyist wanting to add to their collection. The shimmering gold, green, red, pink and blue colors could not be more 'Christmassy'.

See what we have in stock here.

The next is the Dendritic Agate. This stone can be found in a variety of colors but the white version is like an all-natural snow globe encapsulating a wintry scene of snow covered trees - take a look here.

There are several to choose from and more added everyday.

The last gemstone that caught my eye this week is the pyramid shaped Bloodstone. Not only do they have amazing and dramatic colors and patterns but an historical and mystical link to Jesus which is appropriate for the time of year.

Legend has it that Bloodstone was formed when the blood of Christ dripped onto some ordinary green jasper and the red speckles are found on this stone to this day. Bloodstone is called the 'Martyr's Stone' and encourages our charitable side, inspiring us to give up some luxuries for the sake of others.

December Birthstones

Growing up, I often felt a bit sorry for anyone having a birthday in December as any celebrations would be lost amongst Christmas and New Year parties and there was always the dreaded combined present. Perhaps this is why the powers that be have decided that December should have three birthstones to choose from:

• Tanzanite - Mesmerizing violet blue colors
• Turquoise - Historic sky blue stone first used by the pharaohs of Egypt
• Blue Zircon - Famed for its bright sparkle and clarity

A gift of one of these gemstones for a loved one or for yourself would be very much appreciated.

Only Joking!

Speaking of gifts, we have a few weeks before Christmas and I have still not bought my wife a present. Last year, she said she wanted something with diamonds in it so I bought her a pack of playing cards! It did not go down very well, so I would appreciate any ideas for this year but please do not suggest pearls - I don't want to shell out that much money.

Amethysts are still a popular choice for gemstone carvings to this day, indeed we have many in stock right now along with hundreds of other examples in a variety of gem types.

Just time for a couple of your questions:

That's all for now.

A very merry Christmas from us all at GemSelect, please keep safe during the holidays.

PS Christmas is not the biggest holiday over here in Thailand but luckily for us Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year. Otherwise we will be pretty much open for business as usual for most of December so any orders can be processed very quickly at our end.