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The history of automata and mechanical music is inextricably linked to humankind’s pursuit of knowledge: knowledge of science, knowledge of engineering and knowledge of our own humanity. Combining technical skill and artistry, automata, music boxes and singing bird boxes possess an intrinsic elegance and charm that continue to enchant onlookers to this day, even in an age of modern, on-demand entertainment. Human-shaped machines that convey the illusion of being alive, delightful little birds that plump their feathers and sing a tune, automatic music players that perform on par with a concert pianist...these captivating, ingenious and mysterious machines represent a remarkable history of invention, philosophical curiosity and popular culture that remains highly relevant. The Art of Sound: Automata and Mechanical Music explores these fascinating mechanisms and their lasting impact.

More to Discover

Discover our entire collection of rare and important jewelry phenomena.

Deep beneath the Earth’s crust, a chance collection of elements, heat and pressure coalesce to create amazing natural wonders — awe-inspiring, perpetually dazzling gemstones.

While plenty of gem lore exists around classic stones like diamonds, emeralds and rubies, the magic of other gems eclipses myth and inspires legend. These exceptionally rare gemstones exhibit full-blown phenomena. Displaying seemingly magical visual properties, these gems showcase unique characteristics that defy logic — they are marvels of nature! Some appear to harness the sky’s stars. Others carry an otherworldly glow. Certain exceptional jewels even dramatically change color.

Mother Earth’s Most Amazing Treasures

Jewel Metamorphosis: 

Color-Changing Gemstones

Nature is filled with anomalies that cause spectacular visual effects. The chameleon, for example, changes from dark to pale hues or muted to bright colors to camouflage itself and regulate its body temperature. While color-change gemstones, with their sparkling brilliance, would be impossible to camouflage, their changing color is similarly a reaction to temperature change as a result of light conditions.

Only a very small number of gemstones display the color-change optical phenomena. The result of shifting wavelengths, the technical term for this metamorphosis is photochromism. Elusive and mesmerizing, gems that display this remarkable property include alexandrites, some extremely rare sapphires and chameleon diamonds.

photochromic [ foh-tuh-kroh-mik ] adjective —
capable of darkening or changing color when

exposed to light

Alexandrites

This stunning Russian alexandrite displays a particularly marked color-change effect, possessing a bluish-green hue in daylight and a beautiful purple-pink in incandescent light.

In 1834, deep in the Ural Mountains of Russia, one of Earth’s most incredible natural wonders was uncovered. The dramatic color-changing stone was considered such a unique and exquisite specimen that the young Czar Alexander II lent his name to the magnificent gem. Called the alexandrite in his honor, the jewel displays stunningly vivid hues that vary from deep bluish-green, rich purple, and even red and green — the national military colors of Imperial Russia. It is no wonder that the gem inspired such lore and excitement when uncovered, as it likely was received as a sign from the earth and heavens in support of the Russian Imperial project.

A young Alexander II gave this gem his royal stamp of approval when it was discovered, bestowing his name upon the remarkable stone.

Categorized as "Classic Brazil" by the Gemological Institute of America, this pair of beautifully matched alexandrites displays a coveted blue-green hue under white light and changing to red-pink in incandescent light. The gemstones have undergone no treatment or enhancement to achieve their exceptionally rare color-changing properties.

While the gem was first discovered in Russia, many of the finest examples have been found in Brazil. Unlike their Russian counterparts that change from green to red, alexandrites that hail from the mines of Brazil display a bluish-green hue under white light and change to a rich, deep purple when viewed under incandescent light. A 17.08-carat stone known as the Whitney alexandrite can be found in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, gifted to the National Gem Collection by Carolyn Wright Whitney. The Whitney alexandrite changes from bluish-green in daylight and fluorescent light to an intense purple in incandescent light. A fantastic rarity, the color change exhibited in alexandrites continues to mystify and delight all who encounter these gems.

View Alexandrites

The Whitney Alexandrite at the Smithsonian. Link

The history of automata and mechanical music is inextricably linked to humankind’s pursuit of knowledge: knowledge of science, knowledge of engineering and knowledge of our own humanity. Combining technical skill and artistry, automata, music boxes and singing bird boxes possess an intrinsic elegance and charm that continue to enchant onlookers to this day, even in an age of modern, on-demand entertainment. Human-shaped machines that convey the illusion of being alive, delightful little birds that plump their feathers and sing a tune, automatic music players that perform on par with a concert pianist...these captivating, ingenious and mysterious machines represent a remarkable history of invention, philosophical curiosity and popular culture that remains highly relevant. The Art of Sound: Automata and Mechanical Music explores these fascinating mechanisms and their lasting impact.

Weighing 12.40 carats, this color-change Ceylon sapphire displays a traditional royal blue color when viewed in daylight and an equally striking violet hue when viewed in incandescent light.

Sapphires, with their rainbow of hues, have inspired fanfare and legend from the moment of their discovery. The rarest of these gems, however, is the color-changing sapphire. The most prevalent type of color change sapphires are ones that display a deep blue hue in fluorescent light and a beautiful purple color in incandescent light. With their exciting changing colorways, owning color-change sapphires is like having two gems in one.

Sapphire color change is the result of the presence of different metals, such as chromium and vanadium, within the stone. Sapphires can only absorb certain wavelengths of light. In sapphires containing these various metal elements, the type of light source can change the gem’s spectral output, resulting in changing color.

While some color-changing sapphires shift color between purple and violet under different lighting conditions, a few rare and exceptional sapphires change color dramatically – from red to brown, green to red and green to yellowish green.

This extraordinary stone displays a rich violet color when viewed in fluorescent light and an equally stunning purple hue when viewed in incandescent light. Weighing 1.64 carats, the rare oval-shaped brilliant-cut stone is certified as a natural and untreated color-changing sapphire by the Gemological Institute of America.

View Color-Change Sapphires

thermochromism [ thərmə-krō-mizəm ] noun —
the phenomenon of reversible change of color of a 

substance with change of temperature

Classified as a "classic" chameleon diamond, this stone exhibits thermochromism and photochromism, meaning its color changes due to both temperature and light conditions.

This square-shaped brilliant-cut jewel is certified by the Gemological Institute of America as displaying a fancy grayish-greenish yellow color when viewed in normal conditions. When the diamond is gently heated or left in darkness, however, the stone temporarily transforms and radiates with an exquisite golden hue.

Under normal conditions, the color of chameleon diamonds varies from grayish yellowish green to grayish greenish yellow. When heated or exposed to light after prolonged storage in the dark, however, a remarkable color change occurs in real time! The chameleon diamond can temporarily turn an intense brandy or orangy yellow to yellow color.

In some cases, exposure to an ultraviolet lamp for just 60 seconds can cause a chameleon diamond’s color to transform for over 15 minutes, and some even radiate with a phosphorescent yellow glow for up to an hour after light exposure!

Chameleon diamonds are scarce and incredibly sought-after prized possessions, with some even once owned by important leaders like Pedro II, the 19th-century Emperor of Brazil. In fact, part of the reason the chameleon diamond’s metamorphosis remains a scientific mystery is because the specimens are so rarely found, and their value makes it challenging for researchers to procure them.

View More Color-Change SapphiresView More Color-Change Sapphires

“There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulfur or of fire quickened by oil.”

—Pliny the Elder, Roman author, naturalist,  philosopher

Some gemologists consider high-quality opals to be rarer than diamonds. Since the 1st century CE, the opal’s dynamic display of various shades captivated all those who beheld their wondrous beauty, including the prolific philosopher Pliny the Elder. By modern accounts, the opal’s magnificent kaleidoscope of hues is now described in the gemological world as play-of-color.

Opals are composed of tiny silica spheres, formed when silica-rich water seeps into deep cracks and voids in the Earth's crust. These spheres diffract light, splitting it into a spectrum of colors and creating interference that allows certain colors to dominate depending on the angle the opal is viewed. The result is a magical display of this beautiful play-of-color phenomenon.

This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and exhibits a fantastic play-of-color. Found in the Amhara Province of Ethiopia, this opal weighs an astonishing 791.61 carats. Comprised of a smooth exposed surface attached to a rough nodule, this specimen demonstrates the miraculous thrill of uncovering these gemstones in their natural form.

The opals from this region display a characteristic brown coloring, earning them the delightful moniker “Chocolate opals.” The gemstone’s warm background creates a dramatic juxtaposition with the opal’s rainbow of bright and colorful refractions. Neon reds and pinks erupt from the opal with glimmers of green and yellow and flickers of indigo and purple making appearances too.

Once used by early peoples as tools, Ethiopian opals only started being formally mined in the 1990s. Usually found in a round nodular form within a three-meter thick layer of welded volcanic ash, these opals are plentiful, yet only about 1% of these nodules contain any color at all, let alone the striking diversity of color that this rare chocolate opal exhibits.

Chocolate Opals

Although opal deposits have been found all over the world (including in Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia and even in the United States), most fine opal hail from Australia. In fact, upwards of 95% of opals come from the land down under! The majority of Australian opals are classified as white opals from the fields of Coober Pedy in the southern part of the continent. Other famous deposits have been discovered in New South Wales, especially those at Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs. The country produces so much opal that it was officially adopted as the national stone of Australia. http://www.miningartifacts.org/Australian-mines.html

Dynamic beauty and exceptional color distinguish the striking black opal in this eye-catching ring. Weighing 9.10 carats, this stunning gem exhibits fiery reds and oranges harmonizing with cool greens and blues.

Often described as “Lightning Trapped” opal gemstones capture the moment when the sky meets the land as they are the result of nutrient rich precipitation dripping down into the Earth’s crust. Water accounts for an average of 10% of an opal’s weight, though it can reach to 20%. Over millions of years, water from seasonal rains in dry regions such as the Australian Outback dissolves chemical ingredients in desert sand, carrying silica down into the cracks of underground rock. When these silica deposits harden, an opal gemstone is formed.

Shimmering with swirls of red, green and blue, this extraordinary 8.30-carat Lightning Ridge black opal displays a kaleidoscope of colors. Hailed for their striking and unusual beauty, Lightning Ridge black opals showcase an unprecedented level of vibrancy and color. Red is considered the rarest and most desired color to see in a black opal, and this example exhibits a very strong play-of-color phenomenon.

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As the playful name suggests, the moonstone conjures the same lunar appeal as its counterpart in the sky. Moonstone is a gem-quality variety of feldspar known for its pearl-like, iridescent luster. Known scientifically as adularescence, this phenomena present in feldspar produces a dramatic visual illusion. When one examines moonstone, a billowy soft blue or sometimes milky white light appears to move across the gemstone. This effect is most observable to the eye when the gem is cut in a cabochon — a spherical, unfaceted cut. With their dramatic rounded shape, pale blue hue and mild white mirage, these gems really do mirror the Earth’s moon.

adularescence [ aj-uh-luh-res-uhnt ] adjective —
the changing milky bluish iridescence originating from below the surface of a stone, that occurs when light is reflected between layers of minerals

Luminous oval- and cushion-shaped moonstone beads are the stars of this Raymond Yard bracelet. These particular moonstones, totaling 65.02 carats, demonstrate an ethereal play-of-color when light is reflected from the inner layers of the jewels. The exceptional bracelet is further distinguished by its provenance, as twelve of the cushion moonstones were originally owned by American movie star Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

An impressive 6.44-carat oval moonstone is set in this classic cocktail ring by Raymond Yard. The gem displays the opalescence that makes this stone so beloved, exhibiting a lovely bluish-grey hue and exceptional play-of-color.

The Many Faces of Moonstone

With varying degrees of luminosity and a plethora of beautiful colors, these gems have captivated gem-lovers and top jewelry designers over the decades.

Orange Moonstone

Pink Moonstone

Green Moonstone

These delightful earrings by Henry Dunay feature orange moonstones and diamonds set in 18K gold.

This extraordinary designer ring by Dior features a monumental pink moonstone set in 18K white gold.

Henry Dunay's captivating 17.00-carat green moonstone is accentuated by glittering diamonds.

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Opal Varieties

Opals emerge from the Earth in dozens of varieties and nearly every color of the rainbow. While these gems can be transparent, translucent or opaque, they each display a remarkable play-of-color or an astonishing bold hue.

Some of the most coveted types of opals include the white opal that carries a translucent to opaque milky white or light gray base with a gorgeous rainbow-hued play-of-color. The beauty of the white opal is especially pronounced when they are cut into beads — a rare and highly-desirable occurrence in jewelry design. Ethiopian opals are a relatively new discovery in modern gemology. While “Chocolate opal” specimens from Mezzo were discovered in the 1990s, precious white and crystal Ethiopian opals were only uncovered in the province of Wollo in 2008.

Fire opals are quite unique compared to their cousins. Rather than showing play-of-color against an opaque base, fire opals are coveted for their desirable translucence and fiery red, orange or yellow hues. This special phenomenon is due to the presence of iron during their formation. The best examples of fire opals are found in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. The black opal is the rarest of all opals, renowned for its unique and stunning beauty. The most exceptional of all black opals hails from the famous Lightning Ridge mine in Australia. Black opals showcase magnificent vibrancy and gleam with striking visual effect, embodying the opal’s appellation as “Lightning Trapped.”

Ethiopian Opals

Mexican Fire Opal

Lightning Ridge Black Opals

Thirty-four solid opal beads totaling approximately 680.00 carats line the length of this eye-catching necklace. The graduated gems are an impressive size and perfectly matched, with each exhibiting a high level of translucence and a rainbow of colors. The gems are set with emerald beads totaling approximately 28.00 carats and black onyx roundels.

This breathtaking ring boasts a brilliant 24.39-carat fire opal cabochon centerpiece set amongst an eye-catching array of 157 melee diamonds. Set in 18K gold, this orange opal burns with a fiery glow.

Exhibiting vibrant hues from red and orange to purples, blues and greens, this dazzling 17.30-carat black opal is further enhanced by 0.27 carats of colorless diamonds. Set in platinum

View Opals

Asterism [ as-tuh-riz-uhm ] noun —
a property of some crystallized minerals of showing a starlike luminous figure in transmitted light or, in a cabochon-cut stone, by reflected light

Of all the various gem phenomena present, this effect certainly appears to be endowed by the heavens. Called asterism in scientific circles, jewelers have long coveted the mysterious sapphires and rubies that display what they call “stars.” These celestial beauties feature a four- or six-rayed star pattern of light. These stars are caused by fibrous inclusions. Tiny needle-like titanium dioxide, or rutile, fibers form within the gemstone, creating what appears to be the rays of a star when viewed under a single, concentrated light source. Like the lunar effect of the moonstone, these stunning constellation-makers appear best in cabochon cuts.

This incredible 12.39-carat star sapphire showcases a luminous cornflower blue hue in this striking ring. The fabulous cabochon jewel is set in wonderfully engraved platinum and 18K yellow gold setting featuring a laurel motif and pierced elements.

Sapphires are not the only prized gem to display the rare star phenomena. Radiant red rubies can also exhibit asterism. Most star rubies are found in Burma — the site of the coveted pigeon’s blood hue rubies. Star rubies occur frequently in this region due to the uniform, tightly knit formation of silk in these gemstones.

This exquisite 2.53-carat pinkish-red ruby shines brightly with a distinctive and clear star appearing in the center.

chatoyant [ shuh-toi-uhnt ] adjective —
having a changeable luster or color with an undulating narrow band of white light

These remarkable gems seem to purr with allure. Called Cat's Eye chrysoberyls, these visually arresting jewels, with their winking bands of light, conjure the majesty of the animals for which they are named. Entrancing rarities, Cat's Eye chrysoberyls are found only in a few deposits around the world.

When this dramatic feline effect appears in chrysoberyl stones, it is known as chatoyancy. Caused by the presence of fine, needle-like inclusions or fibers, this dramatic visual effect gives these gems the appearance of a cat's mesmerizing slitted eye. No two Cat's Eyes are the same, and like their Animal Kingdom counterparts, each effect travels across the gem with its own curiously individual movement.  

Designed and created by the legendary Oscar Heyman, this ring is centered by a 7.13-carat cat’s eye chrysoberyl displaying the highly prized "milk and honey" color effect.

Men's Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Ring, 6.00 Carats. Frequently set in jewelry styles for men, Cat’s Eye chrysoberyl’s reflect the majesty of the rulers of the Animal Kingdom.

Chrysoberyl is considered a protective gemstone and seen as a particularly effective protective talisman when in its Cat’s Eye form. The gem's signature golden tones are often also associated with wealth, making them a coveted possession of gemstone connoisseurs. With its golden hue and protective eye, Cat's Eye chrysoberyl has long been thought to bring protection and good fortune to wearers. The rare gemstone first gained popularity in the late 1800s when the Duke of Connaught gave it to his betrothed as an engagement token.

Believed to ward off unforeseen danger, Cat's Eye lore also posits that the rare gemstone can help with disorders of the eye, promoting the wearer's mobility and reflexes (cat-like, perhaps!), as well as increasing night vision. Some believe the stone carries spiritual properties and that wearing it can enhance intuition, concentration and even psychic abilities! Regardless of the potency of these effects, the Cat's Eye chrysoberyl's mystifying effect has certainly generated a mythos all its own. The gemstone carries a powerful energy, recalling the majesty of nature's most regal animals.

View Color-Change Sapphires

With an otherworldly glow, the magnificent Paraiba tourmaline conjures the appearance of another of Mother Earth’s most enrapturing phenomena: the bioluminescent glow of the ocean. With their effulgent, lit-from-within appearance, the electric blue color of these remarkable gems captivates the eye and the imagination. While other gemstone phenomena like opals have been revered since ancient times, the Paraiba is a relatively new discovery, only first making waves in 1981.

The rarity of the size and untreated color of this stunning Paraiba tourmaline puts this gem into a class of its own. Over 99% of Paraiba stones are treated with slow heat to further bring out their blue coloring. This brilliant-cut stone is untreated, meaning its clear and mesmerizing greenish-blue hue is completely natural. Most Brazilian Paraiba gems rarely grow to 3.00 carats, so finding an example twice that size is astonishingly rare.

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Earth’s newest gemological phenomenon, this special tourmaline is most renowned for its signature “Windex hue” and dazzling glow—the result of the presence of copper within the mines. As such, these rare stones have only been found in the copper-rich mines of Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique.

The pear-shaped 36.88-carat Paraiba tourmaline pendant displays the perfect blue-green hue. The rare gem is certified by the American Gemological Laboratories as being Mozambique in origin. The AGL further describes the stone as "an outstanding example of a Paraiba-Type Tourmaline."

bioluminescence [ bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uhns ] noun —
the biochemical emission of light by living organisms such as fireflies and deep-sea fishes

I always thought my intuition guided me to find the gemstones, but today it has been proven to me that gemstones actually called upon my intuition.

—Heitor Dimas Barbosa

In 1981, the gem miner Heitor Dimas Barbosa, commonly known among the local villagers as “Heitor the Fool,” began tunneling into the hill behind São José de Batalha, Paraíba, Brazil. Barbosa was determined that his hunch would lead to finding a new gemstone. Despite having no electricity or dependable water, Barbosa persevered on his quest for more than six years, relentlessly digging through the rugged and arid landscape. In 1987, his efforts were rewarded by the discovery of the first Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline, an electrifying gem unlike any stone ever found before.

Four Paraiba tourmalines display a remarkable brilliance and intensity of color in these classic drop earrings. Exhibiting a luminous greenish-blue hue with excellent saturation, the rare jewels hail from the incomparable Brazilian mines and total a remarkable 7.21 carats.

Overview of the Brasiliano–Pan-African orogeny (shown as Neoproterozoic orogens) in the Gondwana supercontinent (540 Ma) and locations of current Paraíba tourmaline sources. Modified from Kröner and Stern (2004). Photo GIA

This monumental 21.75-carat Paraiba tourmaline displays a remarkable intensity of color and is described by the American Gemological Laboratories as "outstanding." 

View Star Sapphires & RubiesView Cat's Eye ChrysoberylsView Paraiba Tourmalines

As if displaying one gemstone phenomenon was not enough of a magnificent rarity, some incredible gemstones display multiple phenomena in a single stone. Due to the combination of effects like adularescence or the elemental properties that cause color-change with the presence of inclusions that cause star and Cat’s Eye phenomena, certain gemstones create a real spectacle of effects. Truly a feast for the eyes, multi-phenomena gemstones are one of Mother Earth’s greatest showcases of brilliance.

Displaying a remarkable peachy hue, this pair of earrings from the famed firm Henry Dunay features two cat's eye moonstones weighing approximately 35.00 carats. Accented by 0.68-carat of glittering white diamonds, the warm-toned gemstones shine in their 18K yellow gold settings.

Certified by the Gemological Institute of America to be a natural Cat's Eye alexandrite, this fabulous jewel displays not one but two magical gemstone phenomena.

A monumental 19.01-carat oval cat's eye moonstone cabochon is set in this classic Oscar Heyman ring. This particular moonstone demonstrates the fascinating "Cat's Eye" phenomenon and is certified by the GIA to be natural.

Weighing 4.37 carats, this captivating cat's eye alexandrite exhibits the unique color change for which these rare stones are legendary. The cabochon stone displays a lovely greenish hue in daylight and a wine red hue when viewed under ultraviolet light. Adding to the rarity of this regal jewel is the presence of a "Cat's Eye."

This incredible 43.43-carat star sapphire showcases two luminous color-changing hues in this ring. The extraordinary sapphire displays a rich violet color when viewed in fluorescent light and an equally stunning purple hue when viewed in incandescent light. The  cabochon jewel is certified by the GIA as originating in Ceylon, with no evidence of heating treatments to influence its striking color.

Shop the Jewelry Phenomena Collection

Crafted by legendary jeweler Oscar Heyman, this breathtaking necklace features 45 oval star sapphires weighing 182.46 carats, 16 star rubies weighing 17.55 carats, and 12.48 carats of diamonds.

Dynamic beauty and exceptional play-of-color permeate the approximately 20.00-carat Lightning Ridge black opal in this sculptural ring from Bulgari. 

Certified by Gubelin as a natural Brazilian alexandrite, this 9.51-carat stone appears bluish-green in daylight and purple in incandescent light. Gubelin further writes: "The combination of high clarity and pronounced colour-change effect in an alexandrite of this size is rare."

The result of the presence of different elements or the way that light interacts with inclusions within stones, these optical phenomena cause jewels to display dazzling visual effects. While these effects are known by more technical terms such as asterism, play-of-color, chatoyancy and adularescence, the alluring majesty of these gems is best described as phenomena.

This special exhibition of gemstones showcases Mother Earth’s most amazing treasures. From chance beginnings as an amalgam of elements coming together under specific conditions under the Earth’s surface, these jewels embark on a long journey. Once uncovered by the luckiest of miners, these gems are cut and faceted by the most skilled experts. Eventually set into artful creations by visionary designers, these natural treasures are one day worn by the most discerning collectors.

Striking in both its vibrancy of color and design, this bracelet by Oscar Heyman boasts an astounding 77.28 carats of Cat’s Eye chrysoberyls and 31.09 carats of moonstones.

Star sapphires and rubies glow with an internal galaxy, harnessing the stars of the sky within the bounds of their form. When it comes to this phenomenon, no two stars are the same. The star’s points or arms can vary from thick to thin and may even vary in length. The way the effect moves across the surface of a star gem varies too, with some appearing to travel smoothly across the gem and others appearing to jump out when viewed from a different angle. With their individualized appearance and movement, no two star sapphires or rubies are exactly alike, making them all the rarer and more mystifying.

Spectacular and spellbinding, gemstone phenomena enchant all who encounter them. Like stars in the sky, flashes of lightning, or the miraculous color-changing chameleon, these remarkable jewels awaken a sense of wonder in the phenomena of the natural world. These seemingly magical properties further underscore the lore of gemstones. Often thought to carry healing powers or offer protection and good fortune, these gemological phenomena present visual evidence of the power of gemstones. Though much of these phenomena can be explained by science, the optical wonders of these gemstones still seem to defy logic. Alas, whether the result of a specific set of physical and chemical properties or the power of some enigmatic mystical force, these jewels remain true marvels of nature, inspiring awe and reverence from every angle.

Twenty-nine graduated solid opal beads totaling 554.00 carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.

Exhibiting a pure blue hue, this 23.24-carat Paraiba tourmaline is certified by the American Gemological Laboratories as being entirely natural and originating in Mozambique.

Jewel Metamorphosis: 

Alexandrites

Jewel Metamorphosis: 

Color-Change Sapphires

Jewel Metamorphosis: 

Chameleon Diamonds

Lightning Strikes

Opals, Where the Sky Meets the Earth

Lasso the Moon

The Lunar Allure of Moonstones

Gazing at the Stars

Star Sapphires & Rubies

Feline Phenom

Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl

Glorious Glow

Paraiba Tourmalines

Twice as Nice

Multi-Phenomena Gemstones

Awe-Inspiring from Every Angle

Marvels of Nature!

Fancy colored diamonds have captured the fascination of the jewelry industry, commanding the highest prices for their beauty, rarity and unique hues. As demand for these natural wonders increases at an exponential rate, only a handful of gem-quality stones are mined and brought to market every year. While all fancy colored diamonds are distinguished for their colorful splendor and radiance, chameleon diamonds are the only natural colored diamonds with the ability to change color.

A captivating mystery, there is no certain scientific reason for this phenomenon, but it is believed to be due, in part, to the reaction between the diamond's hydrogen and isolated nitrogen atoms interacting when "excited" by increased temperatures and changes in UV light rays. This fascinating process cannot be duplicated, and there exists no known treatment to cause the chameleon effect in other stones. Chameleon diamonds are a true natural wonder.

A young Alexander II gave this gem his royal stamp of approval when it was discovered, bestowing his name upon the remarkable stone.

Lightning Strikes

Opals, Where the Sky Meets the Earth

Twenty-nine graduated solid opal beads totaling 554.00 carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.

Certified by Gubelin as a natural Brazilian alexandrite, this 9.51-carat stone appears bluish-green in daylight and purple in incandescent light. Gubelin further writes: "The combination of high clarity and pronounced colour-change effect in an alexandrite of this size is rare."

Dynamic beauty and exceptional play-of-color permeate the approximately 20.00-carat Lightning Ridge black opal in this sculptural ring from Bulgari. 

Luminous oval- and cushion-shaped moonstone beads are the stars of this Raymond Yard bracelet. These particular moonstones, totaling 65.02 carats, demonstrate an ethereal play-of-color when light is reflected from the inner layers of the jewels. The exceptional bracelet is further distinguished by its provenance, as twelve of the cushion moonstones were originally owned by American movie star Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Crafted by legendary jeweler Oscar Heyman, this breathtaking necklace features 45 oval star sapphires weighing 182.46 carats, 16 star rubies weighing 17.55 carats, and 12.48 carats of diamonds.

This monumental 21.75-carat Paraiba tourmaline displays a remarkable intensity of color and is described by the American Gemological Laboratories as "outstanding." 

Exhibiting a pure blue hue, this 23.24-carat Paraiba tourmaline is certified by the American Gemological Laboratories as being entirely natural and originating in Mozambique.

Gazing at the Stars

Star Sapphires & Rubies