Jewelry with gemstones and their hidden power

Gemstones… they have fascinated people for centuries. Not only because of their dazzling beauty, but also because of the stories and energies they carry. I have loved them ever since I bought my first jewelry with my own money. I believe in the power of stones and choose them consciously – sometimes because they mean something to me, sometimes just because they enchant me. I don’t have a real favorite, but the mysterious glow of moonstone continues to intrigue me, the fiery magic of my birthstone ruby ​​(my birthday is in July!) never ceases to fascinate me, and the deep, earthy tones of North American turquoise have a special place in my heart.

But what makes a gemstone so special? And how do you actually know if a stone is real?

Precious vs. semi-precious stones: what's the difference?

In the past, there was a strict separation between precious and semi-precious stones. Only diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were considered 'real' gemstones - purely because of their rarity and hardness. All other stones, such as amethyst, aquamarine and tourmaline, were labelled 'semi-precious'.
But let's be honest: does that do justice to the beauty and value of these stones? I don't think so. Some of my most beautiful jewelry contains stones that were once considered 'semi-precious'. In the jewelry world, this term is disappearing more and more often. Many so-called 'semi-precious stones' are at least as precious and unique. With Donna Dorée, I do not necessarily look at labels, but at the purity and appearance of a stone.

The big four: Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald

Diamond
The ultimate classic, sparkling like no other. No stone catches the light like a diamond – whether it is pristine white or has a rare blue, champagne or even pink hue. It is no wonder that diamonds have been a symbol of eternal love and strength for centuries.

Ruby
My birthstone, and what a special one! Rubies radiate pure passion with their fiery red-pink glow. The most beautiful examples come from Burma and Mozambique and seem to glow from within. No ruby ​​is the same, and it is precisely those unique color nuances that make them magical.

Sapphire
Blue is the most well-known hue, but did you know that sapphires also come in pink, yellow and even white? There is something mysterious and regal about them – elegant, timeless and with an almost silky shine. A sapphire feels like a subtle luxury that never gets boring.

Emerald
Emeralds have that deep, almost dreamy green color that immediately makes you think of lush forests and royal jewels. They are rare, refined, and often have natural inclusions that give character to their beauty. No emerald is perfect – and that makes them all the more interesting.

How do you know if a gemstone is real?

Maybe you've held a stone in your hands and wondered: how do I know if this is a real gemstone? There are several ways to determine that.

A gemologist (scientist who studies (semi-)precious stones) uses specialized equipment, such as a refractometer (which measures a stone's refractive index) or a spectroscope (which analyzes light absorption).

But you can also do some simple tests at home:

• Scratch resistance : The Mohs scale indicates how hard a stone is. For example, a diamond (hardness 10) can scratch glass, while an opal (hardness 5-6) is easily scratched.
• Light and Inclusions : Hold the stone up to the light. Natural stones often contain tiny irregularities or inclusions, while synthetic stones often look too perfect.
• Heat conductivity : Real gemstones often feel cold against the skin and warm up slowly, unlike glass or plastic. This is seriously something I always check when I handle a stone – it feels different immediately!

I choose my gemstones for Donna Dorée with care and love, sourced from specialists all over the world. Whether they come from far away lands or are found closer to home, each stone has its own journey and story.

What determines the value of a gemstone?

The value of a gemstone or semi-precious stone is determined by several factors:

• Hardness : Measured on the Mohs scale, with diamond being the hardest with a hardness of 10. This scale runs from 1 to 10 and determines how resistant a mineral is to scratches. For example, talc has a hardness of 1 and is extremely soft, while quartz with a hardness of 7 is much less likely to scratch. This is important when choosing jewelry, because a harder stone is less likely to be damaged during daily use.
• Rarity : The more unique the stone, the more valuable.
• Color : The intensity and depth of the color play a major role.
• Transparency and Inclusions : The purer and clearer a stone, the more valuable it is considered to be.
• Cut : The way a stone is cut affects its brilliance and appearance.

An extensive list of gemstones and their meanings

Choosing a piece of jewelry with (semi) precious stones is not only about beauty, but also about the energy and symbolism of gemstones. Which stone suits you?

Below you will find a list of various gemstones (or minerals), including their meaning and their number on the Mohs scale:

How do you maintain (jewelry with) gemstones?

To keep gemstones shiny and strong, proper care is essential:
Cleaning : Use a soft cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid chemicals!
Charging : Place your stones in the moonlight for an energetic boost.
Storage : Store gemstones separately to avoid scratches.

Discover the magic of gemstones with Donna Dorée

Although the effect of gemstones has not been scientifically proven, many people experience a positive influence when wearing them. In any case, I stand in front of my wardrobe every morning to feel which jewelry calls me for that day. Wonderful!

I believe in the unique power and beauty of gemstones. Each piece of jewelry in my collection is carefully composed, with gemstones that I have lovingly selected from all corners of the world . You will find pre-loved jewelry in our collection, vintage and antique jewelry. I know that the perfect piece of jewelry for you is among them – one that not only enhances your style, but also brings a bit of magic with it. Discover the collection and be enchanted by the nature, the energy and the stories that are hidden in each stone. Your perfect gemstone is waiting for you.