Welcome to Gemstone Foundations: MODULE 3
THIS MODULE INCLUDES:
What Are the Big Five?
Find out exactly which gemstones are known as the Big Five
Learn more about the world’s most famous gem
Discover why Ruby is so desirable to gemstone lovers
Find out what makes Sapphire so irresistible
Explore what makes Emerald special outside its green colour
See why Tanzanite is widely considered to be the fifth precious gem
What Are the Big Five?
When it comes to gemstones, four are said to shine brighter than the rest: Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. However, we’re using the term ‘Big Five’ because many believe that Tanzanite deserves a place on the list.
These are the headliners of the gem world – the showstoppers that dazzle collectors, jewellers, and everyday lovers of sparkle alike. Each one has its own personality, history, and magical glow, making them endlessly fascinating.
In this module, we’ll uncover their individual traits and what makes each of them so special. Think of it as your backstage pass to the gemstone A-list.
Diamond
Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend – they’re everyone’s. Formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, they’ve earned their place as true icons of the gemstone world.
Celebrated for their beauty, durability, and status as the hardest natural mineral on the planet, Diamonds have historically symbolised strength, endurance, and, of course, love. Their brilliance is unmatched, and no two are ever exactly alike.
What makes Diamonds truly mesmerising is their ability to split white light into flashes of rainbow fire. Whether set in simple stud earrings or a dazzling engagement ring, Diamonds are timeless, versatile, and endlessly captivating –a treasure you’ll never tire of wearing.
Ruby is the gemstone of passion, vitality, and fiery romance. Its rich red hues, caused by traces of chromium, seem to glow from within, earning it the title ‘the king of gemstones’ .
For centuries, Rubies have symbolised love, courage, and power. Ancient warriors carried them into battle for protection, while royals and nobles prized them as emblems of prosperity and strength. Legends even claimed that Rubies held the power to ignite the heart and protect against misfortune.
Today, Ruby jewellery feels like a little heartbeat of fire you can wear and treasure. Bold, bright, and endlessly romantic, a Ruby is more than just a gem – it’s pure passion captured in stone.
Sapphire
Sapphires are most famous for their deep royal blue, but did you know the gem comes in almost every colour of the rainbow? Except for red, which is classed as Ruby!
Sapphire has symbolised wisdom, loyalty and truth for as long as we can imagine, making them a firm favourite among the royal and the romantic. Its velvety glow has graced medieval crowns and modern engagement rings, most notably the iconic engagement ring originally given to the late Princess Diana and now worn by Kate Middleton, the current Princess of Wales.
Blue may be the classic, but fancy-coloured Sapphires whether they be pink, yellow, or even green, all have their own irresistible charm.
Emerald
When people think of a green gemstone, Emerald is often the first one that comes to mind.
They’re luscious wonders of the gem world, evoking spring, renewal, and a touch of mystery. Cleopatra famously adored them, and they’ve been prized for thousands of years as symbols of fertility, rebirth, and everlasting youth.
Most Emeralds naturally have tiny signature inclusions, poetically nicknamed jardin (French for ‘garden’), which makes each stone beautifully unique. The finest Emeralds show an even, lively green that seems to emit a fascinating glow under the light.
The gem’s vibrant green colour and striking character are endlessly enchanting to gemstone collectors, and offers something fresh, vivid, and alive with culture and history.
Tanzanite
Although not formally known as a precious gemstone, it’s widely believed that Tanzanite should be added to the traditional ‘Big Four’ list.
This is particularly fascinating as the gem was only discovered in 1967, which is practically yesterday in the gemstone world!
Tanzanite is found in just one place on Earth: Tanzania. Its colour shifts from a deep blue to an enchanting violet depending on the light, and some high-quality stones even display distinct flashes of red. Unlike other gems which have been around for millennia, Tanzanite doesn’t carry centuries of legend – instead, it feels fresh, modern, and unique.
Rare and full of character, Tanzanite has made a lasting impression in the short time since its discovery – and it’s easy to see why.
Key Takeaways
Congratulations, you’ve completed the third module! Before you move on, here are some key takeaways from this section:
The Big Five refers to the four precious gemstones and Tanzanite, which many believe deserves a spot
Diamond is the world’s most precious stone, and a symbol of both beauty and strength
Ruby is widely known as the ‘king of gemstones’
Sapphire is known for its classic blue hue, but appears in a rainbow of colours
Most Emeralds have tiny natural inclusions which add to their character
Tanzanite is a relatively new discovery, and found in just one location on Earth
Did you know???
Because it’s only found in one small location on Earth, Tanzanite is considered to be 1,000 times rarer than Diamond!
Fancy 20% off your next Gemporia purchase? That’s what you’ll receive when you complete the course!
Gem Expert Progress Board
Here are the badges you’ve earned – and the ones still waiting for you.
Ready to unlock Chapter 4?
Let’s go deeper into the world of gems!