How Are Gemstones Obtained?

Obtaining precious jewelry involves extracting minerals and gemstones from the Earth, followed by a refining and carving process. Below, we share the steps involved in obtaining some of the most common precious jewelry, such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires:

Diamonds:

1. Exploration: Geological studies are carried out to identify areas that could contain diamonds.
2. Extraction: Diamonds are mined using open pit or underground methods, depending on location and geology.
3. Grading and Transportation: Diamonds are graded by quality and transported to processing centers.
4. Separation Process: Diamonds are separated from other minerals through washing and screening processes.
5. Rough Diamond Process: Rough diamonds are cut and polished to reveal their brilliance and beauty.

Emeralds:

1. Exploration and Extraction: Emerald deposits are sought in specific geological areas, and the stones are extracted by mining.
2. Classification: Emeralds are classified according to their color, clarity, size and shape.
3. Cutting and Carving: Emeralds are cut and carved to highlight their natural color and brilliance.
4. Treatments (Optional): Some emeralds may undergo treatments to improve their appearance and durability.

Rubies and Sapphires:

1. Locating Deposits: The search for ruby ​​and sapphire deposits involves geological studies and mining exploration.
2. Extraction: The stones are extracted by mining, and the crystals are separated from other minerals.
3. Classification and Selection: They are classified according to color, clarity and size. The best specimens are selected for processing.
4. Cutting and Polishing: Rubies and sapphires are cut and polished to improve their brilliance and highlight their intense colors.
5. Treatments (Optional): Some stones may undergo treatments to improve their color or clarity.

Pearls:

1. Pearl Farming: Pearls are grown in oysters by inserting nuclei into the shells.
2. Care and Maintenance: Oysters are cared for in aquaculture farms until the pearls reach the desired size and shape.
3. Extraction: The pearls are extracted from the oysters and cleaned.
4. Classification and Selection: They are classified according to their size, shape, color and brightness.

Gold and silver:

1. Mineral Extraction: Gold and silver are extracted from minerals such as pyrite or quartz.
2. Leaching Process: The mineral is crushed and subjected to chemical leaching processes to extract the precious metals.
3. Refining: Gold and silver are refined to remove impurities and achieve high levels of purity.
4. Conversion into Jewelry: Refined metals are used to create jewelry through casting, rolling and forming techniques.

It should be noted that these processes vary depending on the type of precious jewel and the geographic region where extraction and production takes place. Furthermore, the jewelry industry is evolving towards more ethical and sustainable practices, seeking to minimize the environmental and social impact of mineral extraction.