Stone Library
A growing collection of notes on the remarkable gemstones and natural materials used throughout the NEFER BEAUTY collection.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of quartz admired for its rich violet color. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated," reflecting the stone's long and fascinating place in history and classical mythology. For centuries, artists, jewelers, and collectors have treasured amethyst for its beauty and enduring appeal.
Aquamarine
The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning "sea water," a reference to its tranquil blue color. A variety of the mineral beryl, aquamarine has been admired for centuries and was especially prized by sailors, who associated it with the beauty and power of the sea.
Aventurine
The name aventurine comes from the Italian phrase a ventura, meaning "by chance," a reference to the accidental discovery of a shimmering glass that resembled the stone. Natural aventurine is a variety of quartz, admired for the tiny mineral inclusions that give it a soft, subtle sparkle.
Baroque Pearl
Unlike perfectly round pearls, baroque pearls are celebrated for their naturally irregular shapes. Formed within freshwater or saltwater mollusks, each pearl develops its own distinctive character, making every one unique. Their organic forms have been admired by jewelers and artists for centuries.
Carnelian
The name carnelian is thought to come from the Latin cornum, referring to the reddish-orange cornel cherry. A variety of quartz colored by traces of iron, carnelian was treasured in the jewelry of ancient Nubia and Egypt, where artisans fashioned it into beads, amulets, and ornamental objects. Its warm glow continues to inspire artists and jewelry designers today.
Labradorite
Labradorite was first identified in Labrador, Canada, in the late eighteenth century. It is admired for its remarkable play of color—known as labradorescence—which creates flashes of blue, green, and gold as the stone catches the light.
Malachite
Malachite gets its name from the Greek word malachē, meaning "mallow," a reference to the stone's rich green color. Admired since ancient times, malachite was used by the Egyptians in jewelry, decorative objects, and even as a finely ground green pigment for painting.
Pyrite
The name pyrite comes from the Greek word pyr, meaning "fire," because striking pyrite against steel can produce sparks. Its warm metallic luster has made it a favorite ornamental stone for centuries.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a variety of quartz admired for its delicate pink color, which comes from microscopic mineral inclusions within the stone. It has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for thousands of years, prized for its gentle beauty and translucent glow.
