Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) started the mining of sapphires in ancient times. Not only is Sri Lanka the most productive source of sapphires in the world...
1. B
The Mogul Emerald weighs 217.80 carats and is approximately 10 cm high. It was sold at Christie’s of London for US$ 2.2 million to an anonymous buyer.
2. C
Ruby colours can range from a deep blackish red to an orangish or pinkish red. Regardless of the combinations of other colours that can be a part of the ruby, the primary colour is always red.
3. C
Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) started the mining of sapphires in ancient times. Not only is Sri Lanka the most productive source of sapphires in the world, but it also boasts of some of the oldest mines in the world, reaching as far as the Second Century AD. International trade of Ceylon Sapphires have been recorded as far back as the 4th and 5th century AD.
4. B
The first pieces of opal were found by gold panners in 1863. Mines at White Cliffs began producing in 1890.
5. D
Topaz is a very hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 8, but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. Diamond is also known for its toughness with a Mohs scale hardness level of 10. White topaz, however, is still harder than most gems. Both gemstones should be protected from hard knocks.
6. A
Rocks that are created by volcanoes will often contain small crystals of peridot.
7. D
Amethyst is mined all over the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. In Ancient Greek times, the Amethyst, was often used in the creation and decoration of goblets.
8. C
These rare aquamarines are found in the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil. They are a deep blue colour.
9. C
The Anahi Mine in Bolivia is the major world producer of ametrine.
10. D
In 1953, Marilyn Monroe, playing the role of Lorelei Lee in the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, sang the unforgettable song ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’. The jazz song initially introduced by Carol Channing in the original Broadway production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949), with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Leo Robin.
Diamonds symbolise love, class, wealth, and purity, and can be a woman’s most precious possession. These qualities are intangible, but diamonds have been proven to be a true expression of love.
