The PARKEN Gemstone Guide
PARKEN JEWELRY uses genuine natural gemstones in every piece — not synthetic glass or dyed stones. This guide covers each gemstone in the PARKEN catalog: where it comes from, what makes it look the way it does, how to wear it, and how to care for it.
Lapis Lazuli
Deep midnight blue with gold flecks of pyrite — lapis lazuli is one of the oldest decorative stones in the world, used in Egyptian jewelry and Renaissance paintings as ultramarine pigment. The gold-fleck inclusions (pyrite) are what distinguishes genuine lapis from dyed imitations, which appear flat blue without metallic shimmer.
Origin: Primarily Afghanistan (highest quality), also Chile and Russia. Hardness: 5–6 Mohs (moderate; avoid abrasives). Best paired with: 14k gold settings, aquamarine, pearl.
Aquamarine
The pale blue-green of shallow tropical water — aquamarine is a beryl mineral (same family as emerald) colored by trace iron. The blue-green quality intensifies in larger stones; smaller beads and faceted drops tend toward a cleaner sky-blue.
Origin: Brazil, Pakistan, Madagascar. Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs (durable; suitable for daily wear). Best paired with: Silver or gold, coral, moonstone. Featured in the Isla resort collection.
Emerald
Vivid saturated green — emerald is the most valuable beryl variety, colored by chromium and vanadium. Genuine emeralds almost always contain natural inclusions (called “jardin”), which are considered characteristic rather than flaws. Inclusions-free emeralds are extremely rare and are typically the result of treatment.
Origin: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil. Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs. Best paired with: 14k gold, lapis, pearl. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
Moonstone
Milky white with an inner blue shimmer (called adularescence) that moves as the stone catches light. Moonstone is a feldspar mineral and the internal shimmer is caused by light scattering between microscopic layers. The “rainbow” moonstone variety shows multicolor adularescence in addition to the blue glow.
Origin: Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar. Hardness: 6–6.5 Mohs (handle gently). Best paired with: Silver, pearl, aquamarine. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Coral
Natural sea coral ranges from pale blush pink through deep orange-red. In jewelry, coral is typically cut into round beads or cabochons. PARKEN uses coral in warm-toned summer collections where it pairs naturally with aquamarine and gold settings. Natural coral is organic (skeleton of marine polyps) and should be kept away from acids and perfumes.
Origin: Mediterranean, Pacific. Hardness: 3–4 Mohs (softest stone in the PARKEN catalog — handle with care). Best paired with: Aquamarine, 14k gold, turquoise.
Pearl
Freshwater pearls — produced by mussels in freshwater lakes — are the most accessible and most cultured pearl type. They have a slightly less perfect round shape than Akoya pearls, which gives them an organic, handmade quality that suits PARKEN’s aesthetic. The Solara collection is built around freshwater pearls in pendants, drops, and stacking bracelets.
Origin: China (freshwater), Japan (Akoya). Hardness: 2.5–3 Mohs (the softest — string on knotted silk, store separately). Best paired with: All metals; especially silver. Last to put on, first to take off.
Gemstone Care Summary
| Gemstone | Hardness | Avoid | Clean With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapis Lazuli | 5–6 | Acids, ultrasonic | Soft damp cloth |
| Aquamarine | 7.5–8 | Heat, steam | Mild soap + water |
| Emerald | 7.5–8 | Ultrasonic, steam | Soft brush + mild soap |
| Moonstone | 6–6.5 | Rough handling, chemicals | Soft damp cloth only |
| Coral | 3–4 | Acids, perfume, sweat | Dry cloth only |
| Pearl | 2.5–3 | Everything — most fragile | Damp cloth, air dry flat |
318 Handmade Gemstone Pieces
Genuine lapis, aquamarine, emerald, moonstone, coral, and pearl. No synthetics.
Shop PARKEN JEWELRY →Discover more from PARKEN JEWELRY or browse the full PARKEN JEWELRY collection.
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