Semiprecious stones are beautiful and have healing properties. That's why they find pride of place in interiors.
Imagine going to an area with minimal accessibility and barely any means of transportation.
It could be risky and dangerous. But for some, the results may yield rewards greater than any peril.
Some semiprecious stones can only be found in certain parts of the world — often quite a distance to travel to.
These stones have often been associated with kings, pharaohs and shaikhs, tales of adventure and beauty, and intriguing myths and legends.
Not only were semiprecious stones used in jewellery but they were also used to decorate palaces and castles.
Designer stock
Take, for example, malachite, the most expensive stone found in the Stone Source showroom in Dubai.
Unni Bhaskar, managing director of the Countach Group, Dubai, says this particular semiprecious stone can only be found in Zambia and Zaire.
Stone Source is the outcome of a joint venture between the Countach Group and the Solid Stone Company, India, where the factory is based.
The company provides designs for individuals, palaces, villas, apartments, five-star hotels and shopping malls.
Once, a customer wanted a bathtub created completely out of stone.
However, Stone Source also has a collection of natural stones, such as slate, quartzite, marble, granites and travertine, so a customer is spoilt for choice.
Each stone and metal, such as brass, copper and steel, can be made to suit the client’s requirement. The materials can also be used in combination.
Client-catering
Once the client outlines his design requirement, specifying the size and shape he wants, Stone Source consults an interior designer to give it a touch-up.
The next stage is to send the details to the factory in India, where the final product is made.
“The price of these stones is usually high because they can be quite a task to extract.
"Another reason is that there are limited gemstones available, which makes them even more valuable,” Bhaskar said. “Many of our customers are particular about the type they choose.”
This is because semiprecious stones are said to have curative properties. Malachite, for example, is said to bring great fortune, wealth and personal power to the individual, paving the way for achievements.
It is believed that the Russian czar Peter the Great decorated his entire palace with malachite.
Bhaskar told me the story of a diamond watch he was given as a present.
He had to stop wearing it because he believed it had started attracting bad luck. Interestingly, immediately after he removed the watch, he saw his luck improve.
Another popular stone is the blue lapis, found only in Afghanistan, which represents awareness and creativity and is said to help recognise one’s true spiritual path.
Solid beliefs
Amethyst represents balance and is said to help heal the mind, the body and the soul.
One of the oldest known gemstones is jasper, which is only found in Australia.
Native Americans believed that red jasper was a symbol of the earth’s blood and, therefore, connected to all its energies. It is said to bring justice to anything unfair.
Coming back to how a stone is processed, a stone can go through a choice of six finishing touches, which includes polishing, bush hammering and shot blasting, depending on the effect the customer wants.
“We offer normal and high-end designs, which can come in the form of wall hangings, mirrors, TV frames, table and kitchen counters, bowls and other artefacts,” Ravi said.
One variety I couldn’t get out of my mind was a fossilised stone which looked as though a plant had been etched into it — an epitome of nature’s beauty.
OPTIONS
Finishes
- Polished: Using polish till a reflection can be seen
- Honed: First level of polishing
- Natural finish: The stone is left as it is, with no finishing touches
- Bush hammering: A small needle is used to create small dot effects
- Flamed finish: A lower level of bush hammering
- Shot blasting: Sand under high pressure is sprayed on the stone
The gem effect
Here are a few examples of semiprecious stones, with interesting beliefs on what they are thought to represent:
Tiger eye: This stone has been around since ancient times but is still considered one of the most eye-catching. It is believed that the tiger eye offers protection during travel, helps focus the mind, builds confidence and proves beneficial for the weak.
Green adventurine: This represents success and opportunity and is said to improve one’s leadership skills. It is also believed to have healing and anxiety-relieving properties.
Red carnelian: This comes in different colours and is said to foster constant inspiration, reminding one of one’s goals.
Moss agate: This stone is known as the stone of abundance and is said to remind the owner of all his accomplishments, which, in turn, refreshes the soul.
Rose quartz: This is said to hold a powerful yet gentle power to tune the mind to the “energy of love” and uplift the psychological state of being.
Mother-of-pearl: This is said to nurture the individual and induce calm, easing emotional stress.
Black mother-of-pearl: This has the ability to protect individuals from negative influences, thoughts and emotions.
Trokas: This stone is also good for protection, especially for children, and is said to help get rid of negative energy. Trokas also heighten intuition.
Sea opal: This stone cleanses the heart of fear, sorrow and negative energy, all the while promoting domestic harmony and inner peace.
