GEMSTONES

Sourcing & Expertise

Gemstones at Tsu’s are selected with care and precision, guided by years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of quality. While select rough stones are cut in-house, most are sourced from trusted suppliers worldwide, chosen for their integrity and character.

Each stone is evaluated for its color, clarity, cut, and durability to ensure lasting beauty and wearability. Sourcing focuses not only on aesthetics but also on ethical practices and trusted origins, so every piece carries both craftsmanship and confidence.

Gemstone Identification Service

As part of the commitment to transparency and education, Tsu’s offers a free, in-house gemstone identification service. Using tools including a refractometer, dichroscope, Chelsea filter, polariscope, and magnification, initial assessments can help identify many common gem materials.

While this service is a helpful first step, it’s important to note that identification capabilities are limited to standard gemological techniques and are not a substitute for comprehensive laboratory testing. For unusual or complex cases, professional gemological labs are recommended.

Diamond

Timeless brilliance, clarity, and strength. Typically colorless, but available in shades of yellow, brown, pink, blue, and even green.
• Hardness: 10 • RI: 2.42 • Density: 3.52

Commonly Seen Stones – A Curated Selection

Over a hundred different stones have been used in Tsu’s creations. While it’s impossible to list them all here, this curated selection highlights cherished gems frequently chosen for custom designs. Many more rare and unique stones will be featured on social media soon—follow along for inspiration.

Sapphire

Deep blues and vibrant hues, symbolizing wisdom and loyalty. Found in blue, pink, yellow, green, and even colorless varieties.
• Hardness: 9 • RI: 1.76–1.77 • Density: 4.0

Ruby

Vivid red, the essence of passion and vitality. Ranges from pinkish-red to deep pigeon-blood red.
• Hardness: 9 • RI: 1.76–1.77 • Density: 4.0

Emerald

Lush green, evoking renewal and elegance. Found in shades from light to deep green, often with a hint of blue.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 • RI: 1.57–1.58 • Density: 2.7

Spinel

Rich in color and brilliance, with enduring charm. Found in red, pink, purple, blue, and gray.
• Hardness: 8 • RI: 1.71–1.73 • Density: 3.6

Tourmaline

A spectrum of colors, known for versatility and creativity. Ranges from pink, green, blue, and watermelon bi-color to deep reds and even black.
• Hardness: 7–7.5 • RI: 1.61–1.64 • Density: 3.0–3.2

Aquamarine

Soft blue, with a calming and clear presence. Typically ranges from pale blue to sea-green hues.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 • RI: 1.57–1.58 • Density: 2.7

Morganite

Delicate pink, carrying an air of romance and grace. Found in light pink to peach hues.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 • RI: 1.57–1.58 • Density: 2.7

Amethyst

Elegant purple, associated with clarity and peace. Ranges from pale lavender to deep violet.
• Hardness: 7 • RI: 1.54–1.55 • Density: 2.65

Citrine

Warm golden tones, evoking joy and optimism. Found in shades from pale yellow to deep orange-brown.
• Hardness: 7 • RI: 1.54–1.55 • Density: 2.65

Tsavorite Garnet

Vivid green with a bright, luxurious feel. Shades range from light mint to deep forest green.
• Hardness: 7–7.5 • RI: 1.74–1.75 • Density: 3.6–3.8

Peridot

Lively green with golden undertones, fresh and vibrant. Found in yellow-green to olive hues.
• Hardness: 6.5–7 • RI: 1.65–1.69 • Density: 3.3

Rhodolite Garnet

Rose-red with subtle violet highlights. Found in pinkish to purplish-red hues.
• Hardness: 7–7.5 • RI: 1.74–1.75 • Density: 3.6–3.8

Tanzanite

Unique violet-blue, exclusively from Tanzania. Can range from light lavender to rich deep blue-violet.
• Hardness: 6–7 • RI: 1.69–1.7 • Density: 3.3

Zircon

A fiery brilliance, admired for its sparkle and depth. Available in blue, yellow, brown, green, and colorless varieties.
• Hardness: 6–7.5 • RI: 1.92–1.98 • Density: 4.6

Topaz

Radiant blue, yellow, pink, and other colors. Ranges from pale blue to vivid imperial topaz shades.
• Hardness: 8 • RI: 1.61–1.63 • Density: 3.5

Opal

A world of color, from vibrant play-of-color to gentle pastel tones. Found in white, black, gray, and colorless varieties, with or without play-of-color.
• Hardness: 5.5–6.5 • RI: 1.44–1.46 • Density: 2.15

Chalcedony

Available in many colors, with a soft, understated glow. Common in blue, pink, green, gray, and lavender.
• Hardness: 6.5–7 • RI: 1.53–1.54 • Density: 2.6

Pearl

Natural elegance, timeless beauty. Colors range from classic white and cream to pink, gold, and even black.
• Hardness: 2.5–4.5 • RI: 1.52–1.69 • Density: 2.6–2.8

January - Garnet

Rich red with a deep glow, symbolizing protection and love. Available in shades from green (Tsavorite) to pink and orange.
• Hardness: 7–7.5 • RI: 1.74–1.75 • Density: 3.6–4.3

Birthstones by Month

Every gemstone tells a story, and birthstones add a deeply personal touch to that narrative. Each month is represented by a unique gem, chosen for its beauty, symbolism, and connection to life’s milestones. Whether gifted, worn, or simply admired, these stones reflect not just when you were born, but a rich tradition of meaning and significance.

February - Amethyst

Elegant purple, linked to clarity and peace. Ranges from pale lavender to deep violet.
• Hardness: 7 • RI: 1.54–1.55 • Density: 2.65

June - Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

• Pearl – Natural elegance in shades of white, cream, pink, gold, and black.
• Hardness: 2.5–4.5 • RI: 1.52–1.69 • Density: 2.6–2.8
• Alexandrite – Rare, color-changing gem shifting from green to red.
• Hardness: 8.5 • RI: 1.74–1.75 • Density: 3.7
• Moonstone – Soft glow with a play of light, found in white, gray, peach, and rainbow hues.
• Hardness: 6–6.5 • RI: 1.52–1.53 • Density: 2.6

April - Diamond

Timeless brilliance, symbol of strength and purity. Typically colorless, with rare shades of yellow, brown, pink, blue, and green.
• Hardness: 10 • RI: 2.42 • Density: 3.52

May - Emerald

Lush green, evoking renewal and elegance. Shades from light to deep green, often with bluish tones.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 • RI: 1.57–1.58 • Density: 2.7

March - aquamarine

Soft blue, associated with tranquility and clarity. Shades from pale blue to sea-green.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 • RI: 1.57–1.58 • Density: 2.7

July - Ruby

Vivid red, the essence of passion and vitality. Ranges from pinkish-red to deep pigeon-blood red.
• Hardness: 9 • RI: 1.76–1.77 • Density: 4.0

August - Peridot/Spinel

• Peridot – Bright green with golden undertones.
• Hardness: 6.5–7 • RI: 1.65–1.69 • Density: 3.3
• Spinel – Vibrant colors including red, pink, blue, and gray.
• Hardness: 8 • RI: 1.71–1.73 • Density: 3.6

September - Sapphire

Deep blue and other hues, symbolizing wisdom and loyalty. Found in blue, pink, yellow, green, and colorless varieties.
• Hardness: 9 • RI: 1.76–1.77 • Density: 4.0

October - Opal/Tourmaline

• Opal – A world of color, from vibrant play-of-color to gentle pastel tones. Found in white, black, gray, and colorless varieties.
• Hardness: 5.5–6.5 • RI: 1.44–1.46 • Density: 2.15
• Tourmaline – A spectrum of colors, from pink and green to blue and black.
• Hardness: 7–7.5 • RI: 1.61–1.64 • Density: 3.0–3.2

November - Citrine/Topaz

• Citrine – Warm golden tones, evoking joy and optimism. Shades from pale yellow to deep orange-brown.
• Hardness: 7 • RI: 1.54–1.55 • Density: 2.65
• Topaz – Blue, yellow, pink, and other shades, representing resilience and warmth.
• Hardness: 8 • RI: 1.61–1.63 • Density: 3.5

December - Tanzanite/Zircon/Turquoise

• Tanzanite – Violet-blue, unique to Tanzania.
• Hardness: 6–7 • RI: 1.69–1.7 • Density: 3.3
• Zircon – Brilliant fire, available in blue, yellow, brown, green, and colorless.
• Hardness: 6–7.5 • RI: 1.92–1.98 • Density: 4.6
• Turquoise – Distinctive robin’s-egg blue to greenish-blue.
• Hardness: 5–6 • RI: 1.61–1.65 • Density: 2.6–2.9

Behind the Gems

Explore the world of gemstones through the gallery—featuring highlights from the sourcing journey, from raw rough stones to finished gems. See images of hand-selected rough, gem identification processes, and the natural diversity of gems encountered. Whether on sourcing trips or through careful study, every stone reflects a dedication to understanding and appreciating nature’s artistry.