The provided sources detail a selection of estate jewellery pieces, primarily rings and earrings, once sold by Ben Moss Jewellers, a Canadian jewellery retailer with a history stretching back to 1910. While a comprehensive overview of a specific birthstone is not possible based solely on these materials, the sources offer insights into several gemstones – tourmaline, sapphire, diamond, and cubic zirconia – alongside the historical context of a prominent Canadian jewellery brand. This article will explore these gemstones as they appear within the Ben Moss estate collections, focusing on their characteristics as presented in the available documentation.
A Canadian Jewellery Heritage
Ben Moss Jewellers, founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1910, began as a family-owned business and evolved over the decades. The company was acquired by Charm Diamond Centres in 2017, leading to a re-establishment of the brand across Canada. Specializing in engagement rings, watches, and personalized jewellery, Ben Moss Jewellers aimed to provide exceptional customer service and a seamless shopping experience. The sources highlight the availability of estate jewellery, offering customers value and timeless designs. The company ceased operations in 2016, making these estate pieces particularly noteworthy as remnants of a Canadian jewellery legacy.
Tourmaline: The October Birthstone and Beyond
Tourmaline is presented as a gemstone notable for its broad range of colours, with pink tourmalines specifically identified as the birthstone for October. The most coveted variation is described as an electric blue tourmaline from Paraíba, Brazil, though the sources do not provide details on its specific properties. A featured estate set includes a ring and stud earrings showcasing the range of pink tourmaline tones. The ring boasts a 1.90-carat gem of an intense, slightly purplish pink hue, while the earrings feature a softer, fuchsia-to-baby pink colour, with a combined weight of 2.26 carats. Both pieces are accented with petite round single-cut diamonds in a scalloped halo setting, totaling 0.18 carats in the ring and 0.36 carats in the earrings, all of VS-HI quality. The tourmaline pieces are set in 14-karat yellow and white gold.
Diamonds: A Timeless Classic
Diamonds feature prominently throughout the provided sources, appearing in various settings and styles. One estate ring contains 22 round brilliant-cut diamonds, each set in a four-prong setting. These natural diamonds are described as having SI clarity and I colour, with a total weight of 2.1 grams and a finger size of 7. The ring’s design, a flat-edged anniversary band, allows it to be worn alongside a solitaire or as a standalone piece. The diamonds extend beyond the halfway point, creating the illusion of a full eternity ring. The sources emphasize the value offered by this ring, at less than $25.00 per diamond.
Further diamond pieces include “Journey” style pendants and earrings, featuring graduated round brilliant-cut diamonds bead-set in shared settings. A pair of these earrings contains 22 diamonds totaling 0.25 carats, of I1-HI quality. Another set showcases diamond solitaire studs with a modern twist, featuring 0.90 carats of SI2-I1-H quality diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, each with a hidden natural ruby as a signature detail by Roberto Coin.
Sapphires: A Touch of Elegance
White sapphires are featured in a vintage drop earring and necklace set. The earrings dangle 30.6mm and feature two brilliant-cut white sapphires paired with creamy round cultured pearls. The necklace, 18 inches long, also incorporates three brilliant-cut white sapphires and a round pearl. The set is crafted from 18-karat white gold with rhodium plating and secured with locking hinged backs and a pearl clasp.
Cubic Zirconia: Affordable Sparkle
While the sources acknowledge that cubic zirconia (CZ) is often found in lower-quality jewellery, a pair of estate hoop earrings featuring full coverage of sparkling CZs are highlighted. These 10-karat gold earrings weigh 4.3 grams and are described as well-made, with sturdy hinges and secure closures. The sources note that 32 CZs of comparable diamond quality would cost significantly more, emphasizing the affordability and convincing appearance of these CZ earrings.
Gemstone Settings and Craftsmanship
The sources showcase a variety of settings and craftsmanship techniques. Diamonds are frequently set in prong settings, bead settings, and bezel settings. The “Journey” style earrings utilize shared settings to minimize gaps between stones. The Roberto Coin diamond studs feature a unique bezel setting with a hidden ruby signature. The vintage sapphire and pearl set employs locking hinged backs for secure wear and a pearl clasp for the necklace. The tourmaline pieces are set in scalloped halo settings, enhancing the gemstones’ brilliance.
The craftsmanship varies across the pieces, with some described as “hand made” (Thomas Alt earrings) and others as “well made” (CZ hoop earrings). The materials used include 14-karat and 18-karat gold, often with rhodium plating for enhanced brightness and durability.
Historical Design Influences
The sources hint at historical design influences. The Thomas Alt earrings, featuring custom-cut onyx, are described as embodying the Idar-Oberstein design aesthetic of the 1980s, characterized by a mix of matte and high-polished surfaces and step-cut geometry. The sources suggest a resurgence in popularity for 1980s fashion, making these earrings particularly appealing to enthusiasts of retro glam.
Gemstone Properties (as presented in the sources)
While a comprehensive gemological analysis is beyond the scope of these sources, the following properties are mentioned:
| Gemstone | Colour | Clarity | Cut | Carat Weight (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourmaline | Pink (various shades), Electric Blue | VS-HI | Oval Faceted | 1.90 (ring), 2.26 (earrings) |
| Diamond | Colourless (I colour) | SI, I1 | Round Brilliant | 22 (ring), 0.25 (earrings), 0.90 (studs) |
| Sapphire | White | N/A | Brilliant Cut | N/A |
| Cubic Zirconia | Colourless | N/A | N/A | 32 (earrings) |
Care and Cleaning (Inferred)
Based on the gemstones’ properties, general care recommendations can be inferred. Diamonds, being hard and durable, can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Tourmaline, while beautiful, is relatively softer and requires more careful handling. Sapphires are durable and can be cleaned similarly to diamonds. Cubic zirconia, being a softer material, should be cleaned gently to avoid scratches.
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a glimpse into the world of gemstones through the lens of Ben Moss Jewellers’ estate collections. While not a focused study of a single birthstone, the materials highlight the beauty and variety of tourmaline, diamonds, sapphires, and cubic zirconia. They also provide a historical perspective on a significant Canadian jewellery retailer and its contribution to the market. The estate pieces represent a legacy of craftsmanship and design, offering value and timeless appeal to jewellery enthusiasts and collectors. The sources demonstrate the enduring allure of gemstones and their continued relevance in contemporary jewellery.