The Agapanthus style is rooted in the search for special stones, even when it comes to the more classic precious gemstones.

The salt-and-pepper diamond

The salt-and-pepper is a white diamond with black inclusions, quite different from the standard of clarity and pureness adhered to traditionally. Salt-and-pepper gems possess the shine and sparkle of the classic diamond, but have more character. Inclusions are snubbed by diamond dealers for being flaws, but at Agapanthus they are prized as a virtue that makes the diamond even more unique.
In fact, it is impossible to find one stone equal to another. The particular features are sought out with patience and skill. Very pure white diamonds are easier to find; all it takes is an enormous budget. Agapanthus looks for beauty that goes beyond the obvious. Often, it is hidden in the folds of so-called imperfections, around which the entire piece of jewellery is then built.

The brown diamond

The brown diamond is another stone that stirs great emotion thanks to its hue - a symbolic evocation of the Earth and its deepest mysteries. All diamonds mounted by Agapanthus are cut perfectly according to the rules of the craft, an essential precondition to obtain the ideal shine, sparkle and luminosity.

The teal sapphire

The bi-colour teal sapphire is a highly particular addition to the Agapanthus collection. During these gems' formation millions of years ago, the progressive mutation of physical and chemical elements led to singular characteristics. Extraordinary colour combinations, unique colour-zoning and inclusions that are actually small stones under formation inside the gem, produce transfixing iridescent effects. Observation of these sapphires under a microscope shows the fascinating presence of millions of tiny crystals.

Semi-precious stone

At Agapanthus, semi-precious stones take on special relevance. They sometimes possess a more marked uniqueness than the most prestigious precious stones. Semi-precious gems can exude more personality and increase the originality of the final result. Thanks to the time and care dedicated to the selection of stones whose inclusions enhance their attractiveness, Agapanthus is able to offer exceptional finds that are never commonplace. Inclusions are responsible for almost all optical effects that make the stone come alive. When light hits the surface and enters inside, it interacts with the inclusions, creating peculiar phenomena such as asterism and chatoyancy, giving the stone its indescribable attractiveness. Every so often, the crystals formed inside the stone even give off a metallic glimmer similar to glitter.

Choosing gems requires many hours of time. The first phase is the swift observation of thousands. Then comes a slower, more precise sorting of the ones with a better cut, with a special optical effect. Gradually, the selection narrows by discarding the less interesting. Quantity diminishes and quality increases until the maximum is obtained. Strawberry quartz, for instance, is a clear quartz crystal, a stone found all over the world, but with red inclusions that can make the stone look similar to a strawberry. The quartz looks pink with scattered flecks of bright red. Another example is tourmaline, which can be any colour, but Agapanthus seeks out only the rarest specimens whose colour and shape make for exceptional jewellery that cannot be found elsewhere.