ABOUT OUR
Gemstones
Here at Richard Gretz, we have one of the largest collections of colored gemstones in Oregon.

Sapphires
While we have a large selection of many gemstones, we specialize in sapphires.
Sapphires are a durable and versatile gemstone, widely used in all types of jewelry, especially rings. They rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them highly resistant to scratching and well-suited for everyday wear. While most people associate sapphires with deep blue, they come in a wide range of colors—including pink, yellow, green, and white—except red (which is classified as ruby).

Rubies
While we have a large selection of many gemstones, we specialize in sapphires.
Sapphires are a durable and versatile gemstone, widely used in all types of jewelry, especially rings. They rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them highly resistant to scratching and well-suited for everyday wear. While most people associate sapphires with deep blue, they come in a wide range of colors—including pink, yellow, green, and white—except red (which is classified as ruby).

Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the most widely used gemstones in jewelry, valued for their durability, clarity, and ability to reflect light. Ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, they’re ideal for everyday wear, especially in rings.
Mined diamonds are formed naturally over billions of years beneath the earth’s surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology. Both have the same physical and chemical properties, but lab diamonds are typically more affordable, while mined diamonds often carry higher rarity and long-term value perception.

Amethysts
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz commonly used in rings, pendants, and earrings. It offers good durability for most jewelry, though it’s softer than stones like sapphires or diamonds, so some care is recommended. Its range of violet tones and accessible price point make it a popular choice for both everyday and statement pieces.

Topaz & Aquamarine
Topaz and aquamarine are popular gemstones known for their clarity and color range. Topaz comes in a variety of hues, from blue to golden tones, and is often used in rings, earrings, and pendants. Aquamarine, prized for its light blue color, is commonly featured in elegant, understated designs. Both stones offer good durability for regular wear, though they should be handled with some care to avoid scratching or impact damage.

Tanzanite & Alexandrite
Tanzanite and alexandrite are distinctive gemstones valued for their unique optical properties. Tanzanite is known for its rich blue to violet color and is often used in rings, earrings, and pendants, though it requires care due to its relative softness. Alexandrite is prized for its rare color-change effect, appearing green in daylight and reddish in incandescent light, making it a sought-after choice for fine and custom jewelry. Both are typically used in pieces designed for occasional or mindful wear.

Opal
Opal is a unique gemstone known for its shifting play-of-color, displaying flashes of multiple hues within a single stone. It’s commonly used in rings, pendants, and earrings, often as a focal piece. Due to its relative softness and sensitivity to impact and moisture changes, opal jewelry is best suited for occasional or careful wear.
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