A gem dealer's journal

Today we will talk about the one gem I had sworn to never touch and yet, is increasingly present in Asia Lounges' collections! I am talking about the rare gem variation of green beryl known as emerald.  The stone itself is legendary, birthstone for May and often used in astrology to honor Taurus, Gemini and sometimes even Cancer. This gem is often carved to honor the gods. As such, India's goddess Meenakshi is traditionally represented by an emerald idol as well as numerous Buddha idols all over Asia.  So, if this gemstone is so prized by gods and human alike, why...

The garnet family is hardly a newcomer in the gem trade. Used since ancient times, it is only recently that it has been on the rise from a trading standpoint. The immense variety of colors and trade names that the garnet family possesses has been a blessing for traders.   Garnets, in general, can be found virtually anywhere. Gem quality garnet on the other hand is a different animal altogether. Much rarer and in increasing demand, their prices are skyrocketing and big sizes extremely difficult to obtain. Most garnets fall under three categories or mix of these: Almandine, Pyrope, Spessartine....

Dear Loungers, You might have heard of terms like Royal Blue, or Pigeon’s Blood Red, but are unfamiliar with the meaning or origins of these color names. This post aims to introduce you to the color types that Asia Lounges will be using to describe our ruby and sapphire color types as well as to introduce you to the only gemological laboratory we will be featuring in these pages when it comes to ruby, sapphire, and spinel: Lotus Gemology. By clicking on the Lotus Color Types image below, you will be able to read about and better understand the reason...

Our Founder, Simon Dussart, is a French national that has been living in Asia for almost a decade. He has been involved in the gem and jewelry trade ever since he arrived. His initiation to the world of high jewelry started in Hong Kong in 2009. There, he worked for a group of French Jewelers, Enza and Hay Jewellery, that were producing goods for some of Place Vendome's most exclusive designers. While there, Simon learned of the art of jewelry making by some of the Place Vendome's best goldsmiths and gem setters. With decades of experience working for companies such as...

Dear loungers, Asia Lounges started from a desire to share our passion for fine natural gemstones. We’re dedicated not only to showing you the nicest natural gemstones available, but also to helping you explore where they come from. Through Asia Lounges, you can discover the secret world of the gem trade. Our next few posts will introduce you to our favourite gem families and help you understand Asia Lounges and what we stand for. The first topic we will be featuring is the lapidary arts, or the art of gem cutting. We will interview a famed lapidary, or gem cutter,...