DISCOVER : DEEP BLUE IOLITE

GEMSTONE FOCUS

DISCOVER : DEEP BLUE IOLITE

All you need to know about the standout gem of the season. Make iolite your new favourite.

Iolite is our go to gemstone for making a splash. With colour tones ranging from indigo to piercing blue it brings the tones of the ocean to your jewellery box. The name Iolite comes from the Greek word ”Ios” meaning Violet. Stones in the lighter shade of blue as sometimes called Water Sapphires.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Iolite was known as the Viking Compass Stone as it was used to navigate through the misty waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

It worked in two ways : Firstly, like Sapphires and Tanzanite it’s a pleochromic stone so it can transmit light differently depending on which direction it is held up to the light. So Vikings could dangle a stone to see it change colour and know which direction the sunlight was hitting it : telling them true North.

Also when cut in thin slices to use as a tool for vision, it works in the same way as a polarising filter on a camera to eliminate mist and help see a way though the fog at sea.

BEHIND THE FOLKLORE

Due to it’s Nordic history Iolite is known as the stone of illumination and the spirit of journeys. It is said to be associated with dreams, exploration and spiritual growth.

Folklore includes claiming it to bring peace from chaos and its power to balance and create order. It’s claimed to activate the creative side of the mind and help to achieve dreams.

HOW TO WEAR

Turn heads with this blue gem by going large, with chunky statement pieces worn solo, or layer with gold chains and pair with strong colours like carnelian and peach moonstone for a real contrast : a match you’ll wear again and again.