Begermi Materials Guide

925 Sterling

At Begermi by Antwerpen we honour heritage and modernity through finely made 925 sterling silver. 925 sterling is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver blended with stronger metals for durability. This balanced composition ensures lasting shine and structural integrity while remaining precious to the touch.

Highest Quality, Thoughtful Craftsmanship

We use the highest quality possible across every stage, from alloy selection to finishing. Each piece is inspected and plated where appropriate to enhance color and resist wear. Our master jeweler refines fit and polish so every item meets Antwerpen’s exacting standards and wears with quiet confidence.

Care and Keeping

To preserve brilliance, store pieces separately, avoid perfumes, and remove jewelry before bathing or swimming. Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap when needed. For deeper restoration, visit our atelier for professional polishing and replating services. Tarnish is natural and reversible; occasional professional replating and polishing will restore sheen and safeguard pieces for generations of daily wear comfortably.

Semi-Precious Stones: Beauty Beyond the Ordinary

Semi-precious stones captivate with their vibrant colors, unique patterns, and accessibility. While they are not as rare as diamonds or rubies, they still offer endless possibilities for stunning jewelry. This guide explores the most popular semi-precious stones, highlighting their characteristics and significance.

Citrine

Overview: Citrine, a golden-yellow to orange variety of quartz, exudes warmth and positivity. Colors: Its spectrum ranges from light yellow to deep amber, offering rich variations. Properties: Durability: Citrine ranks at seven on the Mohs scale and is quite sturdy. Affordability: This gemstone provides vibrant color at an accessible price. Symbolism: Citrine is often linked to success, abundance, and energy. Uses: Rings, earrings, and necklaces frequently showcase citrine’s radiant beauty.

Aquamarine

Overview: Aquamarine, a pale blue to greenish-blue variety of beryl, resembles the tranquil ocean. Colors: Most stones range from light to medium blue, sometimes carrying a greenish tint. Properties: Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, aquamarine resists scratches well. Clarity: Many aquamarines display exceptional transparency with minimal inclusions. Symbolism: This gemstone represents tranquility, courage, and protection. Uses: Commonly set in engagement rings, pendants, and delicate earrings, aquamarine adds elegance to any piece.

Tourmaline

Overview: Tourmaline’s remarkable color variety makes it a favorite among gem lovers. Colors: This gemstone occurs in pink, green, black, watermelon (bi-color), and many other hues. Properties: Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5, tourmaline remains a durable choice. Color Diversity: Found in nearly every shade, tourmaline offers endless design possibilities. Symbolism: Many believe tourmaline fosters love, creativity, and protection. Uses: Tourmaline’s striking colors make it ideal for multi-colored jewelry like earrings and pendants.

Amethyst

Overview: Amethyst, a violet quartz variety, has long been admired for its regal charm. Colors: Its shades range from soft lavender to deep, royal purple. Properties: Durability: Ranking at seven on the Mohs scale, amethyst remains a durable option. Affordability: This gemstone provides a luxurious look at a reasonable cost. Symbolism: Many believe amethyst enhances clarity, spirituality, and calmness. Uses: Amethyst’s striking color makes it a popular choice for rings, necklaces, and brooches.

Topaz

Overview: Topaz, a durable and versatile gemstone, is best known for its brilliant blue variety. Colors: Shades include blue, yellow, pink, peach, and white, each offering a unique appeal. Properties: Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 8, topaz holds up well to daily wear. Luster: Its exceptional brilliance enhances its visual impact. Symbolism: Many associate topaz with love, wisdom, and healing. Uses: Statement rings, pendants, and bracelets frequently feature Topaz’s striking hues.

Garnet

Overview: Garnet is well known for its deep red hue, but it also comes in other vibrant colors. Colors: Variations include red, green (Tsavorite), orange (spessartine), and pink. Properties: Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5, garnet remains relatively resilient. Luster: Its natural brilliance allows it to shine effortlessly. Symbolism: Garnet traditionally represents love, vitality, and commitment. Uses: Both antique and modern jewelry designs frequently incorporate garnet’s bold hues.

Peridot

Overview: Peridot, a striking lime-green gemstone, forms deep within the Earth’s mantle. Colors: Shades range from bright green to yellow-green, adding a fresh vibrancy. Properties: Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, peridot is suitable for regular wear. Unique Origins: This gemstone often originates from volcanic activity. Symbolism: Many associate peridot with prosperity, happiness, and peace. Uses: Bohemian-style jewelry and cocktail rings often showcase peridot’s bright hue.

Moonstone

Overview: Moonstone is admired for its enchanting glow, known as adularescence, which gives it a soft, floating light within the stone. Colors: Shades range from milky white to soft gray, with a signature blue sheen that appears to move as the stone shifts. Properties: Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, moonstone requires mindful wear. Luster: Its silky, glowing surface creates a mystical, ethereal appearance. Symbolism: Moonstone has long symbolized intuition, harmony, and emotional balance. Uses: Moonstone is often used in both vintage and contemporary jewelry, especially in pieces that highlight its luminous, dreamlike glow.

Care and Maintenance of Semi-Precious Stones

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Clean semi-precious stones with mild soap and water to preserve their beauty.
Store Separately: Keeping each piece in a soft pouch or jewelry box prevents scratches.
Limit Sun Exposure: Stones like amethyst and citrine may fade if exposed to prolonged sunlight.
Inspect Regularly: Checking for loose settings or damage ensures your jewelry remains in top condition.