Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a gemstone?

Generally, three factors determine a gemstone: durability, rarity, and beauty.

DURABILITY: Gemstones are usually very hard, don’t scratch easily, and score high on the Mohs scale (see the FAQ, What is the Mohs Scale?).

RARITY: They’re not easy to find! Gemstones form under specific geological conditions, which makes them hard to find.

BEAUTY – These special gemstones usually have amazing colour, clarity and sparkle when they’re cut professionally.

Historically, only four types of gemstones were considered gemstones: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Everything else is considered semi-precious.

The most common natural gemstones to be found in Tasmania that are suitable for jewellery are sapphires, topaz, zircon and spinel. Others include garnet and ruby, but they're less common.

What gemstones can you find in Tasmania?

Tasmania has an incredible geological landscape with a variety of minerals and genuine gemstones throughout the state. This is a hard question to answer in a short paragraph, as there are books written on gemstone minerals in Tasmania!

The short answer is there’s great variety; however, some naturally occurring gemstones are so scarce or poor quality that they are not used for jewellery.

Tasmania’s mining history really boomed on the West Coast. That’s where tin, copper, crocoite, stichtite, Tasmanian jade and even gold can be found (to name a few!).

Sapphire, topaz, zircon, and spinel are located in the north-east part of Tasmania. Southern Tasmania is where agates, petrified wood and ferns can be found.

The list goes on; we have only mentioned a few. We are certainly blessed to live on this beautiful island!

What is the Mohs scale?

The Mohs scale indicates how hard a gemstone or rock is. This matters because it tells you whether a stone is suitable for jewellery or so soft it will fall apart.

German geologist Friedrich Mohs developed the scale in 1812, and it’s based on whether one stone can scratch another… or what can scratch that particular stone!

The scale ranges from 1 to 10, where talc has a hardness of 1 and diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10 (because nothing scratches diamond … except diamond). The Tasmanian gemstones we use in our jewellery have Mohs hardness as follows:

Sapphire – Mohs 9

Topaz – Mohs 8

Zircon- Mohs 7.5

Spinel – Mohs 8

Petrified Wood- Mohs 6.5- 7

Nephrite Jade – Mohs 6.5 - 7

Jasper – Mohs 7

Agate – Mohs 7

Which Tasmanian gemstones are best for everyday wear?

We consider each gemstone's Mohs hardness when we design our jewellery.

Tasmanian sapphires and spinel are durable and work well in a claw-set ring; however, topaz is slightly softer, and because of its “cleavage”, it is quite delicate.

We set topaz (including Killiecrankie diamonds and Derby diamonds!) only in a safe bezel setting for rings. The same is true for agate, nephrite jade and the other gemstones that we work with.

Popular Tasmanian stones such as stichtite are beautiful to look at. Still, they are also super soft and absorb body oils easily, which dulls the beautiful purple of stichtite, so we avoid working with this stone. If you love it and want jewellery, we recommend choosing a pendant rather than a ring.

So, to answer the question, we design all our jewellery for everyday wear, with settings that protect the gemstone while still showcasing it.

Why do you only use Tasmanian gemstones?

We love rocks and spend as much of our spare time as possible fossicking around Tasmania. We started Kichikoo Design because our gemstone collection grew, and we wanted to share it with the world.

We do love the other types of gemstones that you can find around Australia too – opals, diamonds, chrysoprase, aquamarine… Australian gemstone jewellery is widely available, but Tasmanian gemstone jewellery is limited.

What Tasmanian gemstones are suitable for engagement rings?

It depends on personal taste and the gemstone's durability. We all know that diamonds are popular; however, sapphires and rubies are also right up there too.

When it comes to choosing a Tasmanian gemstone as an engagement ring, topaz has an incredible sparkle and clarity to it. Particularly the famous Killiecrankie Diamonds from Flinders Island.

Yet be mindful that topaz is more delicate than a diamond (it has a Mohs hardness of 8) and should not be set in a traditional engagement-style claw setting, as it could fracture with everyday wear. As an engagement ring, a Tasmanian topaz should be set in a bezel setting for protection.

Tasmanian sapphires are beautiful; however, they are rare and often quite small. If you’re lucky enough to find a big beauty, then wear it loud and proud, however you like. They will last a lifetime.

And if you’re a little bit different, and like to buck the trend, consider a black spinel in a claw setting – it would certainly be a statement piece!

How do I clean my gemstone jewellery?

Looking after your jewellery is easy and something that can be done at home. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when it reacts with the environment.

Just a gentle wipe with a jewellery cloth will do the trick. Or, if you don’t have one available, use a soft cotton cloth (cotton flannel works well). Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are another option. Don’t use chemicals or extreme heat and if you have any concerns you can always reach out to us.

Take care of your jewellery, and it will last for generations.

How do I find out my ring size?

Getting the correct ring size can be tricky – particularly if you don’t have a ring size guide handy! The most accurate method is to have your ring finger measured at a jewellery store (any local jeweller should offer free sizing).

You can also measure your ring size at home – all you need is a ring that fits you well and a ruler.

Measure the distance across the inside of the ring. Make sure to measure across the middle of the ring, where it's widest!

All our ring sizes are given in Australian/UK, American, and Asian sizes, as well as the diameter.

Can I send a piece of Kichikoo jewellery as a gift?

Sure thing. Jewellery as a present is a wonderful idea! Just send us a note on the contact page when you place an order, and we will wrap it up and send it off for you with a note.

The jewellery piece I like is sold out – can I order one?

Yes, you can; reach out to us on the contact page, let us know which jewellery piece you are after, and we can take it from there.

Because we source all the gemstones ourselves, the particular gemstone for your desired piece may not be readily available. If so, we can talk through alternatives with you.

Shipping

We ship for free anywhere in Australia. This does not include insurance, but it does include tracking. International orders are at a flat rate of $ 30 AUD (not including insurance), and any order over $ 300 AUD is shipped for free. If you have any queries, just reach out and chat to us at erica@kichikoodesign.com