Question 1

What does 'vivid' actually mean when applied to a gemstone?

Accepted Answer

Vivid refers to saturation — how intense and pure the colour is, free from grey or brown modifiers. It is a description of colour quality, not a species name, origin or grade certificate term specific to one variety.

Question 2

Which varieties appear under this filter?

Accepted Answer

Rubellite Tourmaline, Peridot, Chrome Tourmaline, Green Tourmaline and Tsavorite Garnet. Each reaches high saturation through its own colouring elements, so the character of the colour differs from stone to stone.

Question 3

How do Tsavorite Garnet and Chrome Tourmaline differ if both are vivid green?

Accepted Answer

Both take their green from chromium and vanadium, but they are different species with different optical properties, so brilliance, dispersion and the precise hue will not match. Comparing them side by side under the same light is the most reliable method.

Question 4

Does a vivid colour make a stone harder to set?

Accepted Answer

Not in itself — setting considerations depend on the species. Peridot is softer than tourmaline and garnet, so it suits protective settings and pieces worn less frequently against hard knocks, such as pendants and earrings.

Question 5

Are the stones on this page treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment information is stated on each individual stone's listing rather than implied by the vivid designation. Heat treatment, where used in the trade generally, permanently improves colour but does not alter a stone's species.

Question 6

Will a vivid stone look the same in all lighting?

Accepted Answer

No gemstone does. Highly saturated stones often appear most intense in daylight and can shift subtly under warm artificial light, so we recommend viewing a stone in the conditions in which it will most often be worn.

Vivid Colour Gemstones