It’s All About The Gems In The Dominican Republic

August 25th, 2009 | admin | Jewelry

larimar What would a vacation be without souvenirs, those charming keepsakes that stir dormant memories of vacations long since passed? Like that Ireland shot glass so saliently perched on your mantle: how it reminds you, each time you pass by, of that Temple Bar foray with your coterie, when you began the jovial evening in Dublin’s most infamous bar and then awoke the following morning on a bus in Swords, dazed and wallet-less, clutching an iron-wrought shot glass? Or that intricately carved stein you purchased in Munchen’s famed Hofbrauhaus, when you drank and sang ‘Oans, Zwoa, g’suffa!’ with a 92-year old beer hall veteran who had imbibed a lager and schnapps every day for the past 58 years? Besides these telling mementos (and a bevy of incriminating photos), how else would one relive such precious moments, especially as our minds begin to sink beneath the tonnage of old age?

Purchasing souvenirs for oneself (whether intentional or inadvertent) is one thing; purchasing items for someone else is another matter altogether. It’s much harder to accommodate the discerning tastes of others, who may find that Ireland shot glass rather distasteful, or that Munchen beer stein inconducive to, say, their alcohol rehabilitation program. No matter how thoughtful the memento, no friend, significant other, or family member desires something ordinary or kitsch; and though your girlfriend may welcome that gyrating hula dancer or orange Jamaica T-shirt with a tepid smile, more likely than not she’s astounded by your lack of taste and judgment, and would have preferred you return empty-handed.

Luckily for you, a trip to the Dominican Republic will generate no puzzled countenances or decorous gratitude, as the country brims with exquisite souvenirs, including high quality cigars and rum (perfect for more hedonistic friends). For the more subdued recipient, however, the Dominican offers up an abundance of unique gemstones, which have become increasingly popular souvenirs among jewelry lovers and aficionados. The most notable two are Larimar and Amber, two native stones that are beautiful and affordable, and make for indelible memories.

Larimar—Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is mined in southern regions of the country, and is valued for its nuanced turquoise blue, white, and less common green hues. First discovered in the Caribbean in the 1970’s, Larimar has become a staple of the Dominican Republic, and is often set in sterling silver and used for charming necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Volcanic blue Larimar is by far the most highly regarded and expensive, as its striking deep blue color reflects the azure palette of the Caribbean sky and sea.
Amber—Another widely acclaimed stone in the Dominican Republic, Amber is a golden or honey-colored fossil resin sold throughout the country in specialty jewelry or gift shops. Inclusions are the most popular, as they boast vestiges of small plants or insects. Like Larimar, Amber is often set in sterling silver, and makes for stunning additions to any jewelry collection.

So next time you visit the Dominican Republic, and your darling coquettishly requests something ’special,’ think twice before investing in that tourist t-shirt or fluorescent pink beach sarong. Most likely your girlfriend isn’t requesting a new wardrobe&msdash;especially one emblazoned with tacky tropical logos, slogans, and/or foreign country names. Instead, opt for a beautiful piece of Larimar or Amber jewelry, a souvenir that will award you warm embraces and kisses, rather than the cold-shoulder.

By: Enid Glasgow

Dominican Republic larimar – unique larimar ring or larimar

The resultant gems, no two of which are exactly alike, are used in a variety of distinctive Dominican Republic larimar jewelry. For the lucky few such jewelry, often made of silver set with unique larimar gems.

Dominican amber jewelry – ‘Tears of Goddesses’ that hold secrets

We also encourage you to take a look at the other semi-precious gem that is unique to the Dominican Republic. Larimar is an unusual form of ‘blue pectolite’ that is used to make beautiful jewelry.

12 Hidden Gems: Great Destinations that Caught Us by Surprise

The only place that has managed to catch me off guard was the Dominican Republic. I had consciously avoided the island because the country has been charged with many human rights violations, not to mention forced slavery of Haitians.

PrettyRock.com: Gemology and Faceting blog: Gemstones Found Only

Blue and green amber – Dominican Republic Moldavite – Czech Republic Fanta-coloured mandarin garnet – Namibia Fire Opal – Mexico Chrome diopside – Sakha (formerly Yakutia) in Russia Charoite – Chary River in Russia .

Wonderful Yellow Gems | Jewelry blog from Jewelrymall.com

Nowadays, amber stones are mostly seen in the Dominican Republic and Baltic States. During the stone age, amber was thought to have supernatural powers and people wore them when they worship.