Exquisite ruby necklace with crystal accents
Elegant ruby pendant with diamond halo setting
Deep blue sapphire with excellent clarity
Brilliant yellow sapphire with intense color
Rare green garnet exclusive to East Africa
Beautiful purple-red garnet with excellent brilliance
Handcrafted silver rings with gemstone accents
Stunning floral design with marquise-cut rubies
Rare blue-violet gemstone found only in Tanzania
Multi-colored tourmaline with unique properties
The Ruby Gemstones are extracted from the John Saul Ruby Mine in Tsavo West National Park. Rockland acquired a Special Mining Lease (No.19) in 1991 to exclusively extract precious stones from a defined area. This lease was renewed in 2012 and runs until August 2031.
The John Saul Ruby Mine was discovered in 1973 by two American prospectors, John Saul and Tim Miller. After a long period of inactivity, the mine was acquired by Rockland Kenya Ltd in 1991.
The Open Cast Mining Method is a capital intensive method that requires heavy earth digging and moving machines to remove 100% of the overburden. Open-cast mines are dug on benches, which describe vertical levels of the hole. These benches are usually on four to sixty meter intervals, depending on the size of the machinery being used.
Many quarries do not use benches, as they are usually shallow. Advantages of this method include capturing 100% of Rubies. However, this method is capital intensive, thus increasing the risk of investment.
The Sub Surface Mining Method is less capital intensive and has been used at John Saul Ruby Mine since 2008. This system involves the use of vertical shafts and several horizontally lying adits. Material is hauled to the surface by the use of cranes through the shafts.
This is considered the modern form of mining and is known to be more efficient.
Ruby deposits need to be extracted from the rock face, with the overburden removed. Internal controls are established to prevent loss of material through theft. All materials are weighed, and once sorting takes place, all weight including that of the overburden must be accounted for. Once the Rubies have been sorted, they are then washed and cleaned.
Once the Rubies have been sorted, they are graded into three levels. The grading is dependent upon certain factors which are used to determine the quality.
The Rubies are then grouped by size as customers often purchase Rubies of similar size. These are then sealed and sent to head office under night escort.
A Gemstone is a naturally occurring crystalline form of a mineral, which is desirable for its beauty, valuable in its rarity and durable enough to be enjoyed for generations. There are more than 40 popular gem varieties and many more rare collector Gemstones.
The traditional Gemstones are ruby, emerald and blue sapphire due to rarity. For a one-carat stone of average to good quality in these varieties, expect to pay between $250 and $10,000 per carat. Of course, truly fine gems will cost more.
Each type of Gemstone is unique based on the location that it has been mined from, and from which vein it is derived. It is therefore possible to determine where the Gemstone is from, and in many instances from which mine. In this regard, the ruby from the John Saul mine is indeed unique and can be distinguished.
Factors such as the stone's variety, carat weight, color, saturation, and clarity are taken into consideration when looking to establish its respective value.
The red and pink coloring of the ruby is caused by high chromium and low iron values, and the strong color branding in ruby crystals is caused by variations in the chromium and titanium elements together. The chromium element comes from ultramafic bodies. The Ruby from John Saul Ruby Mine is very strong in color, reflecting the environment it comes from. Its fluorescence has often caused it to be compared with the famous Burma Ruby.
The quality of gemstones is determined by several factors:
At Rockland Kenya, we ensure that all our gemstones meet the highest standards in each of these categories.
East Africa is renowned for producing some of the world's finest gemstones:
Our mining operations adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring sustainable practices and supporting local communities.
To maintain the beauty of your gemstones:
Different gemstones require different care approaches. Contact us for specific care instructions for your gemstone.
We can source specific gemstones based on your requirements. Fill out the form with your specifications, and our team will help you find the perfect gemstone.