Romancing the Stone: A Conversation with Our In-House Gemologist
At Squash Blossom, every gemstone has a story — from where it formed deep within the earth to the moment it becomes part of a piece of jewelry.
Behind many of those stories is Kevin Magner, our in-house gemologist. Having a gemologist in the store allows us to go beyond simply admiring beautiful stones. It means we can truly understand them — their origins, rarity, and what makes each one special.
Kevin studies gemstones from both a scientific and artistic perspective, helping clients learn about the stones they’re drawn to and guiding them in choosing pieces that truly speak to them.
As part of our Spring in Gemstones series, we sat down with Kevin to talk about the fascinating world of gemstones — and some things most people don’t know about them.
Q&A with Kevin Magner
How did you first become interested in gemstones?
"I grew up in the jewelry business, so gemstones were always around my house and at the dinner table. I would hear my dad talk about them, which sparked my interest. After graduating from college with a business degree, I worked for an Italian designer, Roberto Coin. But I felt I didn’t have enough confidence to talk about all gemstones and their details, so I decided to attend gemology school. I left work for a year and a half and earned my graduate gemology degree."
What exactly does a gemologist do?
"A gemologist’s main task is to identify and differentiate gemstones. This can be done in labs, mines, jewelry manufacturing, or retail environments. Essentially, we ensure that each stone is accurately classified and understood."
What makes a gemstone valuable?
"Gemstones are valuable first because they are rare and hard to find. Their beauty, unique colors, crystal forms, and durability make them ideal for jewelry. These qualities allow gemstones to last a lifetime without scratching or breaking, which is why they’re used in fine jewelry and as collector’s specimens."
Are all gemstones natural?
"True gemstones are natural, but there are also synthetic or imitation stones created to simulate natural gems. Part of being a gemologist is being able to identify these synthetics, whether it’s a synthetic ruby made via flux growth or other laboratory technologies."
What gives gemstones their color?
"Gemstone color comes from trace elements within their composition and how light interacts with them. For example, chromium gives emeralds their green, boron creates the blue in tourmalines, and nitrogen can turn diamonds yellow. Each gemstone has a unique combination of elements that produces its distinct color."
Why It Matters
Having a gemologist in the store means our clients can go beyond simply choosing a beautiful piece. They can understand the stone itself — where it came from, what makes it rare, and why it catches the eye. Because sometimes the most interesting part of a gemstone isn’t just its sparkle — it’s the story inside it.
We invite you to visit Squash Blossom and chat with Kevin about any gemstones you’re curious about. Whether you’re selecting a special piece, learning about the history and properties of a stone, or considering an appraisal, Kevin is here to share his expertise.
Every gemstone has a story, and we love helping our clients uncover it. Come explore, ask questions, and discover what makes each stone truly unique.
