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Larimar is also known as the “Atlantis Stone” or “Dolphin Stone,” believed by some to have ancient metaphysical properties and connections to the lost city of Atlantis and sea creatures, 

Where does the name Larimar come from?

Miguel Mendez was one of the early artisans using Larimar and he named the beautiful material Larimar after his daughter, “LARISSA”, and the Spanish word for sea, “MAR”.

Will Larimar increase in value?

One of the most beautiful and rare gemstones on the planet, Larimar has only ever been found in one, very small area in the mountains of the Dominican Republic. Over the last decade, this Caribbean gemstone has become one of the most sought after semi-precious gemstones in the world.

Forty years ago, this blue rare gemstone was found on the surface. Twenty years ago it was mined in shallow pits 20 to 30’ deep. Now the mine shafts have to go more than 600 feet underground! As the Larimar mines continue to chase the deposit ever deeper, the difficulty and cost to extract the stones increases. 

How to spot fakes

Look out for Fake Larimar made from synthetic materials or common stones that are stained or dyed to resemble Larimar, but look out for these few key things that will differ from real natural Larimar: 

• Larimar is originally formed from hot mineral-rich fluid being forced into cracks and fissures formed by tectonic activity; the liquid form makes the pattern of the Larimar gemstone very specific called spherulite, a spherical body generally occurring in glassy rocks such as Larimar; these patterns are very different from stones like Agate or Chalcedony, which have patterns resembling bands of color all throughout. Glass, which has no pattern, is also not close to natural Larimar and can easily be recognized as is.
  
  
• “Larimar Quartz” is a label given to stones that aren’t Larimar but more or less resemble it. Larimar isn’t a quartz, so if you see this name, you already know not to expect natural Larimar gemstones! Larimar is a pectolite, unlike quartz, which is a very common white or colorless mineral that tends to be dyed to resemble other gemstones.
  
  
• Larimar substitutes are usually dyed Howlite, Quartz, or Amazonite. Dyed stones usually lack the natural color variation of real Larimar. They lean toward the green end of the spectrum and have a slightly translucent look with a consistent color. They can also have highly concentrated spots of color where the dye has absorbed into cracks and voids in the stone.

We only use Genuine Larimar sourced from The Dominican Republic. 

Why is Larimar our perfect stone?

The owner of SGSB first discovered Larimar on a cruise ship in the Caribbean in the 2000's, purchasing a ring featuring the stone. Not only was it her favourite colour, but the stone shared her namesake. It was not until many years later that she visited the Dominican Republic, got to see how it was mined, and learnt more about the beauty of this precious stone. 

Many who wear this stone say it has calming properties, making it perfect for anyone looking to channel their inner Zen (or just survive a Monday morning). In the Dominican Republic Larimar is linked to the water elements and is used to harmonise emotions and increase connection with nature, oceans, and marine life. Some believe it enhances communication with dolphins or elemental water spirits. 

We love Larimar because it truly is one of the most beautiful stones in the world. Its soothing shades of ocean blue and swirling white evoke the calm of Caribbean waves. There's a magic in its presence. It’s a stone that feels like a deep breath, a soft tide, a quiet strength. Larimar is more than just a gemstone - it’s a feeling.