What Stones Are Best for Fire Prevention? A Supportive Guide for Rebuilding in the Palisades & Altadena
When communities experience devastating wildfires, rebuilding isn’t just about restoring homes—it’s about restoring peace of mind. For families in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and other fire-prone areas of Southern California, selecting materials that offer durability and fire resistance has become not just a design choice, but a life-safety consideration. At GEM International, our hearts are with everyone navigating the emotional and logistical realities of rebuilding. We hope…
How to Choose the Right Natural Stone for Your Kitchen or Bathroom
When it comes to designing a luxurious kitchen or bathroom, few materials rival the timeless beauty and enduring quality of natural stone. From the rich veining of marble to the rugged sophistication of quartzite, each stone tells its own story — one of craftsmanship, artistry, and nature’s design perfection. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your home? At GEM International, we’ve…
The Difference Between Polished, Honed, and Leathered Stone Finishes
When selecting natural stone for your kitchen, bathroom, or feature wall, the type of finish you choose can dramatically affect both the appearance and feel of your space. While the stone itself defines the character, its finish defines the mood — glossy and glamorous, soft and organic, or tactile and natural. At GEM International, every slab is chosen not only for its rarity and quality but also for how…
Where Timeless Craft Meets Conscious Living
Luxury and sustainability were once seen as opposites — indulgence on one side, restraint on the other. But in today’s design world, they’ve become inseparable. The modern homeowner and architect no longer choose between elegance and ethics; they seek both. At GEM International, we believe that true luxury endures — not only through craftsmanship and beauty but through responsible sourcing and sustainable design. Natural stone, when thoughtfully selected and…
Stone of the Month: Calacatta Viola
Discover Cal Viola, a luxurious Italian marble with bold violet veining and creamy undertones. Explore how this timeless stone brings elegance to bathrooms, kitchen islands, and statement walls — available exclusively at GEM International. At this year’s Marmomac, one stone captivated the design world — Cal Viola. With its creamy undertones and striking violet veining, this marble embodies nature’s artistry at its most expressive. Both dramatic and refined, it bridges the…