The mysterious appeal of gemstones with their natural beauty, durability, exquisite colour and play of light within them inspire beliefs in their magical powers causing humans to romance around them.
Some gems are said to have special healing powers to protect and fend off evil spirits, or to bring good luck. Throughout history gemstones have played a vital role from the myths and legends of human cultures to modern design and commerce.
Even the paint giant Sigma is drawing its inspiration from natural gemstones in creating its latest innovative concept for interior decoration.
Sigma’s highly decorative finish, named ‘Amouage’ comprises a range of 12 designs, each design reflecting the character of natural gemstones such as topaz, coral, pearls, aquamarine, amber and moonstone in combination with the precious metals of gold, silver and bronze.

Reminiscent of French palaces
“The concept has been developed by drawing on our extensive international resources as part of Sigma/PPG Industries’ group of companies,” explains Steven Rijkaard, Sigma’s brand manager for the Middle East.  “We have looked at the innovative products being developed by the mother company’s decorative R&D departments in Europe and were inspired by them. Subsequently we created Sigmulto Amouage, which is an inspiring new concept catering specifically to the glamorous taste and requirements of the Gulf market.
“The name ‘Amouage’ means in Arabic ‘waves’,  but it is also of French origin and is reflective of the opulent decoration found in the interiors of French palaces and has been developed and adapted specifically for the Gulf region. This particular concept of decoration is unique in Saudi Arabia.”

The pearlescent metallic edge
Sigmulto Amouage, which will be introduced initially in the Saudi market, is designed to be applied in conjunction with Sigmulto Pharos. This premium product is based on high-quality waterborne synthetic resins with pearlescent metallic pigments, says Mike Murphy, decorative technical support manager at Sigma Paints.
The system comprises a series of standard Sigma preparatory and foundation products followed by a single coat of Sigmulto Amouage. All products within the system are applied by spatula or trowel. The product has been developed to be quick drying, being touch dry after only 30 minutes. This is a positive advantage in preserving the integrity and lustre of the finish, he says, adding that a protective wax may also be applied after two hours to provide additional water repellence, should this be required.

Durability and practical luxury
Murphy comments: “The luxurious finish is ageless and timeless being both modern and classical. It captures and reflects light in ways that can be mesmerising as it transforms into glittering variations of colour and light when viewed from different angles. The finish can be applied to all internal cement-based substrates, ceilings and walls, being particularly suited as a finish for columns, pillars and to give emphasis to architectural features and recessed areas. The finish itself is deceptively easy to achieve. It is non-toxic, water repellent, low in odour and tolerant to washing when waxed, making it suitable for all internal rooms.”

Opulence and splendour
Murphy highlights that the glamorous finish complements the riches and opulent furnishing of the finest royal palaces, and yet these rich colours lend opulence to any interiors, transforming even the smaller villas into mini-palaces.
“A plain, ordinary room can be transformed into a dynamic and impressive environment, thanks to the individual emotions and the feeling of luxury that this product can invoke,” he says.
“For example, Alzabrjad (aquamarine) is a combination of green olive and shiny gold while Hajar Altopaz (topaz) offers relaxing comfort in royal blue which is interspersed with pure silver shadows and Aqeeq Alnar (agate) blends golden light brown with bronze desert sand.”
The varying finishes created by these contrasting combinations convey an individual feeling of both luxury and grandeur, enabling homeowners to express their own personal emotions and to create an ambiance in tune with the particular room setting and to their individual preferences.
Since Amouage colours reflect luxury, they can be used as a dominant element in the interior space, for example, for one wall in a room, columns, partitions, ceilings and wall openings or for an entire area, where the criteria to be considered include space size and function and the lighting, Murphy points out.

Sigma’s free application training
“What makes this concept so special is the wave and motion effect uniquely created by our precious stone and metallic colour combinations. The individual walls or features of a room can appear ever-changing when viewed from different angles due to the varying reflection of light,” comments Rijkaard.
In order to ensure that this uniquely beautiful product provides its customers with the stated unique features, in line with its educational ambitions, Sigma Paints will offer free applicator training on the product and apt system build-up.
Sigma’s Paint Academy provides a range of value-added services including applicator training and technical seminars. Last year, training sessions were organised for a total of 1,200 third-party applicators. In addition, technical seminars for architects, consultants and engineers have been held frequently over the past three years.
 The technical seminars programme – which forms part of Sigma’s ongoing strategy for technical education and product awareness - targets and exceeds a total audience of over 2,000 every year. It includes six annual seminars for architects, consultants and contractors and 15 applicator seminars.

Great innovations
Sigma Paints is one of the leading multinational paint manufacturers in the Middle East market and has traditionally been considered a decorative coatings specialist in Saudi Arabia.
To stay ahead in the market, Sigma is focusing on innovation and quality solutions while it is at all times anticipating customer needs. Towards this end, the company has recently introduced a number of new products including Sigmacryl Premium ABF, an innovative anti-bacterial and fungicidal coating and Sigmaflex Premium, which has been developed to provide protection and decoration to exterior concrete and cement-based substrates that are at risk from surface cracking and concrete carbonation.
According to Rijkaard, the launch of Amouage reinforces Sigma’s commitment to innovation, dedication to people and durable protection.

No 2 in the world, No 1 in innovation
Certain things in life are ageless and durable. They are and will be revered throughout civilisation. Over centuries gemstones have gathered a wealth of history associated with legends. Gems are mirroring the psychology of ancient and modern man. Medicine men in ancient tribes attested to the healing properties of gems. Aztecs adorned the dead with turquoise to ensure speedy entry into the next world. Since Greek and Roman times particular precious stones endorsed the war heroes, while warriors of different cultures sensed the power trapped within stones and wore them as amulets to deflect negativity and bring victory.  Modern age crystal healing supplies healing energy from light reflected from the gems by placing them at vital nerve points. 
Sigma’s legacy is also impressive while it has gathered a wealth of invaluable knowledge during three centuries.
Since 1722 Sigma has formulated paint systems for the purpose of durable protection and beautification of the environment, and as such has acquired a pretty extensive understanding of what is required of any specific product in any environment around the globe. 
Sigma/PPG has more than 190 factories worldwide, employing around 55,000 people in more than 60 different countries. No doubt Sigma has stood the ultimate test of time and dedication, and consequently is the No 2 paint manufacturer in the world in terms of size and No 1 in innovation.
With Sigmulto Amouage, Sigma has once again dropped some precious intelligence and shimmering stones into its paint cans and is offering a ‘cutting gem’ to its appreciative Middle Eastern clients.