Gemstone Jewellery

There is no definitive answer to what is the best gem for jewellery, as different gems have different properties, colours, and values. However, some factors that can help you choose the best gem for your jewellery or coloured gemstone engagement ring are:

• Durability: Gems that are hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks are more suitable for jewellery that will be worn frequently or exposed to rough conditions. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a common way to measure the durability of gems, with 10 being the hardest and 1 being the softest. For example, diamonds are the hardest gems with a Mohs rating of 10, while pearls are among the softest with a rating of 2.5 to 4.5.

• Colour: Gems come in a variety of colours, from colourless to black and everything in between. The color of a gem can affect its value, rarity, and appeal. Some gems are prized for their intense and vivid colours, such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, while others are valued for their subtle and delicate hues, such as aquamarine, morganite, and moonstone. The color of a gem can also complement or contrast with your skin tone, hair color, and clothing style.

• Price: Gems vary widely in their prices, depending on their quality, size, origin, and demand. Some gems are very affordable, such as amethyst, citrine, and garnet, while others are very expensive, such as alexandrite, red beryl, and pink diamond. The price of a gem can also change over time, depending on the market trends, supply and demand, and fashion preferences.

• Meaning: Gems can have symbolic meanings, such as birthstones, anniversary stones, or zodiac stones. Some gems are also associated with certain attributes, such as love, luck, health, or protection. For example, amethyst is the birthstone for February and is believed to promote calmness and clarity. Emerald is the anniversary stone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage and is said to represent loyalty and faithfulness. Turquoise is the zodiac stone for Sagittarius and is thought to bring happiness and good fortune.

Ultimately, the best gem for your jewellery is the one that you love and enjoy wearing.

Gemstones are expensive for several reasons, such as:

• Gemstones are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and are not found at the surface. They can only be mined from certain areas, which add to their rarity. They are a finite resource, meaning that they are not infinite and cannot be replaced once they have been removed from the Earth.

• Their value is not determined by their name, but by their evaluation, colour, clarity, and cut. The name of a stone may or may not be a criterion for determining its worth. Colour, clarity, and cut are three crucial qualities that must be assessed to define the value of any rough or finished product. Gemstones with intense and vivid colors, high clarity, and excellent cut are more valuable than those with faded or uneven colors, low clarity, and poor cut.

• Gemstones are hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. They can last for a long time and retain their beauty and value. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a common way to measure the durability of gems, with 10 being the hardest and 1 being the softest. For example, diamonds are the hardest gems with a Mohs rating of 10, while pearls are among the softest with a rating of 2.5 to 4.5.

These are some of the reasons why gemstones are so expensive.

Different gemstones vary in their levels of hardness and durability, and all should be treated with care to ensure lasting beauty.  

When it comes to some gemstones, jewellery featuring diamonds, sapphires and rubies are the hardest and therefore best suited for regular wear. Softer gemstones, like opals and pearls, however, require extra care. We always recommend taking your jewellery off at the end of each day and storing safely; rotate the pieces you wear regularly for longevity.  

Personal style will also influence your choice in gemstone jewellery. If you love vibrant colours or want to brighten up spring and summer styles, try wearing lighter coloured gemstones, like peridot or tanzanite. Or if you want to make an unforgettable statement with evening wear, the elegance of emeralds, pearls or those most timeless of gemstones, diamonds are always a beautiful choice.  

Jewellery set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies or sapphires, can even hold special meaning to some people who wear it for sentimental reasons. This might be in the form of a gemstone pendant or bracelet to represent their birth month or certain qualities such as happiness, friendship, creativity or courage. 

When it comes to the most loved precious gems in jewellery, diamonds are forever timeless.  

Diamonds have long symbolised luxury, classical glamour and romance, with a cultural influence that's unrivalled in the world of jewellery. The exceptional strength of a diamond is the ideal representation of a strong relationship when worn in an engagement ring or wedding band.  

Other precious stone jewellery, like rubies, sapphires and emeralds, are highly prized for their bold, distinctive tones. Similarly to diamonds, these gemstones are also symbols of love and romance, making them especially popular when it comes to engagement rings. 

Other choices in crystal gemstone jewellery, including blue topaz, aquamarine, morganite and tanzanite, are also popular, with their vibrant hues bringing a statement element to every look.

With a wide variety of colours to choose from, styling gemstone jewellery is the perfect way to express your personal taste or honour unique symbolism.    

Match a gemstone pendant necklace with a bracelet, a ring or a pair of earrings. Pair with silver jewellery to give your look a beautiful sense of balance and make gemstones pop.    

Like clothing, the art of colour blocking works well for gemstone jewellery. Pair gemstones of two contrasting colours together for a strong yet striking look or two gemstones that are similar in tone for something more subdued. 

Or consider adorning yourself in an array of colours. Mixing or layering coloured stones in jewellery will create a look that’s bright, bold and truly one of a kind. Stack bracelets or rings according to a certain theme (like a row of blue gemstones for a radiant and serene look) or complement a multi gemstone necklace with a couple of matching pendants.