Interactive guide to gemstone hardness and colours for engagement rings and fine jewellery

From Diamond to Pearl: Understanding Durability, Beauty & Treatments

Understanding Gemstone Hardness & Choosing the Perfect Stone

The Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness ranks gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Hardness determines how suitable a gemstone is for different types of jewellery. Stones rated 8 and above are excellent for engagement rings and daily wear, whilst softer stones are better suited for occasional wear pieces like pendants and earrings. Click on any colour name below to discover detailed information about treatments, characteristics, and beauty!

Diamond
The Ultimate Gemstone
10










The hardest natural substance known to mankind, diamond is seen by some as the ultimate symbol of eternal love and commitment due to its longevity. Formed billions of years ago, deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and temperature, diamonds possess unmatched brilliance and fire when properly cut. Their exceptional hardness makes them virtually indestructible in normal wear.

Perfect for All Jewellery

Ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands, daily wear pieces, and heirloom jewellery. Can withstand any lifestyle and will last generations with proper care.

Treatment Information

HPHT Treatment (High Pressure High Temperature) For natural diamonds avoid:
Permanently improves color by 1-2 grades but reduces value by 20-40%. GIA inscribes treated diamonds and clearly notes treatment on certificates. Stable and permanent.
🚫 Laser Drilling (Avoid):
Improves apparent clarity through microscopic tunnels. 10-20% value reduction, permanent drill holes visible under magnification. Disclosed on certificates.
🚫 Fracture Filling (Avoid):
NOT permanent - lead glass can be damaged by heat, cleaning, and repairs. GIA will not issue certificates due to instability. Avoid these stones.

Diamond Colour Scale

Colourless (D-E-F)
D Grade - Exceptional
D Grade Diamond

The pinnacle of diamond color grading - completely colorless with no trace of yellow, brown, or any other hue. D grade diamonds are exceptionally rare, representing less than 1% of all gem-quality diamonds. They command premium prices due to their absolute purity and maximum light return.

Key Characteristics:
  • Completely colourless - the ultimate standard
  • Maximum brilliance and fire
  • Extremely rare (less than 1% of diamonds)
  • Premium investment grade
  • Perfect for platinum and white gold settings
E Grade - Near Perfect
E Grade Diamond

Nearly colourless diamonds with minute traces of colour that are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye, even under controlled lighting conditions. E grade diamonds offer exceptional value, providing near-perfect appearance at a more accessible price point than D grade.

Key Characteristics:
  • Virtually colourless to most observers
  • Excellent value proposition
  • Indistinguishable from D grade when mounted
  • Perfect for engagement rings
  • Suitable for all precious metal settings
F Grade - Premium Choice
F Grade Diamond

High-quality colourless diamonds with slight colour traces visible only to trained gemologists under controlled lighting. F grade diamonds represent the sweet spot of quality and value for discerning buyers seeking colourless beauty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Colourless to most observers
  • Excellent choice for fine jewellery
  • Sweet spot of quality and value
  • Suitable for all settings
  • Popular with discriminating buyers
Near Colourless (G-J)
G-H Grade - Excellent Value
G-H Grade Diamonds

Near colourless diamonds with slight warmth that's difficult to detect when mounted in jewellery. These grades offer excellent value with beautiful appearance that rivals higher grades at more accessible prices. G-H diamonds are extremely popular for engagement rings.

Key Characteristics:
  • Near colourless appearance
  • Excellent value for money
  • Beautiful in most settings
  • Popular choice for engagement rings
  • Slight warmth barely noticeable when set
I-J Grade - Great Value
I-J Grade Diamonds

Near colourless with slight warmth that may be noticeable to trained observers but remains attractive in most jewellery settings. I-J grade offers good value for budget-conscious buyers and works particularly well in yellow gold settings.

Key Characteristics:
  • Slight warmth visible to trained eye
  • Good value option
  • Works excellently in yellow gold
  • Budget-friendly choice
  • Warm tones complement vintage styles
Fancy Colours
Canary Yellow - Rare Beauty
Canary Yellow Diamonds

Vibrant yellow fancy colour diamonds with intense, pure yellow saturation reminiscent of canary bird feathers. These rare natural diamonds derive their colour from nitrogen atoms in the crystal structure and are among the most valuable fancy colours.

Key Characteristics:
  • Intense yellow saturation
  • Natural fancy colour
  • Extremely rare and valuable
  • Symbol of joy and optimism
  • Investment grade rarity
Champagne - Sophisticated
Champagne Diamonds

Brown diamonds with golden undertones that resemble the colour of fine champagne. These diamonds offer sophisticated elegance with warm, earthy appeal and represent excellent value in the fancy colour market.

Key Characteristics:
  • Brown with golden undertones
  • Sophisticated elegance
  • Warm, earthy appeal
  • Excellent value in fancy colours
  • Perfect for vintage-inspired settings
Pink & Blue - Ultimate Rarity
Pink & Blue Diamonds

Among the rarest and most valuable diamonds, displaying intense pink or blue hues. Pink diamonds from the now-closed Argyle mine in Australia are particularly precious, while blue diamonds coloured by boron are exceptionally rare museum-quality gems.

Key Characteristics:
  • Extremely rare and valuable
  • Pink: Argyle mine heritage (now closed)
  • Blue: Boron-induced colour
  • Investment grade rarity
  • Museum and collector quality
Sapphire
Corundum Family Excellence
9










Sapphire encompasses all non-red corundum, offering an extraordinary range of colours from the classic blue to pink, yellow, and even colour-changing varieties. These gemstones have been treasured for millennia, adorning royal crowns and engagement rings. Their exceptional hardness and brilliance make them ideal for all types of fine jewellery.

Excellent for All Jewellery

Perfect for engagement rings, wedding bands, and everyday wear. Second only to diamond in hardness, making them incredibly durable and suitable for active lifestyles.

Treatment Information

Heat Treatment (95% of sapphires):
Widely accepted, permanent enhancement that improves color and clarity. Only 15-20% less value than unheated equivalents. Standard practice in the industry.
🚫 Beryllium Diffusion (Avoid):
Dramatically reduces value to £2-15 per carat vs £500-5000+ for natural. Requires advanced testing to detect. Surface-only treatment that can be polished away.
🚫 Lead Glass Filling (Avoid):
Worth only £2-5 per carat. Extremely fragile, damaged by routine maintenance, heat, and ultrasonic cleaning. Cannot withstand repairs.

Sapphire Colour Spectrum

Blue Sapphires
Cornflower Blue - Kashmir Signature
Cornflower Blue Sapphire

A bright medium blue with velvety quality, representing the signature colour of legendary Kashmir sapphires. This colour combines exceptional saturation with a soft, almost dreamy appearance that seems to glow from within.

Key Characteristics:
  • Bright medium blue with velvety quality
  • Kashmir sapphire signature colour
  • Exceptional saturation
  • Soft, dreamy glow from within
  • Most prized blue sapphire colour
Royal Blue - Classic Luxury
Royal Blue Sapphire

Deep, vivid, highly saturated blue representing classic luxury appeal with timeless elegance. Royal blue sapphires display the rich, regal colour that has adorned crowns and royal jewellery for centuries.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep, vivid blue
  • Highly saturated colour
  • Classic luxury appeal
  • Timeless elegance
  • Perfect for statement pieces
Powder Blue - Romantic Appeal
Powder Blue Sapphire

Very light pastel blue with romantic vintage appeal, perfect for daytime wear. These delicate sapphires offer soft, feminine beauty ideal for vintage-inspired engagement rings and delicate jewellery.

Key Characteristics:
  • Light pastel blue
  • Romantic vintage appeal
  • Perfect for daytime wear
  • Soft, feminine beauty
  • Ideal for vintage-inspired settings
Midnight Blue - Dramatic Sophistication
Midnight Blue Sapphire

Very dark, near-black blue with mysterious allure and dramatic sophistication. These deep sapphires offer masculine appeal and work beautifully in contemporary, minimalist settings.

Key Characteristics:
  • Very dark, near-black blue
  • Mysterious allure
  • Dramatic sophistication
  • Masculine appeal
  • Perfect for contemporary settings
Pink Sapphires
Padparadscha - Lotus Blossom
Padparadscha Sapphire

Pink-orange blend representing the rarest sapphire variety, inspired by the lotus blossom. These premium collector's gems display a unique sunset-like colour that combines the romance of pink with the warmth of orange.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pink-orange blend
  • Rarest sapphire variety
  • Lotus blossom inspiration
  • Premium collector's gem
  • Sunset-like colour combination
Baby Pink - Gentle Femininity
Baby Pink Sapphire

Pale, soft pink with gentle feminine appeal, perfect for engagement rings. These delicate sapphires offer romantic elegance and work beautifully in vintage and contemporary settings alike.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pale, soft pink
  • Gentle feminine appeal
  • Perfect for engagement rings
  • Romantic elegance
  • Versatile for all settings
Hot Pink - Bold Statement
Hot Pink Sapphire

Intense fuchsia-like hue with exceptional saturation and bold statement appeal. These vibrant sapphires make eye-catching centerpieces for those who love vivid, dramatic colours.

Key Characteristics:
  • Intense fuchsia-like hue
  • Exceptional saturation
  • Bold statement appeal
  • Eye-catching centerpiece quality
  • Perfect for dramatic designs
Yellow & Other Colours
Canary Yellow - Diamond Rival
Canary Yellow Sapphire

Bright, intense yellow with exceptional brightness rivaling diamond intensity. These vibrant sapphires offer the beauty of canary diamonds with superior durability and often better value.

Key Characteristics:
  • Bright, intense yellow
  • Exceptional brightness
  • Diamond-rivaling intensity
  • Superior durability to other yellows
  • Excellent value compared to yellow diamond
Teal Sapphire - Contemporary Favorite
Teal Sapphire

Blue-green combination with contemporary appeal and unique colour zones. These modern favourites offer distinctive beauty that bridges the gap between blue and green gemstones.

Key Characteristics:
  • Blue-green combination
  • Contemporary appeal
  • Unique colour zones
  • Modern favourite
  • Distinctive alternative choice
White Sapphire - Ethical Choice
White Sapphire

Colourless diamond alternative offering ethical choice with excellent durability. White sapphires provide diamond-like appearance with superior hardness compared to other diamond alternatives.

Key Characteristics:
  • Colourless diamond alternative
  • Ethical choice
  • Excellent durability
  • Superior hardness
  • Sustainable option
Ruby
The King of Gemstones
9










Ruby is the red variety of corundum, sharing the same exceptional hardness as sapphire but distinguished by its passionate red colour. Known as the "King of Gemstones," ruby has been treasured for millennia as a symbol of love, passion, and power. The finest rubies rival diamonds in value, particularly those with the coveted "pigeon's blood" colour from Myanmar.

Perfect for All Jewellery

Ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom pieces. Ruby's exceptional hardness and stunning beauty make it perfect for daily wear and special occasions alike.

Treatment Information

Heat Treatment (95% of rubies):
Standard practice, improves color saturation and clarity, permanent and stable, minimal value impact when disclosed. Widely accepted in the trade.
🚫 Lead Glass Filling (Avoid):
Worth only £40-80 per carat vs £3,000+ for natural. Unstable to heat, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning. Cannot withstand normal jewellery maintenance.
🏆 Pigeon Blood Unheated - Ultimate Prize:
Less than 1% of market, £28,000+ per carat for fine examples. Requires prestigious lab certification (Gübelin, SSEF). No treatments acceptable for this grade.

Ruby Colour Varieties

Premium Reds
Pigeon's Blood - Ultimate Ruby
Pigeon's Blood Ruby

Pure, vivid red with slight blue undertones representing the ultimate ruby colour. Burmese origin is most prized, with this colour being the holy grail of ruby collecting and the most valuable red gemstone colour.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pure, vivid red colour
  • Slight blue undertones
  • Ultimate ruby colour
  • Burmese origin most prized
  • Holy grail of ruby collecting
Burmese Ruby - Heritage Excellence
Burmese Ruby

Exceptional colour quality with strong fluorescence from the legendary Mogok region. These investment-grade rubies represent centuries of heritage and remain the benchmark for ruby quality worldwide.

Key Characteristics:
  • Exceptional colour quality
  • Strong fluorescence
  • Mogok region heritage
  • Investment grade quality
  • Centuries of legendary reputation
Mahenge Ruby - Modern Excellence
Mahenge Ruby

Intense red from Tanzania with excellent clarity that rivals historical Burmese stones. These modern discoveries offer exceptional quality and represent some of the finest rubies available today.

Key Characteristics:
  • Intense red colour
  • Tanzanian origin
  • Excellent clarity
  • Rivals historical Burmese
  • Modern discovery excellence
Classic Reds
Classic Red - Quintessential
Classic Red Ruby

Traditional ruby red with excellent saturation and quintessential appearance. These rubies offer excellent value while maintaining the beautiful red colour that makes ruby so beloved.

Key Characteristics:
  • Traditional ruby red
  • Excellent saturation
  • Quintessential appearance
  • Excellent value
  • Beautiful red colour
Thai Ruby - Commercial Excellence
Thai Ruby

Darker red with brown undertones, often heat-treated for improvement. These rubies offer good commercial value and represent a significant portion of the ruby market.

Key Characteristics:
  • Darker red colour
  • Brown undertones
  • Often heat-treated
  • Good commercial value
  • Widely available
African Ruby - Diverse Beauty
African Ruby

Diverse colour range from multiple African sources providing important commercial supply with good availability. These rubies offer accessible beauty in the ruby family.

Key Characteristics:
  • Diverse colour range
  • Multiple African sources
  • Important commercial supply
  • Good availability
  • Accessible beauty
Special Varieties
Star Ruby - Optical Marvel
Star Ruby

Six-rayed star effect from needle-like inclusions requiring cabochon cut. This rare optical phenomenon creates a beautiful star that moves across the surface as the stone is rotated.

Key Characteristics:
  • Six-rayed star effect
  • Needle-like inclusions
  • Cabochon cut required
  • Rare optical phenomenon
  • Moving star effect
Trapiche Ruby - Geological Wonder
Trapiche Ruby

Six-spoke wheel pattern creating an extremely rare geological marvel. These unique collector's gems display natural star-like patterns formed during crystal growth.

Key Characteristics:
  • Six-spoke wheel pattern
  • Extremely rare
  • Geological marvel
  • Unique collector's gem
  • Natural star-like patterns
Chrysoberyl & Alexandrite
The Colour-Change Marvel
8.5










Chrysoberyl family includes some of the most fascinating gemstones, particularly Alexandrite with its remarkable colour-changing properties. Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl displays a unique optical phenomenon called chatoyancy. These gems are incredibly rare and valuable, especially fine Alexandrite specimens that show dramatic colour change from daylight to incandescent light.

Excellent for Fine Jewellery

Perfect for engagement rings and daily wear pieces. Exceptional hardness and rarity make these stones highly prized for collectors and connoisseurs.

Treatment Information

🌟 Naturally Stable:
Among the most naturally stable gemstones. Treatments are uncommon and often ineffective. Most market material is completely natural.
🔍 Synthetic Concern:
Natural alexandrite £2,500-£40,000+ per carat vs synthetic £15-£400. Professional certification essential due to sophisticated synthetics.
Historical Irradiation (Rare):
Rarely used, creates radioactive stones requiring 15+ months cooling period. Safety concerns limit use in modern market.

Chrysoberyl Varieties

Alexandrite
Classic Alexandrite - Green to Red
Classic Alexandrite

The legendary colour-change gemstone appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Named after Tsar Alexander II, this extremely rare investment-grade gem shows complete colour transformation.

Key Characteristics:
  • Green in daylight to red under incandescent
  • Extremely rare worldwide
  • Investment grade rarity
  • Russian origin most prized
  • Complete colour transformation
Brazilian Alexandrite - Modern Source
Brazilian Alexandrite

Bluish-green to purplish-red colour change with better clarity than historical Russian examples. These modern specimens often show strong colour change with superior transparency.

Key Characteristics:
  • Bluish-green to purplish-red
  • Better clarity than Russian
  • Strong colour change
  • Superior transparency
  • More available than Russian
Cat's Eye & Classic
Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl - Chatoyancy
Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl

Displays a sharp mobile light band resembling a cat's eye. The finest examples show honey-golden colour with a sharp, bright eye that moves across the stone as it's rotated, requiring cabochon cut.

Key Characteristics:
  • Sharp mobile light band
  • Honey-golden colour preferred
  • Chatoyancy optical effect
  • Cabochon cut required
  • Sharp, bright eye most valuable
Classic Chrysoberyl - Golden Green
Classic Chrysoberyl

Yellow-green colour with excellent brilliance and superior durability. These classic gems display the traditional chrysoberyl appearance with beautiful golden-green hues.

Key Characteristics:
  • Yellow-green colour
  • Excellent brilliance
  • Superior durability
  • Traditional appearance
  • Beautiful golden-green hues
Spinel
The Underrated Treasure
8










Often mistaken for ruby throughout history, spinel is finally receiving recognition as a distinct and valuable gemstone. Many famous "rubies" in crown jewels are actually spinels. This gemstone offers exceptional brilliance, comes in a wonderful range of colours, and is completely natural with no common treatments required.

Excellent for All Jewellery

Perfect for engagement rings and daily wear. Spinel's hardness, brilliance, and lack of cleavage make it an ideal choice for any jewellery application.

Treatment Information

🌟 Minimally Treated Advantage:
One of the least treated gemstones available. Most spinel is completely natural and untreated, offering pure, natural beauty.
⚠️ Cobalt Diffusion (2015 onwards):
Creates vibrant blue colors through surface treatment concentrated at facet junctions. Significantly reduces value and requires disclosure.
📈 Market Growth:
500% price increases (2019-2023), added as August birthstone in 2016, excellent investment potential due to rarity and beauty.

Spinel Colour Range

Red Spinels
Jedi Spinel - Myanmar Excellence
Jedi Spinel

Intensely saturated red spinel from Myanmar, nicknamed "Jedi" by gem dealers for its incredible vivid red colour. These collector's favourites rival the finest rubies in colour intensity and beauty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Intense vivid red
  • Myanmar origin
  • Ruby-rivaling colour intensity
  • Collector's favourite
  • Exceptional saturation
Flame Spinel - Orange-Red Fire
Flame Spinel

Vibrant orange-red with exceptional brilliance and unique colour that requires no treatments. This distinctive spinel variety offers fire-like beauty not found in other gemstones.

Key Characteristics:
  • Vibrant orange-red
  • Exceptional brilliance
  • Unique colour
  • No treatments needed
  • Fire-like beauty
Ruby Spinel - Royal History
Ruby Spinel

Pure red spinel that was historically mistaken for ruby in crown jewels. These stones offer ruby-like appearance with superior clarity and fewer inclusions than typical rubies.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pure red colour
  • Royal historical significance
  • Ruby-like appearance
  • Superior clarity
  • Fewer inclusions than ruby
Blue & Purple
Cobalt Blue - Electric Beauty
Cobalt Blue Spinel

Electric blue spinel coloured by cobalt, displaying exceptional saturation that rivals fine sapphires. These highly prized spinels offer vivid blue beauty with superior brilliance.

Key Characteristics:
  • Electric blue colour
  • Cobalt colouring agent
  • Exceptional saturation
  • Sapphire-rivaling beauty
  • Superior brilliance
Lavender Spinel - Romantic Appeal
Lavender Spinel

Soft lavender purple with romantic appeal and feminine elegance. These unique alternatives offer delicate beauty perfect for those seeking something distinctive.

Key Characteristics:
  • Soft lavender purple
  • Romantic appeal
  • Feminine elegance
  • Unique alternative
  • Delicate beauty
Pink & Other
Rose Spinel - Engagement Favorite
Rose Spinel

Delicate pink with romantic appeal and feminine elegance, becoming an engagement ring favourite. These beautiful spinels offer soft pink beauty with exceptional durability.

Key Characteristics:
  • Delicate pink colour
  • Romantic appeal
  • Feminine elegance
  • Engagement ring favourite
  • Exceptional durability
Black Spinel - Sophisticated Alternative
Black Spinel

Opaque black with excellent lustre offering sophisticated elegance as a black diamond alternative. These spinels provide dramatic beauty with superior durability.

Key Characteristics:
  • Opaque black colour
  • Excellent lustre
  • Black diamond alternative
  • Sophisticated elegance
  • Superior durability
Topaz
The November Birthstone
8










Topaz is prized for its exceptional hardness, brilliant lustre, and wide range of colours. Imperial Topaz, with its golden to peachy-pink hues, is the most valuable variety. While some topaz is treated to enhance colour, natural specimens display remarkable beauty and are highly durable for all jewellery applications.

Excellent for Daily Wear

Perfect for rings, earrings, and pendants. Topaz's hardness makes it suitable for everyday jewellery, though care should be taken due to perfect cleavage in one direction.

Treatment Information

⚛️ Irradiation (99% of blue topaz):
Neutron bombardment creates radioactive stones requiring 9 months-2 years storage before sale. Blue topaz market value £6-40 per carat.
🌈 Surface Coating (Temporary):
Mystic Topaz £4-20 per carat. Coatings can be scratched off and damaged during repairs. Requires gentle care throughout ownership.
🏆 Imperial Topaz (Natural):
Typically untreated, £400-£16,000 per carat depending on quality. Brazilian origin commands highest prices, excellent for collectors.

Topaz Colour Spectrum

Blue Topaz (Treated)
Sky Blue - Delicate Beauty
Sky Blue Topaz

Light pale blue reminiscent of clear sky with delicate beauty perfect for everyday wear. Sky blue offers soft, appealing colour at accessible prices, though requires irradiation treatment.

Key Characteristics:
  • Light, pale blue
  • Delicate beauty
  • Clear sky inspiration
  • Perfect for everyday wear
  • Accessible pricing (£6-15 per carat)
Swiss Blue - Popular Choice
Swiss Blue Topaz

Medium sky blue with excellent clarity representing the popular commercial grade. Swiss Blue offers beautiful colour with enhanced saturation through irradiation treatment.

Key Characteristics:
  • Medium sky blue
  • Excellent clarity
  • Popular commercial grade
  • Enhanced colour saturation
  • Good value (£15-25 per carat)
London Blue - Masculine Elegance
London Blue Topaz

Deep dark blue with sophisticated appeal and masculine elegance. London Blue displays steely blue colour that's the darkest and most intense of the blue topaz varieties.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep, dark blue
  • Sophisticated appeal
  • Masculine elegance
  • Steely blue colour
  • Premium pricing (£25-40 per carat)
Imperial Topaz (Natural)
Imperial Topaz - Royal Heritage
Imperial Topaz

Golden to peachy-pink representing the most valuable topaz variety with royal historical significance. Brazilian Imperial Topaz commands the highest prices and represents the pinnacle of topaz beauty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Golden to peachy-pink
  • Most valuable topaz variety
  • Royal historical significance
  • Brazilian origin prized
  • Premium pricing (£400-16,000+ per carat)
Precious Topaz - Golden Beauty
Precious Topaz

Natural golden yellow with superior brilliance, not to be confused with citrine quartz. Precious topaz displays warm honeyed hues with exceptional optical properties.

Key Characteristics:
  • Natural golden yellow
  • Superior brilliance
  • Not citrine quartz
  • Warm honeyed hues
  • Exceptional optical properties
Champagne Topaz - Sophisticated Value
Champagne Topaz

Golden-brown with sophisticated elegance representing excellent value in the topaz family. These stones offer warm, champagne-like hues with good availability.

Key Characteristics:
  • Golden-brown colour
  • Sophisticated elegance
  • Excellent value
  • Champagne-like hues
  • Good availability
Other Varieties
White Topaz - Diamond Alternative
White Topaz

Colourless clarity with diamond-like brilliance providing an affordable alternative with good durability. White topaz offers excellent sparkle with superior hardness to other diamond substitutes.

Key Characteristics:
  • Colourless clarity
  • Diamond-like brilliance
  • Affordable alternative
  • Good durability
  • Superior hardness to other substitutes
Pink Topaz - Rare Natural
Pink Topaz

Natural variety extremely rare at £2,800+ per carat, though often confused with heat-treated brown topaz. True natural pink topaz displays delicate rose to deeper pink hues.

Key Characteristics:
  • Natural variety extremely rare
  • High value (£2,800+ per carat)
  • Often confused with treated stones
  • Delicate rose to deep pink
  • Feminine appeal
Mystic Topaz - Contemporary Appeal
Mystic Topaz

Rainbow colour play from treated surface coating with contemporary appeal. These stones require gentle care as coatings can be damaged, but offer dramatic visual impact.

Key Characteristics:
  • Rainbow colour play
  • Treated surface coating
  • Contemporary appeal
  • Requires gentle care
  • Dramatic visual impact
Beryl Family
Emerald, Aquamarine & Morganite
7.5-8










The beryl family includes some of the world's most beloved gemstones. Emerald, one of the four precious stones, has captivated humanity for over 4,000 years. Aquamarine evokes the sea with its blue hues, while Morganite offers romantic peach and pink tones. Each variety has its own character and beauty.

Good for Most Jewellery

Emerald requires care due to typical inclusions, while Aquamarine and Morganite are excellent for all jewellery types. Perfect for engagement rings with proper setting protection.

Treatment Information

Emerald Treatments:
Almost always oil-filled or resin-filled to improve clarity. Cedar oil and Opticon resin are common. Treatment stability varies.
Aquamarine:
Commonly heat-treated to remove yellow tones and enhance blue colour. Treatment is permanent and stable.
Morganite:
Often heat-treated to reduce yellow tones and enhance pink colour. Some may be irradiated to achieve colour.

Beryl Colour Varieties

Green Beryl (Emerald)
Colombian Emerald - World's Finest
Colombian Emerald

The world's finest emeralds featuring pure green colour with exceptional clarity and minimal inclusions. Colombian emeralds from legendary Muzo and Chivor mines represent the pinnacle of emerald quality.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pure vivid green colour
  • World's finest quality
  • Muzo and Chivor mine sources
  • Premium investment grade
  • Legendary reputation
Zambian Emerald - Exceptional Value
Zambian Emerald

Deep green emeralds with slightly bluish undertones, known for excellent clarity and fewer inclusions than Colombian stones. Zambian emeralds offer exceptional value and beauty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep green with blue undertones
  • Excellent clarity
  • Fewer inclusions typically
  • Exceptional value
  • Contemporary source
Brazilian Emerald - Accessible Beauty
Brazilian Emerald

Emeralds from Brazil offering good colour and clarity, often lighter than Colombian or Zambian stones. Brazilian emeralds provide excellent value for accessible emerald beauty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Good colour and clarity
  • Often lighter green
  • Excellent value proposition
  • Accessible pricing
  • Wide availability
Blue Beryl (Aquamarine)
Santa Maria - Ideal Blue
Santa Maria Aquamarine

The finest aquamarine colour featuring deep blue with no green undertones. Originally from the Santa Maria mine in Brazil, this term now describes the ideal aquamarine colour regardless of origin.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep pure blue
  • No green undertones
  • Ideal aquamarine colour
  • Brazilian heritage name
  • Premium quality standard
Classic Aquamarine - Sea Beauty
Classic Aquamarine

Beautiful sea-blue colour with excellent clarity and transparency. Classic aquamarine embodies the essence of ocean waters with its clean, refreshing blue hues.

Key Characteristics:
  • Beautiful sea-blue
  • Excellent clarity
  • Superior transparency
  • Ocean water inspiration
  • Clean, refreshing hues
Pale Aquamarine - Ethereal Beauty
Pale Aquamarine

Light blue with delicate, ethereal beauty offering subtle elegance. Pale aquamarine works beautifully in vintage-inspired and delicate jewellery designs.

Key Characteristics:
  • Light, delicate blue
  • Ethereal beauty
  • Subtle elegance
  • Vintage appeal
  • Delicate jewellery perfect
Pink Beryl (Morganite)
Peach Morganite - Romantic Appeal
Peach Morganite

Romantic peachy-pink beryl named after financier J.P. Morgan. Peach morganite offers warm, feminine appeal and has become increasingly popular for engagement rings.

Key Characteristics:
  • Peachy-pink colour
  • Romantic appeal
  • Engagement ring favourite
  • Named after J.P. Morgan
  • Warm, feminine beauty
Rose Morganite - Pure Pink
Rose Morganite

Pure pink morganite without orange undertones, displaying delicate rose pink colour. Rose morganite is particularly prized for its feminine elegance and romantic symbolism.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pure rose pink
  • No orange undertones
  • Feminine elegance
  • Romantic symbolism
  • Delicate beauty
Blush Morganite - Subtle Elegance
Blush Morganite

Very pale pink morganite with subtle, soft hues offering understated elegance. Perfect for those who prefer delicate, barely-there colour with sophisticated appeal.

Key Characteristics:
  • Very pale pink
  • Subtle, soft hues
  • Understated elegance
  • Barely-there colour
  • Sophisticated appeal
Other Beryl Varieties
Heliodor (Golden Beryl) - Sun Gift
Heliodor (Golden Beryl)

Yellow to golden beryl named after the Greek words for "sun" and "gift." Heliodor offers warm, sunny appeal with excellent clarity and superior brilliance.

Key Characteristics:
  • Yellow to golden colour
  • Sunny, warm appeal
  • Excellent clarity
  • Superior brilliance
  • Greek "sun gift" meaning
Red Beryl (Bixbite) - Ultimate Rarity
Red Beryl (Bixbite)

The rarest beryl variety displaying vivid red colour. Found only in Utah, red beryl is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, more rare than diamond, making it a true collector's treasure.

Key Characteristics:
  • Vivid red colour
  • Rarest beryl variety
  • Utah exclusive source
  • Rarer than diamond
  • Ultimate collector's treasure
Tourmaline
The Rainbow Gemstone
7-7.5










Tourmaline offers the widest colour range of any gemstone, often displaying multiple colours within a single crystal. From the coveted Paraiba tourmaline's electric blue to the classic pink and green varieties, tourmaline provides endless possibilities for unique and beautiful jewellery.

Excellent for Most Jewellery

Great for earrings, pendants, and rings with protective settings. The wide colour range makes tourmaline perfect for custom and creative jewellery designs.

Treatment Information

Most Tourmaline (Natural Beauty):
Typically untreated with natural colour. Heat treatment occasionally used but uncommon. Most specimens are completely natural.
Paraíba Tourmaline:
Usually untreated, though some may be heat-treated to improve colour and clarity. Natural specimens command highest prices.
Pink/Red Tourmaline:
May be irradiated to enhance colour intensity, though many are completely natural. Always ask for disclosure.

Tourmaline Colour Spectrum

Red/Pink Tourmaline
Rubellite - Ruby Rival
Rubellite Tourmaline

Pink to red tourmaline with ruby-like colour that remains vivid under all lighting conditions. The finest rubellite displays pure red colour without brown or orange modifying tones.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pink to red colour
  • Ruby-like appearance
  • Colour stable in all lighting
  • Pure red most valuable
  • No brown or orange tones
Hot Pink - Bold Statement
Hot Pink Tourmaline

Intense, vibrant pink with exceptional saturation making bold statement pieces. Perfect for contemporary appeal and modern jewellery designs that demand attention.

Key Characteristics:
  • Intense vibrant pink
  • Exceptional saturation
  • Bold statement appeal
  • Contemporary favourite
  • Attention-grabbing beauty
Baby Pink - Gentle Romance
Baby Pink Tourmaline

Soft, delicate pink with gentle femininity offering romantic elegance. Perfect for delicate jewellery and engagement rings seeking subtle pink beauty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Soft, delicate pink
  • Gentle femininity
  • Romantic elegance
  • Perfect for engagement rings
  • Subtle pink beauty
Blue/Green Tourmaline
Paraíba - Electric Wonder
Paraíba Tourmaline

The most valuable tourmaline variety displaying electric blue to blue-green colours caused by copper content. These neon-bright gems are among the rarest and most expensive gemstones, originally from Brazil's Paraiba state.

Key Characteristics:
  • Electric blue to blue-green
  • Copper-induced colour
  • Extremely rare and valuable
  • Neon-bright appearance
  • Brazilian Paraiba state origin
Indicolite - Blue Beauty
Indicolite Tourmaline

Blue tourmaline ranging from light blue to deep indigo. Fine indicolite displays pure blue colour without green modifying tones, offering a beautiful alternative to sapphire.

Key Characteristics:
  • Light to deep blue
  • Pure blue most prized
  • Sapphire alternative
  • No green modifying tones
  • Range from light to indigo
Chrome Tourmaline - Emerald Rival
Chrome Tourmaline

Vivid green tourmaline coloured by chromium, displaying emerald-like colour with exceptional green saturation and superior brilliance to typical green tourmaline.

Key Characteristics:
  • Chromium-induced colour
  • Emerald-like green
  • Exceptional saturation
  • Superior brilliance
  • Vivid green intensity
Verdelite - Green Spectrum
Verdelite Tourmaline

Green tourmaline in various shades from mint to forest green, offering beautiful green colours with excellent clarity and brilliance throughout the green spectrum.

Key Characteristics:
  • Various green shades
  • Mint to forest green
  • Excellent clarity
  • Beautiful brilliance
  • Full green spectrum
Bi/Tricolour & Special
Watermelon - Nature's Art
Watermelon Tourmaline

Bi-colour or tri-colour tourmaline showing pink center with green outer zones, resembling a watermelon slice. These natural colour combinations make each stone unique and highly collectible.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pink center, green exterior
  • Natural colour zoning
  • Unique patterns
  • Highly collectible
  • Nature's artistic creation
Canary Yellow - Sunny Brilliance
Canary Yellow Tourmaline

Bright yellow tourmaline with sunny, cheerful appeal offering vibrant colour and excellent brilliance. These gems bring warmth and joy to any jewellery design.

Key Characteristics:
  • Bright, sunny yellow
  • Cheerful appeal
  • Vibrant colour
  • Excellent brilliance
  • Warmth and joy
Garnet
The January Birthstone
6.5-7.5










Garnet encompasses a group of minerals with similar crystal structures but varying chemical compositions, resulting in a spectacular range of colours. While most people think of red garnet, the family includes green tsavorite, orange spessartine, and even colour-changing varieties. Garnets are durable and brilliant, making them excellent for all types of jewellery.

Excellent for Most Jewellery

Great for rings, earrings, and pendants. Most garnet varieties have good hardness and durability, making them suitable for regular wear with reasonable care.

Treatment Information

🌟 Most Garnets (Natural Beauty):
Typically untreated with natural colours. No common treatments required, making garnet an excellent choice for those preferring untreated gems.
Demantoid Garnet:
Always natural and untreated. Inclusions like "horsetail" patterns are often valued features rather than flaws.
Rare Treatments:
Some garnets may be heat-treated, but this is uncommon. Garnet's natural beauty rarely requires enhancement.

Garnet Varieties

Red Garnets
Pyrope - Fire Garnet
Pyrope Garnet

Deep red garnet with fiery brilliance, often called "fire garnet." Pyrope displays pure red colour without brown or orange modifying tones, representing the classic garnet appearance most people recognize.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep pure red
  • Fiery brilliance
  • Classic garnet appearance
  • No modifying tones
  • "Fire garnet" nickname
Almandine - Traditional Red
Almandine Garnet

The most common red garnet variety, displaying deep red to brownish-red colour. Almandine garnets are widely available and affordable, making them popular for traditional jewellery designs.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep red to brownish-red
  • Most common variety
  • Widely available
  • Traditional jewellery favourite
  • Affordable pricing
Rhodolite - Purple-Red Beauty
Rhodolite Garnet

Purple-red garnet with distinctive rose-like hues offering unique colour that bridges red and purple. Rhodolite provides contemporary appeal with classic garnet durability.

Key Characteristics:
  • Purple-red colour
  • Rose-like hues
  • Unique colour bridge
  • Contemporary appeal
  • Distinctive beauty
Green Garnets
Tsavorite - Emerald Rival
Tsavorite Garnet

Vivid green garnet discovered in the 1960s near Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Tsavorite rivals emerald in beauty but offers superior brilliance and durability without the typical inclusions of emerald.

Key Characteristics:
  • Vivid green colour
  • Superior brilliance
  • Emerald alternative
  • Kenyan/Tanzanian origin
  • 1960s discovery
Demantoid - Most Brilliant
Demantoid Garnet

The most brilliant garnet variety, displaying vivid green with exceptional fire and dispersion. Russian demantoids often contain distinctive "horsetail" inclusions that are actually considered desirable and valuable.

Key Characteristics:
  • Exceptional fire and brilliance
  • Vivid green colour
  • Horsetail inclusions valued
  • Russian origin prized
  • Most brilliant garnet
Orange & Special
Spessartine - Mandarin Orange
Spessartine Garnet

Orange to reddish-orange garnet with vibrant colour and excellent brilliance. Mandarin garnets from Namibia represent the finest spessartine, displaying pure orange without red or brown modifying tones.

Key Characteristics:
  • Orange to reddish-orange
  • Vibrant colour
  • Mandarin variety finest
  • Namibian origin prized
  • Pure orange most valuable
Colour-Change - Magical Transform
Colour-Change Garnet

Rare garnets that change colour under different lighting conditions, typically from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. These gems combine the magic of alexandrite with garnet durability.

Key Characteristics:
  • Changes colour in different light
  • Green to red common
  • Extremely rare
  • Alexandrite-like magic
  • Garnet durability
Zircon
The December Birthstone
6-7.5










Zircon is one of Earth's oldest minerals, with some specimens dating back 4.4 billion years. Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia, natural zircon displays exceptional brilliance and fire that can rival diamond. Blue zircon is particularly prized and serves as one of the modern birthstones for December.

Good for Protected Settings

Best suited for earrings, pendants, and rings with protective settings. Zircon can be brittle and may chip at facet edges, requiring careful handling and setting.

Treatment Information

Blue Zircon (Heat Treatment):
Almost always heat-treated to achieve blue colour from brown zircon. Treatment is permanent and stable, widely accepted in the trade.
White Zircon:
Often heat-treated to remove colour and achieve colourless appearance. Creates diamond-like brilliance.
Other Colours:
May be heat-treated to enhance or modify colour. Natural colours are less common in the market but highly valued.

Zircon Colour Range

Blue Zircon
Blue Zircon - December Birthstone
Blue Zircon

The most popular zircon variety, displaying beautiful sky blue to steel blue colours. Blue zircon is typically heat-treated to achieve its stunning colour and offers exceptional brilliance rivaling sapphire.

Key Characteristics:
  • Sky to steel blue
  • Heat-treated for colour
  • Exceptional brilliance
  • December birthstone
  • Sapphire-rivaling beauty
Other Zircon Colours
White Zircon - Diamond Alternative
White Zircon

Colourless zircon with diamond-like brilliance and fire offering an affordable diamond alternative with good durability. White zircon provides excellent sparkle and light return.

Key Characteristics:
  • Colourless clarity
  • Diamond-like brilliance
  • Excellent fire
  • Affordable alternative
  • Good durability
Champagne Zircon - Sophisticated
Champagne Zircon

Golden-brown zircon with warm, sophisticated appeal offering unique colour with excellent brilliance. Champagne zircon represents good value in the zircon family.

Key Characteristics:
  • Golden-brown colour
  • Sophisticated appeal
  • Excellent brilliance
  • Good value option
  • Unique warm colour
Yellow & Red - Natural Beauty
Yellow & Red Zircon

Warm-coloured zircons including golden yellows and orangish-reds offering unique colours with zircon's characteristic high brilliance and fire.

Key Characteristics:
  • Golden yellows to orangish-reds
  • Unique warm colours
  • High brilliance
  • Characteristic fire
  • Natural beauty
Quartz Family
Amethyst, Citrine & More
7










The quartz family includes some of the most popular and affordable gemstones. Amethyst, the purple variety, was once as valuable as emerald until large deposits were discovered. Citrine offers sunny yellow tones, while smoky quartz provides sophisticated grey-brown colours. These gemstones offer excellent durability and beauty at accessible prices.

Excellent for All Jewellery

Perfect for daily wear pieces, fashion jewellery, and large statement stones. Quartz varieties are durable, affordable, and available in many colours and sizes.

Treatment Information

Amethyst:
Usually natural, but may be heat-treated to lighten colour or create citrine. Natural specimens are widely available.
Citrine:
Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is rare and valuable, often showing pale yellow colour.
Smoky & Rose Quartz:
May be irradiated to enhance colour, though many are completely natural. Always ask for treatment disclosure.

Quartz Varieties

Purple Quartz
Amethyst - February Birthstone
Amethyst

The purple variety of quartz, ranging from pale lavender to deep royal purple. The finest amethyst displays pure purple colour without red or blue modifying tones and has been prized since ancient times as a stone of royalty.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pale to deep purple
  • February birthstone
  • Ancient royal gemstone
  • Pure purple most valuable
  • Wide availability
Yellow Quartz
Citrine - November Birthstone
Citrine

The yellow variety of quartz, ranging from pale lemon to deep golden amber. Natural citrine is relatively rare, with most commercial citrine being heat-treated amethyst. The November birthstone symbolizes prosperity and joy.

Key Characteristics:
  • Lemon to golden amber
  • November birthstone
  • Natural variety rare
  • Symbol of prosperity
  • Most is treated amethyst
Bi-Colour & Special
Ametrine - Natural Bi-Colour
Ametrine

A natural combination of amethyst and citrine in a single crystal, showing distinct purple and yellow zones. This unique quartz variety occurs naturally in Bolivia and creates striking colour combinations.

Key Characteristics:
  • Purple and yellow zones
  • Natural colour combination
  • Bolivian origin primarily
  • Unique striking appearance
  • Collector favourite
Smoky Quartz - Sophisticated Neutral
Smoky Quartz

Grey to brown transparent quartz providing sophisticated, neutral colour for modern jewellery. Scottish smoky quartz, called "Cairngorm," is particularly prized for its quality and heritage.

Key Characteristics:
  • Grey to brown colour
  • Sophisticated neutral
  • Scottish Cairngorm variety
  • Modern jewellery favourite
  • Heritage significance
Rose Quartz - Love Stone
Rose Quartz

Pale to medium pink quartz symbolizing love and emotional healing. Rose quartz typically has a cloudy appearance due to microscopic inclusions, though rare transparent varieties exist and are highly prized.

Key Characteristics:
  • Pale to medium pink
  • Symbol of love
  • Usually cloudy appearance
  • Transparent varieties rare
  • Emotional healing stone
Pearl & Organics
Nature's Living Gems
2.5-4.5










Organic gems are created by living organisms rather than geological processes. Pearls, formed within mollusks, have been treasured for millennia. Amber preserves ancient life in fossilized tree resin. Coral grows in tropical seas, while jet forms from fossilized wood. These gems require special care due to their organic nature and lower hardness.

Requires Special Care

Best for earrings, brooches, and occasional wear pieces. Organic gems are sensitive to chemicals, heat, and acids. Store separately and clean gently with soft cloth only.

Treatment Information

Cultured Pearls:
Often bleached, dyed, or irradiated to achieve desired colours. Silver and black treatments are common. Natural pearls are extremely rare.
Amber:
May be heated and pressed to clarify or create desired effects. Some imitations exist made of copal or synthetic materials.
Coral:
Often dyed to enhance or change colour. Wax or plastic impregnation may be used to improve durability.

Organic Gem Varieties

Pearls
White Akoya - Classic Elegance
White Akoya Pearl

Classic white pearls from Japanese and Chinese Akoya oysters, known for their perfect round shape and high lustre. Akoya pearls represent the traditional pearl ideal with their mirror-like surface and elegant appeal.

Key Characteristics:
  • Perfect round shape
  • High mirror lustre
  • Classic white colour
  • Traditional elegance
  • 6-9mm typical sizes
Golden South Sea - Luxury
Golden South Sea Pearl

Large, luxurious pearls from the gold-lip oyster in Australian and Philippine waters. Golden South Sea pearls display rich champagne to deep golden colours and represent the pinnacle of pearl luxury.

Key Characteristics:
  • Large size (9-20mm)
  • Rich golden colours
  • Luxurious appeal
  • Australian/Philippine origin
  • Premium investment quality
Black Tahitian - Exotic Drama
Black Tahitian Pearl

Exotic pearls from French Polynesian black-lip oysters, displaying a range from silver to deep black with peacock, green, and purple overtones. Tahitian pearls offer dramatic beauty and contemporary appeal.

Key Characteristics:
  • Silver to deep black
  • Peacock colour overtones
  • Dramatic exotic beauty
  • French Polynesian origin
  • Contemporary appeal
Pink Conch - Ultimate Rarity
Pink Conch Pearl

Rare natural pearls from the Queen Conch shell, displaying unique pink colours and flame-like chatoyancy. Conch pearls are extremely rare and cannot be cultured, making them highly prized by collectors.

Key Characteristics:
  • Unique pink colours
  • Flame-like chatoyancy
  • Extremely rare
  • Cannot be cultured
  • Collector's treasure
Amber & Fossil Gems
Golden Amber - Ancient Beauty
Golden Amber

Fossilized tree resin from millions of years ago, displaying warm golden to honey colours. Golden amber often contains fascinating inclusions of ancient insects and plant matter, creating windows into prehistoric life.

Key Characteristics:
  • Fossilized tree resin
  • Warm golden colours
  • May contain inclusions
  • Prehistoric significance
  • Millions of years old
Jet - Victorian Elegance
Jet

Fossilized wood compressed over millions of years, creating deep black material with velvet-like appearance. Jet was particularly popular during the Victorian era for mourning jewellery and maintains its historical significance.

Key Characteristics:
  • Deep black colour
  • Fossilized wood origin
  • Velvet-like appearance
  • Victorian era significance
  • Mourning jewellery history
Coral & Shell
Red Coral - Protection Stone
Red Coral

Precious coral from Mediterranean and Asian waters, displaying vibrant red to deep oxblood colours. Red coral has been prized for thousands of years and is believed to offer protection and good fortune.

Key Characteristics:
  • Vibrant red colours
  • Mediterranean/Asian origin
  • Ancient cultural significance
  • Protection symbolism
  • Thousands of years history
Mother of Pearl - Luminous Beauty
Mother of Pearl

The iridescent inner shell layer of pearl-producing mollusks, displaying beautiful play of colours. Mother of pearl offers luminous beauty and has been used in jewellery and decorative arts for centuries.

Key Characteristics:
  • Iridescent play of colours
  • Inner shell layer
  • Luminous beauty
  • Centuries of use
  • Decorative arts history

Your Perfect Gemstone Awaits

You've explored the complete spectrum of gemstones from the hardest diamonds to the most delicate pearls. Each offers unique beauty, character, and story for your perfect piece of jewellery.