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Gemstone Hardness & Colour Guide
From Diamond to Pearl: Understanding Durability and Beauty
Understanding Gemstone Hardness
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 learn more about that specific variety!
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.
Diamond Colour Classifications
D Grade
D Grade Diamond
The finest and rarest diamond colour grade, completely colourless with no trace of yellow or brown. D grade diamonds are exceptionally rare and command premium prices due to their absolute purity and brilliance.
Key Characteristics:
- Completely colourless
- Maximum brilliance and fire
- Extremely rare (less than 1% of diamonds)
- Premium investment grade
E Grade
E Grade Diamond
Nearly colourless diamonds with minute traces of colour that are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye. E grade diamonds offer exceptional value, providing near-perfect appearance at a more accessible price point.
Key Characteristics:
- Virtually colourless
- Excellent value proposition
- Indistinguishable from D grade when mounted
- Perfect for engagement rings
F Grade
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.
Key Characteristics:
- Colourless to most observers
- Excellent choice for fine jewellery
- Great value for quality
- Suitable for all settings
Canary
Canary Diamond
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.
Key Characteristics:
- Intense yellow saturation
- Natural fancy colour
- Extremely rare and valuable
- Symbol of joy and optimism
Champagne
Champagne Diamond
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
Pink Diamond
Pink Diamond
Among the rarest and most valuable diamonds, pink diamonds display delicate to intense pink hues. The Argyle mine in Australia was the primary source before its closure in 2020, making these gems increasingly precious.
Key Characteristics:
- Extremely rare
- Delicate to intense pink
- Argyle mine heritage
- Investment grade rarity
Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond
Exceptionally rare diamonds coloured by boron impurities, displaying beautiful blue hues from light sky blue to deep ocean blue. Famous examples include the Hope Diamond and other historic gems.
Key Characteristics:
- Boron-induced colour
- Exceptionally rare
- Range from light to deep blue
- Historic significance
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.
Corundum Colour Varieties
Pigeon Blood
Pigeon Blood Ruby
The most coveted ruby colour, featuring a pure red with slight blue undertones and exceptional fluorescence. This term originated in Burma (Myanmar) and represents the pinnacle of ruby quality and beauty.
Key Characteristics:
- Pure red with blue undertones
- Strong fluorescence
- Burmese origin traditionally
- Highest value ruby colour
Burma Ruby
Burma Ruby
Rubies from Myanmar (formerly Burma) renowned for their exceptional quality, vivid red colour, and strong fluorescence. These rubies often display the coveted 'pigeon blood' colour and distinctive silk inclusions.
Key Characteristics:
- Vivid red colour
- Strong fluorescence
- Silk inclusion patterns
- Prestigious origin
Thai Ruby
Thai Ruby
Rubies from Thailand typically showing darker, more purplish-red colours compared to Burmese stones. Thai rubies often have fewer inclusions but may lack the strong fluorescence of their Burmese counterparts.
Key Characteristics:
- Darker, purplish-red
- Usually cleaner stones
- Less fluorescence
- Good durability
Royal Blue
Royal Blue Sapphire
The classic deep blue sapphire colour that has adorned royal crowns for centuries. Royal blue sapphires display a rich, velvety blue with excellent saturation and medium to medium-dark tone.
Key Characteristics:
- Rich, deep blue
- Excellent saturation
- Medium to dark tone
- Classic luxury appeal
Kashmir Blue
Kashmir Blue Sapphire
The legendary blue from Kashmir sapphires, featuring a unique velvety appearance caused by minute inclusions. Kashmir blue has a dreamy, almost ethereal quality that makes these sapphires the most valuable.
Key Characteristics:
- Velvety appearance
- Silk inclusion glow
- Legendary rarity
- Highest sapphire values
Cornflower Blue
Cornflower Blue Sapphire
A lighter, more vivid blue reminiscent of cornflower petals. This colour is particularly prized in Kashmir sapphires and represents one of the most beautiful blue gemstone colours in nature.
Key Characteristics:
- Light to medium blue
- High vivid saturation
- Kashmir sapphire signature
- Exceptional beauty
Padparadscha
Padparadscha Sapphire
The rarest sapphire variety, displaying a unique pink-orange colour resembling a tropical sunset or lotus blossom. The name comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower, and these gems are among the most valuable coloured stones.
Key Characteristics:
- Pink-orange blend
- Extremely rare
- Lotus blossom inspiration
- Premium collector's gem
Lotus Pink
Lotus Pink Sapphire
A delicate pink reminiscent of lotus flower petals, representing purity and enlightenment. Lotus pink sapphires offer feminine elegance with their soft, romantic hue and exceptional clarity.
Key Characteristics:
- Delicate, soft pink
- Romantic and feminine
- Symbol of purity
- Excellent for bridal jewellery
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