Gemstone Guide
Gemstone jewellery guide
Gemstones are the soul of fine jewellery. Whether you are drawn to the deep blue of a sapphire, the fire of a ruby or the crisp brilliance of a diamond, understanding the basics helps you choose with confidence.
Sapphire
Sapphires are prized for their colour, saturation and clarity. While blue is the most famous variety, sapphires occur in pink, yellow, green and even colourless. A rich, velvety blue with strong saturation commands the highest values.
Ruby
Ruby quality is judged first by colour. The most desirable stones are vivid red, sometimes described as 'pigeon's blood'. Rubies are almost always included, so expect some internal character rather than glass-like perfection.
Emerald
Emeralds are valued for their intense green colour. Inclusions are common and accepted — they are even called the 'jardin' or garden of the stone. Always check whether an emerald has been oiled or treated to improve clarity.
Diamond
Diamonds are graded by the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Cut has the biggest influence on sparkle. In antique diamonds, old-mine and old-European cuts have a softer, romantic glow that many collectors prefer.