A World of Colour, Crafted to Last a Lifetime
At Stones Diamond Ring Specialists, coloured gemstones are a signature of our craft. From the deep blues of sapphires to the romantic blush of morganite, these natural treasures allow you to express your individuality in timeless, personal style. For over 55 years, we have sourced the finest gemstones from Australia and around the world, carefully hand-selecting each stone for its exceptional beauty, durability, and value.
Whether you’re selecting a gemstone for a custom piece or admiring its beauty, understanding the key characteristics of coloured gemstones will help you make an informed and confident choice.
Understanding Coloured Gemstones
Coloured gemstones are natural, precious stones that come in a wide variety of colours and can be used in all types of jewellery. Unlike diamonds, which are graded on the 4 Cs, coloured gemstones are graded primarily on:
- Colour — hue, saturation, and tone
- Clarity — internal inclusions or surface blemishes
- Cut — shape and facet arrangement
- Carat weight — size and overall presence
Each gemstone possesses unique qualities that influence its value, meaning that grading is more nuanced than for diamonds.
Popular Coloured Gemstones and Their Characteristics
Sapphire — 9 on the Mohs Scale
Sapphires are renowned for their durability and range of colours — from classic deep blue to vibrant pinks, yellows, and greens. Their hardness makes them ideal for everyday wear, and we hand-select each sapphire to best showcase its brilliance.
Ruby — 9
Rubies share the same exceptional hardness as sapphires and are celebrated for their rich red hue, symbolising passion and love. Rubies make a bold, distinctive choice for engagement rings or statement jewellery while offering superb wearability.
Emerald — 7.5–8
Emeralds feature a captivating green colour and often contain natural inclusions, known as “jardin,” which add to their charm. They require gentle care to maintain brilliance, making them perfect for thoughtful wearers who appreciate their natural beauty.
Aquamarine & Morganite — 7.5–8
These softer gemstones are loved for their serene blues and delicate blush tones. While slightly more delicate, aquamarine and morganite are excellent for dress rings or occasional wear, allowing the colours to shine without compromising longevity.
Other Popular Stones
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Amethyst — purple quartz, affordable and versatile
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Topaz — available in blue, yellow, and pink
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Tourmaline — nearly every colour of the rainbow
- Garnet — deep red, green, yellow, or orange
Our team guides you toward a gemstone that suits your style and lifestyle, ensuring your piece remains as beautiful in ten years as it is today.
What Affects Coloured Gemstone Value?
Several factors determine the value of a gemstone:
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Colour Quality — Rich, vivid colours with balanced saturation are the most prized.
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Clarity — While inclusions are common, clearer stones are more valuable. Some inclusions, like those in emeralds, are part of the stone’s character.
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Cut Quality — A precise cut enhances brilliance, colour depth, and overall beauty.
- Origin — Stones from certain regions, such as Australian sapphires, Sri Lankan sapphires, Colombian emeralds, or Burmese rubies, are particularly sought after.
Understanding Gemstone Hardness
Gemstone durability is guided by the Mohs scale of hardness (1–10), which measures resistance to scratching. Harder stones like sapphires and rubies are ideal for everyday wear, while softer stones like aquamarine or morganite require more mindful use.
The difference in wearability comes down to how the jewellery is treated. Conscious care — avoiding knocks, harsh chemicals, and abrasive surfaces — ensures that even softer stones can be worn regularly without issue.
Choosing the Right Coloured Gemstone
When selecting a gemstone, consider:
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Personal Style — Bold, vibrant colours or subtle, muted tones? How does the stone complement your overall jewellery collection?
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Durability — For everyday wear, harder stones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds are ideal. Softer stones are better suited to occasional wear or carefully handled pieces.
- Meaning & Symbolism — Emeralds represent rebirth, rubies signify passion, sapphires bring wisdom, and other gemstones carry personal or cultural significance.
Popular Coloured Gemstone Settings
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Solitaire — One central gemstone, highlighting its colour and brilliance.
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Halo — Central gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds or stones for extra sparkle.
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Three-Stone — Central stone flanked by two smaller stones, representing past, present, and future.
- Cluster — Multiple gemstones grouped together for a dramatic, intricate effect.
Caring for Your Coloured Gemstones
Proper care ensures your jewellery lasts for generations:
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Cleaning — Use a soft cloth or gentle warm soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals; some stones like emeralds or opals require extra care.
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Storage — Keep pieces in a soft pouch or compartmentalised jewellery box to prevent scratches.
- Avoid Heat & Chemicals — Remove jewellery before cleaning, swimming, or exposure to high temperatures.
At Stones, we offer free professional cleaning and inspection for all customers, recommended once a year. This helps restore sparkle and ensures settings remain secure.
Gemstone Care Services Include:
- Repolishing worn or scratched gemstones
- Stone replacement
- Resetting and strengthening claws or settings
- Complimentary professional cleaning and inspections
Experience Stones Coloured Gemstones
With the right care and attention, your coloured gemstone jewellery will remain as breathtaking as the day it was made. Our expert team is ready to guide you through selection, styling, and ongoing care, helping you choose a gemstone that reflects your personal story.
Visit our Brisbane Arcade boutique — no appointment necessary — to explore our selection and begin your journey to owning a unique, meaningful piece of jewellery.
