Types of Gemstones

The hardest natural substance on earth, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds are the most sought-after gemstone in fine jewellery and are universally associated with enduring love and commitment. They come in a range of colours beyond the classic white, including yellow, pink and the exceptionally rare red.

The birthstone for July and one of the most historically significant gemstones in the world. Rubies are prized for their vivid red colour and were traditionally worn by emperors and kings as a symbol of power and protection. The finest examples come from Burma and Mozambique, with deep "pigeon blood" red being the most coveted colour.

The birthstone for May and celebrated for its rich, intense green. Emeralds have been worn by royalty and treasured across cultures for thousands of years. The finest stones come from Colombia and Zambia, where the depth of green is unmatched. Emeralds typically contain natural inclusions, known as a jardin, which are accepted as part of their character.

Most famous in blue, but sapphires come in an extraordinary range of colours including pink, yellow, orange, purple and the rare padparadscha. Scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness, making them an excellent choice for everyday fine jewellery and engagement rings alike.

Aquamarine ranges from a pale sky blue to a deep sea blue-green. Found primarily in Brazil, its clarity and colour make it one of the most popular semi-precious choices for fine jewellery. The name derives from the Latin for seawater, and its serene tones reflect that perfectly.

Tanzanite is found in only one place on earth, the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, making it genuinely rarer than diamonds. Its remarkable blue-violet colour, which shifts with the light, has made it one of the most desirable coloured gemstones since its discovery in 1967.

Tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary colour range, from vivid greens and pinks to the legendary neon blue-green of Paraiba. No two tourmalines are ever quite alike, which makes them a particularly compelling choice for bespoke jewellery.

Opal is October's birthstone and unlike any other gemstone in existence. Its extraordinary play of colour, where vivid hues shift and shimmer within the stone, means no two opals are ever the same. Black opals from Lightning Ridge, Australia, are the most prized variety.

Spinel comes in a rich range of colours including red, pink and blue. For centuries, some of the world's most famous rubies were actually spinels, including stones in the British Crown Jewels. Red spinel in particular can resemble a fine ruby and is considered one of the August birthstones. Found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.

A member of the quartz family, amethyst is celebrated for its rich purple hue ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. It is the February birthstone and has historically been associated with clarity of mind and protection. Brazil and Uruguay are among the primary sources of fine amethyst today.