A STONE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOUR STORY
A coloured gemstone carries something entirely its own - depth of character, formed over millennia by the exact conditions of the earth it came from. No two are identical.
This guide is here to help you understand your options. To explore what each stone offers, so that when we sit down together, you can choose with confidence.
Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
Understanding the difference
Gemstones are typically classified as either precious or semi-precious, with precious stones such as sapphires and rubies being the most coveted for their rarity and durability.
Semi-precious gemstones, while more affordable, still offer stunning beauty and unique characteristics, making them excellent choices for centre stones. If you are seeking a coloured centre stone, precious gems like sapphires and rubies provide a brilliant alternative to diamonds. For more cost-effective options, semi precious stones such as spinel, aquamarine, and tourmaline make fantastic choices due to their hardness, vibrant hues, and range of colours.
Durability & the Mohs Scale
Every gemstone is assigned a rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness - a measure of a stone's resistance to surface scratching, ranging from 1 to 10. For an engagement ring worn every day, it is one of the most important practical considerations.
It is worth noting that the scale is not linear. Diamond sits at 10 - the hardest natural substance on earth - but the gap between diamond and the next tier is far greater than the numbers suggest. Sapphires and rubies belong to the corundum family and sit at 9, making them exceptionally durable. Spinel sits at 8. Tourmaline and aquamarine between 7.5 and 8 - enduring choices when set thoughtfully.
Stones below this threshold can still be considered, however it is important to understand their limitations. They may be more susceptible to surface scratching over time and will require greater care in both setting design and daily wear.
SAPPHIRE
Precious · Mohs 9
Of all the coloured gemstones, sapphire is my favourite. They come in a wide range of colours with incredible depth - combine that with their hardness and they make an exceptional choice for an engagement ring built to last a lifetime.
Most people picture sapphire in the deep, velvety blue made famous by heirloom pieces - but sapphire exists across an extraordinary spectrum. From the vivid blues of Ceylon sapphires to the incredible variety of blues, greens and yellows found in Australian sapphires. They can also be found in soft pinks, warm peaches, and delicate lilacs. Each hue carries its own character.
At Mohs 9, sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness - making it one of the most enduring centre stones available in any colour.
Ruby
Precious · Mohs 9
Ruby is among the rarest and most coveted coloured gemstones in the world - and one that carries extraordinary meaning for an engagement ring. Its deep, rich red comes from the presence of chromium, which gives each stone its intensity and its warmth.
The finest rubies range from a vivid rose red through to the celebrated pigeon's blood - an intense crimson with a faint blue undertone, found most famously in the mines of Burma. They can also be found in softer, pinker tones - equally beautiful and often more accessible.
Like sapphire, ruby belongs to the corundum family and sits at Mohs 9, making it one of the most enduring centre stones available. That combination of rarity, colour intensity and exceptional hardness is also what places fine ruby among the most valuable gemstones on earth - often commanding prices that exceed even diamond at equivalent quality. For those drawn to ruby, it is an investment in something truly rare.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
For those drawn to something a little different, semi-precious stones offer an extraordinary range of colour and character. Spinel, tourmaline and aquamarine each bring their own distinct personality - and all sit between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, making them enduring choices for daily wear when set with care.
Spinel is one of the most underappreciated stones in fine jewellery - available in vivid reds, hot pinks, cobalt blues and rich purples, with a brilliance that rivals far more well-known stones. Tourmaline is known for its beautiful range of colour - from deep forest greens through to warm pinks. Aquamarine brings a serene, icy clarity that is entirely its own.
If you are drawn to a coloured centre stone but are mindful of budget, semi-precious gemstones are a wonderful place to start - offering genuine beauty and character at a more accessible investment level than their precious counterparts.
A NOTE ON COLOUR
No two coloured stones are alike. Unlike diamonds, which are graded against a standardised system, a coloured gemstone is chosen entirely for its character - its depth, its tone, the way it moves in light.
If you are drawn to colour, a good place to start is simply thinking about the colours your partner loves. From there, we work through the options together - narrowing down what feels right until we find the stone that is entirely theirs.
Responsible Sourcing
Every stone I work with is sourced through trusted suppliers whom I've spent years building relationships with. Their focus is on providing the finest possible gemstones and supporting ethical mining practices - operating with minimal environmental disruption and supporting the communities in which they work.
When you commission a ring, you can be confident that every stone has been chosen not just for its beauty, but with care for how it came to exist.
BEGIN WITH COLOUR
If you are drawn to a coloured centre stone, our sapphire collection is a natural place to start. Every design can be customised - the stone, the metal, the details - to create something that is entirely your own.