The Real Gem Guide to Gemstones
Colour. Character. Craftsmanship.
From deep blue sapphires to vivid rubies and rich green emeralds, every gemstone has its own character. This guide explains what makes each one special, and how to care for it.
Understanding Coloured Gemstones
Unlike diamonds, coloured gemstones are valued mainly for their colour: the richness, tone and intensity that give each stone its charm. Clarity and cut still matter, but colour comes first.
The four key elements
- Hue: the main colour (for example blue, green or pink)
- Tone: how light or dark the colour is
- Saturation: how intense or vivid the colour is
- Clarity: how transparent the stone is, and how free from visible inclusions
Good to know: natural inclusions are a gemstone's fingerprint, a sign of character rather than a flaw.
Sapphire
A symbol of loyalty and wisdom, loved for its strength and timeless elegance.
- Colour: best known in deep royal blue, but also pink, yellow, teal and white
- Durability: 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, ideal for everyday wear
- Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with visible inclusions
Shop sapphire: rings · earrings · necklaces
Ruby
A symbol of passion and vitality, and one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
- Colour: from pinkish red to vivid "pigeon's blood" red; the intensity of colour drives value
- Durability: 9 on the Mohs scale, excellent for rings and bracelets
- Care: warm soapy water; avoid harsh chemicals and extreme heat
Shop ruby: rings · earrings · necklaces
Emerald
Treasured for its lush green colour and natural inclusions, known as the jardin (garden).
- Colour: rich green, often with a slight blue undertone; even colour adds value
- Durability: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, but more delicate because of its inclusions
- Care: lukewarm water and mild soap only; never ultrasonic or steam cleaning
Shop emerald: rings · earrings · necklaces
Aquamarine
With its calm, ocean-blue colour, aquamarine stands for serenity and clarity.
- Colour: pale to medium blue, sometimes with a hint of green
- Durability: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, durable enough for everyday wear
- Care: warm soapy water; avoid high heat and ultrasonic cleaning
Shop aquamarine jewellery
Amethyst
Long seen as a symbol of clarity and calm.
- Colour: from pale lilac to deep violet; even, medium tones are most prized
- Durability: 7 on the Mohs scale
- Care: warm water and mild soap; keep out of strong sunlight to prevent fading
Morganite
Known for its soft blush tones, morganite is a modern favourite.
- Colour: soft peach-pink to rose
- Durability: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale
- Care: gentle soap and water; avoid long exposure to strong sunlight
Other Gemstones
| Gemstone | Colours | Hardness (Mohs) | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Blue to violet | 6.5 | Avoid knocks; clean gently with mild soap and water |
| Tourmaline | Pink, green, mint or multicolour | 7 to 7.5 | Mild soap; avoid heat and strong light |
| Tsavorite (green garnet) | Bright to deep green | 7 to 7.5 | Warm soapy water |
| Peridot | Olive to lime green | 6.5 to 7 | Avoid acids and sudden temperature changes |
| Topaz | Colourless, blue, pink or champagne | 8 | Avoid ultrasonic cleaners; store separately |
Shop: tanzanite rings · tourmaline rings · tsavorite rings · peridot rings
Natural or Lab-Created
We can source both natural and lab-created gemstones. If you'd like to know which a piece uses, or would prefer one or the other, just ask us.
An independent grading report is available on request. See our guide to grading reports.
Help Choosing
Whether you love the deep blue of sapphire, the fire of ruby or the calm of aquamarine, we're happy to help you find the right stone. Contact us with any questions.