Advice · Gemstones
Coloured gemstones, judged by colour
Rubies, blue sapphires and emeralds are the most sought after and valuable coloured gemstones, classified alongside diamonds as precious stones for their colour, brilliance and rarity. Tourmaline, spinel and aquamarine also command high prices, while amethyst, citrine, garnet, peridot, topaz and turquoise are affordable favourites for fashion jewellery.
The 4Cs of diamond grading remain relevant for coloured stones, but one C rules the others: colour, judged on hue, tone and saturation. The most pure, intense and vibrant colours are the most valuable. Coloured gemstones also make meaningful gifts, as birthstones and as traditional wedding anniversary stones, and we’re happy to tell you yours across the counter.
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Sapphires
Sapphires explained: colours beyond blue, hardness and everyday wearability, heat treatment, and the history behind the gem of trust, from your Sydney jewellers.
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Rubies
Rubies explained: hardness beside diamond, the colours that matter, heat treatment, and why history crowned the ruby the king of precious stones.
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Emeralds
Emeralds explained: the green of beryl, what oiling treatment means, sensible care for a 7.5-hardness stone, and a history from Cleopatra’s mines to Colombia.
Colour belongs in real light.
Bring the colour in your head and we’ll source real stones to match it, at wholesale prices.