Frequently Asked Questions

Gemstones are mineral crystals typically found within the Earth that can be cut and polished to reveal their beauty. Exceptions to this include organic materials such as pearl, amber and red coral. Gemstones are highly valued and can be used in jewellery or other decorative items.

Precious gemstones are highly prized for their value, beauty, and durability. The four traditional precious gemstones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. In particular, the hardness of diamonds, rubies and sapphires makes them ideal for jewellery, and they are often found in many heirloom pieces. Semi-precious gemstones encompass a wide variety of other gemstones, valued for characteristics including colour and clarity.

The rarest gemstone known to man is Painite, which is typically a reddish-brown or orange colour. It was first discovered during the 1950s in Myanmar by a British mineralogist named Arthur C.D. Pain. A single crystal in existence! Since then, further discoveries of this stone have been made, but it is still considered extremely rare and highly prized.

Quartz is the most common crystallised mineral. Its affordability and availability make it a widely used gemstone for decorative purposes. Other common gemstones include amethyst and garnet, which are both very affordable options.

Gemstone hardness is measured from one to ten on the universally recognised Mohs scale. The hardest gemstone is a diamond, measuring a ten. By contrast, amber is the softest usable gemstone, which measures just two on the Mohs scale.

To the untrained eye, moissanite looks very much like a diamond. It has similar optical properties, displaying diamond-like fire and brilliance. It measures 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Its strong resemblance to diamond and relative affordability make it a popular alternative; however, it is double-refractive, which can be detected by viewing the gemstone with a jeweller's 10x loupe.

Different mining methods can be used depending on the gemstone. Some gem minerals are found in alluvial deposits, perhaps in the seabed or rivers. Other gemstones are extracted from deep within the Earth by digging open pits or underground mining. Where the gemstones are found will determine which techniques will be used to extract them.

Gemstones are cut using specialist equipment and tools. The crystal is first cut into a specific shape that lends itself to the original crystal formation and achieves the biggest yield. The gemstone is then commonly faceted, drawing out the intensity of colour and creating the fire and sparkle gemstones are so renowned for. Some gemstones, such as moonstone or amber, are not usually faceted. Instead, they are polished into a flat-bottomed, spherical shape called a cabochon cut.

Gemstones can be examined under a 10x loupe or microscope to check their colour, clarity and hardness. Natural inclusions and precision of facets can be good indicators of a gemstone’s authenticity. Gemstones can commonly be sent to a laboratory where more comprehensive testing can be carried out. Always remember to buy your gemstone jewellery from a reputable seller.

The ‘4Cs’ for gemstones differ slightly from those for diamonds, with colour being the most important factor. Unlike diamonds, there is no universal grading system for cut, clarity, or even colour in coloured gemstones, as standards vary depending on the gem type.

A gemstone's weight is quantified in carats, where a carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Ideally, a gemstone must be weighed on a special scale that specifically measures carats. The weight will typically contribute to the gemstone's value, particularly for precious gemstones that are priced per carat.

Each calendar month is associated with a different gemstone, commonly referred to as a birthstone. The birthstones associated with each month are as follows: January’s birthstone is Garnet; February’s birthstone is Amethyst; March’s birthstone is Aquamarine; April’s birthstone is Diamond; May’s birthstone is Emerald; June’s birthstone is Alexandrite or Pearl; July’s birthstone is Ruby; August’s birthstone is Peridot; September’s birthstone is Sapphire; October’s birthstone is Opal or Tourmaline; November’s birthstone is Citrine or Topaz; December’s birthstone is Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise.

Gemstone engagement rings feature a coloured gemstone as their central element in place of a traditional diamond. Some gemstones have symbolic meaning; for example, rubies are typically associated with love, whilst sapphires are said to represent truth and wisdom. An example of a very famous sapphire engagement ring would be the stunning oval sapphire and diamond cluster presented to Princess Diana by the then Prince Charles, now the engagement ring belonging to HRH Kate, our Princess of Wales.

All jewellery should be stored individually when not being worn to avoid pieces coming into contact and scratching each other.

To keep your jewellery clean at home, simply prepare warm water with a mild soap solution in a bowl. Gently remove dirt and grease with a soft toothbrush. Rinse in a bowl of clean, clear water and then dry with a lint-free cloth. Your gems will be sparkling again!

This is not recommended for pearls or porous gemstones such as opal, as these items should not be submerged in water. Instead, they should be gently wiped clean with a cloth, using warm water and a mild soap solution. Remove any residue with a separate, damp cloth and leave to dry completely.