How to choose a coloured gemstone

Every gemstone brings its own colour and character to a piece. Four things help you compare stones.

Colour

For most coloured stones, colour matters most: look at the hue, how light or dark it is, and how vivid. Look at stones in daylight and indoor light.

Clarity

Many coloured gemstones have small natural inclusions. A stone that looks clean to the eye at normal viewing distance is a good everyday choice.

Cut and shape

A good cut brings out colour and brilliance. Oval, round, cushion and pear shapes each change how a stone looks on the hand.

Wearability

For a ring worn every day, choose a hard stone such as sapphire (9 on the Mohs scale). Softer stones suit earrings and pendants.

Ask for paperwork

If a stone's origin or treatment matters to you, ask whether a laboratory certificate is available for that piece.

Want to compare stones side by side? Book a consultation and we'll show you options by colour, shape, size and quality.