Gemstone Guide
Gemstone Guide
Every gemstone tells a unique story. Whether you’re looking for a birthstone, a gemstone with special significance, or just a stunning centrepiece for your jewellery, our guide will help you choose the perfect stone.
Gemstone Categories
Gemstones come in a wide range of colours, properties, and meanings. They can be classified into two main categories:
- Precious Gemstones: Traditionally including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, these gemstones are prized for their rarity and beauty.
- Semi-Precious Gemstones: While more abundant than precious stones, semi-precious gemstones such as amethyst, garnet, and aquamarine are no less beautiful or meaningful.
Popular Gemstones and Their Meanings
1. Diamond
- Colour: Clear, but can come in various colours like pink, blue, or yellow.
- Meaning: Diamonds symbolize purity, strength, and eternal love.
- Care: Diamonds are incredibly durable (ranked 10 on the Mohs hardness scale), but to maintain their sparkle, clean them regularly with a soft brush and mild soap.
2. Ruby
- Colour: Rich red, sometimes with purple or pink undertones.
- Meaning: Rubies are associated with passion, vitality, and courage.
- Care: Rubies are quite hard (9 on the Mohs scale) but can still scratch. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals.
3. Sapphire
- Colour: Most commonly blue, but can be found in almost any colour except red (which is classified as ruby).
- Meaning: Symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.
- Care: Sapphires are very durable (9 on the Mohs scale). Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
4. Emerald
- Colour: Vivid green, sometimes with bluish tones.
- Meaning: Represents rebirth, renewal, and growth.
- Care: Emeralds are softer (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale) and can be prone to cracks. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean with a soft cloth and warm water.
5. Amethyst
- Colour: Shades of purple, ranging from light lavender to deep violet.
- Meaning: Known for its calming and balancing properties, symbolizing clarity and spiritual growth.
- Care: Amethyst ranks 7 on the Mohs scale. Clean with mild soap and water, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade the colour.
6. Aquamarine
- Colour: Pale blue to blue-green.
- Meaning: Represents calm, clarity, and communication, often associated with the sea.
- Care: Ranking 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarines are durable but can chip. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid steam cleaners.
7. Garnet
- Colour: Typically red, but can be found in a range of colours including green and orange.
- Meaning: Symbolizes passion, protection, and energy.
- Care: Garnets rank 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale. Clean with warm water and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
8. Opal
- Colour: Iridescent with flashes of multiple colours (known as “play of colour”).
- Meaning: Opals represent hope, creativity, and innocence.
- Care: Opals are delicate (5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale) and require special care. Store them away from heat and avoid harsh chemicals. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
9. Peridot
- Colour: Bright green, with golden or olive hues.
- Meaning: Associated with prosperity, healing, and happiness.
- Care: Peridot ranks 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. Clean with warm soapy water, and avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
10. Topaz
- Colour: Comes in various colours including blue, yellow, pink, and clear.
- Meaning: Represents affection, strength, and truth.
- Care: Topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable but prone to scratches and chips if handled roughly. Clean with mild soap and warm water, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.