Diamond & Gemstone Guide
Choosing a stone is one of the most considered decisions in jewellery. We want you to understand what you are choosing — not overwhelmed by technical language, but genuinely informed.
This guide covers the stones we work with most often and the questions our customers ask most. Read as much or as little as feels useful. If you have questions beyond what is here, we are always glad to talk it through.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure within the earth. Each one is entirely unique. Their rarity, depth, and the long story behind their formation is part of what makes them meaningful to many customers.
When assessing a diamond, four characteristics matter most. These are known as the four Cs.
Cut is the most important factor in how a diamond appears to the eye. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating the brilliance that draws attention to a stone. Cut refers not to the shape but to the precision of the proportions and angles.
Colour is graded on a scale from D (completely colourless) to Z (noticeably warm). Colourless stones are the most rare and command a premium, but many customers find that a slight warmth — in the G to I range — is indistinguishable to the naked eye and represents excellent value.
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. Most inclusions are invisible without magnification and do not affect the beauty of the stone. We will always show you where any inclusions sit and advise on whether they matter for the piece you have in mind.
Carat is the unit of weight used to measure diamonds. Larger stones are rarer and more valuable, but carat alone does not determine beauty. A smaller, beautifully cut stone will often outshine a larger one of lesser cut quality.
Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
Laboratory-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are created in controlled environments using processes that replicate the conditions in which natural diamonds form. They are real diamonds — not simulants.
They typically offer significantly better value per carat than their natural counterparts, allowing customers to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within the same budget. They are also an option for customers who prefer to avoid the complexities of the natural diamond supply chain.
We offer both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds and will always provide an honest comparison so you can make the choice that feels right for you.
Coloured Gemstones
For those drawn to something beyond the traditional, coloured gemstones offer extraordinary depth of character. We work with a range of stones including sapphire, ruby, emerald, alexandrite, tourmaline, aquamarine, and opal, among others.
Sapphire is one of the most durable coloured gemstones and comes in a remarkable range of colours — from the classic deep blue to pink, yellow, white, and the exceptionally rare padparadscha. It has a long history as an engagement stone and remains one of our most requested choices.
Ruby carries a depth of colour and meaning unlike any other stone. Deep red to pinkish-red, ruby has been associated with love and passion across many cultures for centuries. Fine rubies of natural origin are among the rarest gemstones in the world.
Emerald is distinguished by its rich green and the characteristic inclusions — known as the ‘jardin’ — that make each stone entirely its own. Emeralds require a degree of care and are best suited to settings that offer some protection.
Australian opal holds a particular resonance for our customers. Australia produces over 95% of the world’s fine opal, and the play of colour within a quality stone is unlike anything else in nature.
What to Consider When Choosing
The right stone is not necessarily the largest or the most expensive. It is the one that feels right for the person wearing it, the piece it will inhabit, and the life it will be worn through.
We encourage every customer to consider how the piece will be worn day to day. A stone set in an engagement ring will be worn constantly, often through water and activity, so durability matters. A stone chosen for a pendant worn on special occasions can afford to be more delicate.
Our team will always guide you through these practical questions without pressure, and help you find the balance between beauty, durability, meaning and budget that feels right for you.
Speak With Us
Stone selection is one of the most enjoyable parts of designing a piece of jewellery. If you would like to explore your options with our team, we would be glad to sit with you in-store or connect by phone or video.