What To Consider When Buying Colour Gemstones

From the deep blues of sapphire to the vibrant greens of emerald, gemstones are more than just beautiful—they carry meaning, mark milestones, and make unforgettable gifts. Whether you're buying for yourself or someone special, here’s what to consider when choosing the perfect gem.

Colour Comes First

When it comes to coloured gemstones, colour is the showstopper. It's the most important factor influencing both beauty and value.

• Sapphires are most prized in deep, velvety blues.
• Rubies glow brightest in rich, pigeon-blood red.
• Aquamarine, amethyst, and topaz each have their signature tones—from cool sky blues to regal purples.

Tip: Look for vibrant, evenly distributed colour. Not too dark, not too pale—just right.

Clarity & Cut: The Fine Art of Sparkle

Not all gemstones are created clear—and that’s okay.

• Emeralds often have inclusions (called “jardin”), and they're accepted as part of their character.
• Spinel, zircon, and garnet are typically cleaner and should be judged more critically for clarity.

The cut is equally important. A well-cut gem enhances brilliance and shows off the colour at its best. Whether it’s a classic oval or a trendy cushion cut, precision makes all the difference.

 

Natural or Treated? Know What You're Buying

Many gemstones are treated to enhance colour or clarity—and that’s perfectly normal. What matters is transparency.

• Sapphires are often heat-treated.
• Emeralds are commonly oiled to fill surface-reaching fractures.
• Topaz may be irradiated for colour (like the electric blue varieties).

Always ask about treatments and ensure they’re disclosed. Treated stones can still be beautiful and valuable, but you should know exactly what's best for you.

 

Certificates Build Trust

For high-value stones, a gemological certificate is your guarantee of authenticity. It confirms:

• Gem identity and type
• Treatments
• (Sometimes) origin

Look for certifications from reputable labs like GIA, especially when buying rubies, sapphires, or rare-colour stones.

 

Think About Durability

Not all gems wear the same way. If you're buying for daily wear—like an engagement ring—you'll want stones that can handle it.

• Excellent durability: Sapphire, spinel, topaz
• Moderate: Garnet, tourmaline, zircon
• Delicate: Opal, tanzanite, and some treated stones

Choose your gemstone based on how and where you'll wear it. A cocktail ring and an everyday necklace don’t need the same toughness.

Buy from a Jeweller You Trust

Choose a seller who:

• Discloses treatments clearly
• Offers reputable certification
• Provides honest, expert guidance

At La Mine d’Or, we pride ourselves on curating high-quality gemstones that are not only beautiful but ethically and knowledgeably sourced.

Gemstones Mark Life’s Special Moments

Gemstones aren’t just stunning—they’re deeply symbolic, making them perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, achievements, and love stories.

• Birthstones: Each month has its own gem—like garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, and so on.
• Anniversaries: Celebrate a 5th anniversary with sapphire, or a 35th with emerald.
• Milestones: Tourmaline or topaz make great graduation or promotion gifts, symbolising strength and transformation.

Tip: When in doubt, ask what stone aligns with the recipient’s birth month or life event—it adds meaning to the sparkle.

 
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking an anniversary, or simply treating yourself to something beautiful, gemstones carry stories. With their colour, symbolism, and sparkle, they make life’s best moments even brighter.

So go ahead—find the gem that reflects your story.