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A gemstone adds colour and personality to a ring, a pendant or a pair of earrings. Alongside our laboratory-grown diamonds, Zarna Jewels sets selected gemstones, including sapphires, rubies and emeralds, and laboratory-grown diamonds in fancy colours. This guide explains what makes each stone special, how quality is judged and how to care for gemstone jewellery. Browse gemstone jewellery.
The gemstones we work with
| Gemstone | Colours | Hardness (Mohs) | Everyday wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond (including fancy colours) | Colourless, pink, blue, yellow and more | 10 | Excellent |
| Sapphire | Classic blue, plus pink, yellow and other “fancy” colours | 9 | Excellent |
| Ruby | Red, from pinkish to deep crimson | 9 | Excellent |
| Emerald | Green | 7.5–8 | Good, with care; avoid knocks |
Sapphire and ruby are both the mineral corundum, which is why they share the same hardness. Emeralds are softer and usually contain natural inclusions, so they are better protected in a halo or bezel setting for a ring worn every day.
How gemstone quality is judged
- Colour: the most important factor. The best stones have a rich, even colour that is neither too dark nor too pale.
- Clarity: how free the stone is from inclusions. Some are expected, especially in emeralds; they only matter if they affect beauty or durability.
- Cut: a good cut shows off the colour evenly and gives the stone life and sparkle.
- Carat: the weight. Gemstones differ in density, so a one-carat ruby and a one-carat diamond are not the same size.
Gemstone shapes
Gemstones are cut in the same shapes as diamonds: round, oval, cushion, pear, emerald (rectangular step cut), princess, marquise, heart and radiant. Oval and cushion shapes are especially popular for coloured stones because they show the colour well.
Treatments and origin
Many gemstones are treated to improve their colour or clarity, and this is accepted practice when it is disclosed. Common treatments include heating (sapphires and rubies), filling fractures with oil or resin (emeralds), and, less often, coating, dyeing or irradiation. Gemstones can also be natural or laboratory-grown. We tell you about any treatment and whether a stone is natural or laboratory-grown before you buy; just ask.
Gemstone jewellery ideas
- Gemstone engagement rings: a sapphire or ruby centre stone, often with a halo or side stones of laboratory-grown diamonds.
- Pendants and necklaces: a single coloured stone or a halo design. Shop pendants.
- Earrings: studs, drops and hoops with a touch of colour. Shop earrings.
- Bracelets: tennis bracelets with alternating colours. Shop bracelets.
- Birthday and anniversary gifts: a birthstone is a personal choice.
Looking for something specific? Our bespoke service can design a piece around the gemstone you choose.
Caring for gemstone jewellery
- Clean sapphires, rubies and diamonds in warm water with mild soap and a soft brush.
- Wipe emeralds with a soft, damp cloth; never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner on them.
- Keep stones away from household chemicals, perfume and hairspray.
- Store pieces separately so harder stones do not scratch softer ones.
More tips in our jewellery care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which gemstone is best for an engagement ring?
Sapphire and ruby, after diamond. At 9 on the Mohs scale they are hard enough for everyday wear.
Are gemstones natural or made in a laboratory?
Both exist. Natural gemstones formed in the earth over millions of years; laboratory-grown gemstones have the same composition. We always tell you which one you are buying.
Why do emeralds need more care?
They are softer than sapphires and rubies and usually contain inclusions, so a hard knock or harsh cleaning can damage them.
Need help choosing a gemstone? Call +91 8733947879 or email care@zarnajewels.com.
