The Gemstone Guide

Explore individuality through natural gemstones. Chosen for their vivid tones, unique forms and emotional depth, these stones reflect the intimate stories behind every engagement ring. From colour and beauty to rarity and durability, we explore the qualities that give coloured gemstones their lasting value and distinctive appeal.

The Gemstone Guide

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RESPONSIBLY SOURCED

SARAH & SEBASTIAN has been a certified Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) member since 2023. This certification followed a rigorous audit against the RJC’s Code of Practices, covering ethical supply chains, environmental responsibility, human rights and transparent product disclosures. It reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing of both natural diamonds and coloured gemstones.

Gemstones

Formed over millions of years under intense heat and pressure, gemstones are nature’s enduring masterpieces. From deep within the Earth’s mantle to the hands of our skilled gemmologists, each stone carries a story shaped by time.

At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, every coloured gemstone is chosen for its beauty and meaning. From Australian sapphires to peridots, our natural gemstones are selected for their vivid tones, depth and individuality. Each stone is entirely unique, just like the relationship it represents.

Sourced through trusted, ethically certified suppliers, every gemstone holds meaningful provenance. Select the stone that resonates with you from our loose collection, and our master jewellers will craft it into an engagement ring, necklace or earring in our Sydney studio.

Beauty

Coloured gemstones offer a personal and expressive alternative to traditional diamonds. Their natural vibrancy, individuality and symbolic depth allow for a richer, more meaningful connection to the jewellery you wear.

Unlike diamonds, which are prized for uniformity, gemstones embrace the unexpected. Unique tones, natural inclusions and distinctive colour patterns reflect the character of the wearer and the story behind each piece.

Durability

Durability is paramount in jewellery meant to last a lifetime. Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them exceptionally resistant to scratching and ideal for daily wear, especially in engagement rings . Peridots, while slightly softer with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, are still suitable for regular wear when set and cared for properly.

Rarity

Both sapphires and peridots possess a rarity that adds to their allure. Australian sapphires are renowned for their deep blues and unique colour variations, often exhibiting green or yellow undertones, making each stone distinct. Peridots, with their vibrant green hue, are formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity, a journey that contributes to their scarcity and value.

Size & Visual Impact

Gemstones and diamonds of the same carat weight may appear different in size. Coloured gemstones are naturally denser and may look smaller than diamonds of equal weight. If visual scale is important to you, our gemmologists will help you select a stone whose dimensions align with your vision, beyond just the carat number.