The World of Gemstones
An honest guide to understanding the gems we use and the standards we hold.
What Makes a Gemstone Natural?
A natural gemstone is one formed entirely by nature — created over millions of years deep within the earth through geological processes of heat, pressure and time. At our brand, every gemstone we use is natural and earth-mined. We do not use synthetic, simulated, or laboratory-created stones of any kind.
Natural gemstones carry within them the story of the earth itself — no two are ever identical, and that uniqueness is precisely what makes them precious.
Understanding Gem Treatments
The gemstone industry has a long and accepted history of certain treatments that enhance a stone's appearance while preserving its natural origin. However not all treatments are equal — some are widely accepted by the global gem trade while others compromise the integrity and value of a stone significantly.
We believe you deserve complete transparency about what you are wearing.
Treatments We Accept
- Heat Treatment
The most widely accepted and common treatment in the gem world. Heat is applied to enhance or stabilise a stone's natural colour. Ceylon sapphires, rubies and aquamarines are commonly heat treated. Heat treatment is permanent, does not affect durability and is fully disclosed and accepted by all major gemological laboratories worldwide including GIA and GRS.
- Clarity Enhancement by Oiling — Emeralds Only
Emeralds are famously included by nature and mild oiling with colourless oil or resin to reduce the visibility of surface-reaching fractures is a universally accepted and centuries-old practice within the emerald trade. This is fully disclosed on all gemological certificates.
Treatments We Do Not Accept
- Fracture Filling
The injection of glass, resin or other foreign materials into a stone to mask fractures and improve apparent clarity. This significantly compromises the stone's structural integrity and long term durability and is considered unacceptable in fine jewellery.
- Beryllium Diffusion
A process where beryllium is diffused into sapphires under extreme heat to artificially induce or dramatically alter colour. While some traders accept this practice, we do not — the colour change is artificial and does not reflect the stone's true natural character.
- Coating and Surface Treatments
Applying coloured coatings, films or dyes to alter the surface appearance of a gemstone. This is purely cosmetic, temporary and entirely deceptive — we consider this unacceptable under any circumstances.
- Irradiation
Exposing gemstones to radiation to alter their colour. While some irradiated stones are stable, the colour change is artificial and not representative of the stone's natural beauty.
- Lead Glass Filling — Rubies
A process used heavily in low-quality ruby production where fractures are filled with lead glass to dramatically improve clarity and transparency. These stones are extremely fragile and have very little genuine gemstone material remaining. We do not use or accept lead glass filled rubies under any circumstances.
Where Our Gemstones Come From
We source our gemstones from some of the world's most celebrated and historically significant gem producing regions — places where the earth has gifted extraordinary stones for thousands of years.
Sri Lanka
Known as the Island of Gems, Sri Lanka has been producing exceptional gemstones for over two thousand years. The gem gravels of Ratnapura — the City of Gems — yield some of the world's finest sapphires in every colour, including the rare and coveted padparadscha. Sri Lanka is also home to exquisite moonstones, spinel, zircon and cat's eye chrysoberyl.
Ethiopia
The volcanic highlands of Ethiopia's Welo region produce some of the most spectacular opals ever discovered — vivid, fiery stones with extraordinary play of colour that rival the finest Australian opals. Ethiopian opal has transformed the world opal market since its discovery and is now among the most sought-after opal origins globally.
Madagascar
The island of Madagascar is one of the world's most important gem producing nations, yielding exceptional sapphires in vivid blues and teals, as well as fine moonstones, tourmalines and garnets of remarkable quality and colour saturation.
Tanzania
Home to some of the world's most colourful gemstones including rhodolite garnet, tsavorite and tanzanite — found nowhere else on earth — Tanzania is one of Africa's most significant gem sources and produces stones of extraordinary richness and colour.
Myanmar (Burma)
Historically among the most prestigious gem origins in the world, Myanmar produces exceptional rubies, sapphires and spinel — prized for centuries by royalty and collectors for their unmatched depth of colour.
Cambodia
The Pailin region of Cambodia is one of the world's primary sources of natural zircon — producing vivid electric blue and multicolour stones of exceptional brilliance.
Ethical Mining & Responsible Sourcing
We take the origin of our gemstones seriously. The beauty of a stone should never come at the cost of the people who mine it or the environment it comes from.
What ethical sourcing means to us:
We work with suppliers who operate transparently and can trace the origin of their stones. We actively avoid sourcing from conflict regions or suppliers who cannot provide credible origin information. We support small-scale and artisanal mining communities where possible, as these miners represent the vast majority of the coloured gemstone supply chain and are often the most vulnerable within it.
The Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is an international initiative established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market. While primarily focused on diamonds, we apply the same principles of origin accountability to all gemstones we source.
Artisanal & Small Scale Mining
The majority of the world's coloured gemstones are mined by small-scale and artisanal miners — individuals and small communities who work by hand in remote locations. We believe in fair and transparent trade with these communities and seek suppliers who share that commitment.
Our Commitment
We are a small brand with high standards. We would rather source fewer, better stones from transparent suppliers than compromise on the ethics of our supply chain. Every stone we use is chosen with care — for its beauty, its origin and the integrity of the people who brought it to the surface.
Choosing the Right Gemstone for Every Occasion
Everyday Wear
The best everyday stone is one that is beautiful, durable and versatile enough to complement any outfit or setting.
Best choices:
Sapphire
One of the hardest gemstones in the world, sapphire is exceptionally well suited to daily wear. Its timeless colour and remarkable durability make it the ideal companion for every day — from casual to formal. A stone you can wear without thinking twice.
Rhodolite Garnet
Rich, warm and deeply wearable, rhodolite garnet brings a touch of colour to everyday looks without demanding attention. Durable enough for regular wear and versatile enough for any occasion.
Spinel
Underrated, exceptionally durable and available in a stunning range of colours — spinel is the everyday gem for those who know. It wears beautifully, holds its brilliance and never goes unnoticed by those in the know.
White Sheen Moonstone
For those who prefer a softer, more ethereal everyday look. Moonstone pairs effortlessly with everything and carries a quiet, luminous elegance that is never overstated.
Special Occasions & Celebrations
For moments that deserve to be remembered — birthdays, anniversaries, achievements and milestones — choose a stone with presence, colour and meaning.
Best choices:
Padparadscha Sapphire
The rarest and most coveted of all sapphires, padparadscha's extraordinary salmon-pink hue is unlike anything else in the gem world. A stone reserved for truly exceptional moments — as rare as the occasion itself.
Ethiopian Black Opal
Dramatic, vivid and utterly unique — no two black opals are ever alike, making it the perfect stone to mark a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Its shifting spectral colours make it a stone that commands attention and conversation.
Sapphire — Pink or Yellow
For something unexpected and joyful. Pink and yellow Ceylon sapphires bring warmth and celebration to any milestone, offering the prestige of sapphire in a colour that feels festive and personal.
Romantic Occasions & Gifts of Love
For expressions of love, devotion and deep personal connection — choose a stone with warmth, rarity and emotional resonance.
Best choices:
Padparadscha Sapphire
Long associated with love and compassion in Eastern cultures, padparadscha's unique blush is the colour of a sunset — romantic, warm and deeply personal. One of the most meaningful stones you can give.
Garnet
In ancient tradition, garnet was the stone of the heart — carried by travellers as a symbol of love and safe return. Its rich raspberry rose hue is deeply romantic and endlessly wearable.
Rainbow Moonstone
Associated across cultures with love, intuition and feminine energy, rainbow moonstone has long been considered a gift of deep emotional connection. Its shifting colours mirror the complexity and beauty of love itself.
Rose Quartz
Long considered the stone of unconditional love across many traditions, rose quartz carries a gentle, nurturing energy and a soft blush tone that speaks quietly but deeply of love and compassion.
Pink Sapphire
Soft, feminine and deeply personal — pink sapphire carries a quiet romance that speaks volumes without saying a word. A timeless and deeply meaningful gift.
Ethiopian Opal
For the one who is unlike anyone else. Gifting an opal — particularly a black opal — is a deeply personal act, as each stone is entirely unique. A profound way to say there is no one else like you.
Engagement & Commitment
Choosing a stone for an engagement or commitment piece is one of the most personal decisions in jewellery. Coloured gemstones offer a depth of meaning, rarity and individuality increasingly sought by those who want something truly their own.
Best choices:
Blue Sapphire
The world's most celebrated coloured engagement stone — worn by royalty and cherished for generations. Sapphire represents loyalty, faithfulness and enduring love. Exceptionally hard and built to be worn every day for a lifetime.
Padparadscha Sapphire
For the most discerning and the most romantic. Padparadscha is extraordinarily rare, deeply meaningful and entirely unlike any other stone — perfect for a love that defies comparison.
Ruby
For a love that burns bright and runs deep. Ruby engagement rings are bold, passionate and deeply meaningful — the choice for those who feel things fully and love without reservation.
