How Coloured Gemstones Can Be Used In Bespoke Jewellery

 

Simon has always been a bit of a magpie when it comes to coloured gemstones, every so often coming across a special find that he can’t help but buy. The most recent purchase included this natural deep grey/green spinel.

 
 
Coloured gemstone on finger Simon Wright

What Is a Spinel Gemstone?

Much like sapphire, spinel can form in a range of colours from blue to orange, but is most famed for its deep red hue often being confused with ruby. One of the most famous of these mix ups is the Black Prince’s Ruby, which in fact is no ruby, but a red spinel. The date of mining is unknown, but there is record of it being owned by Moorish kings in the 13-14th century before passing over to the Spanish king Don Pedro of Castile (also known as Don Pedro the Cruel), this beautiful gem then made its way into the hands of prince Edward III, otherwise known as the Black Prince, allegedly as a reward for support in battle. Being passed down through many noble English families, it has now found a home in the Imperial State Crown alongside the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

 
 
 

Types of Coloured Gemstones

  • Fancy Coloured Diamonds

As well as this gorgeous spinel, we have a rainbow of fancy coloured diamonds ranging from canary yellow, to turquoise blue. Due to their rarity, fancy coloured diamonds can fetch quite a sum, a perfect example of this was the huge Pink Star diamond, weighing at a enormous 59.60cts and sold for £57.3 million. Although none of our fancy diamonds are reaching anywhere near that weight, they can be used as a flash of colour amongst white diamonds.

Whilst white diamonds will always be the traditional choice for engagement rings, using coloured gemstones in your jewellery can add a personal touch and Simon is regularly asked to create more and more coloured gemstone rings.

 
Assorted coloured gemstones

All the colours of the rainbow! A selection of fine coloured gemstones

 

 Just a few of the coloured sapphires we regularly pick up

 

  • Emerald Gemstones

Simon’s exotic coloured gemstone connections don’t just end there. His relationships with some of the best emerald suppliers in the country make him the envy of Hatton Garden jewellers. Second to sapphire, emerald is also a very popular choice.  The most sought-after emerald colours are bluish green to pure green, with vivid saturation, while emeralds with fewer inclusions (an imperfection or flaw) are also more desirable.

  • Tourmaline Gemstones

Tourmaline too offers a great deal of variety, in fact no other gemstone offers as many options in terms of colour. Simon regularly picks up tourmalines in a whole host of colours including red, pink, blue yellow and brown. However, the most recognised and asked for is the typical green.

 

  • Sapphire Gemstones

Such is the demand for sapphire engagement rings these days, Simon regularly sources some of the finest and most interesting examples of sapphires across the colour spectrum, including bright blue, vivacious green, vibrant orange, even colour-change sapphires – which change colour under different lighting. Not to mention the ever in demand teal sapphires.

 

A selection of emeralds and tourmalines

 

Coloured Gemstone Jewellery by Simon Wright

Be sure to follow our Instagram page to see some of our latest creations, including coloured gemstone rings, vintage reproduction rings and bespoke cufflinks.

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Simon WrightBespoke, Coloured Stones, Spinel, Workshop