Gemstones come in a huge variety of shades, each with its own chemistry, history and meaning. Below are the gems clients ask us about most, what each one is known for, and how well it holds up in a ring you wear every day. Have one in mind? We'll help you choose the right stone and design a one-of-a-kind piece around it.
Alexandrite looks green in daylight and red under warm incandescent light, which is why it's called "emerald by day, ruby by night." It's a rare color-changing variety of chrysoberyl, first found in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s and now mined in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil. Fine stones are exceptionally rare and valuable.
Design with this gem
Amethyst is the violet-to-purple variety of quartz. It has long stood for peace, balance and clarity of mind, and was linked with sobriety and spiritual growth.
Design with this gem
Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl. Its name comes from the Latin "aqua" (water) and "mare" (sea), for its ocean color. It was believed to bring courage, clarity and harmony to the wearer.
Design with this gem
Beryl is a mineral that comes in many colors. Green beryl is emerald and blue beryl is aquamarine. Pink beryl is morganite, which can grow quite large and is named after financier J.P. Morgan. Yellow beryl is heliodor, and red beryl is one of the rarest gems in the world.
Design with this gem
Citrine is the sunny yellow-to-orange variety of quartz. It is associated with positivity, abundance and clarity, and was believed to bring joy and success.
Design with this gem
Corundum is the hardest natural gemstone after diamond. Red corundum is ruby; every other color, from the classic blue to pink, yellow and white, is sapphire. That toughness makes it one of the best colored stones for an everyday ring.
Design with this gemTell us the stone, the look and your budget. We'll walk you through the options one-on-one and design a ring or piece around the stone you choose, in person in Downtown LA or by video call.
Diamond is the hardest and most brilliant gemstone, the April birthstone and the traditional gift for the 10th and 60th anniversaries. It stands for purity, eternity and commitment, which is why it leads engagement rings. Most diamonds formed more than a billion years ago, deep in the earth's mantle. Diamonds are our specialty: learn the 4Cs.
Find your diamond
Emerald is the rich green variety of beryl and the gift for the 20th and 55th anniversaries. It symbolizes rebirth and renewal, and has been treasured for centuries for its lush color. Most emeralds have natural inclusions, so a protective setting is a good idea for daily wear.
Design with this gem
Garnet comes in many colors, but deep red is the best known. It symbolizes friendship, trust and protection, and was worn as a protective talisman in ancient times.
Design with this gem
Pearls are unique among gems because they form inside living mollusks. Prized for their luster, they symbolize purity and wisdom and suit almost any style. They are soft, so they're best for earrings, pendants and occasional-wear rings.
Design with this gem
Peridot is one of the few gems that occurs in only one color, green. How much iron it contains sets the shade, from yellowish to olive to brownish green; a deep olive green is the most valued.
Design with this gem
Ruby is red corundum and the gift for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. It stands for passion, love and energy, and has long been tied to royalty and power. Its hardness makes it a strong choice for an engagement ring.
Design with this gem
Sapphire, best known in deep blue, is the gift for the 5th and 45th anniversaries. It symbolizes wisdom, loyalty and nobility and has adorned royalty for centuries. Second only to diamond in hardness, it's a favorite for engagement rings.
Design with this gem
Topaz comes in many colors; golden topaz is a November birthstone and blue topaz is hugely popular. It is associated with strength and protection, and was believed to boost communication, creativity and confidence.
Design with this gem
Tourmaline has one of the widest color ranges of any gem, from pink and red to green and blue, sometimes in a single stone. It is associated with balance, protection and harmony.
Design with this gemAn engagement ring takes knocks every day, so hardness matters as much as color. On the Mohs scale, 9 and 10 are the safest for daily wear, 7.5 to 8 works well in a protective setting, and anything softer is best saved for earrings, pendants or occasional rings.
| Gemstone | Mohs hardness |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 |
| Sapphire and ruby | 9 |
| Alexandrite | 8.5 |
| Topaz | 8 |
| Emerald, aquamarine, morganite | 7.5–8 |
| Tourmaline | 7–7.5 |
| Amethyst and citrine | 7 |
| Garnet and peridot | 6.5–7.5 |
| Pearl | 2.5–4.5 |
Hardness is a guide, not the whole story: toughness, inclusions and the setting matter too. We'll talk through what fits your lifestyle in your consultation.
Every Concierge Diamonds piece starts with a free, no-pressure consultation. The form takes about a minute, and we'll be in touch within two business days. Questions first? Read Dan Moran's answers on colored gems or call (213) 261-4330.