Gemstones have been used in jewellery for thousands of years — chosen for their colour, rarity, meaning, and the way they catch light. Whether you're buying your first gemstone piece, choosing a birthstone gift, or commissioning something bespoke, this guide covers what you need to know.
What Are Gemstones?
Gemstones are minerals or organic materials cut and polished to reveal their natural beauty. They are valued for their colour, clarity, hardness, and rarity. The four traditionally recognised precious gemstones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds — everything else is typically classed as a semi-precious stone, though this distinction has become less rigid in modern jewellery.
Hardness is one of the most practical things to understand when choosing a gemstone for jewellery. The Mohs scale measures scratch resistance from 1 to 10. Diamonds sit at 10 — the hardest natural material. Sapphires and rubies are 9. Emeralds and aquamarine sit around 7.5–8. Anything below 7 is generally better suited to pendants and earrings than rings, which take more daily wear.
Natural vs Laboratory-Created Gemstones
Natural gemstones form over millions of years in the earth's crust. Their unique inclusions, colour variations, and origin make each stone individual — no two natural emeralds or sapphires are identical. This rarity is part of what drives their value.
Laboratory-created gemstones share the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural ones but are produced in a controlled environment. They are not imitations — a lab-created emerald is chemically an emerald. The key differences are origin, rarity, and price. Lab-created stones are significantly more affordable and more consistent in colour and clarity.
At Silver Hollow, Dan works with both natural and laboratory-created gemstones depending on the project and budget. All stones used are ethically and sustainably sourced — something Dan considers non-negotiable when selecting materials for bespoke commissions.
Popular Gemstones Used in Handmade Jewellery
A few gemstones appear most frequently in handmade sterling silver jewellery, each with distinct character:
Emerald — May's birthstone. Deep green, associated with renewal and love. Pairs naturally with silver. Read our full guide to emerald birthstone jewellery.
Citrine — November's birthstone. Warm yellow-orange, one of the most wearable gemstones. Highly durable at Mohs 7. Read our guide to citrine in silver jewellery.
Amethyst — February's birthstone. Violet-purple, Mohs 7. Historically associated with calm and clarity. Works well in both minimalist and ornate settings.
Garnet — January's birthstone. Deep red, Mohs 6.5–7.5. One of the oldest gemstones used in jewellery, associated with protection and vitality.
Sapphire — September's birthstone. Most commonly deep blue, though sapphires come in almost every colour. Extremely hard at Mohs 9, making them ideal for everyday rings.
How to Choose the Right Gemstone
The right gemstone depends on several things working together rather than any single factor.
Purpose and wear frequency — A ring worn daily needs a harder stone (Mohs 7+). A pendant or earring worn occasionally has more flexibility. Softer stones like opals and pearls are better kept for special occasions.
Colour and skin tone — Cool-toned skin tends to suit blue, green, and purple stones — sapphires, emeralds, amethysts. Warm-toned skin is often complemented by yellow, orange, and red stones — citrine, garnet, ruby.
Meaning and occasion — Birthstones add personal significance to a gift. If you're commissioning a piece for someone, their birth month is often the most meaningful starting point.
Budget — Natural precious gemstones carry a premium. For the same design at a lower price point, a lab-created stone of the same type is a practical alternative without compromising on appearance.
How to Care for Gemstone Jewellery
Most gemstones need only gentle, consistent care to stay looking their best. Store pieces individually to prevent harder stones scratching softer ones. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water — avoid ultrasonic cleaners for softer or included stones such as emeralds. Remove gemstone rings before swimming, cleaning, or heavy manual work.
For a full guide to keeping all types of jewellery in good condition, our post on how to stop jewellery tarnishing covers storage, cleaning methods, and what to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable gemstone for an everyday ring?
Diamond is the hardest natural gemstone at Mohs 10, followed by sapphire and ruby at Mohs 9. For everyday sterling silver rings, sapphire, ruby, and spinel (Mohs 8) are excellent choices. Citrine and amethyst at Mohs 7 are also suitable for rings with protective settings.
What is the difference between natural and lab-created gemstones?
Natural gemstones form in the earth over millions of years and are valued for their rarity and uniqueness. Lab-created gemstones share the same chemical composition but are produced in controlled conditions. Lab-created stones are not imitations — they are the same material, typically at a lower price point and with more consistent colour and clarity.
Can I choose my own gemstone for a custom ring at Silver Hollow?
Yes. Silver Hollow's bespoke commission service lets you specify the gemstone, setting style, and design. Dan works with a range of stones — both natural and lab-created — and can advise on which suits the design and budget you have in mind. Get in touch via the bespoke jewellery page to discuss your commission.
Which gemstone makes the best gift?
Birthstones are often the most personal choice — they connect directly to the recipient rather than being a generic piece. Beyond birthstones, the most universally appreciated choices for gifts tend to be emerald, sapphire, and citrine — each distinct in colour, durable enough for everyday wear, and available in bespoke commission pieces at Silver Hollow.