Many of our emerald loving customers choose tourmaline or green sapphires, which have their own olive-teal hues varying from a pale to a vibrant saturated colour. Purple sapphire is a stunning alternative to amethyst, which can scuff and mark over time, whereas a sapphire will wear less easily. Amethyst often looks glassy and can cloud easily as it gets more worn. Sapphire on the other hand has a high refractive index meaning light bounces back out of the stone creating the appearance of more sparkle and life. Amber is the final example; it is formed from fossilised tree resin and mostly used to represent the Baltics as a key geographical meaning within a design. Where durability is a concern for the wearer we regularly create designs with orange or yellow sapphires.
Part of the challenge of designing with coloured stones is that sometimes our customers have such a strong connection to certain stones that, for them, there is no alternative. In this instance as designers we need to consider aspects of the design which could help to prolong the life of the stone. This could include setting style, height and shape of the stones we use, and structure of other intricate details. These considerations will allow the people wearing coloured gemstones to enjoy their jewellery to the full, in the knowledge that the design best protects their own unique slice of nature.