Choosing Gemstones

 

A Guide to Choosing Coloured Gemstones

Coloured gemstones are all about individuality. No two stones are ever exactly the same — which is what makes them so special.

Whether you’re designing a bespoke piece or choosing something ready to wear, understanding what to look for will help you select a gemstone you’ll love for years to come.

Colour — What Really Matters

Colour is the most important factor in any gemstone.

It’s not just about the colour itself, but how it presents:

  • Hue: the main colour (blue, green, pink, etc.)

  • Tone: how light or dark the stone appears

  • Saturation: how rich and vivid the colour is

We always guide our clients towards stones with strong, even colour — not too dark, not too pale, and without patchy areas.

Clarity — Natural, Not Perfect

Unlike diamonds, inclusions are expected in many coloured gemstones.

In fact, some stones (like emeralds) are known for them — they’re part of their natural character.

What matters is how the stone looks overall:

  • Does it appear clean to the eye?

  • Does light still move through it beautifully?

We focus on gemstones that are visually beautiful first, not just technically “perfect.”

Cut — Bringing the Stone to Life

A gemstone’s cut affects how it reflects light and shows its colour.

A well-cut stone will:

  • Maximise colour and brightness

  • Avoid a “window” (a see-through centre)

  • Feel balanced and proportioned

We prioritise cuts that enhance the stone’s natural beauty — not just standard shapes.

Size — Not Everything

Bigger doesn’t always mean better.

A smaller gemstone with exceptional colour can look far more striking than a larger, dull stone.

We help you balance size, colour, and overall presence to get the best result.

Treatments — What You Should Know

Many coloured gemstones are treated to improve their appearance — and this is completely normal.

Common examples include:

  • Heat treatment (especially in sapphires)

  • Oiling (commonly in emeralds)

At Mandi & Co., we are always transparent about treatments and will explain:

  • What has been done

  • Whether it’s permanent

  • How it affects value and care

Our Practices & Policies

Choosing a gemstone should feel exciting — not uncertain. That’s why we approach every piece with honesty and care.

Sourcing

We work with trusted suppliers to ensure our gemstones are:

  • Natural (unless otherwise specified)

  • Responsibly sourced

  • Carefully selected for beauty and quality

Transparency

We will always disclose:

  • Any treatments

  • Known origins (where available)

  • The true nature of the stone

No surprises — just clear, honest guidance.

Certification

Where appropriate, we can source or provide certification from reputable gemmological laboratories.

Not every coloured gemstone comes with a certificate, but for significant stones, we’ll guide you on when it’s worth having one.

Custom Selection

If you’re creating a bespoke piece, we hand-select stones specifically for your design.

This means:

  • No “off-the-shelf” compromises

  • Stones chosen to suit your setting, lifestyle, and budget

Longevity & Wearability

Different gemstones have different hardness and durability.

We’ll always advise you on:

  • Suitability for everyday wear (especially rings)

  • Care requirements

  • The best setting style to protect your stone 

Choosing Your Stone

At the end of the day, the most important thing is how the gemstone makes you feel.

You might be drawn to a colour, a shape, or a certain energy — and that matters.

Our role is to guide you with expertise and honesty, so you can choose something that not only looks beautiful, but feels right for you.