Stone Diamonds & Gems
Know Your Gemstones

Sparkle Smarter

Different gemstones have different properties and require different care. A quick guide to what makes each piece unique, and how to keep it beautiful for years to come.

Educational Info

Handmade vs. Cast

Handmade jewellery is shaped, soldered and finished individually by a jeweller from raw metal - every piece carries small, human variations that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Cast jewellery is produced from a mould, allowing for repeatable, more affordable production. At Stone, bespoke commissions are handmade or hand-finished by Derrick himself, so the piece you receive has been shaped specifically around your design, not pulled from a production line.

The 4 C's

Cut determines how brilliantly a diamond reflects light - it's the single biggest factor in sparkle. Colour is graded on a scale from colourless to light yellow or brown, with colourless stones commanding the highest value. Clarity measures the presence of natural inclusions or blemishes, visible under magnification. Carat is simply the weight of the stone. Together, the 4 C's are how Derrick - an FGA-qualified gemmologist - assesses and sources every diamond that goes into a Stone piece.

Cuts & Shapes

Every Cut Tells a Story

Diamond cuts and shapes guide: Round Brilliant, Asscher, Square Radiant, Princess, Heart, Marquise, Cushion, Emerald, Oval, Pear
Care Guide

Caring For Your Gemstones

Diamonds

The hardest gemstone and relatively durable. Clean with mild soap and water, or a diamond-specific solution. Safe for ultrasonic cleaning.

Pearls

Delicate - clean with a soft cloth, mild soap and water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, and keep away from cosmetics and perfumes.

Emeralds

Relatively delicate and easily scratched. Clean with a soft brush, mild soap and warm water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning.

Sapphire

Hard and durable, but can still be scratched. Clean with mild soap and warm water and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.

Opals

Delicate - clean with mild soap and warm water only. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning and harsh chemicals.

Ruby

Hard and durable, but can be scratched by diamonds. Clean with mild soap and warm water and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.

Fine jewellery should always be handled with great care.

A Few Sparkle Tips

Keep Every Piece Beautiful

Have a Question About Your Gemstone?