The gemstone guide
Know your stone
Natural or laboratory-created, the type is always stated in the product description and any known treatment is disclosed. Here is what that actually means for the ring on your hand.
Quality in every detail
Natural or laboratory-created?
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Natural
Formed in the earth over millions of years. Inclusions, colour zoning and slight unevenness are part of the record — and the reason no two are alike.
- Character
- Unique, one of one
- Carat for the money
- Smaller
- Best for
- Collectors, birthstones, heirlooms
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Laboratory-created
The same chemistry and crystal structure, grown under controlled conditions. Cleaner, more consistent colour — and a larger stone for the same budget.
- Character
- Even, highly consistent
- Carat for the money
- Larger
- Best for
- Statement scale, everyday wear
Treatments
Sapphire or topaz — which blue is yours?
Heat treatment is common and long-accepted in sapphire and topaz. Where a stone is treated, we say so on the product page.
The stones we work with
Mohs hardness indicates scratch resistance, not toughness. Anything under 7 deserves a little more care in daily wear.
Common questions
About our stones
Is a laboratory-created stone a real gemstone?
Yes. It has the same chemistry, crystal structure and hardness as the mined equivalent. The difference is where it formed, not what it is.
How do I know which one I am buying?
Every product page states the stone type and whether it is natural or laboratory-created, along with any known treatment.
Does heat treatment reduce the value?
Heat treatment is common and long-accepted in sapphire and topaz. It is disclosed on the product page wherever it applies.