The Real Gem Guide to Gemstones

Colour. Character. Craftsmanship.

At The Real Gem, every gemstone is chosen for its beauty, rarity, and brilliance. From deep blue sapphires to vivid rubies and glowing emeralds, each stone tells a story — shaped by nature, perfected by craftsmanship. This guide will help you understand the qualities that make every gemstone truly one of a kind.

Understanding Coloured Gemstones

Unlike diamonds, coloured gemstones are valued primarily for their colour — the richness, tone, and saturation that give each stone its unique charm. Clarity and cut are still important, but colour is the heart of a gemstone’s appeal.

The 4 Key Elements:

Hue: The dominant colour (e.g. blue, green, pink).
Tone: The lightness or darkness of that colour.
Saturation: The intensity or vividness of the hue.
Clarity: The transparency and freedom from visible inclusions.

💡 Natural inclusions are a gemstone’s fingerprint — a sign of authenticity, not imperfection.

💙 Sapphire

Sapphires are symbols of loyalty and wisdom, loved for their strength and timeless elegance.

Colour: Most famous in deep royal blue, but also found in pink, yellow, and white varieties.
Durability: 9 on the Mohs hardness scale — ideal for daily wear.
Care: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with visible inclusions.

❤️ Ruby

Rubies represent passion and vitality — one of the most valuable gemstones on earth.

Colour: Ranges from pinkish-red to vivid “pigeon blood” red; colour intensity defines value.
Durability: 9 on the Mohs scale, making them excellent for rings and bracelets.
Care: Clean gently with warm soapy water; avoid harsh chemicals or extreme heat.

💚 Emerald

Emeralds are treasured for their lush green colour and natural inclusions, known as the jardin.

Colour: Rich green with a slight blue undertone; even colour distribution increases value.
Durability: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. More delicate due to natural inclusions.
Care: Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning. Use lukewarm water and mild soap only.

💜 Amethyst

Amethyst has long been a symbol of clarity and calm.

Colour: Varies from pale lilac to deep violet; even, medium tones are most prized.
Durability: 7 on the Mohs scale.
Care: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

💙 Aquamarine

With its tranquil ocean hues, aquamarine represents serenity and clarity.

Colour: Pale to medium blue with slight green undertones.
Durability: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale — durable enough for everyday wear.
Care: Clean with warm soapy water; avoid high heat or ultrasonic cleaning.

🌸 Morganite

Known for its romantic blush tones, morganite is a modern favourite.

Colour: Soft peachy-pink to rose; pastel hues with brilliance are most desirable.
Durability: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale.
Care: Clean with gentle soap and water. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight for long periods.

Other Notable Gemstones

Gemstone	Colour Range	Hardness (Mohs)	Care Tips
Tanzanite	Blue to violet	6.5	Avoid impact; clean gently with mild soap and water.
Topaz	Colourless, blue, pink, or champagne	8	Avoid ultrasonic cleaners; store separately.
Peridot	Olive to lime green	6.5–7	Avoid acids and sudden temperature changes.
Garnet	Deep red to orange and green	6.5–7.5	Clean with warm soapy water.
Tourmaline	Pink, green, or multicolour	7–7.5	Use mild soap; avoid heat and strong light.

Gemstone Authenticity

At The Real Gem, every gemstone is ethically sourced and independently certified. Each stone is examined for:

Authenticity and natural origin
Treatment disclosure (if applicable)
Colour, clarity, and cut quality

💎 We believe transparency builds trust — every Real Gem piece comes with full certification for peace of mind.

The Real Gem Promise

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of sapphires, the passion of rubies, or the calm of aquamarines, every gemstone in our collection is chosen for its exceptional quality and natural brilliance.

💬 Contact Us to learn more about our gemstones or for help selecting your perfect piece.