With coloured stones, colour outranks clarity. A slightly included emerald with vivid green beats a clean pale one every time — the opposite of how diamonds are graded.
Read the colour in three parts
- Hue: the base colour and any secondary tint.
- Tone: how light or dark it is. Medium tones show best.
- Saturation: the intensity. This drives price most.
Hardness decides where it goes
- 9+ Mohs: sapphire, ruby, moissanite — safe for daily rings.
- 7–8: topaz, aquamarine, garnet — fine with care.
- Below 7: opal, pearl, turquoise — earrings and pendants only.
Treatments to ask about
Most coloured stones on the market are heat-treated, which is normal and stable. Dyed or fracture-filled stones are not — they fade and need special care. A reputable seller will always tell you which is which.
See coloured stone designs at BLYN.