Diamond & Gemstone Selection for Private Commissions

RUBY NOTES

Ruby is one of the most sought-after gemstones, and eye-flawless rubies—especially unheated ones—are scarce. While small amounts of rutile inclusions are standard, they can add to the gem’s beauty by breaking up and scattering light across its surface. Over 95% of rubies available today are heat-enhanced, improving their colour and clarity.
Rubies resembling the famed Burmese type can also be found in Pakistan, Vietnam, and Mozambique. These stones are often referred to as ‘Burma-type’ rubies. Rubies sourced from East Africa, including Thailand, typically exhibit iron traces, giving them a brownish hue with minimal fluorescence.

COLOURS

Orangy red, red, slightly purplish red, strongly purplish red (5RP, 7.5RP, 10RP, 2.5R, 5R)

EMERLAD NOTES

Emeralds are celebrated for their captivating green hues, with the most coveted shade being the purest green. However, emeralds often carry undertones of yellow or blue, giving them unique character. Visible inclusions are standard in emeralds, and it’s rare to find an emerald over one carat that is free of inclusions. Emeralds possess a satiny brilliance, giving them a soft, glowing appearance.
In terms of treatment, oiling is an accepted practice to enhance the clarity of emeralds. However, at Solitaire, we prioritize the purity of emeralds and avoid those treated with polymers or dyes.

COLOURS

Very strongly bluish green, bluish green, very slightly bluish green, green, slightly yellowish green (2.5G, 5G, 7.5G, 10G)

PARAIBA NOTES

Paraiba tourmaline is renowned for its unique copper-infused hues, primarily sourced from Brazil. This gemstone is prized for its vivid blue-green to greenish-blue colours, among the rarest in the world of gemstones. While newer sources in Mozambique offer lighter tones, they are typically less saturated than Brazilian Paraiba. Due to its copper content, the intense and vibrant colours make it one of the most valuable and sought-after varieties of tourmaline.

COLOURS

Very slightly bluish green, bluish green, very strongly bluish green, blue-green, green, greenish blue, very slightly greenish blue, blue (other colours are possible)

NOTES
Padparadscha sapphire, primarily sourced from Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Madagascar, is renowned for its delicate pinkish-orange to orange-pink hues. This rare and beautiful gemstone is prized for its unique colour, which blends soft pink and orange tones. Padparadscha sapphires are highly valued for their vibrant yet subtle appearance, symbolizing elegance and rarity. These stones are often cut to highlight their natural colour and command high prices, particularly those with excellent grading. Their captivating hues and rarity make them a cherished choice for collectors and gem enthusiasts.

COLOURS

Pinkish orange to orange-pink hues (7.5R, 10R)

NOTES

Tourmaline, available in various hues, is primarily sourced from Brazil, with notable deposits also found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, and the United States. This gemstone is known for its remarkable colour variety, offering a stunning range of green, blue, and red shades, along with many bicolor and multicoloured options. Tourmaline is celebrated for having one of the broadest colour spectrums of any gemstone, surpassed only by diamond. Its diverse hues and unique combinations make it a versatile and highly coveted gemstone in the jewelry world.

COLOURS

Bicolor, blue (indicolite), blue/green, chrome, pink, green, red (rubellite)

ZIRCON

NOTES

Zircon, known for its brilliant refraction and fire, comes in various colours, making it a highly lustrous and radiant gemstone. The blue variety, often referred to as “starlight,” is particularly sought after. Zircon is found in alluvial deposits from Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, and parts of Africa. The gemstone offers a range of hues, from vibrant blues to autumnal yellows, reddish-browns, reds, and greens, making it a versatile and captivating choice for jewelry. Its high brilliance and fire make it a dazzling addition to any collection.

COLOURS

Blue, autumnal yellows, reddish browns, red and green

MORGANITE

NOTES

Morganite, a member of the beryl family alongside aquamarine, emerald, and red beryl, is cherished for its delicate pastel shades of pink. Intense colours in morganite are rare, and the finest hues typically appear in larger stones. Most morganites showcase soft, elegant tones, ranging from pink to orange-pink. While not as intensely coloured as other gemstones, its subtle beauty and soothing hue make it a popular choice for those seeking a gentle, feminine touch in their jewelry. The light, romantic appeal of morganite adds a unique charm to any collection.

COLOURS

Pink to orange-pink

ALEXANDRITE NOTES
Alexandrite, one of the rarest gemstones, is celebrated for its unique ability to change colour. Discovered in 1830 near the Tokovaya River, alexandrite shifts from a greenish hue in daylight to a reddish tone under incandescent light, creating a striking and dramatic effect. This colour-change phenomenon sets alexandrite apart from other gemstones. To be considered acceptable, the colour shift must be distinct and visible. While Russian-origin stones are particularly prized, today’s primary sources include Brazil, Tanzania, Madagascar, and India. Due to its rarity, well-cut alexandrites are a valid exception.
COLOURS
Slightly yellowish green, green to bluish green in daylight and orangy red, red to purplish red in incandescent light

TSAVORITE NOTES

Tsavorite, a vibrant green gemstone from the garnet family, is known for its crisp brilliance, contrasting with emeralds’ softer, satiny shine. Its high refractive index and excellent light dispersion radiate life and intensity. Tsavorite is durable, making it suitable for daily wear, and its toughness ensures long-lasting beauty. The most sought-after favourite features a pure green hue with a slight blue secondary tone. Inclusions, mainly those visible, can significantly decrease its value. Tsavorite’s rare beauty and toughness make it a prized gem for fine jewelry.

COLOURS

Medium to dark yellowish-green, green, slightly bluish green (7.5GY, 10GY, 2.5G)

TANZANITE NOTES

Tanzanite is known for its captivating colour shift, transitioning from blue to violet hues depending on the light. The finest tanzanite exhibits a blue primary hue with a subtle hint of purple, ideally at 75% blue, distinguishing it from less desirable shades. This gemstone’s colour can shift dramatically from daylight to incandescent lighting, enhancing its visual appeal. Tanzanite’s unique and mesmerizing colour and rarity make it a highly coveted gem. It is often prized for its deep, vibrant hues that embody elegance and sophistication in fine jewelry.

COLOURS

Purple, violetish purple, violet, bluish violet, violetish blue, blue (2.5PB, 5PB,7.5PB, 10PB, 2.5P)

AQUAMARINE NOTES

Aquamarine, named after the Latin word for “sea water,” is treasured for its serene blue hues, with the deepest blue stones being the most valuable. While darker-toned aquamarine is highly prized, it often carries a grayish tint. Brazil is the primary source of the finest aquamarine, and most of this gemstone is heat-treated to enhance its vibrant colour, increasing its overall value. The clarity and rich blue tones are key factors in determining the quality of the gemstone, making it a beloved choice for fine jewelry.

COLOURS

Blue, very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue, green-blue

SPINEL NOTES

Spinel is a versatile gemstone in many colours, with the most prized hues being red, pink, and blue. Its exceptional diaphaneity gives it brilliant clarity. Fine red spinels tend to have a medium-dark tone, while pink spinels are lighter, paler reds. The most coveted cobalt blue spinels exhibit a vivid, pure blue hue. Regardless of colour, spinels with dazzling hues and eye-clean clarity, free of visible gray, are highly desirable. Their beauty and rarity make them a sought-after choice in the world of gemstones.

BLACK OPAL NOTES

Black Opal, renowned for its striking play of colour, is most famously sourced from Lightning Ridge, with smaller amounts coming from Queensland and Nevada. The preferred cut is symmetrical ovals with a high cabochon dome, which can significantly increase the value. These opals contain approximately six percent water, which contributes to their unique lustrous appearance. Black opals, with their dark body colours of bluish coal-black and primary hues of green-blue or red-blue, are rarer and more valuable than white opals, making them highly sought after.

COLOURS

Very dark body colour, i.e. blueish coal-black background, with green-blue or red-blue as the primary play of colours.
Black opals are rarer than white opals.

DEMANTOID NOTES

Demantoid, one of the rarest gemstones on earth, is a green variety of garnet, with tsavorite being the other notable variety. Known for its exceptional brilliance, demantoid exhibits the highest dispersion of all precious gems, even surpassing diamonds. The finest gems typically display a medium-dark or slightly lighter tone, enhancing their sparkle. Demantoid is highly valued for its vivid green hues, ranging from yellowish-green to yellow-green. This rarity and brilliance contribute to its high demand and premium pricing.

COLOURS

Green, slightly yellowish green, strongly yellowish green, yellow-green (5GY, 7.5GY, 10GY)