Choosing the Right Gemstone for Your Story

Jewellery is never just jewellery. It’s a symbol of love, a reminder of a milestone, or a connection to someone you adore. That’s why, when it comes to bespoke design, choosing the right gemstone feels a little like choosing the words for your love story. Every gem has its own personality, its own energy, and its own sparkle.

So, how do you know which one is yours? Let’s take a look at some of our favourites.

Diamond – The Classic Love Story

When people think of engagement rings, diamonds are usually the first gem that comes to mind. For good reason — diamonds are strong, timeless, and endlessly versatile.

• Meaning: Strength, commitment, resilience.

• Why Choose It: Perfect if you want a classic look that never goes out of style. Diamonds are also incredibly durable (10/10 on the Mohs scale), meaning they’ll stand up to everyday life beautifully.

• Our Take: Diamonds will always have a place in love stories, but we adore giving them a twist — perhaps adding a hidden gemstone inside the band, or pairing them with unusual cuts and settings.

Sapphire – The Loyal Companion

Sapphires aren’t just royal (though Kate Middleton’s ring does have its own sparkle in history!) — they’re also deeply personal and come in a rainbow of colours, not just blue.

• Meaning: Loyalty, truth, wisdom.

• Why Choose It: If you want a gem that reflects a steady, soulful kind of love. Plus, sapphires are durable (9/10 Mohs) and ideal for everyday wear.

• Our Take: We love sapphires for adding a pop of unexpected colour — think peach, teal, or even golden yellow. It’s like wearing a secret inside your jewel.

  
  

Ruby – The Fiery Soul

Rubies are the gemstone of passion. Their deep red glow has long been a symbol of intense love, courage, and vitality — the kind of love that burns bright and never fades.

• Meaning: Passion, vitality, devotion.

• Why Choose It: Perfect if your story is bold, vibrant, and full of energy. Rubies are also very durable (9/10 Mohs), making them ideal for daily wear.

• Our Take: Rubies look stunning when paired with warm metals like yellow and rose gold. We love using them for milestone pieces — an anniversary ring, or a love story that deserves to be celebrated in bold colour.

Aquamarine – The Breath of Fresh Air

Aquamarines are like bottled ocean light — serene, calming, and full of clarity. They’re also the March birthstone, but really, they’re perfect for anyone who feels at home by the sea.

• Meaning: Tranquility, youth, everlasting love.

• Why Choose It: Ideal for free spirits, dreamers, and couples who want something unique yet understated. With a hardness of 7.5–8, aquamarines are strong enough for regular wear but may need a little extra care over time.

• Our Take: We’re a little biased here (aquamarine is a Ginger & James favourite for gemstone cutting). Their pale blue glow looks stunning in both minimal modern rings and romantic vintage-style settings.

  
  

Tourmaline – The Storyteller Gem

Tourmalines are full of personality — they come in more colours than almost any other gemstone, from deep forest greens to candy pinks and even multicolour “watermelon” stones.

• Meaning: Creativity, individuality, self-expression.

• Why Choose It: Perfect if you want something distinctive, playful, and utterly unique. With a hardness of 7–7.5, they’re great for rings (with a little care) or pendants.

• Our Take: We adore tourmalines for clients who don’t want “the usual.” They’re a beautiful way to celebrate individuality and are ideal for those who see jewellery as art.

Spinel – The Hidden Treasure

Spinel is one of the jewellery world’s best-kept secrets — sparkling, vibrant, and often mistaken for ruby or sapphire in history (even the British Crown Jewels have spinels in disguise!).

• Meaning: Energy, joy, renewal.

• Why Choose It: Perfect if you want a gem with character and sparkle, but one that feels a little off the beaten path. Spinels are durable (8/10 Mohs) and come in gorgeous colours, from electric pink to stormy grey.

• Our Take: Spinel is our go-to recommendation for clients who want a gem that feels classic yet different. It’s one of those stones that makes people ask, “What is that?” — in the best way.

So… Which Gemstone Tells Your Story?

There’s no “right” answer when it comes to gemstones — only the one that feels like you. For some, it’s a timeless diamond. For others, it’s the fiery soul of a ruby, the ocean glow of an aquamarine, or the playful individuality of a tourmaline or spinel.

At Ginger & James, we believe your jewel should feel like a heartbeat in colour — a reflection of your love, your story, and your style.

Ready to find yours? Book a chat with us