About Gemstones

GEMSTONE EDUCATION

Natural green gemstone

For centuries, gemstones have been treasured not only for their beauty, but for the belief that they hold healing, protective, or even mystical powers. Today, while we wear them for their elegance, there’s something charming about the idea that they might also bring good luck, love, or protection: a little magic, just in case.

CHARACTER

About Gemstones

Each gemstone tells a story, shaped by time, pressure, and place. At Gallagher Jewellers, we believe the right stone doesn’t just complement a design; it carries meaning, memory, and intention.

Whether you’re drawn to the calming depth of a sapphire, the rich green of an emerald, or the fiery brilliance of a ruby, every gemstone we source is natural and carefully selected for its quality and character.

Our collection focuses on the finest coloured gemstones: sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Each is chosen for its rarity, durability, and timeless beauty. From vivid colour to subtle undertones, we’ll help you find the right stone for your story.

GUIDANCE

Choosing Your Stone

Not sure where to begin? We take the time to understand what you’re drawn to. It might be a deep, moody tone, a soft pastel hue or a vibrant pop of colour. There is no single right choice when it comes to gemstones. We guide you through the options and help you find a stone that feels right for you.

COLOURED GEMSTONES • 01

Sapphire

Sapphires are one of the most iconic and enduring gemstones in fine jewellery. Known for their remarkable durability and range of colour, sapphires have been treasured for centuries in royal collections, engagement rings and heirloom pieces.

A selection of natural sapphires

What Is a Sapphire?

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. While blue is the most well-known, sapphires naturally occur in a wide spectrum of colours, including green, yellow, peach and pink. These are known as “fancy sapphires.”

Only red corundum is classified as ruby. All other colours fall under the sapphire family.

AUSTRALIAN SAPPHIRES

Australia is known for producing some of the world’s most unique sapphires, particularly parti sapphires. These display a natural mix of colours, often green, blue and yellow, within a single stone. Each one is completely one of a kind and unrepeatable.

SYMBOLISM

Historically, sapphires have been associated with wisdom, loyalty and protection. They are often chosen for engagement rings and meaningful gifts because of their timeless symbolism and strength.

WHY CHOOSE A SAPPHIRE?

  • Natural beauty in a wide range of colours
  • Durable and suited for lifelong wear
  • Ideal for both classic and modern jewellery
  • Available in traditional and one-of-a-kind cuts
  • Each stone is unique in tone and personality

COLOURED GEMSTONES • 02

Ruby

Rubies are known for their vivid red colour and powerful symbolism. Long associated with love, passion and courage, rubies have adorned royalty and warriors for centuries and remain one of the most prized gemstones in fine jewellery.

What Is a Ruby?

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Its rich red hue comes from the presence of chromium. All other colours of corundum are classified as sapphire. The finest rubies are a deep, vibrant red, often referred to as “pigeon blood” in the trade.

Rubies can also display a soft glow known as fluorescence, which adds to their warmth and intensity under natural light.

Natural rubies arranged on a lime

BURMESE RUBIES

Burma (now Myanmar) has historically produced some of the most coveted rubies in the world, known for their strong colour and natural fluorescence. Rubies from Mozambique, Madagascar and Thailand are also highly regarded in the modern market.

SYMBOLISM

Rubies are traditionally linked to strength, passion and protection. They are often chosen for milestone pieces and romantic jewellery due to their bold colour and emotional significance.

WHY CHOOSE A RUBY?

  • Rich, vibrant red colour with timeless appeal
  • Associated with love, passion and strength
  • Extremely durable for daily wear
  • Makes a bold and meaningful statement
  • Each stone is unique in tone, texture and fire

COLOURED GEMSTONES • 03

Emerald

Emeralds have long been celebrated for their rich green colour and timeless elegance. Worn by royalty and admired across cultures, emeralds are one of the most sought-after coloured gemstones in fine jewellery.

Natural emeralds with water droplets

What Is an Emerald?

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured green by trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. The finest emeralds are intensely saturated with a vibrant green tone, though they can range from light to deep forest green.

Almost all emeralds contain internal features known as “jardin” (French for garden), formed naturally as the crystal grows. These inclusions are part of the stone’s identity and are considered a hallmark of genuine emeralds rather than a flaw.

COLOMBIAN EMERALDS

Colombia is known as the premier source for emeralds, producing stones with exceptional clarity and colour. Zambian and Brazilian emeralds are also highly regarded for their deep green hues and durability.

SYMBOLISM

Emeralds have symbolised rebirth, growth and love for thousands of years. They are associated with clarity of thought, intuition and renewal, making them a meaningful choice for special occasions and personal milestones.

WHY CHOOSE AN EMERALD?

  • Distinctive green tones unlike any other gemstone
  • A symbol of growth, love and wisdom
  • Ideal for meaningful gifts and statement pieces
  • Each stone is one of a kind, with natural inclusions that add to its character
  • A classic choice with lasting appeal

BY THE MONTH

Birthstones

Birthstones are natural gemstones associated with each month of the year. For centuries, they’ve been worn as symbols of personality, protection and meaning. Whether you’re marking a birth month, celebrating a milestone or simply drawn to a particular stone, birthstones offer a beautiful way to personalise jewellery. At Gallagher Jewellers, we craft pieces using natural gemstones chosen for their quality, character and significance.

JANUARY

Garnet

Symbolises protection, strength and grounding. Most known for deep red tones, but also found in green, orange and pink.

FEBRUARY

Amethyst

A stone of clarity, peace and intuition. Its rich purple colour has been admired since ancient times.

MARCH

Aquamarine

Represents calm, clarity and renewal. A cool blue gem often associated with the ocean and fresh beginnings.

APRIL

Diamond

Symbolises love, resilience and commitment. Clear and timeless, diamonds are the most durable of all gemstones.

MAY

Emerald

Linked to growth, wisdom and renewal. Known for its vibrant green hue and natural inclusions that make each stone unique.

JUNE

Pearl or Alexandrite

Pearls represent purity and inner calm. Alexandrite is prized for its colour-changing quality and rarity, symbolising balance and transformation.

JULY

Ruby

A symbol of passion, love and protection. Rubies are prized for their bold red colour and emotional depth.

AUGUST

Peridot

Represents warmth, energy and creativity. Known for its bright, citrus green colour and lively character.

SEPTEMBER

Sapphire

Associated with loyalty, truth and protection. Best known in deep blue, though sapphires come in many natural colours.

OCTOBER

Opal or Tourmaline

Opals reflect creativity and emotion through their shifting play of colour. Tourmaline comes in a wide range of shades and represents compassion and self-expression.

NOVEMBER

Citrine or Topaz

Citrine symbolises joy and abundance. Topaz appears in many colours, often golden or sky blue, and is associated with clarity and strength.

DECEMBER

Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise

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Where to From Here

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About Diamonds

Compare natural and lab-grown diamonds, and the 4Cs.

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