Gemstone Jewellery in London: A Guide to Birthstones and Bespoke Design
For centuries, gemstones have carried meaning, symbolism, and individuality. Long before diamonds became the default choice, coloured gemstones were prized for their rarity, depth, and character.
Today, more clients are rediscovering the beauty of gemstone jewellery — not just for birthstones, but also as a way to express personality, celebrate milestones, or transform treasured family heirlooms into something extraordinary.
With over 40 years’ experience designing and crafting bespoke jewellery in London, I’ve worked with some of the finest diamonds and coloured gemstones available. Whether designing from a blank canvas or transforming inherited pieces, gemstone jewellery offers a richness and individuality that is impossible to replicate.
Why Choose Gemstone Jewellery?
Coloured gemstones offer something diamonds often cannot: personality.
From the deep royal blue of a sapphire to the vivid green of an emerald, the deep red of a Burmese ruby, or the soft ocean tones of aquamarine, gemstones enable you to create jewellery that feels deeply personal.
Clients often choose gemstone jewellery to:
- Mark a significant birthday or anniversary
- Celebrate the birth of a child
- Honour family heritage
- Create engagement rings with individuality
- Remodel heirloom pieces into modern designs
Unlike mass-produced jewellery, bespoke gemstone design lets you choose the exact shade, cut, size, and setting that suit your style and budget — with full clarity from the outset.
Birthstone Jewellery: Meaning Meets Craftsmanship
Birthstones date back thousands of years, traditionally linked to the 12 tribes of Israel and later associated with the months of the year.
Today, birthstone jewellery has evolved into something far more sophisticated than simple charm pieces. When thoughtfully designed, a birthstone ring, pendant, or bracelet becomes a deeply personal statement — one that blends symbolism with craftsmanship.
Importantly, you are never restricted to your birth month. Many clients choose stones based on colour preference, personal significance, or design harmony rather than tradition.
What matters most is selecting a stone of exceptional quality — and designing it properly.
The 12 Birthstones: A Directory
Below is a guide to the traditional birthstones, along with design insights from my experience as a jeweller.
January Birthstone – Garnet
Garnet is known for its rich, deep red tones, though it also appears in vibrant greens and oranges. A well-cut garnet set in yellow gold creates warmth and depth. It works particularly well in dress rings and pendants.
February Birthstone – Amethyst
A stone long associated with royalty, amethyst ranges from delicate lavender to deep violet. When carefully selected for saturation and clarity, it makes striking cocktail rings and elegant drop earrings.
March Birthstone – Aquamarine
With its clear, sea-blue tones, aquamarine feels fresh and contemporary. Its durability makes it ideal for rings, especially when paired with platinum or white gold.
April Birthstone – Diamond
Traditionally the April birthstone, diamonds remain timeless — whether natural or lab-grown. However, coloured diamonds or alternative gemstones can offer a more individual approach for April-born clients.
May Birthstone – Emerald
Emeralds possess an unmistakable depth of green. Because natural emeralds often contain inclusions, selecting the right stone is critical. When well chosen, emerald engagement rings are both elegant and distinctive.
June Birthstone – Pearl
Classic and refined, pearls bring softness and sophistication. Modern pearl jewellery often combines them with gold detailing for a contemporary finish.
July Birthstone – Ruby
Few gemstones rival the intensity of a fine ruby. Deep red with vibrant saturation, ruby engagement rings and eternity bands create striking statements when properly set and balanced.
August Birthstone – Peridot
Bright and lively, peridot offers fresh green tones with a contemporary feel. It pairs beautifully with yellow gold for summer-inspired designs.
September Birthstone – Sapphire
Sapphires are not limited to royal blue. They appear in pink, yellow, green, and even parti-coloured varieties. A fine sapphire, correctly proportioned and expertly set, makes an exceptional gemstone engagement ring.
October Birthstone – Opal
Opals display remarkable flashes of colour. Because they require thoughtful setting and protection, bespoke craftsmanship is particularly important with this stone.
November Birthstone – Topaz or Citrine
These warm-toned gemstones bring golden and amber hues into jewellery. They are often chosen for celebration rings and statement pieces.
December Birthstone – Turquoise or Tanzanite
Turquoise offers vibrant blue-green character, while tanzanite provides deep violet-blue elegance. Tanzanite, in particular, has become increasingly popular in bespoke engagement designs.
Natural vs Lab-Coloured Gemstones
Many coloured gemstones are entirely natural, formed over millions of years. Some, such as sapphires and rubies, may also be lab-created.
In every case, transparency matters.
I work only with stones where provenance and quality are clear, selecting gemstones based on cut, tone, saturation, and suitability for long-term wear. The aim is always to balance beauty with durability.
Designing Your Own Gemstone or Birthstone Jewellery
Whether you are drawn to your birthstone or inspired by colour, the design process matters as much as the stone itself.
When we work together, you will:
- Discuss ideas and inspirations in a relaxed consultation
- View carefully sourced gemstones selected specifically for you
- See realistic 3D designs before committing
- Try on wax prototypes where appropriate
- Approve every detail before production begins
Your jewellery is then handcrafted using traditional techniques combined with modern 3D precision — either in London or discover my Travelling Jeweller service bringing Hatton Garden to you if you are outside the city, or explore my guide to coloured gemstone jewellery
Remodelling Heirloom Gemstones
One of the most meaningful ways to use birthstones is through jewellery remodelling.
Inherited rings, brooches, or pendants often contain beautiful gemstones that deserve a new life. By recycling precious metals and reimagining the design, we preserve sentiment while creating something you will genuinely enjoy wearing.
Begin Your Gemstone Jewellery Journey
Gemstone jewellery offers depth, colour, and individuality that mass-produced pieces cannot match.
Whether you are considering a bespoke engagement ring, a birthstone pendant, or the remodelling of a family heirloom, the process should feel personal, collaborative, and inspiring.
If you would like to explore possibilities, you are welcome to book a complimentary consultation — in London, online, or wherever you are with my travelling jeweller service.
