How to Choose a Genuine Gemstone Ring

A gemstone ring can be chosen for its colour, meaning, individuality or simply because a particular stone catches your eye. But when buying a handmade gemstone ring, there are a few things worth considering beyond appearance.

At Jody 925 Jewellery, I handcraft rings in 925 sterling silver using genuine gemstones, allowing the individual stone to play an important part in each design.

What Is a Genuine Gemstone?

A genuine gemstone is a real gemstone rather than an imitation material made to resemble one.

Natural gemstones can contain variations in colour, pattern, transparency and inclusions. These characteristics are part of their individuality, which means two stones of the same variety do not necessarily look identical.

For someone choosing handmade jewellery, that variation can be particularly appealing. Your ring may have details in its stone that aren’t repeated in another piece.

Which Gemstone Colour Should You Choose?

Colour is often the easiest place to begin.

If you’re drawn to fresh greens, gemstones such as chrysoprase can create a striking contrast against sterling silver. Aquamarine offers softer blue tones, while garnet brings deeper colour.

Gemstones such as opal are particularly interesting because their appearance can change depending on the individual stone and the light.

Rather than choosing a gemstone simply because it is currently fashionable, consider the colours you naturally wear and return to. A ring you enjoy combining with your existing wardrobe and jewellery is more likely to become an everyday favourite.

Should You Choose a Statement or Smaller Gemstone Ring?

Think about how you intend to wear the ring.

A smaller gemstone can work beautifully in an understated everyday design, while a larger or particularly distinctive stone naturally becomes the focus of a statement ring.

Neither is better.

At Jody 925 Jewellery, my work ranges from smaller, easy-to-wear gemstone pieces to individual statement rings. The proportions of the stone, setting and band all contribute to how the finished ring feels on the hand.

Why Sterling Silver Works With Gemstones

925 sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, with additional metal providing the strength required for jewellery.

Its bright, neutral appearance makes it particularly versatile with coloured gemstones. Rather than competing with the colour of a stone, sterling silver can provide a clean backdrop that allows it to stand out.

It is also a precious metal that can be cleaned and cared for over many years.

Why Does Handmade Matter?

With handmade gemstone jewellery, craftsmanship goes beyond choosing an attractive stone.

The gemstone needs an appropriate setting, the proportions of the design need to work together, and the finished ring should be comfortable to wear.

I make my jewellery individually at the bench using traditional jewellery-making techniques. This means small differences between pieces are natural rather than something that needs to be disguised.

For me, those differences are part of what handmade jewellery should be.

How Do You Know Which Gemstone Ring Is Right for You?

There doesn’t need to be a complicated rule.

Consider:

1. the colours you’re naturally attracted to;
2. whether you want an everyday or statement ring;
3. the size and shape you find comfortable;
4. the natural characteristics of the individual gemstone; and
5. whether the design feels like something you’ll still want to wear beyond a single season.

Most importantly, choose the stone and design that you genuinely enjoy.

Discover Handmade Gemstone Jewellery

At Jody 925 Jewellery, genuine gemstones and sterling silver are brought together in clean, contemporary designs made individually at the jeweller’s bench.

Whether you’re looking for a colourful everyday ring, a distinctive statement piece or a handmade gift, choosing genuine gemstone jewellery means choosing something with its own individual character.