Types of Gemstones: Your Guide to Sapphires, Diamonds, and More

For over 150 years, B.P. de Silva has worked closely with rare and precious stones, setting them into heirlooms made to be cherished across generations. This guide shares more about the types of gemstones in jewellery you can expect with us, what sets each one apart, and how to choose the stone that suits your story rather than the trends of the moment.

Some might categorise gemstones into “precious” and “semi-precious” categories. Traditionally, “Precious stones” specifically referred to Sapphires, Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds. However, at B.P. de Silva, we appreciate the beauty, rarity, quality of a broader range of natural gemstones, crafting with those in the “precious” category, and the vast world of gemstones beyond. A natural, unheated Padparadscha Sapphire is rare – and so is a natural Paraiba Tourmaline; we celebrate both, and understand that each one presents a different charm, having its own ability to storytell something entirely different due to their breathtaking colours.

The Sapphire may be best known for its blue colourways, yet it appears across a spectrum: from soft pinks and golden yellows to the rarest blend of hues: the Padparadscha Sapphire – B.P.’s signature, comes in a pink-orange hues similar to a sunset.

Long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, Sapphires are September’s birthstone, and Sapphire jewellery  have been cherished in the jewellery world for centuries.

Sapphires are amongst the most requested stones for B.P. de Silva’s customised engagement rings and statement pieces, especially as Sapphires are our speciality, and we are home to one of Singapore’s largest curations of it.

The Diamond's popularity owes much to its brilliance and its durability. As the hardest natural material known, it suits a ring worn every day and remains a favourite for engagement rings and heirloom pieces. Its quality is measured by the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat, with cut having the greatest influence on how a stone returns light.

At B.P. de Silva, every Diamond curated by our global team of Specialists and many find their home in our signature Art Deco settings, where geometry and proportion shine. . Diamond engagement rings remain the most requested pieces we make, though not the only ones we recommend.

Ruby is prized for the intensity of its red, and among the most coveted being a vivid hue, known as "pigeon's blood". Fine Rubies are rarer than Diamonds of comparable size, and the very finest can exceed them in price.

Whilst Diamonds are traditionally celebrated for their clarity, natural Emeralds are celebrated for their inclusions, gem collectors and connoisseurs appreciate them as organic art; they even have their own term, “jardin” which is French for “garden”, echoing nature’s creation, as the Emerald forms within the earth.

Beyond the classic four lies a whole world of different gemstones worth knowing:

• Tourmaline: Available in a wider range of colours than almost any other stone, Tourmaline has risen sharply in popularity, and Tourmaline jewellery now spans from everyday rings to collector's pieces.
• Aquamarine: Named after the sea, this pastel blue stone is associated with calm and clarity, and Aquamarine jewellery suits those drawn to a softer palette.
• Tanzanite: Found in only one place on earth, the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the rare Tanzanite is treasured for its violet-blue colour that is quite unlike any other.
• Blue Sheen Moonstone: The Blue Sheen Moonstone is a gemstone prized for its ethereal glow and a luminous blue sheen that seems to float just beneath the surface. This optical effect, known as adularescence, is what gives moonstone its signature magical appearance.
• Spinel: Spinel is one of the gemstone world’s best-kept secrets—a stone that combines remarkable beauty, durability, and a fascinating history. For centuries, spinel was frequently mistaken for ruby due to its striking red color. Some of the most famous “rubies” in royal collections were later identified as spinels.
• Morganite: Morganite is a delicate pink gemstone celebrated for its soft, romantic color and elegant brilliance. Ranging from blush pink and peach to warm salmon tones, this captivating gem is a member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and aquamarine.

B.P. de Silva is home to Singapore’s natural gem library, with over a century in curating some of the world’s finest gemstones. Have a gemstone in mind for your next keepsake? Reach out to us.

With so many different types of jewels to consider, choosing well begins with the moment the piece will come to honour. For example, an engagement ring require gemstone(s) that its wearer can shine with for years or even generations to come.

Additionally, personal meaning often guides the choice more than market value. Some are drawn to their birthstone, others to a favourite colour or to what a stone has long symbolised. For example, a Ruby and an Emerald carry strong symbolic meanings, and a client may choose by what they wish to express.

Lifestyle matters too. The Mohs scale measures hardness, and for a piece worn daily, durability is worth weighing. The Diamond sits at the top, while softer stones, will require more care, and with the right care, they can also last for a long time.

B.P.’s Galle Lights collection honours the hometown of our founder, Galle in Sri Lanka, where the sea and sky are in constant conversation. Each stone echoes that shifting light across Galle’s dazzling seascapes:, the soft blush of a Morganite, the clear blue of an Aquamarine, the deep teal of a Sapphire, the warm pink of a Rubellite, and the violet of a Tanzanite.

Whether you're comparing Sapphire vs Ruby vs Diamond vs Emerald or drawn to a natural gemstone beyond the precious four, understanding the different types of gems gives you the confidence to choose by what genuinely moves you, rather than passing trends.

For over a century,B.P. de Silva has crafted with the world’s most exquisite Sapphires and natural gemstones.

Ready to find the perfect gemstone for your next piece? Visit our flagship boutique at Dempsey, or book a virtual concierge appointment with our specialists to explore our curated selection of Diamonds and other rare gemstones.