AbbevilleAU

Drop off, Collection and Consultations are available in Clapham Common. Weekends and After-hours by appointment.

The Most Popular Gemstones

Diamond

Colour: Colourless also pink, yellow, blue
Symbolism: Love, strength, eternity
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Engagement rings, earrings, necklaces
Why popular: Unmatched brilliance, timeless, extremely durable

Sapphire

Colour: Most known for deep blue, but comes in many colours.
Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, truth
Hardness: 9 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Rings & statement pieces
Why popular: Stunning colour, excellent durability

Ruby

Colour: Deep red (pigeon blood red is the most prized)
Symbolism: Passion, protection, vitality
Hardness: 9 (Mohs scale)
Uses: High-end rings, pendants, vintage settings
Why popular: Rich colour and rarity

Emerald

Colour: Green (vibrant to bluish-green)
Symbolism: Renewal, love, fertility
Hardness: 7.5–8 (can be brittle due to inclusions)
Uses: Statement rings, antique-style jewellery
Why popular: Iconic colour, historic prestige

Amethyst

Colour: Purple (lavender to deep violet)
Symbolism: Calm, clarity, protection
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Affordable statement jewellery
Why popular: Vibrant, affordable, spiritual appeal

Topaz

Colour: Blue is most popular, also in yellow, pink & clear
Symbolism: Strength, affection, good fortune
Hardness: 8 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Birthstone jewellery, earrings, rings
Why popular: Affordable, wide colour range

Aquamarine

Colour: Light blue to sea green
Symbolism: Tranquility, communication, ocean energy
Hardness: 7.5–8 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Rings, bridal jewellery
Why popular: Soft, elegant colour with oceanic vibes

Peridot

Colour: Olive to lime green
Symbolism: Abundance, prosperity, protection
Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Summer-themed jewellery, August birthstones
Why popular: Distinct green tone, good value

Opal

Colour: Iridescent rainbow play (white, black, fire)
Symbolism: Creativity, inspiration, spontaneity
Hardness: 5.5–6.5 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Art and custom jewellery
Why popular: Unique visual effects

Garnet

Colour: Deep red (also orange, green, purple)
Symbolism: Love, energy, grounding
Hardness: 6.5–7.5 (Mohs scale)
Uses: Vintage and bohemian styles
Why popular: Rich, earthy tones and historical use

Honorable Mentions

Moissanite: Diamond alternative with more fire (brilliance), very hard (9.25)

Spinel: Often mistaken for ruby or sapphire, now gaining popularity

Tanzanite: Mostly vivid violet-blue, softer (6–7), rare and eye-catching

Tourmaline: Wide colour range, including pink, green, and watermelon

The Mohs Scale

The Mohs scale (or Mohs Hardness Scale) is a system used to measure the scratch resistance of minerals and materials. It was created in 1812 by Friedrich Mohs, a German geologist and mineralogist.

It ranks minerals on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

A mineral with a higher number can scratch a mineral with a lower number.

It’s a relative scale, not linear - diamond is far harder than corundum, even though they’re 9 and 10.

Hardness ≠ toughness: A hard gem can still be brittle (like emerald).

The scale measures scratch resistance, not resistance to shattering or impact.